Tarot – The Living Book of Revelations

Tarot: Origins, Symbolism, Astrology and Numerology

Origins of the Tarot

The origins of the Tarot are shrouded in mystery and legend, dating back to centuries past. The earliest known Tarot cards emerged in 15th-century Italy, where they were initially used for gaming.

However, the imagery and symbolism on these cards suggest deeper, more esoteric roots.

The Tarot’s evolution is marked by the fusion of diverse cultural influences, imparting it with a universal language that transcends borders and speaks to the subconscious mind.

The Tarot’s history is rich with timeless wisdom and profound insights that continue to resonate with seekers of truth and knowledge

Symbolism in the Tarot

The Tarot is a complex system of symbols and archetypes that serve as a mirror to the human psyche. Each card in the Tarot deck, particularly the Major Arcana, carries deep symbolic meaning. These symbols draw from a variety of sources, including mythology, religion, and philosophy.

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing a significant stage in the journey of the soul. The Minor Arcana, comprising 56 cards, further explores the nuances of daily life through the lens of the four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

• Wands: Associated with the element of Fire, Wands symbolize creativity, passion, and initiative.
• Cups: Linked to Water, Cups represent emotions, intuition, and relationships.
• Swords: Corresponding to Air, Swords signify intellect, communication, and conflict.
• Pentacles: Connected to Earth, Pentacles denote material wealth, practicality, and the physical world.

Astrology and the Tarot

Astrology plays a significant role in Tarot symbolism, with many cards corresponding to specific planets, zodiac signs, and astrological principles. This integration of astrology enhances the Tarot’s ability to provide insights into personal and cosmic cycles. For example:

• The Magician: Corresponds to the planet Mercury, symbolizing communication, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
• The High Priestess: Linked to the Moon, representing intuition, mystery, and the subconscious.
• The Empress: Associated with Venus, embodying fertility, abundance, and creativity.
• The Emperor: Corresponds to Mars, symbolizing authority, structure, and control.

Tarot correspondences can be found in various modern and eclectic approaches to Tarot.

These alternatives often draw from a wide range of spiritual and philosophical traditions, including astrology, numerology, and nature-based symbolism. Here are some examples:

• Astrological Correspondences:
• Many Tarot readers use astrological signs and planets to interpret the Major Arcana. For example:
• The Magician: Associated with the planet Mercury, representing communication and intellect.
• The High Priestess: Linked to the Moon, symbolizing intuition and the subconscious.
• The Empress: Connected to Venus, representing love and fertility.
• The Emperor: Associated with Aries, symbolizing authority and leadership.
• The Hierophant: Linked to Taurus, representing tradition and stability.
• The Lovers: Connected to Gemini, symbolizing relationships and choices.
• The Chariot: Associated with Cancer, representing movement and control.
• Strength: Linked to Leo, symbolizing courage and strength.
• The Hermit: Connected to Virgo, representing introspection and wisdom.
• Wheel of Fortune: Associated with Jupiter, symbolizing luck and destiny.
• Justice: Linked to Libra, representing balance and fairness.
• The Hanged Man: Connected to Neptune, symbolizing sacrifice and transformation.
• Death: Associated with Scorpio, representing change and rebirth.
• Temperance: Linked to Sagittarius, representing moderation and blending.
• The Devil: Connected to Capricorn, representing materialism and bondage.
• The Tower: Associated with Mars, symbolizing sudden change and destruction.
• The Star: Linked to Aquarius, representing hope and inspiration.
• The Moon: Connected to Pisces, representing illusion and dreams.
• The Sun: Associated with the Sun, representing vitality and success.
• Judgment: Linked to Pluto, representing awakening and rebirth.
• The World: Connected to the Earth, representing completion and fulfilment.
• Nature-Based Symbolism:
• Some Tarot decks use natural elements and cycles to interpret the cards. For example:
• The Magician: Represented by the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) to symbolize the ability to manifest.
• The High Priestess: Depicted with a moon and water, symbolizing the hidden and the subconscious.
• The Empress: Shown with flowers and fertile land, representing growth and abundance.
• The Emperor: Portrayed with mountains and a throne, symbolizing stability and authority.
• The Hierophant: Illustrated with a tree and a temple, representing tradition and spiritual guidance.
• The Lovers: Depicted with a garden and a river, symbolizing choices and relationships.
• The Chariot: Shown with a chariot and horses, representing movement and control.
• Strength: Portrayed with a lion, symbolizing inner strength and courage.
• The Hermit: Illustrated with a lantern and a mountain, representing introspection and wisdom.
• Wheel of Fortune: Depicted with a wheel and animals, symbolizing the cycle of life.
• Justice: Shown with scales and a sword, representing balance and fairness.
• The Hanged Man: Portrayed with a tree and a figure hanging upside down, symbolizing sacrifice and perspective.
• Death: Illustrated with a skeleton and a scythe, representing transformation and change.
• Temperance: Depicted with a figure blending water and fire, representing moderation and harmony.
• The Devil: Shown with chains and a figure with horns, representing materialism and bondage.
• The Tower: Portrayed with a collapsing tower and lightning, representing sudden change and destruction.
• The Star: Illustrated with a star and a figure pouring water, representing hope and inspiration.
• The Moon: Depicted with a moon and a path, representing illusion and dreams.
• The Sun: Shown with a sun and a figure riding a horse, representing vitality and success.
• Judgment: Portrayed with a trumpet and figures rising from graves, representing awakening and rebirth.
• The World: Illustrated with a globe and a figure dancing, representing completion and fulfilment.
• Numerological Correspondences:
• Some readers use numerology to interpret the Tarot, focusing on the numbers associated with each card. For example:
• The Magician: Number 1, representing new beginnings and potential.
• The High Priestess: Number 2, representing duality and intuition.
• The Empress: Number 3, representing creativity and abundance.
• The Emperor: Number 4, representing stability and authority.
• The Hierophant: Number 5, representing tradition and learning.
• The Lovers: Number 6, representing relationships and choices.
• The Chariot: Number 7, representing movement and control.
• Strength: Number 8, representing inner strength and courage.
• The Hermit: Number 9, representing introspection and wisdom.
• Wheel of Fortune: Number 10, representing cycles and destiny.
• Justice: Number 11, representing balance and fairness.
• The Hanged Man: Number 12, representing sacrifice and perspective.
• Death: Number 13, representing transformation and change.
• Temperance: Number 14, representing moderation and harmony.
• The Devil: Number 15, representing materialism and bondage.
• The Tower: Number 16, representing sudden change and destruction.
• The Star: Number 17, representing hope and inspiration.
• The Moon: Number 18, representing illusion and dreams.
• The Sun: Number 19, representing vitality and success.
• Judgment: Number 20, representing awakening and rebirth.
• The World: Number 21, representing completion and fulfillment.

