tarot deck and illuminated magazine
Astrology
the astro +
tarot connection
Astrology plays an integral role in the tarot - the two have been intertwined for millennia. Tarot could not exist without its astrological associations.
In simple terms, astrology is the language of the sky. It explores how a system of celestial bodies (constellations, planets, asteroids etc.) influence our identity and day-to-day life on earth. Some astrologers consider the unique configuration of the sky at the time of our birth to be a map that helps us understand ourselves better. Others may feel that these planetary arrangements are ‘fate’, while others still may relate to them as an archetypal blueprint to which we are bound, but are able to mould and shape as we learn and grow.
There are no end to astrological transits and events throughout any given year - the sky is always alive, always moving.
Certain transits, passages and retrogrades can feel quite challenging while others may be more free-flowing and bountiful. For those who are sensitive, these cosmic tides might be experienced intensely.
We don’t need to fully understand astrology to grasp the tarot, but knowing the basics is helpful. The following is a brief outline of the most important astrological elements that are bonded with this system.
The Zodiac
More astro info in The Fertile Void Magazine!
Aries
Aries is considered to be the first sign of the zodiac, and some astrologers believe it represents the earliest stage of life. In the 1st house of the self, there is a great deal of focus on forming and establishing identity. As a young fire sign, Aries is known for being bold, courageous, energetic, loyal, and curious. Taking risks comes naturally to them, as do creative endeavours.
In the tarot, Aries corresponds with the Emperor card, as well as three of the Wands (fire suit) - 2 (Mars in Aries), 3 (Sun in Aries) and 4 (Venus in Aries).
Taurus
Taurus, the first earth sign of the zodiac, is nestled within springtime and brings an energy of growth and possibility. Ruled by Venus, Taurus can be sensual, enjoying the abundance of food, drink, love and sex. As a fixed modality they are also grounded and reliable, finding joy in hard work and entrepreneurship.
In the tarot, Taurus corresponds with the Hierophant card, as well as three of the Pentacles (earth suit) - 5 (Mercury in Taurus), 6 (Moon in Taurus) and 7 (Saturn in Taurus).
Gemini
Gemini is the first air sign of the zodiac, ruled by the planet Mercury (communication, commerce, community, the nervous system and the mind).
Geminis are quick-thinkers, flexible, ambitious and tend to have many interests. Socially they can be magnetic, able to converse about countless topics. However, there can be a nervous and unsettled energy - the mind overrules the body.
In the tarot, Gemini corresponds with The Lovers card, as well as three of the swords (air suit) - 8 (Jupiter in Gemini), 9 (Mars in Gemini) and 10 (Sun in Gemini).
Cancer
Cancer is the first water sign of the zodiac, and is ruled by the moon (the subconscious, the true self, the shadow, emotions). The element of water denotes deeply penetrating feelings, strong intuition and the need to nurture. Its symbol, the crab, is representative of Cancer embodying an enduring desire for cultivating home and comfort wherever they go. They seek security to house their emotional self.
In the tarot, Cancer corresponds with The Chariot, as well as three of the cups (water suit) - 2 (Venus in Cancer), 3 (Mercury in Cancer and 4 (Moon in Cancer).
Leo
Leo finds itself in the solar swell of summer. Symbolized by the lion, this sign is ruled by the Sun (the self, the conscious mind, the ego). Leos are characteristically gregarious, big-hearted, bold, loyal and generous. They adore attention and know how to draw a lot of it to them. In the 5th house, pleasure is paramount and love is the greatest adventure of all.
In the tarot, Leo corresponds with Strength, as well as three of the wands (fire suit) - 5 (Saturn in Leo), 6 (Jupiter in Leo) and 7 (Mars in Leo).
