⭐️Symbols found in Tarot⭐️
⭐️ Symbol meanings of Tarot are essential to our interpretational process. Indeed, symbols themselves serve as messages from our higher selves and the Universe. A prime reason why the Tarot is such an effective divining tool is because it deals with the common ground of symbols and their meanings.
⭐️ The Tarot is a symbolic oracle, and as such, it is vital for us to recognize and understand its symbol meanings to assure a well-rounded reading of the cards.
Common Tarot symbols and their meanings have been included in this lesson for your growth, development and deeper understanding of the Tarot reading craft.
As you read the cards, you will notice certain symbols will catch your attention more-so than others. This is no accident.
When we gravitate toward specific features in a card, this is your intuition bringing to light important issues. When this happens, consider some of the symbol meanings provided below in conjunction with your reading. This will provide more clarity and insight to your overall reading.
Remember, symbol meanings are subject to your own perception. To clarify, if a symbol means something specific to you, then this is the meaning you should assign to that symbol. These pages simply offer a foundation of meanings to work with.
"If our minds are glorious mansions,
and our spirits are the surrounding landscape,
then the Tarot is a doorway �revealing a wide realm of ever-increasing �beauty, insight, and mystical experience."
Important Note: The symbols selected for the creation of these pages were taken from the traditional Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Other deck renditions may not display the same symbols as the Rider-Waite. For example, the Angel symbol is shown on the Rider-Waite "Wheel" card, but is not shown on the Morgan-Greer rendition.
Angels in the Tarot system are symbolic of divine messages. They are messengers of important information. In a reading , their appearance indicates a message (relating to the card) may be coming to the querent in the form of inspiration, divine intervention, or subtlety. Angels also symbolize higher thought and ideals.
Lovers / Wheel / Temperance / Judgment / Queen of Swords
The ankh symbolic meaning deals with immortality and balance. It is a common Egyptian symbol whose meaning is "life." Geometrically, the loop on top represents the sun rising above the horizon represented by the horizontal line. This captures both immortality (the sun shall always rise) and balance (the horizon is female, the sun is male in symbolism).
Arches are symbolic of openings, passage-ways, and initiations. In a reading, the arch is a symbol of a new direction for the querent. This new opening or path is indicated by the card.
3 of Pentacles / 10 of Pentacles / 4 of Wands
The symbolic meanings of armor deal with protection, preparation, and strength. Most Tarot deck renditions depict all the knights in full armor (knights typically represents action and strength). The armor indicates a need to protect ourselves when engaging in activities referenced in a reading.
Emperor / Chariot / Death / Knight of Swords / Knight of Pentacles / Knight of Cups / Knight of Wands / 4 of Swords
The bench is symbolic of taking a moment to examine the details. In a reading, benches indicate the querent needs to sit back, relax, and take some time to examine or savor the situations expressed in the card layout.
3 of Pentacles / 8 of Pentacles / 2 of Swords / 9 of Cups
The symbol meanings of the bird deals with higher thoughts and matters of the spirit. They are creatures of the air, so they symbolize higher ideals. They also represent freedom and ascencion. When the bird symbol pops out at us during a reading it is a message that we are rising to a higher level, that we need to free ourselves from bondage and we must make our hearts light.
As one would guess, blindfolds deal with our inability to see things clearly. They represent unwillingness to face the truth, inability to accept the facts, or a sign that something is being hidden from us. In a reading blindfolds are a sign that we need to be honest with ourselves, do more research, and/or get a different perspective
2 of Swords / 8 of Swords
Boats are a sign there are some pressing thoughts rumbling within the subconscious. These thoughts will have a tendancy to put us in motion, and this is another symbolic trait of the boat. Boats deal with deeper thoughts and the motion (to action) these thoughts produce. In a reading boats may also indicate travel, or movement in a different direction (usually after much thought and deliberation).
Seen in the sun card, the brick wall is a symbol that you have been holding yourself back or positive events have been prevented from flowing forth due to negative or incorrect thinking. When we see the brick wall it is a message that we must be in a state of allowing in order for the good (sun energy) to shine upon us. It also indicates that we mustn't hold ourselves back or sell ourselves short.
Bridges take us from one point to another, and therefore they symbolically represent resources or help available to us. In a reading bridges remind us that the ways and means to accomplish something is always available to us. In the five of cups the bridge represents moving from a place of grief or regret on to another phase of life.
The Bull is a symbol of power, royalty, stability, force and potence. When we see the bull amongst the cards in a reading we know we are dealing with some powerful forces. It is shown in the World & Wheel card because the bull (Taurus) is one of the fixed signs of the zodiac. The bull (and Taurus) also carries symbolic meanings of resistence to change, being stubborn and inflexible.
