Astrology is the art and science of predicting or determining the influence of the planets and stars on human affairs according to when you were born.
I am sure that at some point in your life, you have read your daily horoscope in the local paper, or even bought a book on your Sun sign, and read it to see if it helps predict your personality. Astrology has been around for many years, and scientists have discovered the use of Astrology with the beginning of the first advance civilizations like the Sumerians, Acadians, Egyptians, and many other ancient civilizations. In fact most of the cultures based their religious beliefs around astrology, and lived according to the stars.
There are of course many books that you can read about astrology; from the way it is used today in modern sciences, to authors who have written about how ancient civilizations used astrology as part of their daily lives.
Most people use astrology today to help them perhaps learn a little more about themselves. How a planet or your Sun sign can determine your personality, or tell your future.
Each card in both the Major and Minor Arcana's have planets, or signs assigned to them. And although they both share many correspondences, these two occult disciplines are independent fields of study. In fact many people come to the Tarot from astrology, and vise-versa. Many Tarot authors who relate astrology with the Tarot can differ greatly, and you should bear in mind that the Tarot cards have meanings in their own right independent of astrology.
Arthur Edward Waite once wrote in The Pictorial Key to the Tarot:
The true Tarot is symbolism; it speaks no other language and offers no other signs. Given the inward meaning of its emblems, they do become a kind of alphabet, which is capable of indefinite combinations and makes true sense in all.
Waite also emphasized that the Tarot "is not, by attribution or otherwise, a derivative of any one school of literature of occultism; it is not of Alchemy or Cabalism or Astrology or Ceremonial Magic." Rather said Waite, the Tarot "is a presentation of universal ideas by means of universal types."
Carl Gustav Jung would later call these universal ideas "archetypes of the unconscious mind." The power of the Tarot derives from its capacity to allow us to tap into the archetypal images, feelings, and human interactions symbolized by the cards.
You can view the links between the Tarot and astrology as further nuances of Tarot symbolism, but you must be the one to discover the meanings of the cards anew, and if you have come to the Tarot from Astrology, then perhaps this will help you to understand Tarot symbolism a little better.
Under this section I will not be getting to involved with Astrology itself as a whole, because again this is a very large topic, I will be just pointing out how the cards are related astrologically. If you wish to study more about Astrology, there are many free online courses you can take, like at Barnes and Noble for example, or you can simply purchase one of many books out there on astrology, and how to chart your birthday.
Elementary astrology begins with your birth sign, or Sun sign, which is the astrological sign the Sun was in at the time you were born. Your birth sign correlates to the position of the Sun in the sky at that moment. There are 12 signs in the Zodiac, the pattern Earth follows on its elliptical journey around the Sun every year. Below is a table to help you determine the 12 signs of the Zodiac, although I am sure that most of you know these signs, but perhaps you can use this table when referring to certain cards and how they relate astrologically.
Sign of the Ram.
Planet associated with Aries is Mars.
Element is Fire.
Sign of the Bull.
Planet associated with Taurus is Venus.
Element is Earth.
Sign of the Twins.
Planet associated with Gemini is Mercury.
Element is Air.
Sign of the Crab.
Planet associated with Cancer is the Moon.
Element is Water.
Sign of the Lion.
Planet associated with Leo is the Sun.
Element is Fire.
Sign of the Virgin Mary.
Planet associated with Virgo is Mercury.
Element is Earth.
Sign of the Scales.
Planet associated with Libra is Venus.
Element is Air.
Sign of the Scorpion.
Planet associated Scorpio is Mars & Pluto.
Element is Water.
Sign of the Archer.
Planet associated with Sagittarius is Jupiter.
Element is Fire.
Sign of the Goat.
Planet associate with Capricorn is Saturn.
Element is Earth.
Sign of the Water Bearer.
Planet associated with Aquarius is Uranus.
Element is Air.
Sign of the Fish.
Planet associated with Pisces is Neptune.
Element is Water.
Please note that some cards have more than one sign, and that most signs appear for more than one card. That's because, like you, signs are far from simple. They represent the many different facets that make you unique.
The Fool
The sign associated to The Fool is Aries. Aries is the first sign, is the sign of new beginnings, and like The Fool, people with Aries figuring prominently in their birth charts can sometimes rush into things before thinking them through.
