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 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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