Home Tarot Master the Art of Tarot Cards: A Comprehensive Guide to Symbolism and Art

Master the Art of Tarot Cards: A Comprehensive Guide to Symbolism and Art

10 Jul, 2024 by Parita Soni

Master the Art of Tarot Cards: A Comprehensive Guide to Symbolism and Art

10 Jul, 2024 by Parita Soni

The Tarot cards are designed in a way that holds many elements in their composition, mystifying and intriguing masses for centuries. Being a beginner to Tarot Card reading might make you wonder why the cards are designed the way they are and what the symbols in the cards represent. In this blog, we shall understand all these aspects thoroughly, thus achieving a deeper appreciation of the comprehensive details that make Tarot art and design compelling.

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Major Divisions of Tarot Cards

The Tarot deck is mainly divided into two sections: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. Both Arcanas hold a unique symbol and meaning in Tarot Reading. Let us understand in brief both these divisions.

The Major Arcana in Tarot has 22 cards, each revealing significant life events, spiritual wisdom, and archetypal energies. Starting from The Fool in Tarot Card, these cards are the heart of the Tarot, symbolizing the journey through diverse stages of enlightenment and growth.

Alternatively, the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits, namely Cups, Pentacles, Wands, and Swords, representing diverse aspects of life, like emotions, material wealth, creativity, and intellect. These cards present more precise insights into daily life and individual challenges.

Numerology in Tarot Card Reading

Numbers hold a significant part in Tarot Card design. It is because each number carries a unique meaning and symbolism in Tarot Cards. Let us find what each number means, along with the example cards.

Number

Meaning

Example Cards

0

Infinite potential, new beginnings

The Fool

1

New beginnings, creation, potential

The Magician

2

Balance, duality, partnership

The High Priestess, Two of Cups

3

Growth, creativity, expansion

The Empress, Three of Pentacles

4

Stability, structure, foundation

The Emperor, Four of Wands

5

Change, conflict, challenge

The Hierophant, Five of Swords

6

Harmony, balance, communication

The Lovers, Six of Pentacles

7

Reflection, assessment, spirituality

The Chariot, Seven of Cups

8

Power, movement, change

Strength, Eight of Pentacles

9

Completion, fulfillment, attainment

The Hermit, Nine of Cups

10

Completion, cycles, renewal

The Wheel of Fortune, Ten of Swords

11 (Master)

Intuition, insight, enlightenment

Justice

12

Sacrifice, perspective, understanding

The Hanged Man

13

Transformation, rebirth, endings

Death

14

Balance, moderation, integration

Temperance

15

Materialism, temptation, limitations

The Devil

16

Sudden change, upheaval, revelation

The Tower

17

Hope, inspiration, vision

The Star

18

Intuition, dreams, subconscious

The Moon

19

Success, positivity, vitality

The Sun

20

Judgment, awakening, renewal

Judgment

21

Completion, achievement, fulfillment

The World

tarot design and art symbolism

Tarot Card Art and Design: Astrological Symbols

Most Tarot Cards are related to the planets and signs in astrology, adding to the meaning of Tarot Cards. Let us find the details in the table below:

Tarot Card

Astrological Symbol

Astrological Meaning

The Fool

Uranus

Innovation, sudden change, freedom

The Magician

Mercury

Communication, intellect, skill

The High Priestess

Moon

Intuition, mystery, the subconscious

The Empress

Venus

Love, beauty, fertility

The Emperor

Aries

Authority, leadership, structure

The Hierophant

Taurus

Tradition, stability, spirituality

The Lovers

Gemini

Relationships, choices, duality

The Chariot

Cancer

Determination, willpower, victory

Strength

Leo

Courage, strength, passion

The Hermit

Virgo

Introspection, wisdom, guidance

Wheel of Fortune

Jupiter

Luck, expansion, cycles

Justice

Libra

Balance, fairness, truth

The Hanged Man

Neptune

Surrender, sacrifice, perspective

Death

Scorpio

Transformation, endings, new beginnings

Temperance

Sagittarius

Moderation, balance, integration

The Devil

Capricorn

Materialism, temptation, limitations

The Tower

Mars

Upheaval, sudden change, revelation

The Star

Aquarius

Hope, inspiration, vision

The Moon

Pisces

Dreams, intuition, illusion

The Sun

Sun

Success, positivity, vitality

Judgment

Pluto

Rebirth, judgment, transformation

The World

Saturn

Completion, achievement, fulfillment

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Tarot Card Art and Design: Elemental Symbols

The Minor Arcana holds four suits that relate to four elements of nature, as mentioned in the table below:

