Andromeda DavisThe Zodiac is represented by cards belonging to the Major Arcana (or trumps). The Major Arcana cards are a particular suit of 22 cards within the 78-card tarot deck. In the tarot, these cards are considered the core cards, the ones with the most pronounced significance.
They are resplendent with symbolism and imagery that adds to the esoteric meanings found within the card.
These Major Arcana 22 cards have deep, special meanings, as they represent “big picture” situations everyone will face in life over the long term, while the Minor Arcana cards represent day-to-day situations. The Major Arcana represents how we will grow due to obstacles, accomplishments and lessons through our life’s journey.
Tarot & astrological commonalities
The Elements
The tarot, especially the Major Arcana, also features symbology that encompasses the same ancient elements used by astrology: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. The tarot applies the same meanings to these elements as astrology.
The Planets
The tarot applies the same ancient seven sacred planets that are used in astrology: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These are all planets that can be seen with the naked eye. The tarot does not apply the modern outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) that some modern astrology does.
The planets have the same meaning in the tarot as they do in astrology.
The signs of the zodiac and the tarot
The Zodiac is represented by 12 cards of the Major Arcana. As your sun sign represents your overall characteristics, the same applies to these cards of the tarot which represent your sun sign.
Aries = The Emperor
Tarot Meaning: authority, structure, stability, control, solid foundation, fatherhood, law and order.
Reversed: domination, excessive control, rigidity, inflexibility, coldness, tyranny.
Astrological emphasis: Stability, security dependability, loyalty, analytical, authoritative.
Taurus = The Hierophant
This card represents tradition, it may represent marriage or the help of a teacher or counselor.
Tarot Meaning: Tradition, conformity, religion, group identification, morality, ethics, beliefs.
Reversed: restriction, rebellion, subversive, challenging the status quo, new or alternate approaches, breakdown, poor advice.
Astrological emphasis: learning, seeking the truth, insight, life lessons.
Gemini = The Lovers
Tarot Meaning: love, partnerships, union, relationships, values alignment, choices, duality.
Reversed: disharmony, imbalance, misalignment of values, one-sidedness.
Astrological emphasis: duality, moral choices, integrity.
Cancer = The Chariot
Tarot Meaning: control, willpower, victory, assertion, direction, determination.
Reversed: lack of control, lack of direction, aggression.
Astrological emphasis: achievement, overcoming conflict, security, intuition.
Leo = Strength
Tarot Meaning: strength, courage, patience, control, compassion, bravery, focus.
Reversed: weakness, self-doubt, lack of self-discipline, and security.
Astrological emphasis: courage, self-confidence, strength, mental power, spirituality.
Virgo = The Hermit
Tarot Meaning: Contemplation, soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance, search for truth.
Reversed: isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, loss of direction.
Astrological emphasis: inward journey, exploring self-history, purpose, innocent and open-mindedness.
Libra = Justice
Tarot Meaning: justice, fairness, truth, cause-and-effect, law, clarity, truth.
Reversed: unfairness, lack of accountability, dishonesty.
Astrological emphasis: balancing desire against needs, seeking fairness, serving the greater good.
Scorpio = Death
Tarot Meaning: endings, beginnings, change, transformation, transition, metamorphosis, and of the cycle.
Reversed: Fear or resistance to change, unable to move on, stagnation, decay, clinging.
Astrological emphasis: transformation, rebirth, inner mystery.
Sagittarius = Temperance
Tarot Meaning: balance, moderation, patience, purpose, meaning, middle path.
Reversed: imbalance, excess, lack of long term vision, extremes, lack of balance.
Astrological emphasis: being a mediator, working on awareness and understanding, overcoming difficulties.
Capricorn = The Devil
Tarot Meaning: bondage, addiction, sexuality, materialism, playfulness.
Reversed: Freedom, detachment, breaking free, power reclaimed, restoring control, release.
Astrological emphasis: facing your inner-self and darker aspects of your personality, spiritual transformation, removing negativity, increasing confidence
Aquarius = The Star
Tarot Meaning: Hope, spirituality, renewal, rejuvenation, inspiration, serenity, faith.
Reversed: lack of faith, despair, discouragement, and security.
Astrological emphasis: optimism, achievement, encouragement.
Pisces = Moon
Tarot Meaning: Illusions, unconscious/subconscious, intuition, sensitivity, imagination, impressions.
Reversed: fear, misinterpretation, confusion, repressed emotion.
Astrological emphasis: Imagination, insight, self-reliance.
Shea Lee
