The Sun Cards in the Tarot

The planets are linked to Major and Minor Arcana cards in the Tarot.

A while ago, I looked at the moon cards in the Tarot and noticed some interesting visual connections

Here are some of my observations of the sun cards in the Tarot.

The best deck to use for this exercise is the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) Tarot.

On a visual level, we can see a connection between Strength and the Six of Cups. There is interaction between the two main figures.

I also see a link between Strength and the Four of Pentacles. The woman and man are holding on to something.

And yes, The Sun and Strength both depict people with animals.

I leave you to explore more visual similarities and what they could mean.

What additional interpretations does the sun as a planet add to each card it corresponds with?

Here are some suggestions:

The Sun - primary link with the sun, which in astrology represents the ego, life force and creativity. Additional interpretations therefore could be confidence, extroversion, selfishness, survival instinct, hedonism.

Strength - linked to the zodiac sign Leo, which is ruled by the sun. Strong physical energy, vitality, health and resilience.

Ten of Swords - Here, the sun represents a new beginning, new life, new opportunity, birth, resilience, survivor spirit, looking at the bright side, blessing.

Three of Wands - optimism, focus, alert, enthusiastic, adventure spirit, creative drive, ambition.

Six of Cups - contentment, benevolence, joy, nurture.

Eight of Pentacles - job satisfaction, vocation, workaholic, creative energy

Four of Pentacles - selfishness, self-protection, possessiveness

If you would like to learn step-by-step more about astrology and how to apply it in your Tarot work, then check out my Tarot Astrology self-study course, where you can download the complete planet exercise together with some funky journaling sheets.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started. Dive into the cards and see what else you can discover that relates to the sun—additional interpretations or visual connections.

Remember, the sun adds the element Fire to each card.

If you're eager to learn more about astrology and how to apply it in your Tarot work, check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology self-study course. 

You can download a FREE funky planet exercise on my Ko-fi page.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 🦄

Tarot Journey: Return To The Light

After a dark and gloomy January here in the UK, February has finally arrived.

I can sense a sudden exhilarating shift in my mood as if a button has been pressed in my brain.

The days are getting longer, the snowdrops are blooming, the crocuses are on their way, I’m looking out for buds on shrubs and trees…. on our tarot journey, it’s the return from darkness into the light. Yay😄

The return to the light is symbolised by The Sun in the Major Arcana. Before we embrace this positive energy of joy and enlightenment, we can put closure on the darkness with this little spread:

Now that we have put the darkness to rest (at least for a while), we can focus on the lighter side of life – creation, success, clarity, simple abundance, vitality.

In the Tarot, when the Fool reaches the Sun, he has reached his goal. He is exactly where he wants to be.

In the RWS deck, his achievement is symbolised by the red feather on his head on both cards and the sun in the sky, which has turned from white (beginning) to golden (completion):

In the Cosmic Faery Tarot, I have illustrated the Fool’s milestone as a seedling growing into a beautiful sunflower:

Working with the Sun, ask the following questions:

• What has come to fruition?

• What commitments have I made?

• What do I now understand?

• What can I celebrate today?

• What is making me happy right now?

The Sun is very much about living in the moment, the here and now.

Just for a change, there is no need to make plans or think about the future.

What is most important is to savour the present and just be.

The Sun’s energy is linked to various cards in the tarot, most notably the Ten of Swords (Sun in Gemini), which depicts quite profoundly the emergence from darkness into the light.

If you are curious about your own tarot journey and want to learn more, check out my courses and ebooks, and follow me on Ko-fi, where you can also grab some fab freebies.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Meaning Of The Sun in the Tarot

“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.”  - Pearl S. Buck

The Fool has grown from a seedling into a beautiful sunflower - he's come a long way!

The keyword for the Sun is happiness - being happy with what we have, even if it isn't much; looking beyond the imperfections - nothing is perfect, but that's okay.

Happiness is a way of being wise and enlightened.

Happiness is the key to success (not the other way round).

The Sun is also connected to the self, the ego, creativity, clarity and vitality.

When this card comes up in a reading, it's all about you, positive thinking, your creative potential, joy, gratitude and contentment.

In the Major Arcana, the Sun follows the Moon, so it can also indicate that a confusing situation is now becoming clear.

• What can you do today to brighten up your day? 
• What simple pleasures could you indulge in today that would make you feel happy? 

“We need much less than we think we need.” - Maya Angelou

⭐If you’d like to learn more about the Sun and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Aries in the Minor Arcana

✨Welcome to the official launch of my Starlight Tarot Astrology Course✨

To mark the occasion, I'd like to share with you a little snippet of what you'll be learning on this course.

