Tarot SymbolsIf you are using tarot cards you should understand the tarto symbols that are associated with the cards. Though there are different decks there are some basic symbols to familiarize your self with. Common symbols are drawn from animals, postures, plants, architecture and other crafted items. For example a pair of columns, if you take a look at your cards you will notice that most often the archetypes are between a pair of columns and it is said that this symbolizes the world and the inference can be made that this is the way we see the world. Those same columns drawn in different ways take on other meanings, such as if the columns are colored black and white it represents the dualism present in life. Arched columns are symbolic of a gateway and if there are four columns they stand for the four elements. Stars are also used a lot on tarot cards have different meanings as well. The stars can stand for the entity that holds the soul, mind and spirit or they can stand for the actual constellations for the zodiac signs. If there are seven stars on the card then they are said to represent the seven solar systems that created our world. If the stars are placed in such a way as that they form a canopy the interpretation there is that they are acting as the astrological influence in life or more appropriately the astral sphere. As you go through your cards you will notice that many of them contain animals as well. Each animal has a meaning on the card. A crane stands for wisdom and justice. The eagle is for justice as well but also temporal power, strength and majesty. A hawk however is a symbol of transformation. If you see only the wings of either the eagle or the hawk and the flank a solar disk this is the symbol for the Sun God and the spiritual principle. Bees and or butterflies stand for the soul, eternal life and rebirth. Sea creatures such as lobsters, crabs or crayfish represent the emergence of humanity and the fertilizing potential contained in water. Shapes are every present in the tarot as well. We have already talked about the stars, but there are also triangles. A triangle represents the trinity or the three Platonic bodies. How the triangle is pointed gives significance as well. A triangle that is pointing downward and is cut in half by a horizontal line represents earth. An upward pointing triangle cut by a horizontal line represents fire. The spherical orb alone represents worldly power, but if it is combined with a cross then it takes on a more spiritual connotation. The arrow represents fire, spirit and will. The heart obviously means love, it is the seat of the soul and it represents divine suffering. There are also plants to pay attention to such as corn which is the symbol for plenty and fertility. Roses are the mystic symbol of the heart and represent lovers and love. There are many other symbols to familiarize yourself with, but this is a good start. The more you know and understand the tarot, the better it will serve you. |