Wheel / World / King of Pentacles
A universal symbol for transformation. Butterflies are shown on the queen and king of sword cards, and typically indicate a change in the thoughts of the querent, or someone close in the querent's life. Butterflies go through several changes and transformation before they develop into their final state of beauty. They are a symbol that we as human do the same thing to reach our end goal and to obtain a better way of thought and living.
Queen of Swords / King of Swords
Varied in its meaning, the Caduceus symbol meanings deal with balance, health, duality (union of opposites), proper moral conduct, protection and cosmic energy. Seen on the two of cups, the caduceus bodes well for new partnerships, and serves as a message that with honor and respect to balance, new relationships shall be fruitful. It may also indicate the querent is joining forces with another party in order to facilitate healing.
Castle symbol meanings deal with goals. Castles are physical reprsentations of our need to build (block by block) upon a strong foundation in order to obtain our goals. Castles may also deal with sheltering ourselves or limiting ourselves from reaching our goals. They are also a symbol of obtaining our desires.
Chariot / Ace of Wands / 4 of Wands / 9 of Pentacles / 8 of Swords / 5 of Cups / 7 of Cups
Cats deal with watchfulness, awareness, and perception. Shown on the queen of rods card, the cat is a message that there are energies at work that we may not be aware of, but we can certainly tap into. Cats are also a symbol of psychic ability. In a reading, the queen and her cat will make a point that the querent must keep his/her poise (keep your wits about you) and be aware of all sides to the story in the situation relating to the card reading.
As one might imagine, the symbolic meaning of chains deals with restriction, bondage, conflict, and slavery. Featured in the devil card of the Tarot deck, chains are a message that we may be in a situation where we have become a slave to our thoughts, vices, or to others. It indicates there is restriction or addiction revolving around the situation noted in the reading.
Children represent promise, hope, fresh starts, new beginnings, new ideas, and a fresh way at looking at the world. Children are full of promise for the future and as such they are a symbol of this promise. When they show up on the cards in a reading it could mean the beginning of a new venture, the promise of a new beginning, or it could literally mean children are on their way (new births/adoptions).
Sun / 6 of Cups / 10 of Cups / 6 of Swords / 10 of Pentacles
Cities and villages represent centers or gatherings of people, thoughts, energy and ideas. They are a symbol of the culmination of a group that meets for a common goal. They also symbolize protection, harmony, and team-work. When you notice the cities/villages in a reading it indicates a group effort is required, or the querent must tap into some energy centers or thought centers to accomplish what he/she must.
4 of Pentacles / 6 of Pentacles / 10 of Pentacles / King of Pentacles / 7 of Swords / 6 of Cups
Clouds hold the symbol meaning of revelation. Consider out of the mists of our deepest thoughts suddenly an epiphany comes, a bright idea comes out from nowhere - this is the basic cloud symbol meaning. Depending on the card, clouds can also symbolize confusion or clouded judgment. Primarily, clouds represent higher thought and messages from the divine.
Lovers / Wheel / Tower / Judgment / World / Ace of Swords / 3 of Swords / 5 of Swords / Page of Swords / King of Swords / Ace of Cups / 4 of Cups / 7 of Cups / Ace of Wands / Ace of Pentacles
Man (and woman's) best friend - symbol meanings of the dog deals with fidelity, honesty, loyalty, and truth. When the dog symbol pops out at us, we might aks ourselves one of the following questions: 1) Where are our loyalties? 2) In what are we putting our faith? 3) Are being true to ourselves? The dog in our cards is also a good indication that we're on the right track as they are symbolic of stability and righteousness.
Moon / Fool / 10 of Pentacles
The dove is a common spiritual icon with symbol meanings indicating hope, purity, aspiration, and ascension. In Greco-Roman mythology, the dove is a sacred creature to Aphrodite/Venus, and therefore is a powerful symbol of love. Featured on the ace of cups, it is a promising symbol. Note the dove (in the Rider-Waite version) is pointing down - this is a message: "whatever goes up, must come down." In other words, fly high, but ground yourself first.
Throughout culture and myth the falcon symbol meanings have pertained to higher vision, superiority, and rising above the mundane. A common sun symbol among many cultures, the falcon also symbolizes potency, vibrancy and power. When Falcon catches our attention on the nine of pentacles, we are prompted to consider if we are living our lives in-line with our vision. Are we living at our highest potential? The falcon asks us to fly high and blaze the sky with our own brilliance.