My focus today is on astrological correspondences of the pip cards (numbered cards 2 - 10 in the Minor Arcana), specifically Aries in the Minor Arcana.

Each pip card is linked to an astrological correspondence:

• Two of Wands - Mars in Aries
• Three of Wands - Sun in Aries
• Four of Wands - Venus in Aries

We can see that a planet and a zodiac sign are connected to each card.

I won't be explaining today why and how these attributions have come about (but it's explained in the course).

Instead, I will show you how you can make sense of these attributions in a reading and apply them in a practical way.

First of all, you will have noticed that the above pip cards are assigned to the zodiac sign Aries.

Some characteristics of Aries are: pioneering, visionary, initiating and pro-active.

Aries people are enthusiastic about starting new projects and find it easy to take the lead. But they also need to keep focused on their vision in order to reach their goals.

Sometimes they find it hard to sustain the initial enthusiasm, but their ambitions and drive may help them along towards what they want to achieve.

Aries is also linked to the Emperor and the Queen of Wands.

(Note how you can make additional connections with corresponding Major Arcana and Court cards.)

Two of Wands - Mars in Aries

Aries is combined with the aggressive energies of Mars. 

The planet Mars is associated with both positive and negative aggression - competition, ambition, drive as well as anger, ruthlessness and violence.

The combined energies of Mars and Aries in the Two of Wands suggests someone, who is inspired to turn ideas into action, and has that inner urge and drive to succeed.

Both Mars and Aries indicate restlessness and inner energy that needs to be released in a creative and constructive way.

The figure in the image is holding the world in his hand, perhaps thinking of a global conquest, which would be a very Martian thing to do 😄

Mars is also linked to the Tower, and is the ruling planet of Aries (the Emperor).

Three of Wands - Sun in Aries

Here, Aries is combined with the Sun, which is associated with life force, the ego and the need for self-expression.

This combination suggests powerful energies initiating the move from a planning stage to action - new beginnings, the actual start of a journey.

The sun in Aries combination indicates specifically individuality, leadership, confidence and self-assertion.

It can also indicate a tendency to be self-centred or an abundance of energy that could lead to burnout.

Selfishness at this stage doesn't need to be a negative trait but could be a necessity to disregard naysayers and discouragement.

The sun is the ruling planet of Leo (Strength), and is also associated with The Sun in the Major Arcana.

Four of Wands - Venus in Aries

Venus is a grounding force in this combination. 

It is associated with the Empress, but also with the Hierophant and Justice as Venus is ruler of both Taurus and Libra.

Venus relates to love, beauty and indulgence. Together with Aries, there is certainly a party atmosphere, a reason to celebrate and take it easy for a change.

Good times may be connected to business progress, success but also to a house move or family occasion.

The Venus aspect may also indicate an engagement/wedding, or the couple have set up home together.

Because Venus can succumb to prolonged self-indulgence at times, there is a danger of stagnation and complacency, which needs to be overcome by the driving force of Aries.

Once you get more familiar with the planetary and zodiacal traits and characteristics, your interpretation of individual cards will evolve to a new level.

⭐Check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology Course⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Cosmic Spirit Tarot and Wellness

 

Reading Negative Cards in Positive Positions

Sometimes the messages received from the Tarot can be confusing.

For example, you want to know what your strengths are in a certain situation, and the answer you get is the Ten of Swords.

You were hoping for something encouraging and inspirational, but all you got was that disheartening card of someone lying stabbed in the back on the floor.

But let's not panic, Astrology to the rescue😄

Once you know the astrological attributions linked to the cards, you can see more than just the image.

For the Ten of Swords it's Sun in Gemini.

What does Sun in Gemini tell us about the Ten of Swords?

Positive aspects of the sun: vitality, clarity and confidence.

Positive aspects of Gemini: versatile, curious, social.

So, when exploring your strengths or asking which qualities you need to develop in order to resolve an issue successfully, you now have a few options to choose from.

Zodiac and planetary attributes can also offer more specific interpretations of the cards.

Here are some suggestions for the Ten of Swords:

an ending leads to clarity; curiosity will attract new opportunities; social interaction will increase confidence after a blow; an ending is a blessing (sun) in disguise; you have the energy to lift yourself up and recover; resilience...

Let's take a look at other negative cards:

The Tower is linked to Mars, which in turn is also the ruling planet of Aries (The Emperor).

Positive traits: courage, decisiveness, challenging, energetic, pro-active, competitive

Positive card meanings influenced by Mars:

taking drastic action to achieve a goal; having the courage to face danger (extreme sports, a fire fighter etc.); confronting an adversary; implementing a radical overhaul or self-improvement program, e.g. diet, exercise etc., ability to see new possibilities beyond the destruction...