The Planet associated with The Fool is Uranus. Uranus is the planet of "Freedom." Uranus coldly destroys restraint and breaks down the barriers of convention, particularly outworn restrictions and passé conventions.
The Magician
The sign associated with The Magician is also Aries. The Magician is Aries for very different reasons. Aries represents the birth of ideas - creativity in other words - and that is exactly what The Magician is holding in his bag of tricks.
The Planet associated with The Magician is Mercury. Mercury is the ruler of "Intellect." Mercury controls quick thinking, glib accurate expression of thoughts, colorful language, and an accurate grasp of any situation. Mercury is also known as the "Communicator."
The High Priestess
The signs associated with The High Priestess are both Pisces and Virgo. Pisces is the sign of dreams and intuition, and Virgo is the sign of serving humanity.
The Planet associated with The High Priestess is the Moon. The Moon is ruler you're "Your Temper, Temperament & Emotions." The Moon governs your point of view and the way you adjust yourself to the life, and to all situations and contracts coming the way of mankind. The Moon controls scandal, sensational gossip, and all appeals to the masses.
The Empress
The sign associated with The Empress are both Taurus and Libra. Taurus energy is sensual and down-to-earth, and more than content to keep the home fires burning characteristics of The Empress. Libra is the sign of beauty, balance, and social grace; The Empress also embodies these qualities.
The Planet associated with The Empress is Venus. Venus is the planet of "Love, Beauty, and the Social Whirl." Venus colors the personal appearance, the personality, and the degree of success in the social world.
The Emperor
The signs associated with The Emperor are Aries and Scorpio. Aries as you have probably figured out is full of male energy, and The Emperor is a clear presentation of that. A born leader, Aries can't help but embody The Emperor's kingly qualities. Scorpio is the sign of deep-seated power, with its connection to sexuality.
The Hierophant
The sign associated with The Hierophant is Taurus. Taurus is a very conventional sign. Like The Hierophant, those with Taurus prominent in their birth charts like things just as they are.
The Lovers
The sign associated with the Lovers is Gemini. Gemini is the sign of dualities - after all, its symbol is a pair of twins. Like Gemini, the Lovers card is all about partnership and the two sides of every issue, and constant choices.
The Chariot
The sign associated with the Chariot is Sagittarius. Sagittarius is all about motion, and it's always forward motion. People with Sagittarius prominent in their charts never stay in one place for long, as if they had a Chariot with fresh horses every moment of every day.
Strength
The sign associated with Strength is Leo. In Leo we find pride, courage, and the self-confidence to overcome any obstacle, qualities held by the Strength card.
The Hermit
The sign associated with the Hermit is Virgo. One of the characteristics of Virgo is a dedication to finding the sacred patterns in everything, and the Hermit card, with its focus on the introspection, represents this aspect of Virgo perfectly.
The Wheel of Fortune
The signs associated The Wheel are Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio. Each of these signs represents a season: Aquarius is winter, Taurus is spring, Leo is summer, and Scorpio is fall. If you think of each season as an archetype for a certain way of life and then remember that the Wheel of Fortune is all about luck and chance, you realize that which season the Wheel stops at can determine how something will go.
Example; Winter (Aquarius), is a time of gestation, when seeds lie dark before little seedlings pop up in the Spring (Taurus). Summer (Leo) is a time of growth and sunshine, and Autumn (Scorpio) a time of reaping the harvest. Everything must go through cycles, and this is what is represented here with the Wheel of Fortune.
The Planet associated with the Wheel is Jupiter. Jupiter is the planet of "Bigger Things of Life." Ancient astrologers called Jupiter "The Greater Fortune." Jupiter represents religious urges, philosophical thoughts, and dreams of vast accomplishment and great ideals.
Justice
The sign associated with Justice is Libra. Libra is the sign of harmony and balance, and people with this sign prominent in their charts have the uncanny ability to see everything from both sides. And with their dedication to finding the perfect balance, Justice could be their middle name.
The Hanged Man
The sign associated with the Hanged Man is Pisces. Pisces is the sign of spirituality as well as faith and intuition, and, like Pisces, the Hanged Man seems to be caught between two worlds, the spiritual and the material.
