Astrology and Tarot

Astrology and tarot are both ancient symbolic systems that map the human experience. The Golden Dawn established the formal correspondences between them in the late 19th century, assigning zodiac signs, planets, and elements to each tarot card.

Major Arcana: Zodiac and Planetary Correspondences

Suits and Elemental Triplicities

The four suits correspond directly to the astrological elements and their associated zodiac signs:

• Wands (Fire): Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
• Cups (Water): Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
• Swords (Air): Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
• Pentacles (Earth): Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Decans and the Pip Cards

The pip cards (2–10) correspond to astrological decans — each zodiac sign divided into three 10-degree segments. For example, the Two of Wands corresponds to Mars in Aries (the first decan of Aries). This system provides precise timing and energetic nuance for each numbered card.

Practical Applications

Incorporating astrological knowledge into tarot readings adds layers of temporal and personality-based insight. A reader familiar with both systems can identify timing windows, character dynamics, and energetic themes that enrich the reading beyond the card imagery alone.