Virgo
Virgo is the second sign ruled by Mercury (see Gemini). However, as an earth sign, the Mercurial energy becomes less frenetic/mental and more grounded and practical. Virgos are famous for their ability to organize. They lean into structure and order, making them reliable friends, partners, family or business associates. However, as a mutable sign they are also very creative and flexible. Having the quick and dynamic influence of Mercury may inspire curiosity towards esoteric pursuits.
In the tarot, Virgo corresponds with The Hermit, as well as three pentacles (earth suit) - 8 (Sun in Virgo), 9 (Venus in Virgo and 10 (Mercury in Virgo).
Libra
Libra is the second sign to be ruled by the planet of beauty, love, passion and pleasure - Venus. Its symbol are scales, denoting the need for balance and equanimity. In the 7th house of relationships, Libra finds meaning and purpose in connections with others. Passionate, sensual love is important to them. People born under this sign tend to be charming, empathetic and enjoy cultivating beauty wherever they go.
In the tarot, Libra corresponds with Justice as well as three swords (air suit) - 2 (Moon in Libra, 3 (Saturn in Libra and 4 (Jupiter in Libra).
Scorpio
Scorpio is ruled by both Mars (action, desire, drive, aggression) and Pluto (death, rebirth, transformation). In the 8th house (sex, death, the underworld) this sign is known for being intense, intimidating, emotional, passionate and devoutly loyal. By virtue of being connected with death and rebirth cycles they are beholden to uncovering - and speaking - the truth. This may win them enemies but also makes them fearless leaders.
In the tarot, Scorpio corresponds with Death as well as three cups (water suit) - 5 (Mars in Scorpio), 6 (Sun in Scorpio and 7 (Venus in Scorpio).
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is bound for curiosity, adventure and ever-widening views on the world. Ruled by Jupiter (expansion, faith, abundance) in the 9th house (beliefs, travel, higher self) they shoot high in their consciousness and do not believe in limits. As a result they may push boundaries and buttons, but this makes them wonderful thought leaders as they do not care for the status quo.
In the tarot, Sagittarius corresponds with Temperance as well as three wands (fire suit) - 8 (Mercury in Sagittarius), 9 (Moon in Sagittarius) and 10 (Saturn in Sagittarius).
Capricorn
Represented by a chimerical creature, Capricorn both enforces and transcends restrictions. As a goat, they break glass ceilings and conquer terrain others dare not go, whist remaining grounded. As a fish, they swim in mysterious, emotional and occult seas. In the 10th house they are concerned with ambition, and career. Saturn (karma) ensures they are held tightly to the lessons of this life, but there is always a mystifying element to Capricorn that can’t be pinned down.
In the tarot, Capricorn corresponds with The Devil as well as three pentacles (earth suit) - 2 (Jupiter in Capricorn), 3 (Mars in Capricorn and 3 (Sun in Capricorn).
Aquarius
Aquarius, an air sign that is symbolized by water, shatters expectations from the outset. It is ruled by both Saturn (karma, restriction) and Uranus (rebellion, revolution). In the 11th house of long-term goals, Aquarius must balance immediate practicality and lofty idealism. If an Aquarius has a grasp on how to bring their utopian ideologies to life, they are unstoppable. This self-expression can come in many forms, which makes Aquarians wonderful artists.
In the tarot, Aquarius corresponds with The Star as well as three swords (air suit) - 5 (Venus in Aquarius), 6 (Mercury in Aquarius and 7 (Moon in Aquarius).
Pisces
Pisces concludes the life cycle, representing the last stage of life before a new cycle begins. A water sign symbolized by two fish, Pisces finds its home in the 12th house of spirituality and one’s inner world. Many born under this sign become deeply spiritual, quietly exploring the realms of consciousness and occult knowledge. Compassionate, empathetic and big feelers, Pisces connects easily with others, forming bonds that can last a lifetime.
In the tarot, Pisces corresponds with The Moon as well as three cups (earth suit) - 8 (Saturn in Pisces), 9 (Jupiter in Pisces and 10 (Mars in Pisces).