Fire is a symbol of both creative and destructive power. Among its many cultural symbol meanings are: energy, transformation, passion, ambition, inspiration and power. In many faiths fire is a symbol representing a test of faith or the measure of one's purity. This very well may be the case in the two cards fire is featured in (Devil & Tower).
It is no coincidence that the fish is featured on all the cups court cards because fish symbol meanings deal with emotion, intuition and creativity. When considering the fish symbol meaning, we must first recognize the nature of the water in which it lives: in motion, unpredictable, and representative of the subconscious (see Water symbol meanings). The fish is a symbol of prolific abundance if we have the wherewithal to harness our own passion responsibly.
Page of Cups / Knight of Cups / Queen of Cups / King of Cups
When we consider the cards on which the flag is featured (Death, Sun & Judgment) we get a good concept of its symbol meanings. The flag is an announcement to change - something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts - the flag is about "in-your-face" transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear.
As we would guess, flowers possess symbol meanings of joy, beauty, growth, sensitivity and unfolding. They are predominant features on the six of cups and four of rods, but they are seen sprinkled throughout many deck renditions (see also the Sunflower symbol meanings entry). Flowers are all about opening up and receiving the light of love, joy and compassion into our lives. They remind us of the better things in life, the good times, the sweet smell of success, and the beauty that surrounds us if only we open up to its presence.
Often depicted as the world, globes possess symbol meanings of totality - both cosmic and physical. When the globe catches our attention on a card, it is an indication that achievement is imminent; we have the whole world "at our fingertips." It is also a symbol of comprehension, getting the idea - or grasping the "bigger picture." The globe is also a geometric aspect of the circle which deals with infinity, completion, cycles, and again - totality.
Symbol meanings of grapes and grapevines deal with fertility, abundance, transformation and blessing. Considered the fruit of the earth in both pagan and Christian circles, the grape is rich in symbolism. Bunches of grapes have long been depicted in funerary art and are symbols of redemption. Grapes and grapevines are also found in Greco-Roman art as symbols of hospitality, bounty and symbolic of youthfulness. All of these attributes come into play when we see these power-packed fruits in the cards.
7 of Pentacles / 9 of Pentacles / 10 of Pentacles / King of Pentacles / 3 of Cups / 4 of Wands
A hammer, or the act of hammering is a sign of getting the point across, or getting the job done. The hammer is also a symbol of force, action, masculinity, and creativity. Typically drawn in matters of vocation, when the hammer catches our eye in a reading it may indicate that we need to get the job done and done well. It may also mean we need to hammer out the details relating to work or a project.
3 of Pentacles / 8 of Pentacles
Power, domination, protection these are primary symbol meanings relating to the hand. Hands are historically seen as points of transmission, meaning we give and receive from hands (energetically and physically). It's no accident that the powerful ace cards are all depicted with a hand holding the suit symbol. This is a clear message of force and power relating to the indicated suit. It is also a reminder that we are able to both give and receive those attributes pertaining to the referring suit.
Ace of Pentacles / Ace of Rods / Ace of Swords / Ace of Cups
As one would assume, the heart has long been as symbol of love, joy, and affection. The heart is also a symbol of truth, courage and conscience. The symbolic heart is the center of existence - physically speaking it pumps out life to the rest of the body. When we note the heart in our readings we must be mindful of our own center, and what is at the center of our focus. We may also ask what we love most - that which is positive or negative.
Yes, this is a tool, and as such its sybmolism deals with work, resourcefulness, accomplishment. But the hoe is also a message telling us we can make our way easier by using the resources (tools) that are available to us. The hoe is also connected to the old adage "what we sew so shall we reap." When the hoe pops out at us in the cards (7 of pentacles) we might do well to consider what kind of sewing we are doing and how we are utilizing our resources (are we doing things the hard way, or should we recruit some help).
Much like the flagsymbol meanings, the horn is also a symbol of announcement, only more forceful. Horns symbolize a joyous, boisterous, victorious, triumphant announcement. They signal all within ear-shot that something has happened or is about to happen soon. Horns announce both victory and oncoming attack - keep this in mind when the horn comes to your attention on the Judgment card.
Featured on all the knight cards of the Tarot, the horse symbol meanings deal with strength, motion, action, and vitality. Linked in many ancient traditions with the four elements (fire, water, earth, air) the horse is also a strong spiritual symbol and an emblem of incorporating all the elements to maintain an equal, powerful balance with all things in the universe. This is evident in the "either/or" nature of the knights. In a more mundane sense, the horse is predispositioned to have a charging nature. In a reading, this gives us pause to consider where we are charging to and why.
