Tarot Cards for Beginners
Explanation of Suits
The 4 Tarot Card Suits
The tarot deck, consisting of 78 cards, is often associated with divination and fortune-telling. Within the deck, there are four suits that are filled with symbolic representations, each carrying a significant meaning. These suits, namely cups, wands, swords, and pentacles, encompass a range of human experiences, emotions, and challenges. Understanding the depth and symbolism of each suit can offer us valuable insights into our own lives, relationships, and personal growth. Watch Nkosazana’s video explanation of the Tarot Suits.
Cups
Firstly, the suit of cups represents emotions, intuition, and matters of the heart. It is associated with the element of water, symbolizing the fluidity and depth of our feelings. Cups represent love, relationships, joy, and compassion. When cups dominate a reading, it often signifies matters related to our emotional well-being, such as new relationships, emotional healing, or the exploration of our emotional desires and vulnerabilities. Cups encourage us to connect with our inner selves and express our emotions freely.
- ALSO CALLED- BASKETS, HEARTS, CUPS, CHALICES, VASES, CAULDRONS, BOWLS, BOTTLE
- ELEMENT/DUALITY- WATER/FEMININE
- ZODIAC- CANCER (4TH HOUSE), SCORPIO (8TH HOUSE), PISCES (12TH HOUSE)
- PLANETS- MOON, PLUTO, NEPTUNE
- MAJOR ARCANA- HIGH PRIESTESS II (MOON), CHARIOT VII (CANCER), HANGED MAN XII (NEPTUNE), DEATH XIII (SCORPIO), MOON XVIII (PISCES), JUDGEMENT XX (PLUTO)
- KEYWORDS- EMOTIONS, PASSION, INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTNERS, LOVERS, FEELINGS, CREATIVITY(HOW YOU ENGAGE), NURTURANCE
Wands
On the other hand, the suit of wands embodies energy, creativity, and passion. It is associated with the element of fire, representing the spark of inspiration and the drive to pursue our aspirations. Wands symbolize our ambitions, personal power, and the manifestation of our goals. When wands dominate a reading, it often urges us to take action, follow our passions, and tap into our creative abilities. The suit of wands reminds us to embrace our inner fire and unleash our potential.
- ALSO CALLED- STICKS, CLUBS, WANDS, TORCHES, SEPTER-LIKE RODS AND POLES, STAFFS
- ELEMENT/DUALITY- FIRE/MASCULINE
- ZODIAC- ARIES (1ST HOUSE), LEO (5TH HOUSE), SAGITTARIUS (9TH HOUSE)
- PLANETS- MARS, SUN, JUPITER
- MAJOR ARCANA- EMPEROR IV (ARIES), STRENGTH VIII (LEO), TEMPERANCE- SAGITTARIUS, TOWER- MARS, SUN (LEO)
- KEYWORDS- ACTION, MOVEMENT, DRIVE, PERSONAL POWER, EXPANSION, PASSION, SELF-EXPRESSION
Swords
The suit of Swords is one of the four suits in a standard deck of playing cards. It is often associated with conflict, rationality, intellect, and decision-making. The suit of Swords is characterized by its distinctive imagery of sharp weapons, symbolizing the challenges and struggles we face in life. The suit of swords, associated with the element of air, represents the realm of intellect, challenges, and communication. Swords symbolize our thoughts, ideas, and decision-making processes.
- ALSO CALLED- KNIVES, SPADES(PLAYING CARD DECK), SWORDS, DAGGERS, AXES, SPEARS, SABERS, ARROWS
- ELEMENT/DUALITY- AIR/MASCULINE
- ZODIAC- GEMINI (3RD HOUSE), LIBRA (7TH HOUSE), AQUARIUS 11TH HOUSE)
- PLANETS- MERCURY, VENUS, SATURN, URANUS
- MAJOR ARCAN- FOOL 0 (URANUS), MAGICIAN I (MERCURY), EMPRESS III (VENUS), LOVERS VI (GEMINI), JUSTICE XI (VENUS), STAR XVII (SATURN), WORLD XXI (SATURN)
- KEYWORDS- COMMUNICATION, THE MIND/INTELLECT, STRUGGLES, BALANCE/HARMONY, SPIRITUAL MATTERS, PSYCHOLOGICAL MATTERS
The Suit of Pentacles
Lastly, the suit of pentacles represents material possessions, financial matters, and the physical world. Associated with the element of earth, pentacles symbolize abundance, stability, and our connection to the material realm. This suit prompts us to consider our resources, career, and material well-being. When pentacles dominate a reading, it often indicates financial stability, career opportunities, or the need to focus on practical matters. The suit of pentacles encourages us to find balance between our material and spiritual needs, and to appreciate the physical aspects of our lives.
- ALSO CALLED- COINS, CLUBS (PLAYING CARD DECK), PENTACLES, PENTAGRAM, STARS, DISCS
- ELEMENT/DUALITY- EARTH/FEMININE
- ZODIAC- TAURUS (2ND HOUSE), VIRGO (6TH HOUSE), CAPRICORN (10TH HOUSE)
- PLANETS- VENUS, MERCURY, SATURN
- MAJOR ARCANA- HIEROPHANT V (TAURUS), HERMIT VIIII (MERCURY/SATURN), DEVIL XV (SATURN), WORLD XXI- SATURN
- KEYWORDS- MONEY, MATERIAL POSSESSION, RESOURCES, FINANCES, PROTECTION AND SECURITY, PRACTICAL MATTERS, THE PHYSICAL WORLD
In Conclusion
Each suit tells a unique story and offers valuable insights into different aspects of our lives. Interpreting the messages of the suits requires an open mind and an understanding of their symbolism. By embracing the wisdom of the tarot deck, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and insight. In conclusion, the four suits of the tarot deck – cups, wands, swords, and pentacles – represent different aspects of human experience. Cups symbolize emotions and matters of the heart, wands represent energy and passion, swords embody intellect and challenges, while pentacles signify material possessions and finances. Understanding the deeper meaning and symbolism behind each suit enhances our ability to gain insight into our own lives, relationships, and personal growth. By embracing the wisdom of the tarot deck, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and find guidance in the complex tapestry of life.
