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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.

In the Major Arcana of the Tarot, Temperance (XIV) is the card of Alchemy: the reconciliation of opposites. The card depicts Michael, the Archangel of Fire with one bare foot standing on the rocks and the other in the water. From one golden cup to another, He is pouring the Waters of Life. The Archangel Michael transforms the individual elements of fire and water into a new whole.

In “Tarot Beyond the Basics,” Anthony Louis relates who Michael is. The name of this Archangel means “Like unto God.” Michael, who leads God’s Army of Angels, is neither excessively proud not humble. He has achieved a position of harmony as depicted in Temperance (XIV).

In the background of this Tarot card, there is a road ascending to distant mountains. Hovering over them is a sun with a crown. In the foreground are yellow irises. Each element has a symbolic meaning that adds to the whole.

In her book, “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card,” Mary Greer explains the symbols depicted in Temperance (XIV). The rocks that Michael stands on is the steadfast foundation of the virtue of temperance. The distant mountains indicate the challenge that a person should aspire to which is spiritual attainment. The road that connects the pond to the mountains encourages that journey to enlightenment.

Nevill Dury, in “The Tarot Workbook,” explains the deeper meaning of the iris flower. These flowers are sacred to Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow. In addition, God’s promise to humanity is the rainbow. Moreover, the rainbow is the union of water and fire.

In “The Essential Guide to the Tarot,” David Fontana asserts that the sun with the crown means victory over ego. Is the sun rising or setting? Or does it reflect the theme of Temperance (XIV), and lies between these liminal places.

Fontana relates that the stream of water moving between the two cups creates an active balance. Michael, as the Alchemist, is mixing fire and water. Transmuting the male (fire) and female (water) into one being, the Archangel balances between what was and what will be.

The Astrological Sign associated with Temperance (XIV) is Sagittarius, the Archer. Moreover, Sagittarius is the Centaur, who is half man and half horse. Like Temperance (XIV), Sagittarius is the melding of opposites – an active balance between man and beast. His is the joining of intellect and instinct. Sagittarius’ energy is mutable fire, which is like the rainbow, refined and ethereal.

As The Archer, Sagittarius shoots his arrow upwards. He aims for higher aspirations. Like the road in Temperance (XIV), the arrow leads beyond the mountains. Sagittarius, Himself, flies through time and space to the farthest shore.

Sagittarius is the Ruler of the Ninth House, which is also associated with Temperance (XIV). This House governs philosophy, higher education, and travel. In Astrology, the Ninth House is paired with the Third House, which is ruled by Gemini. The Ninth House expands on the Third House, in which lies the beginnings in learning and traveling. In the Tarot, Gemini governs The Lovers (VI). This pairing indicates that Temperance (XIV) is the joining of The Lovers (VI) in perfect harmony.

Corrine Kenner writes in “Tarot and Astrology,” that Temperance (XIV) is like the Ninth House. The two both bridge the wide distances of time and space to experience wonders. The Ninth House and Temperance (XIV) focus on philosophy and religion becoming balanced and optimistic.

Works Used:

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

Drury, Nevill, “The Tarot Workbook.” 2004. Thunder Bay Press: San Diego (CA).

Fontana, David, “The Essential Guide to the Tarot.” 2011. Watkins: London.

Gillett, Roy, “The Secret Language of Astrology.” 2011. Watkins: London.

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).

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ASTROLOGY AND TAROT: MAJOR ARCANA

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