These alternative correspondences provide a rich and diverse framework for interpreting the Tarot, allowing readers to explore the cards through various lenses.

Certainly! Here are the references for the alternative Tarot correspondences that avoid Jewish associations:

1. Astrological Correspondences

• Source: Biddy Tarot. “Astrology and the Tarot: Understanding the Zodiac Signs and Planets in the Major Arcana.” Link
• Description: This article provides a detailed guide to the astrological correspondences of the Major Arcana cards, explaining how each card aligns with specific planets and zodiac signs.

1. Nature-Based Symbolism

• Source: The Wild Unknown Tarot. “The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guidebook” by Kim Krans.
• Description: This Tarot deck and guidebook offer a nature-based approach to Tarot, using natural elements and cycles to interpret the cards. The guidebook provides rich, symbolic interpretations that are deeply rooted in nature.

1. Numerological Correspondences

• Source: Tarot.com. “Numerology and the Tarot: The Numbers of the Major Arcana.” Link
• Description: This article explores the numerological significance of the Major Arcana cards, explaining how the numbers associated with each card can provide deeper insights into their meanings.

1. General Tarot Interpretation

• Source: Rachel Pollack. “78 Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot” (Volumes 1 and 2).
• Description: This comprehensive two-volume set offers in-depth interpretations of the Tarot cards, drawing from a variety of sources including astrology, numerology, and nature-based symbolism. It is a valuable resource for understanding the multifaceted meanings of the Tarot.

1. Modern and Eclectic Approaches

• Source: Mary K. Greer. “Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation.”
• Description: This workbook provides a modern and eclectic approach to Tarot, offering techniques for personal growth and transformation. It includes a variety of interpretations and exercises that go beyond traditional Kabbalistic associations.

1. Nature-Based Tarot Decks

• Source: The DruidCraft Tarot. “The DruidCraft Tarot: The Magical Fusion of Druidry and Wicca” by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm.
• Description: This Tarot deck combines elements of Druidry and Wicca, using nature-based symbolism to interpret the cards. The guidebook provides a unique and holistic approach to Tarot reading.

These sources provide a solid foundation for understanding alternative Tarot correspondences, offering a rich and diverse framework for interpreting the Tarot cards.