Tarot Symbolism

I've started writing a series of articles for LoveToKnow outlining the symbolism and meanings associated with the major arcana tarot cards from the Latin Tarot (Rider-Waite-Smith). 

The tarot was originally designed as playing cards with four suits (wands, swords, cups, and pentacles) and a trump suit. In game play, the major arcana cards are the trump suit. In tarot readings they represent archetypal energies, and their presence in a spread suggests something the querent should pay careful attention to. 

Quickly before I get to the major arcana cards, understand that even the suit cards are significant. They have numerological associations, imagery rich with symbolism, and each of the suits represents a classical element and an aspect of life.

• Wands represent the classical element of fire. Their primary energy is "I desire," and they are associated with the spirit.
• Pentacles represent the classical element of earth. Their primary energy is "I have," and they are associated with the physical and the body.
• Swords represent the classical element of air. The primary energy is "I think," and they are associated with the mind.
• Cups represent the classical element of water. Their primary energy is, "I feel," and they are associated with the heart and emotions.

The major arcana cards are also rich with symbolism. When interpreting them in a spread, various forms of symbolism come into play from:

• Archetypal energies
• Numerology
• Their position in the major arcana - which other cards precede and follow them
• The symbols and images on the card
• The colors on the card

I'll keep adding to this as I write more articles about the specific symbolism of each of the major arcana cards, so keep checking back for more. 

• The Fool (0)
• The Magician (I)
• The High Priestess (II)
• The Empress (III)
• The Emperor (IV)
• The Hierophant (V)
• The Lovers (VI)
• The Chariot (VII)
• Strength (VIII)
• The Hermit (IX)
• Wheel of Fortune (X)
• Justice (XI)
• Hanged Man (XII)
• Death (XIII)
• Temperance (XIV)
• The Devil (XV)
• The Tower (XVI)
• The Star (XVII)
• The Moon (XVIII)
• The Sun (XIX)
• Judgement (XX)
• The World (XXI)

Image by Varga from Pixabay ​