Astrology in Tarot
Astrology and Tarot:
(TAROT COURSE - LESSON 19)
Many Tarot enthusiasts, unfortunately, overlook the astrological values of Tarot cards and rely solely on the images and figures for interpretation. However, this approach contradicts the essence of Tarot, as astrology is one of the most crucial building blocks of Tarot cards, and its influence should be considered when interpreting the cards.
In truth, Tarot and astrology are inseparable companions. Astrology complements Tarot, and the astrological value of each card significantly shapes its personality. Understanding the connection between Tarot and astrology can make a Tarot reader's job more fluid and provide higher-quality interpretations. A skilled Tarot reader can discern what's happening in a spread by merely examining the astrological values present. Of course, relying solely on astrological values is not recommended, but a Tarot reader who can navigate the astrological dimension of a spread has a distinct advantage.
Tarot cards are interpreted by combining an element, an astrological and numerological value, symbolism on the card, and intuition. All these elements must be considered together, much like how the legs of a table support its top. A table with a broken or unstable leg is never sturdy. Astrology serves as one of these legs and should never be overlooked.
To gain a better understanding of astrology, start by exploring the planets. Study each of these celestial bodies individually, and if necessary, conduct online research. You'll discover how these planets relate to one another and create harmony within the cosmos. For instance, take a moment to contemplate the Sun. Feel its warmth, brightness, the life force it provides, and its gravitational pull. Or look at images of the Venus planet and research its characteristics. Try to grasp how these planetary traits might influence human personality. For example, consider the Sun's position as the center of our solar system, with everything revolving around it. Just as everything must align with the Sun, individuals born under the sign of Leo tend to be self-centered, controlling, and unyielding. They expect others to conform to their ways, just as everything in the solar system follows the Sun. These planetary characteristics greatly affect personality and Tarot cards.
While there are countless stars and planets in the universe, astrology primarily focuses on the fundamental planets: the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Mercury, Neptune, and Pluto. By acquainting yourself with these planets, you can begin your journey into astrology:
The Sun:
In astrology, the most significant celestial body is the Sun, often referred to as the heart and the most powerful source of light in our galaxy. It represents the governing force of our birth chart, our life's battery, and the symbol of our energy. The Sun embodies our ego and our very identity. To answer the question, "Who am I?" is essentially to describe our own Sun.
The Sun is the master and the constant in astrology. While other planets orbit and continuously change positions, the Sun represents the center of our lives—the symbol of ourselves. Individuals influenced by the Sun are challenging to change, possess strong egos, and are difficult to lead. To interact with them, one must adapt to their ways, for they have a strong desire to dictate their own plans and are inherently self-centered.
The Sun is the most noticeable and brightest object in the sky, symbolizing our essence. It represents our inner life force, our outward-facing personality, everything that connects us to life, and our motivation for existence. The Sun also governs our physical body, particularly the heart.
People under the influence of the Sun are highly self-centered, authoritative, and nearly impossible to direct. Rather than adapting to them, others must align themselves with Sun-influenced individuals. Like the unchanging Sun at the center of the solar system, they move slowly in life but with deliberate steps. Every action they take is calculated and steadfast. Those around them tend to follow their lead, and they have a powerful influence on people. They possess boundless energy, even when others are exhausted. They are warm, always smiling, and continuously in motion. They can juggle multiple tasks effortlessly and without confusion.
The Moon:
In astrology, the Moon ranks as the second most crucial celestial body after the Sun. It governs emotions and the subconscious mind. The Moon delves into the deepest recesses of our subconscious, shaping our present-day subconscious state and revealing our past, which shapes our present. It encompasses hidden feelings, thoughts, and the unconscious aspect of our personality. The Moon represents the experiences from our past that influence our current state of mind, many of which we might not even be aware of.
The Moon also governs our family life and our life at home. It represents our true selves within the family and the personality we display within the confines of our home, which may differ from how we present ourselves to the outside world. The Moon is the time when we remove our societal masks and confront our true selves, often experienced in the comfort of our home. This is why, on full moon nights, we might feel closer to our families and desire to spend time at home. The sign ruled by the Moon is Cancer, and its associated metal is silver.
The Sun represents daylight and brightness, while the Moon governs nighttime and darkness. The Moon symbolizes everything hidden and known, conscious and unconscious. As Earth's satellite and the celestial body closest to us, the Moon also represents those who are nearest to us—our families and our home life. While the Sun is masculine, the Moon is feminine and is associated with the number two. As a result, the Moon might symbolize not only our mothers but also the most significant women in our lives.
