ASTROLOGY AND TAROT: MY INSIGHTS

 When I laid out the Major and Minor Arcana according to the Zodiac, I found clear patterns. The Lesser Malefic, Mars is the Ruler of The Tower (XVI). Subjecting the tower to bursts of destructive power, Mars frees the querent from The Devil (XV). (That card is ruled by Capricorn, which is ruled by Saturn, the Greater Malefic.)

 

Interpreting the Ten of Swords was once a problem for me. When I learned it was in the Last Decan of Gemini, it started to make sense to me. This Decan is the transition from spring to summer and possesses the mutable energies of Gemini. The Sun rules this Decan, burning and illuminating everything. This is reflected by the swords stabbing the man in the back. The mental energy of Gemini, enhanced by the Sun, pierces the truth beyond tolerance. Although the image is a dark one, the sun is rising. A sense of release, of transformation, infuses the Ten of Swords. Hope after destruction is the deeper meaning since the next card is the Two of Cups (according to the Zodiac).

 

My biggest insight is how Astrology makes the Tarot grow in various dimensions. Through the Planets and Signs, depth is added to each card, and hence to the reading. Like the double Mars of the Ten of Cups and Two of Wands, the Planets give hidden directions to the reading. Time is added by the Decans of the Zodiac. This gives a sense of the future or the past, thereby completing the reading. Knowing Astrology has deepened my relationship with the Tarot.

 

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).