Tarot and Astrology: A Complete Guide to Correspondences #
Tarot and Astrology are two ancient symbolic languages that, when woven together, create a richer tapestry of meaning than either offers alone. Though they developed from different roots, the Western esoteric tradition—particularly through the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn—synthesized them into an integrated system of profound depth.
The Meeting of Two Languages #
Different Origins, Shared Symbols #
Astrology emerged from Mesopotamian star-watching, developing through Greek, Arabic, and Renaissance contributions into a sophisticated system correlating celestial movements with human experience.
Tarot began as Italian playing cards in the 15th century, later embraced by esotericists who recognized archetypal patterns in its imagery.
The Golden Dawn (late 19th century) and subsequent magical orders created systematic correspondences between the two, finding that each enriches the other:
- Astrology gives Tarot precision and timing
- Tarot gives Astrology visual narrative and intuitive access
Why These Correspondences Matter #
Understanding Tarot-Astrology connections:
- Deepens card meanings through planetary and zodiacal symbolism
- Enhances readings with timing and astrological awareness
- Connects personal charts to card interpretations
- Unifies symbolic systems into coherent understanding
- Develops intuition through multiple symbolic doorways
The Framework of Correspondences #
The Major Arcana (22 Cards) #
The Major Arcana correspond to:
- 7 Classical Planets (including Sun and Moon)
- 12 Zodiac Signs
- 3 Elements (in some systems)
| Card | Correspondence | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool | Uranus (modern) / Air | Liberation, new beginnings |
| The Magician | Mercury | Communication, skill |
| The High Priestess | Moon | Intuition, mystery |
| The Empress | Venus | Fertility, beauty |
| The Emperor | Aries | Authority, structure |
| The Hierophant | Taurus | Tradition, teaching |
| The Lovers | Gemini | Choice, relationship |
| The Chariot | Cancer | Emotional will, protection |
| Strength | Leo | Courage, heart |
| The Hermit | Virgo | Wisdom, discernment |
| Wheel of Fortune | Jupiter | Expansion, cycles |
| Justice | Libra | Balance, consequence |
| The Hanged Man | Neptune (modern) / Water | Surrender, perspective |
| Death | Scorpio | Transformation, endings |
| Temperance | Sagittarius | Integration, moderation |
| The Devil | Capricorn | Shadow, material |
| The Tower | Mars | Disruption, awakening |
| The Star | Aquarius | Hope, vision |
| The Moon | Pisces | Unconscious, illusion |
| The Sun | Sun | Vitality, success |
| Judgement | Pluto (modern) / Fire | Rebirth, calling |
| The World | Saturn | Completion, mastery |
The Minor Arcana Suits (56 Cards) #
Each suit corresponds to an element and its associated zodiac signs:
| Suit | Element | Signs | Life Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wands | Fire | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius | Passion, action, creativity |
| Cups | Water | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces | Emotion, relationship, intuition |
| Swords | Air | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius | Mind, communication, challenge |
| Pentacles | Earth | Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn | Material, work, body |
The Pip Cards and Decans (2-10 of each suit) #
Each numbered card (2-10) corresponds to a specific decan—a 10-degree segment of the zodiac ruled by a planet. This creates 36 precise Tarot-Astrology connections.
The Court Cards #
The 16 court cards correspond to zodiacal modes and elemental combinations:
| Court | Mode/Role | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Pages | Earth of the Suit | Student, messenger |
| Knights | Air of the Suit | Action, movement |
| Queens | Water of the Suit | Receptive mastery |
| Kings | Fire of the Suit | Active mastery |
Using These Correspondences #
In Tarot Readings #
When interpreting cards, consider:
- Planetary energy: What does the planet represent?
- Zodiacal quality: What does the sign add?
- Elemental nature: How does the element express?
- Timing: When might this manifest astrologically?
With Your Birth Chart #
Connect cards to your personal astrology:
- Cards representing your Sun sign speak to core identity
- Cards of your Moon sign touch emotional themes
- Planetary cards show how those archetypal energies express for you
For Timing #
Use decan correspondences for timing:
- When a planet transits a decan, that card’s themes activate
- Eclipse and lunation timing can be read through Tarot
- Planetary returns highlight specific card energies
The Deeper Teaching #
The Tarot-Astrology synthesis reveals that all symbolic systems point toward the same essential truths. The planets and signs that pattern the sky also pattern the cards on the table. The archetypes that move through your birth chart are the same archetypal energies depicted in the Major Arcana.
This isn’t coincidence—it’s correspondence. The Hermetic principle “As above, so below” suggests that patterns repeat at every scale of existence. Learning to recognize these patterns in multiple symbolic languages develops a kind of archetypal fluency that deepens all spiritual work.
Explore the Correspondences #
Dive deeper with our detailed guides:
- Major Arcana Planetary Cards: The Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Wheel of Fortune, Tower, Sun, World
- Major Arcana Zodiacal Cards: Emperor through Moon (12 zodiac correspondences)
- Court Cards and Astrology: The 16 courts and their elemental-zodiacal meanings
- Minor Arcana and Decans: All 36 pip card-decan correspondences
Affirmation #
I recognize the patterns that connect sky and cards, planets and pictures. I use astrological wisdom to deepen my Tarot practice, and Tarot imagery to illuminate my astrological understanding. These two languages are one conversation with the universe.
The Tarot-Astrology synthesis offers a lifetime of study and discovery. Each connection you make between card and celestial pattern deepens your fluency in the language of symbols that speaks the soul’s truth.