The Planet associated with the Hanged Man is Neptune. Neptune is also the ruler of Pisces and is considered the planet of "Delusion, Dreams and Visions." Neptune represents the dreams, visions, and secrets.
Death
The sign associated with Death is Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, of leaving one thing behind in order to start another. Both Scorpio and Death represent rejuvenation, rebirth, renewal, and transformation.
Temperance
The sign associated with Temperance is Cancer. Cancer is above all a moody sign - though we could also interpret it as changeability. The moods and changes of the sign happen because Cancer does not like change, which is exactly what Temperance is all about. Temperance represents the need to balance everything around you, as well as cooperating with existing conditions.
The Devil
The sign associated with the Devil is Capricorn. Capricorn is the sign of ambition and practicality, and, with their goals firmly in mind. Like the people in the Devil card, those with prominent Capricorn can become slaves to their ambitions, but remember - the chains around those people's necks are not locked. Like the Devil card, Capricorn's have a specific end in mind, and that specific goal can become an obsession.
The Tower
The sign associated with the Tower is Aquarius. Aquarius is the sign of inventiveness and the unconventional or even eccentric. Like the Tower card, people with prominent Aquarius will come up with a response out of left field, one that occurred to no one else - and it will be just the response the question or problem needed.
The Planet associated with the Tower is Mars. Mars is the planet known as the "Battlefield," hard fights against everything you hate. It is also described as hard work and accomplishments.
The Star
The sign associated with the Star is Aquarius. Another aspect of Aquarius is its humanism; this is the universal sign of hope and a better tomorrow. Like the Star, people with Aquarius prominent in their chart are seemingly impossible dreamers who get their own way - only to have everyone fall in behind later on, when their way has proven to be the better one.
The Moon
The signs associated with the Moon are both Cancer and Pisces. Sensitive, moody, Cancer and intuitive, dreamy Pisces are both water signs, and the Moon, ruler of the tides, is closely tied to both. Both the Moon and these two signs are associated with unconscious and the night.
The Sun
The sign associated with the Sun is Leo. Self-confident, proud, unafraid - these are the qualities of the Sun card and of Leo. Leo expects everyone to naturally adore him, and the child on the Sun card is equally self-assured.
The Planet associated with the Sun is the Sun. The Sun is a planet of "Yourself", and it represents the powerful influence in human life.
Judgement
The sign associated with Judgement is Scorpio. Like Death, Judgement is about transformation, and in this case rising to a new level of understanding. Judgement represents a total change of awareness; you can say, "The light bulb has just gone on."
The Planet associated with Judgement is Pluto. Pluto is the planet of "Death," and is also the ruler of Scorpio. Pluto governs sex and reproductions as well as wills, legacies, and inheritances.
The World
The sign associated with the World is Capricorn. The World is the highest level of success and attainment, the Major Arcana teaches us. Capricorns, like the World, will focus on their goals no matter how long it takes them to satisfy that Capricorn thirst for attainment.
The Planet associated with the World is Saturn. Saturn is often referred to as "The Old Man Of The Zodiac." Saturn rewards with power and authority, sometimes the reward is fame and high worldly position.
I have the astrological signs noted under my Minor Arcana section, but there are variables for each of the Minor Arcana.
Recap From Minor Arcana Section
If you wish to view more detail about the suits themselves, please refer to my section under Minor Arcana.
Wands
Wands are the element Fire. The corresponding signs that normally go with the Wands are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs are energetic, idealistic, self-assertive, courageous, and often visionary. These are active, "fiery" people who express themselves creatively and are passionate about everything they do.
Cups
Cups are the element Water. The corresponding signs that normally follow the Cups are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Water signs are sensitive and romantic; they think with their feelings, are intuitive, and can be emotional. People with water signs put their hearts ahead of their heads, but they won't always let you know it.
Swords
Swords are the element Air. The corresponding signs that normally follow the Swords are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs represent social and intellectual capabilities, ideas, communications, thinking, and social interrelationships. These are people who exist in the mental plane, in the "air" in other words.
