TAROT

Astrology

The Astrological Matrix of the Tarot

Astrology and Tarot are both symbolic systems that offer insights into the human experience. When combined, they can enhance our understanding of the Tarot cards and offer new dimensions in readings. This chapter explores the astrological associations of the Tarot cards and how they can be used in readings, including telling time durations.

Astrological Associations of the Tarot Cards

Each Major Arcana card is linked to an astrological sign, planet, or celestial body, which adds a layer of meaning to the card's interpretation. Similarly, the Minor Arcana cards also carry astrological associations through the Decans. The Decans are 10-degree divisions of the 12 astrological signs, totaling 36 Decans. Each Decan is assigned to a Minor Arcana card numbered 2 through 10 in each suit.

The following is a breakdown of these associations for each card. However, it is essential to remember that these are additional layers of interpretation and not to overshadow the original meanings of the cards.

Major Arcana Astrological Associations:

  • The Fool (0) – Uranus

  • The Magician (I) – Mercury

  • The High Priestess (II) – The Moon

  • The Empress (III) – Venus

  • The Emperor (IV) – Aries

  • The Hierophant (V) – Taurus

  • The Lovers (VI) – Gemini

  • The Chariot (VII) – Cancer

  • Strength (VIII) – Leo

  • The Hermit (IX) – Virgo

  • Wheel of Fortune (X) – Jupiter

  • Justice (XI) – Libra

  • The Hanged Man (XII) – Neptune

  • Death (XIII) – Scorpio

  • Temperance (XIV) – Sagittarius

  • The Devil (XV) – Capricorn

  • The Tower (XVI) – Mars

  • The Star (XVII) – Aquarius

  • The Moon (XVIII) – Pisces

  • The Sun (XIX) – The Sun

  • Judgement (XX) – Pluto

  • The World (XXI) – Saturn

The Minor Arcana cards 2-10 of each suit are associated with the Decans of the zodiac in the following way:

  • Wands: Associated with the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

  • Cups: Associated with the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

  • Swords: Associated with the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

  • Pentacles: Associated with the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

In each suit, cards 2-4 are linked with the Cardinal sign, cards 5-7 with the Fixed sign, and cards 8-10 with the Mutable sign.

For example, the Eight of Cups is associated with the third Decan of Pisces, the Nine of Cups with the first Decan of Pisces, and the Ten of Cups with the second Decan of Pisces. Each Decan is ruled by a planet which also adds meaning to the cards.

Aries:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees):  Mars - March 21 - March 30

  • Tarot Card: Two of Wands

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Sun - March 31 - April 9

  • Tarot Card: Three of Wands

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Jupiter - April 10 - April 19

  • Tarot Card: Four of Wands

Taurus:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Venus - April 20 - April 30

  • Tarot Card: Five of Pentacles

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Mercury - May 1 - May 10

  • Tarot Card: Six of Pentacles

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Saturn - May 11 - May 20

  • Tarot Card: Seven of Pentacles

Gemini:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Mercury - May 21 - May 31

  • Tarot Card: Eight of Swords

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Venus - June 1 - June 10

  • Tarot Card: Nine of Swords

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Saturn - June 11 - June 20

  • Tarot Card: Ten of Swords

Cancer:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Moon - June 21 - June 30

  • Tarot Card: Two of Cups

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Pluto - July 1 - July 10

  • Tarot Card: Three of Cups

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Neptune - July 11 - July 22

  • Tarot Card: Four of Cups

Leo:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Sun - July 23 - August 1

  • Tarot Card: Five of Wands

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Jupiter - August 2 - August 11

  • Tarot Card: Six of Wands

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Mars - August 12 - August 22

  • Tarot Card: Seven of Wands

Virgo:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Mercury - August 23 - September 1

  • Tarot Card: Eight of Pentacles

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Saturn - September 2 - September 11

  • Tarot Card: Nine of Pentacles

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Venus - September 12 - September 22

  • Tarot Card: Ten of Pentacles

Libra:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Venus - September 23 - October 2

  • Tarot Card: Two of Swords

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Saturn - October 3 - October 12

  • Tarot Card: Three of Swords

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Jupiter - October 13 - October 22

  • Tarot Card: Four of Swords

Scorpio:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Mars - October 23 - November 1

  • Tarot Card: Five of Cups

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Sun - November 2 - November 11

  • Tarot Card: Six of Cups

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Venus - November 12 - November 21

  • Tarot Card: Seven of Cups

Sagittarius:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Jupiter - November 22 - December 1

  • Tarot Card: Eight of Wands

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Mars - December 2 - December 11

  • Tarot Card: Nine of Wands

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Sun - December 12 - December 21

  • Tarot Card: Ten of Wands 

Capricorn:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Saturn - December 22 - December 31

  • Tarot Card: Two of Pentacles

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Venus - January 1 - January 10

  • Tarot Card: Three of Pentacles

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Mercury - January 11 - January 19

  • Tarot Card: Four of Pentacles

Aquarius:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Saturn - January 20 - January 29

  • Tarot Card: Five of Swords

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Jupiter - January 30 - February 8

  • Tarot Card: Six of Swords

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Mars - February 9 - February 18

  • Tarot Card: Seven of Swords

Pisces:

  • 1st Decan (0-10 degrees): Jupiter - February 19 - February 28

  • Tarot Card: Eight of Cups

  • 2nd Decan (10-20 degrees): Moon - March 1 - March 10

  • Tarot Card: Nine of Cups

  • 3rd Decan (20-30 degrees): Mars - March 11 - March 20

  • Tarot Card: Ten of Cups

Astrology in Tarot Timing

Astrology can also be applied to Tarot for timing purposes. In this case, each Major Arcana card associated with a Zodiac sign can indicate a specific time of the year, corresponding to the duration of that sign. The Minor Arcana cards 2-10 can represent the three Decans (or 10-day periods) within each astrological sign's timeframe.

In conclusion, the blend of Tarot and astrology provides a rich and complex system of symbolism that can deepen your understanding of the cards and enrich your readings. As with all aspects of Tarot, the key is to use this information intuitively, allowing it to enhance rather than restrict your interpretation of the cards.