Death is linked to Scorpio, which is commonly connected to "sex, death and taxes".

Positive traits: compassionate, intense, independent and determined. Its ruling planet Pluto suggests the ability to regenerate and overcome the unsettling process of change.

Positive card meanings influenced by Scorpio:

clearing the old to bring in the new; spiritual growth through acknowledging and tackling emotional issues; searching for deeper meaning and purpose; making sweeping changes to rejuvenate a relationship; sex therapy or an intense sexual experience...

The Five of Pentacles is linked to Mercury in Taurus

Positive aspects of Mercury: communicative, expressive, intelligent, thoughtful

Positive aspects of Taurus: disciplined, organised, reliable, steadfast, methodical, affectionate

Positive card meanings influenced by Mercury in Taurus:

being pragmatic at times of adversity; self-reliant; a thorough, hands-on approach to overcoming obstacles; willingness to work hard to achieve success; eager to create stability...

The Devil is linked to Capricorn and also to Uriel, the light bearer, one of the four arch angels.

Positive traits: down-to-earth, ambitious, hard-working, rational, resourceful and loyal. Its ruling planet Saturn also suggests responsibility, patience and an ability to strive despite adverse circumstances.

Positive card meanings influenced by Capricorn:

being disciplined at times of hardship; plodding through and not giving up; taking matters seriously; in relationships loyal and care-giving even when going through a rough patch; realistic expectations...

The Three of Swords is linked to Saturn in Libra.

Positive aspects of Saturn: disciplined, responsible, reliable, endurance

Positive aspects of Libra: fair-minded, cooperative, sincere, striving for harmony

Positive card meanings influenced by Saturn in Libra:

determination to restore harmony out of discord; alleviating anguish with an objective mind; mourning with dignity and self-composure; ability to cut your losses and move on...

At first glance it can be difficult to see the positive aspects in negative cards, especially when they are placed in positions relating to possible strengths, skills, talents, helpful qualities and inspirational guidance.

Remember that there are two sides to each card - positive and negative - and with the help of their astrological attributions you can discover them.

Why don't you give it a try with the following cards, and let me know how you get on:

The Hanged Man - Neptune

Seven of Swords - Moon in Aquarius

Eight of Swords - Jupiter in Gemini

Nine of Swords - Mars in Gemini

Ten of Wands - Saturn in Sagittarius

Five of Cups - Mars in Scorpio

If you would like to learn more about applying astrology to your tarot readings, then check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Sirian Starseed Tarot Review

The Sirian Starseed Tarot is one of the most new age decks I have come across so far.

The photography-based artwork depicts star-studded skies, galaxies, crystals, orbs, dolphins, Buddha, Shiva, the Sphinx and humans from far away fantasy worlds.

When I first looked through the deck and studied each card, I felt uplifted by enchanting images.

I noticed that a lot of the Major Arcana cards have been renamed; traditional authority figures have been turned into Abundance (Empress), Reason (Emperor) and Guidance (Hierophant), and any Christian Church influence has been removed; the Devil has become Shadow, and Judgement has turned into Karma.

The new names offer a fresh perspective on the somewhat dusty archetypal images, and most of them express very well the universal energies the cards represent.

However, I wasn't so sure about renaming The Sun to Solar Deity, which sounds a bit clunky. What's wrong with calling the sun Sun?

And why turning Justice into Divine Justice? Personally, I regard the sun as a star in the universe rather than a deity, and Justice is simply Justice...not necessarily divine.

The Fool has been renamed Starseed, and at this point you might be asking what Starseed is all about.

According to Patricia Cori, author and co-creator of this deck, Starseeds are humans, who have been planted on our planet by aliens from the Sirian star system, in order to help humanity evolve on to a higher spiritual level.

Starseeds here on Earth are unaware of their outer space origin, so if you want to know, if you are one of them, you can find out with the Starseed identity test.

There is a somewhat wonderful wackiness to this new age concept, but I'm not concerned about its validity; everyone is entitled to their opinions and ideas.

What is most important to me is the quality of this Tarot deck and how well it works for me without getting involved into Alien conspiracy theories.

Needless to say, the suits have also been renamed; Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles are now Flames, Chalices, Orbs and Crystals.

The courts have changed from Page, Knight, Queen and King to Seeker, Adept, Sage and Master.

I love the transformation of the outdated feudal hierarchical structure of the court cards into one that is based on knowledge and experience rather than power and wealth.