People influenced by the Moon are emotionally attached to their families and homes. They tend to act based on their feelings rather than logic. Individuals under the influence of the Moon are more easily directed and influenced than other astrological signs. When they marry or become parents, they make excellent caregivers, particularly Moon-ruled men, who often take on the responsibilities of child-rearing with enthusiasm. Family holds profound significance for them, and they cherish the concept of family greatly.
Mercury (Utarit):
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, so close that it completes one orbit around the Sun in just 88 days, making it the fastest planet in the Zodiac. In mythology, this planet was known as the messenger of the gods. In astrology, Mercury governs all forms and means of communication. It rules over travel, communication tools, letters, writing, all inventions related to communication, computers, emails, phones, and transportation.
Being the representative of communication and connection, this planet also has the power to bring together what is separated. When its cosmic energy is strongly felt on Earth, there is a higher likelihood of reconciliations, reunions of separated individuals, and the resolution of disputes among people. Mercury slows down three times a year, and during these retrograde periods, meetings and reconciliations can be delayed, and it is believed that communication problems on Earth become more likely. Individuals born during times when Mercury's energy is prominent find it easier to communicate with others.
Under the influence of Mercury, individuals can quickly transition emotionally from one extreme to another. They might go from tears to laughter or from anger to calmness abruptly. Their actions can be unpredictable, and their speed in decision-making and movement is remarkable. They prefer short-term goals over long-term plans and tend to cherish quick achievements. They often speak and think rapidly, making it quite challenging to keep up with their pace. They can make impulsive decisions and change their minds suddenly, which may lead to occasional forgetfulness or minor errors in their work.
Venus (Zühre):
Venus, the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon, is known in mythology as the goddess of love, Aphrodite. It symbolizes femininity and beauty and reigns over the feminine aspect of our ego. Anything related to beauty, art, and love falls under its domain.
The energy reflected from Venus is responsible for fine arts, elegant clothing, gourmet cuisine, beautiful spaces, and romance. It is a feminine planet, and, as a result, women influenced by Venus tend to have a more feminine style of dressing, while men might appreciate feminine clothing and gestures more than those influenced by other signs. For some men, Venus represents the ideal woman in their fantasies.
Venus encompasses our feminine energy, femininity, attractiveness, and feelings related to beauty. When Venus's energy is high, people tend to be more interested in fashion, grooming, elegance, and pleasant scents. This feminine planet also governs the aspects of life that make the world beautiful and worth living. Quality and aesthetics in everything are products of Venus's energy. It is the ruling planet of Taurus and Libra, and due to the mysterious attraction between Venus and Mars, individuals influenced by Venus may feel a unique connection to Scorpio and Aries, ruled by Mars.
Under the influence of Venus, women often radiate a feminine allure that can be apparent in their voices, walk, or gaze. Men influenced by Venus can possess an irresistible charm that attracts women from a distance. Venus's influence may also manifest as a talent for the fine arts, such as painting, music, or poetry. Some individuals under Venus's influence may have a deep appreciation for the arts. For these reasons, Venus can lead to a strong attraction between individuals.
Mars (Merih):
Considered the god of war by ancient Romans, Mars is a planet that takes approximately 2 years to complete one orbit around the Zodiac. It stays in each sign for an average of 6 weeks. Mars is a planet of initiative, courage, and energy. Besides these qualities, it influences competitiveness, ambition, and ego within the human personality. It encourages risk-taking and incites conflicts.
In mythology, Mars is the god of war and a symbol of courage and action. It is a masculine planet, governing all tools of warfare, explosives, weapons, knives, and cutting instruments. As a result, signs influenced by Mars tend to be assertive and aggressive. When Mars's energy is high, there can be an increase in conflicts and battles on Earth. The metal associated with this planet is iron, and its color is red.
In the Zodiac, Venus represents femininity, while Mars symbolizes masculinity. Anything associated with masculinity is a reflection of the cosmic energy originating from Mars. Mars represents the male aspect within us. Venus is passive and receptive, while Mars is active and assertive. Mars motivates us to get out of bed and start our day; it provides the driving energy. Under its influence, men can exude a masculine energy that attracts women. This energy might manifest in their intense gaze or gestures.
Individuals under the influence of Mars tend to be aggressive and proactive. They enjoy starting new endeavors, although they may not always see them through to completion. They have a quick temper and can become angry easily. Sometimes, they perceive criticism as an attack due to their aggressive nature, so it's advisable to approach them with care when offering feedback. They may have a tendency towards aggression in their personalities and rarely pass up an opportunity for revenge. Before crossing someone under the influence of Mars, it's essential to consider the possibility of retaliation. They are likely to remember any wrong done to them and take action when the time is right.
