Astrology and tarot are two mystical practices that have been around for centuries and continue to be popular today. Astrology involves studying the movements and positions of celestial bodies to gain insights into human personality traits, while tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of cards to gain insights into the future or to provide guidance on present issues. Although these two practices may seem unrelated at first glance, they are in fact deeply interconnected and can be used in conjunction to provide deeper insights and understanding.
Astrology and Tarot: A Brief Overview
Astrology and tarot share many similarities in terms of their symbolism and their correspondences. Both practices are based on archetypes and use a system of symbols to represent various concepts and ideas. The tarot deck is divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent significant life events and spiritual journeys, while the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that represent everyday events and experiences.
Each of these cards is associated with a particular astrological correspondence, which is determined based on the zodiac sign, planet, or element that is most closely associated with that card. For example, The Emperor card in the Major Arcana is associated with the zodiac sign Aries and the planet Mars, while the Ace of Cups in the Minor Arcana is associated with the element of Water and the planet Venus.
The Connection between Astrology and Tarot
There are several ways in which astrology and tarot are connected. Here are a few examples:
Astrological Correspondences: As mentioned earlier, each tarot card is associated with a particular astrological correspondence, which can provide deeper insights and understanding when interpreting the card’s meaning. By understanding the correspondences, one can gain a deeper understanding of the tarot’s symbolism and its connection to the cosmos.
Timing
Astrology can also be used to determine the best time to perform a tarot reading. Each zodiac sign is associated with a particular time of year, and certain times may be more auspicious for certain types of readings. For example, a reading focused on career or finance may be best performed during the month of Taurus, which is associated with material success and financial stability.
Personalized Readings
Astrology can also be used to create personalized tarot readings based on an individual’s birth chart. By analyzing the placement of the planets and the zodiac signs at the time of an individual’s birth, one can gain insights into their personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. These insights can then be used to create a customized tarot reading that is tailored to the individual’s needs.
Quirky Facts
The Tarot Deck Was Originally Used for Playing Games
While the tarot deck is now primarily used for divination purposes, it was originally created as a playing deck for games like Italian Tarocchini and the French Tarot.
The Tower Card Is Based on a Real Tower
The Tower card in the Major Arcana is often associated with destruction and chaos. It is said to be based on the Tower of Babel, a real tower that was said to reach the heavens but was ultimately destroyed by God due to the hubris of its builders.
The Hanged Man Card Is Based on a Real Person
The Hanged Man card in the Major Arcana is said to be based on a real person named Jacques de Molay, who was the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. De Molay was executed by hanging in 1314, and his body was left hanging from a cross for several hours before being taken down.
The Zodiac Signs and the Tarot
Each zodiac sign is associated with a particular tarot card. For example, Aries is associated with The Emperor card, Taurus with The Hierophant, Gemini with The Lovers, and so on. These correspondences can provide deeper insights into an individual’s personality traits and life path.
Tarots’ Influence on Art and Literature
The tarot has had a significant influence on art and literature throughout history. Many famous writers and artists, including Salvador Dali and William Butler Yeats, were avid tarot enthusiasts and incorporated tarot symbolism into their works.
Astrology and tarot are deeply interconnected practices that can provide insights into the cosmos and the human experience. By understanding the correspondences between the two practices and incorporating them into readings and interpretations, one can gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them. Additionally, the quirky facts surrounding the tarot can add an extra layer of fascination and intrigue to these ancient practices.
