GLOSSARY OF SYMBOLS *
[Adding to these symbols is an ongoing project.]
Tarot cards have a wealth of symbolism - here are some associations to explore. Look for these symbols and consider how they support and convey meanings connected with the cards on which they appear.
angel - divine force, connection to spiritual & higher self; communication / messages; some schools assign specific angels to particular cards
bull - potency, fertility & wealth (owning cattle having been a sign of wealth); connected to the five senses; element of Earth, so connected to Pentacles; astrological sign Taurus; the Evangelist Luke
eagle
[Adding to these symbols is an ongoing project.]
Tarot cards have a wealth of symbolism - here are some associations to explore. Look for these symbols and consider how they support and convey meanings connected with the cards on which they appear.
angel - divine force, connection to spiritual & higher self; communication / messages; some schools assign specific angels to particular cards
bull - potency, fertility & wealth (owning cattle having been a sign of wealth); connected to the five senses; element of Earth, so connected to Pentacles; astrological sign Taurus; the Evangelist Luke
eagle
eagle - insight/ understanding; element of Water, so connected to Cups; higher form of astrological sign Scorpio; the Evangelist John
lemniscate ( ) - symbol for infinity; timelessness; endlessness; inter-connection; continuous link
lion - strength / courage; element of Fire, so connected to Wands; astrological sign Leo; the Evangelist Mark
man (as symbol - head on Wheel, World, etc.) - thought / intellect; element of Air, so connected to Swords; astrological sign Aquarius; the Evangelist Matthew
mountain(s) - place of height that can be useful for clear views / understanding; place of revelation & ascension; can also be place of exposure / vulnerability; in the distance - can represent options / goals
nakedness - innocence & purity, unless 'clothed' with horns & tail (Devil card)
path - routes / journeys in life (and paths on Kabbalistic Tree of Life); often connected to choice
pillars - left & right / dark & light / feminine & masculine / passive & active, etc., connected to all dualities and to balance; biblical pillars, Boaz and Joachim, of Solomon's Temple; connected to Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Pillar of Severity (feminine) and Pillar of Mercy (masculine), often with figure forming central column of the Tree
Connects to towers
tower(s) - built up structure, whose height should help for clear sight, but may become a structure that separates and blocks connection, connected to arrogance / complacency Can connect to pillars in creating balance and Kabbalistic Tree of Life
* General reference books about symbols are helpful, and there are also books specific to tarot symbolism, such as Place's The Tarot: History, Symbolism and Divination
lemniscate ( ) - symbol for infinity; timelessness; endlessness; inter-connection; continuous link
lion - strength / courage; element of Fire, so connected to Wands; astrological sign Leo; the Evangelist Mark
man (as symbol - head on Wheel, World, etc.) - thought / intellect; element of Air, so connected to Swords; astrological sign Aquarius; the Evangelist Matthew
mountain(s) - place of height that can be useful for clear views / understanding; place of revelation & ascension; can also be place of exposure / vulnerability; in the distance - can represent options / goals
nakedness - innocence & purity, unless 'clothed' with horns & tail (Devil card)
path - routes / journeys in life (and paths on Kabbalistic Tree of Life); often connected to choice
pillars - left & right / dark & light / feminine & masculine / passive & active, etc., connected to all dualities and to balance; biblical pillars, Boaz and Joachim, of Solomon's Temple; connected to Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Pillar of Severity (feminine) and Pillar of Mercy (masculine), often with figure forming central column of the Tree
Connects to towers
tower(s) - built up structure, whose height should help for clear sight, but may become a structure that separates and blocks connection, connected to arrogance / complacency Can connect to pillars in creating balance and Kabbalistic Tree of Life
* General reference books about symbols are helpful, and there are also books specific to tarot symbolism, such as Place's The Tarot: History, Symbolism and Divination
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REFERENCE - Symbols
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