Death / Sun / Knight of Pentacles / Knight of Swords / Knight of Cups / Knight of Wands / 6 of Wands
In houses we live, die, play, cry, grow, hide, dream, the list goes on. As such, they are symbols of our deepest secrets and the tenderest parts of our hearts. House symbol meanings also deal with protection and the value that we feel we must guard against theft. When houses jump up to our vision in a reading it may be a sign that our security is threatened, or it may convey the opposite, and we should not be concerned with safety and we are already protected.
2 of Cups / 6 of Cups / 10 of Cups / 2 of Wands / 8 of Wands / 10 of Wands
Ice symbol meanings deal with isolation, patience, waiting, distance, and objection. Ice is used in the Tarot to convey a feeling of separation. It is also used to portray a time of deep contemplation or a process of growth that is not perceived until much later (cycle of season) for example, spring is only evident after the thaw.
Fool / Hermit / Tower / Judgment /
Keys unlock things, and as such, they represent knowledge, intellect, and uncovering things that are hidden from us. The keys of the Hierophant card symbolize the keys to spiritual knowledge, and wisdom. The ancient Greeks depicted keys as symbols for knowledge and life. When these keys catch our attention we may need to ask if we are locking up our potential, or if we feel something is being locked away from us.
The lantern carries with it all the symbol meanings that deal with light - it is the vehicle for intelligence, truth, and illumination. In Hinduism and Buddhism a lamp is a symbol of life. Lamps also serve as a devotional symbol and embody the spirit of virtue, faith and vigilance (lighting a candle in memory, as well as lighting the way through the darkest hour). When the lantern of the Hermit shines brightly to our awareness it is a symbol of clarity coming through and life revealing precious gifts to us.
The lemniscate (also known as the infinity symbol) is a geometrical represetation of the endless and eternal nature of energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it simply continues on forever in motion. The symbol meanings of this emblem serve to remind us of the infinite nature of our spirit, as well as our thoughts. When this symbol comes to our attention it may be a message that we should consider the consequences of our thoughts and deeds - the effects of which can be
Magician / Strength / World / 2 of Pentacles
Typically the symbol meanings of lightning deal with instant and divine intervention. Lightning is a major message from a higher source, a message for the observer to wake up and pay attention to his/her surroundings. Lightning was viewed as a creative spark to the Native Americans as it signified the winking Thunderbird. Linked with both fire and water, lightning is also viewed as both creator and destroyer in many cultures. When the lightning bolt in the Tower card flashes at you, perhaps it is a message to pay attention to what creative or destructive forces are at work in your life.
The lily has symbol meanings of purity, innocence and fertility. Also, lily symbolism deals with vulnerability, and the freedom to be ourselves, as well as allowing others to be as they are too. The lily is also a symbolic flower of health and provision. In a reading, the lily can signal growth, development, and a quality of innocence in our lives. Depending on the surrounding cards, the lily may also indicate new relationships and births.
Magician / Temperance / Ace of Pentacles
Signifying one of the four fixed signs of the zodiac, lion symbol meanings deal with strength, courage, royalty, and protection. Much like lightning, the lion is viewed as both savior and destroyer in ancient cultural myth. The lion is a bit of a paradox - while standing
as a symbol of spiritual valor it is also a symbol for the beastly needs of the flesh. When the lion roars at us in the cards we are encouraged to consider the level of our courage. Are we seated in faith or flesh? Are we protecting others or ourselves? Are we being strong or just stubborn?
Strength / Wheel / World / 2 of Cups / Queen of Wands / King of Wands
With symbol meanings of renewal, vision, enlightenment, and rebirth, the lizard makes its appearance on the male court cards in the suit of rods. The lizard (or salamander in some renditions) suns itself on these cards to signify the importance of vision in the midst of action. In fact, in ancient times (particularly in alchemical lore), it was believed that the lizard renewed its sight by looking into the sun. A symbol of demure perspective in the face of monumental physical force - the lizard is a tiny reminder that big results come from small, conscious efforts.
Page of Wands / Knight of Wands / King of Wands
Also depicted as a crab or crayfish in other deck renditions, the lobster symbol meanings deal with cycles, regeneration, and protection. These creatures are lunar symbols; they cast off their shells for new onces, and this is where the rebirth/cycling association plays its part. The protective symbolizm is evident in the hard spiney exo-skeleton found with these creatures. When the Lobster in the Moon card crawls into our consciousness we're reminded of the cyclical nature in our lives and what protection we may need for the path on which we embark.