Saturn:
Unlike Jupiter's generosity and benevolence, Saturn emits a receiving and restraining energy. It's also a disciplinarian and a reminder that freedom isn't boundless. Saturn draws the line between what we can and cannot do, and everything that leaves our lives and abandons us does so under the influence of Saturn. When we strongly feel Saturn's energy, we might sense ourselves surrounded by limitations.
While Jupiter brings growth and development, Saturn teaches us the limits within which this growth can occur. It's through the energy sent by Saturn that we exercise personal discipline and control. This planet is also the ruler of all the inhibiting, delaying, and challenging forces in our lives.
Saturn is a lawmaker and a harbinger of order amidst chaos. Laws, rules, taboos, and everything we perceive as mental hindrances fall under the governance of this planet. Jupiter encourages growth and multiplication and is a giver, whereas Saturn is quite the opposite – it takes from us. Even though this planet can limit our actions, it serves as a reminder that life has boundaries.
Individuals born under the influence of this planet are incredibly resilient in the face of challenges and never stay down for long. Even after facing the greatest difficulties, they quickly get back on their feet and continue their journey from where they left off. For them, a life without obstacles is a dull life. They seem to be created to overcome barriers, and they have a strong respect for rules. They know precisely how to reach their goals, even in the face of obstacles, and they achieve their aims despite all odds.
Uranus:
Uranus spends approximately seven years in each sign, triggering the innovator and reformer within us. Nothing remains the same once Uranus has touched it – its effect is inevitably disruptive, breaking down the old to make way for the new. In astrology, as it travels through the 12 houses, Uranus dismantles the old to make room for the new. When we strongly feel the energy of this planet, we might be eager to make radical changes in our lives, erasing the old to start anew from scratch.
Uranus is the destroyer of established systems and orders, introducing radical, disruptive, and revolutionary change. It doesn't support the status quo but advocates for innovation. Although its changes can be painful, catching us unprepared, Uranus is the energy we need to replace the old with something better. It governs new inventions, electronic devices, and scientific advancements.
Individuals under the influence of this planet are not conservative but innovative, possessing a unique perspective. They have allergies to anything outdated. They adapt to change easily and are quick learners. They focus on the future rather than the past, and novelty and change drive their lives. They dislike sticking to the same methods or routines.
Neptune:
In mythology, Neptune is the god of the seas. It represents the mysterious and abstract. It takes approximately 14 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. In mythology, it's also known as the muse, the source of our creative power, and the subconscious mind. Everything from poems, songs, stories, film scripts, and all things artistic created by the human mind are sent to us through Neptune's energy.
Neptune is also the ruler of our spiritual world, governing our subconscious and our power of thought. It reminds us that our outer world is a reflection and consequence of our inner world and decisions. Neptune rules over dreams, fantasies, and the subconscious. It is the ruler of the spiritual aspects of life, as opposed to the material world. Pisces is the sign influenced by Neptune.
Individuals under the influence of this planet possess boundless imaginations. Their inner worlds are much larger than their outer ones. They think a thousand thoughts but speak only one. They are creators out of nothing. Their imagination allows them to create beautiful projects and works that no one else has thought of. They have a strong subconscious and are highly emotional. People under Neptune's influence may feel better by the sea, and in cities without access to the sea, they may be at risk of depression or illness.
Pluto:
Pluto is the farthest planet from the Sun and completes one orbit around the Sun in 250 years. It is dark, deep, and mysterious. In mythology, it's the god of the underworld, representing the unknown life after death and the mysterious. It is also a supporter of rebirth and change, cleansing the old to make way for the new. Pluto is the planet that marks the boundary between the beginning and end, where one life ends and another begins.
While it may be considered the most distant and least influential planet towards the Sun, Pluto governs the energy of renewal and power within us. It supports both death and new beginnings. Pluto rules over the underworld.
Pluto is also the ruler of hidden feelings in our subconscious and everything related to the otherworldly. Those under its influence are curious about mysteries, magic, life after death, and all things related to the spiritual realm. They are mysterious individuals with strong intuition. They make decisions based on their feelings and are often infallible. Pluto is the slowest-moving planet around the Sun, so individuals influenced by it may struggle to adapt to changes or move slowly in some areas. Scorpio is the sign ruled by this planet.