Astrology and Tarot: Minor Arcana

In the Minor Arcana, the modalities of the Signs add to the elements of each Tarot suit. The combination of all these qualities give a depth and refinement to the cards in a reading. The most notable examples of how Astrology affects the Tarot are between the Tens of one suit of the Minor Arcana and the Twos of the next suit. The Tens are at the Thirty Degree of the Decan of one Sign while the Twos are at the Zero Degree of the following Sign.

 

The Minor Arcana starts with the Two of Wands and ends with the Ten of Cups. Mars, which is in Pisces in the Ten of Cups, moves into the Two of Wands which has Mars in Aries. Thereby, Mars transits from the final days of winter to the first ones of spring. Fiery Mars combined with watery Pisces in the Ten of Cups produces the rainbow. Meanwhile, fiery Mars in fiery Aries provides for the explosion of spring. The double Mars stitches together the two seasons of winter and spring.

 

As the Tarot relates to the Zodiac, it reflects the elements of the Signs. For example, the Five, Six, Seven of Pentacles are in the Second Decan of Taurus. Both the Pentacles and Taurus have Earth as their elements. However, the Planets of each Decan may conflict or enhance this quality of each element.

 

In a reading, it helps to know the elements assigned to the Planets. Mental Mercury struggles with the physicality of Taurus. The airy realm of Mercury conflicts with the earthiness of Taurus. This desolation and woe are reflected in the Five of Pentacles. (This card is in the First Decan of Taurus, which is ruled by Mercury.) T. Susan Chang writes, “To plan and worry over what you love is the work of Mercury; to have faith that life will steadily ensure is the work of Taurus.” In other words, to stop worry, have faith.

 

Meanwhile watery Moon is in exaltation in the Six of Pentacles, which lies in the Second Decan of Taurus. The combination of water and earth provides fertility which is depicted in the generosity of this Minor Arcana card. According to Chang, when the moon is in her Sign of Exaltation, “good and noble” effects will ensue.

 

Works Used:

Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Chang, T. Susan, “36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey Through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.” 2021. Anima Mundi Press: Leverett (MA).

Kenner, Corrine, “Tarot and Astrology.” 2011. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Greer, Mary “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card.” 2006. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.

Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).