Pentacles
Pentacles are the element of Earth. The corresponding signs that normally follow the Pentacles are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth Signs are practical and skillful, good at managing physical assets and financial matters, or any form of matter. People with earth signs are down to earth and strong authority figures.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn originated in England during the late 1800's and attracted such prominent figures as poet William Butler Yeats, the Magician Aleister Crowley, and the inventor of the most popular Tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite. Below is the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, they were a short lived occultism, but had very much influenced these meanings of the Minor Arcana with their association with astrology.
Ace - Root of Earth
Two - Jupiter/Capricorn
Three - Mars/Capricorn
Four - Sun/Capricorn
Five - Mercury/Taurus
Six - Moon/Taurus
Seven - Saturn/Taurus
Eight - Sun/Virgo
Nine - Venus/Virgo
Ten - Mercury/Virgo
Ace - Root of Fire
Two -Mars/Aries
Three - Sun/Aries
Four - Venus/Aries
Five - Saturn/Leo
Six - Jupiter/Leo
Seven - Mars/Leo
Eight - Mercury/Sagittarius
Nine - Moon/Sagittarius
Ten - Saturn/Sagittarius
Ace - Root of Water
Two - Venus/Cancer
Three - Mercury/Cancer
Four - Moon/Cancer
Five - Mars/Scorpion
Six - Sun/Scorpio
Seven - Venus/Scorpio
Eight - Saturn/Pisces
Nine - Jupiter/Pisces
Ten - Mars/Pisces
Ace - Root of Air
Two - Moon/Libra
Three - Saturn/Libra
Four - Jupiter/Libra
Five - Venus/Aquarius
Six - Mercury/Aquarius
Seven - Moon/Aquarius
Eight - Jupiter/Gemini
Nine - Mars/Gemini
Ten - Sun/Gemini
The Kings, Queens and Knights also have astrological signs attached to them, to help tell you who they are. Below you will find a description for the Court cards and their corresponding Sun signs.
Kings
King of Wands
The sign associated with the King of Wands is Aries. Aries as I mentioned early on, is a "fiery" sign, and who better to be Aries then the King of Wands. Aries people are natural born leaders, with courage, energy, and originality necessary to inspire followers. They are often top heavy with personality and are well able to carry out their plans. Aries can be noble, pure, futile, and proud looking people. Although they can be agressive, and demanding, with a temper to boot. The King of Wands embodies all of these qualities.
King of Cups
The sign associated with the King of Cups is Cancer. Cancer people tend to be moody, sensitive, and impressionable of all the Zodiac. They are whimsical, broody, fanciful personalities, strongly instinctive, but very timid, and unwilling to face reality. Cancer types are good business people, and are creative in their work, and they can be very spiritual. Just like Cancer, the King of Cups embodies all these qualities, both in his postive and negative aspects, or should I say moods?
King of Swords
The sign associated with the King of Wands is Libra. Libra people are balanced, serene, temperate, intellectual, analytical, and harmonious. They are strong, traditionally conventional, gracious, and well bred. They can analyze, explain, and pass judgment on all sorts of difficulties with complete detachment. The King of Swords also embodies these qualities from Libra, always willing to pick things apart and anaylize all aspects of a problem.
King of Pentacles
The sign associated with the King of Pentacles is Capricorn. Capricorn's have a tendancy to be critical, fault-finding and overbearing at times. They have a vigorious intellect, well able to help them succeed in business. They have a fine comprehension of how to do business in the serious, less imaginative, routine way. Capricorn's can be depended upon to follow his/her routine and complete their tasks with enviable exactitude. Their attendance is perfect, and they never miss any of their duties. The King of Pentacles truely embodies these qualities of the Capricorn, and uses them to help get ahead in the material world.
Queens
Queen of Wands
The sign associated with the Queen of Wands is Sagittarius. Sagittarians have a zest for good living, they take an active interest in sports and outdoor activities. Sagittarians have almost as many accidents as the Aries people, because of thier enthusiatic energy, and self-forgetfulness. The Sagittarian mind is mature, farseeing, and practically imaginative, they have the kind of vision that understands the world and loves for what it is. Like Sagittarius, the Queen of Wands is honorable and respectful and can be a strong leader in business or at home. This Queen embodies the qualities of Sagittarius gracefully.
