ASTROLOGY AND TAROT: MAJOR ARCANA

[neptunesdolphins]

 Since modern Tarot is based on the Golden Dawn System, familiarity with Astrology is necessary. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn had sought to unify the Tarot with Astrology. (Note 1.) Arthur Edward Waite of the Golden Dawn instructed his Tarot illustrator, Pamela Colman Smith, to follow the astrological significance of each card. Hence, the Major Arcana had either corresponding Planets (Heavenly Bodies) or Signs of the Zodiac. Meanwhile, the Minor Arcana followed the Decans of each Sign, according to both their elements. Following Waite and Smith’s initial work, modern Tarot designers have included Astrology in their work.

 

The Ruling Planets and Signs of the Zodiac add depth and timing to the Major Arcana. Both the Signs and Planets opens the door wider to the mysteries of the Cosmos. For example, Justice (XI) is associated with Libra, the Scales, the Sign of diplomacy. Justice (XI) in a spread could indicate “balance” instead of “fairness.” Moreover, Libra, a Cardinal Air Sign, spurs initiative in the mental realm. This can mean, for this Major Arcana card, “seeking the truth.” Meanwhile, Justice (XI) relates to various aspects to the Two, Three, and Four of Swords of the Libra Decan.

 

Meanwhile, The Hanged Man (XII) has an affinity to Neptune, the Mystic, which expresses the surrealness of this card. Neptune encourages the reader to tune into to a higher-consciousness. In addition, through Neptune, The Hanged Man (XII) is associated with Pisces, whose modality is Mutable Water, the flexible energy of the emotions. Therefore, this Major Arcana card will influence any Cup of the Minor Arcana appearing in a spread.

 

Major Arcana cards, that are associated with the Signs, will emphasize the modes of that Sign’s energy – Cardinal (initial), Fixed (enduring), and Mutable (changing). Taurus assigned to The Hierophant (V) gives that card, its stability and conventionality. Taurus reenforces the fixedness of The Hierophant (V), which represents the final authority on religious matters.

 

Notes:

Note 1. The Golden Dawn also included Numerology and the Qabalah in their Tarot system.