Suit

Element

Meaning

Cups

Water

Emotions, relationships, intuition

Pentacles

Earth

Material aspects, wealth, the physical realm

Swords

Air

Intellect, conflict, communication

Wands

Fire

Creativity, passion, action

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Tarot Card Art: Colors

Next, in the Tarot Card art, let us determine the meaning of all the colors that you witness in the Tarot deck:

Color

Symbolic Meaning

Red

Energy, passion, action, courage, and danger

Blue

Calmness, truth, intuition, and spirituality

Yellow

Clarity, intellect, optimism, and enlightenment

Green

Growth, fertility, healing, and abundance

Black

Mystery, endings, protection, and the unknown

White

Purity, clarity, new beginnings, and spirituality

Purple

Wisdom, transformation, royalty and spirituality

Orange

Creativity, enthusiasm, and change

Brown

Stability, grounding, and reliability

Gray

Balance, neutrality and introspection

Tarot Card Symbols: Sun

Considered a powerful symbol in the Tarot, the Sun usually represents enlightenment, clarity, and life force and also denotes vitality, positivity, and success. The Sun card is considered joyous, depicting fulfillment and joy and throwing light on any situation.

Tarot Card Symbols: Water

In Tarot Art, water symbolizes instinct, emotions, and the subconscious. You will find water forms in many cards, which convey the adaptability, fluidity, and intensity of our emotive experiences. At times, it also represents revival and purification. 

Tarot Card Symbols: Grass & Nature

The elements of nature, such as grass and trees, denote fertility, growth, and grounding. As these remind us of our connection with the earth and life cycles, they represent natural processes, stability, and the significance of nurturing and growth.

Tarot Card Symbols: Creatures

Animals or any mythical creatures in Tarot cards also hold a symbolic meaning. 

Such as, 

  • Lions represent strength and courage; 
  • Dragons symbolize strength, wisdom, and protection; 
  • Birds denote outlook, freedom, and the connection between the earth and heaven.
  • Horses depict freedom, movement, and power.
  • Fish means instinct, plentitude, and flow of life. 
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Interpretation of Tarot Card Art and Design

The Tarot Card art design plays a key role in interpreting the cards and usage. Let us understand how:

Determine the Symbols

Determine the Tarot cards by reading the symbols and imagery precisely. Each detail shall present invaluable insights, adding profundity to your interpretations. You can check the patterns and recurring symbols, along with the bond between cards that can reveal the underlying messages.

Personal Connection

The offline or online Tarot reader finds a personal connection to the imagery and symbols in the cards, which they should consider in their readings. As all the readers hold unique viewpoints and experiences, these bonds built can help improve the relevance and accuracy of Tarot readings.

Tool for Reflection

Tarot card art also serves as a reflective tool for introspection and self-exploration. Tarot Readers should deliberate the imagery and symbols well, permitting them to prompt thoughts and emotions. Doing so can help deepen your understanding of the cards while presenting valuable insights. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What is Major Arcana in Tarot Cards?

Ans. In the Tarot deck, Major Arcana are the 22 cards that denote important life events, archetypal energies, and spiritual lessons.

Q.2 What is Minor Arcana in Tarot?

Ans. The Minor Arcana in Tarot are the 56 cards divided into four suits, namely Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Wands, depicting diverse aspects of day-to-day life.

Q.3 What do the four suits in Minor Arcana represent?

Ans. The Cups in Minor Arcana convey emotions, Pentacles mean material wealth, Swords represent intellect and conflict, while Wands denote creativity and action.

Q.4 What do different colors in Tarot cards mean?

Ans. In Tarot card art, colors carry symbolic meanings, such as red for passion, yellow for clarity, blue for intuition, green for growth, white for purity, and black for mystery.

Q.5 What does the Sun symbolize in Tarot Art design?

Ans. In Tarot art, the Sun denotes enlightenment, positivity, clarity, vibrancy, success, and the power in life.

Q.6 What does water mean in Tarot?

Ans. In the Tarot Card design, water represents emotions, instinct, and the subconscious mind, conveying adaptability, fluidity, and revival.

Q.7 What do animals represent in Tarot Card design?

Ans. In the Tarot readings, animals denote diverse traits, such as lions for strength, fish for plenty, birds for freedom, and horses for strength and movement.

Q.8 Does numerology impact Tarot cards?

Ans. Yes, numerology influences Tarot card readings, as each card holds a specific meaning, like 1 indicates new beginnings and 10 denotes cycles and destiny.

Q.9 Can cultural influences impact Tarot Card symbolism?

Ans. Yes, the symbolism of Tarot Cards can be impacted by beliefs as well as cultural differences.

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