Queen of Cups
The sign associated with the Queen of Cups is Pisces. Just like the Queen of Cups, Pisces people tend to be dreamy, responsive, impressionable, sensitive spirit, and full of emotions that they can not always comprehend. They are also admirable, sweet-tempered people, very socially inclined, and exceedingly likable. But like the Queen, they tend to lack direction, and need help from others. The Queen of Cups qualities are very similar to those born to Pisces.
Queen of Swords
The sign that is associated with the Queen of Swords is Gemini. Gemini's are many faceted people, sparkling, brilliant, and hard like diamonds. Like the Queen of Swords, Gemini's have mental qualities, which influence them to be intellectual, analytical, full of wit and accomplishments. The Gemini mind is impersonal, and never guided in decisions by emotions. They move quickly and gracefully. The Queen of Swords is a good public speaker and organizer, and like Gemini she is very quick to learn new languages, and is good with communication, writting, and has a keen sharp mind and observes those around her.
Queen of Pentacles
The sign associated with the Queen of Pentacles is Virgo. The average Virgo person is quiet, industrious, painstaking and modest. They have clear thinking, practical minds capable of the material type of intellectuality. They tend to not be very adventurous, and instead follow the rules of society. Like the Queen of Pentacles, they accomplish whatever they set out to do because they stick to the job, no matter how lengthly and tiresome. The Queen of Pentacles normally has a quiet personality, is responsive to others, easygoing, and responsible, many qualities of Virgo.
Knights
Knight of Wands
The sign associated with the Knight of Wands is Leo. Leo's are kingly people, heroic, and generous. They are poised, commanding, and gracious. Like the Knight of Wands, Leo's can be strongly executive, and like to command a situation, and can give orders, speak frankly, and criticizing freely, often offending by bluntness rather than ill will. The Knight of Wands is hasty, and takes action where others would not. This Knight embodies many qualities of Leo.
Knight Of Cups
The sign associated with the Knight of Cups is Scorpio. Scorpio people are extremists in every way. They are the most ruthless, dominant, self-willed and autocratic of any Zodiac type. They can also be exceedingly passionate. The Knight of Cups, like Scorpio's are found to be loyal, magnetism, gentleness, insight and have amazing self-control. They both strive to unite love's physical and spiritual vibrations, with a strange mixture of eroticism and purity.
Knight of Swords
The sign associated with the Knight of Swords is Aquarius. Aquarian people love humanity, and tend to see the good in everything. This Knight embodies many qualities from Aquarius such as, courageous, skillful, curteous, kind, good intentions, quick witted and sharp, can be a helpful advisor and friend, always willing to defend the underdog, and is concerned with getting to truth of a matter.
Knight of Pentacles
The sign associated with the Knight of Pentacles isTaurus. Taurus people tend to be steadfast and proud. They have a love of home, people and their surroundings, and it is always run with practical efficiency. Like the Knight of Pentacles, Taurus people desire wealth and comfort, and has the patience and endurance to pursue success until he gets it. Both this Knight and Taurus people are generally easygoing, compassionate, loves children and the gifts they can offer others.
There are many books that you can read to further your Astrology studies. Below are just some examples of books I have read over the years, and have found to be very helpful, in learning a little more about your astrological signs.
"The Astrology Kit" - Devised by Grant Lewi and consultant Liz Greene. This kit will help you chart your birthday and where all the planets were at the time you were born. After you have charted your birthday, you can then read up about yourself with the definitions they provide, and Hey! when you're done there continue to do your friends and family!
"The Hidden World of Birthdays" - Written by Judith Turner. This book provides a little about your colors, sign, personality, numbers etc. in an easy to read day by day birthday meanings.
"Sun Signs" as well as "Love Signs" - Written by Linda Goodman. Linda Goodman is one of my favorite authors on Astrology. She adds in humor and her books are very detailed about each of the 12 Zodiac signs. If you are interested in reading an accurate astrology profile on yourself as well as personal relationships, then I recommend these two books for reading.
There are also many other books written on just one Sun sign, and if you go to your local bookstore and browse through the books they have, I am sure you will find a lot that will interest you. I personally have many books on Astrology, but most of them are on my Sun sign Gemini =)
Astrodienst
Astrology.com