But despite adopting a universal approach to the court cards, there is still a gender division present; the Seekers and Sages are all female, and the Adepts and Masters male.

The exception is the Master of Crystals, who is neutrally depicted as a crystal skull.

In true new age spirit I would have liked to see both genders being represented equally in each archetype, e.g. the Adepts could have easily been represented by two males and two females, which perhaps would have further enhanced the essence of this deck's visionary message and energy.

My little quibbles shouldn't distract from the fact, that this is overall a very attractive Tarot deck, which can easily become your favourite, if you love the new age concept and artwork.

The oversized cards (15 x 10 cm) are impossible for me to shuffle, but they are ideal for meditating, manifesting and other magickal workings.

Although the Sirian Starseed Tarot can be described as a non-traditional deck, you can see a connection to the RWS cards in many of its images.

Some offer new perspectives like Starseed (the Fool), the Seven of Flames (Wands) and Adept of Chalices (Knight of Cups), others take the sting out of negative cards like the Nine of Orbs (Swords) and Five of Crystals (Pentacles).

The spirit of the Sirian Starseed Tarot makes this the perfect deck for exploring deeper knowledge, understanding, conscious shift, spiritual growth and life purpose.

I have drawn a card that sums up the overall energy of this deck and what it may offer me.

The message I have received is Abundance - creativity, sustainability, fulfilment, nurture, receiving and sharing.

A good sign to work with this deck more often, especially at this time of year, when we have just experienced the 12/12/12 memorable ascension date (note the number 12 = The Hanged Man - emerging from stagnation to a new perspective and consciousness) and are moving towards the end of the current Mayan calendar cycle on the 21 December 2012.

Sirian Starseed Tarot

Patricia Cori & Alysa Bartha

North Atlantic Books 2012

© Patricia Cori 2012

Update 2025: Sadly out of print, but occasionally available second-hand on Ebay and Abe Books

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Planetary Spread with the Rosetta Tarot

The Rosetta Tarot © 2011 M.M. Meleen

Last week I received the magickal Rosetta Tarot in the post, and I'm very impressed with the stunningly vibrant images.

This self-published limited edition tarot deck by artist and author M.M. Meleen is based on Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot and the Golden Dawn tradition. 

Some images are very similar to those in the Thoth deck, but others vary a lot, and some images have even been given a modern, 21st century overhaul

This isn't a lengthy review of the Rosetta Tarot. Overall, I love this deck, and it has inspired me to create an 8-card planetary spread, which can be used as a condensed overview, ideal for general readings.

If you are interested in buying this deck, you will need to be quick, because only 777 copies have been printed, and I received number 520.

I would also recommend buying the companion book, the Book of Seshet, as it offers a wealth of information on the artwork and symbolism of the deck, astrological correspondences, an introduction to Qabalah and explores the Golden Dawn based tarot structure.

In ancient Greco-Roman astronomy five planets and two illuminaries (sun and moon also referred to as planets) were identified, which could all be seen with the naked eye:

Moon - Mercury - Venus - Sun - Mars - Jupiter - Saturn

It was also believed that the Earth was at the centre of the solar system, circled by the seven planets.

The planetary spread is based on this ancient model.

Each planet is associated with characteristics and psychological energies, which we all express in various forms and at different times.

In Tarot, the planets are linked to Major Arcana cards, which can already offer you an insight, what the individual planet is all about, and what the position in the spread refers to.

This spread doesn't contain a future/outcome position. Instead, each card may reveal new information or confirm what you already know. It may also offer guidance on what action to take, perhaps even suggest future possibilities:

1. Earth

The self; present situation; your current role; how you express yourself; where you are right now; your reality; identity

2. Sun (The Sun)

Power source; what motivates you; energy levels, creative endeavours; level of contentment

3. Mars (The Tower)

Action; the male principle; what actions need to be taken; what needs to be confronted; power and control issues; leadership; what existing structures need to be broken up and rebuilt; in a relationship reading, this position can relate to the male (or male-orientated) partner

4. Venus (The Empress)

Love; the female principle; relationships; family; home life; what needs to be nurtured; sensual pleasures; health; in a relationship reading, this position can relate to the female (or female-orientated) partner

5. Jupiter (Wheel of Fortune)

Opportunities to look out for; things in your favour; changing circumstances; new experiences; growth, expansion; what helps you to reach a long-term goal or is necessary for survival

6. Mercury (The Magician)

Messages that clarify a situation; potential; communication; resources available; what needs changing; intention and goals; generating ideas

7.  Saturn (The World)

Opposition or teacher; obstacles, limitations and boundaries; what has been achieved and completed; lessons learned; what adversity have you overcome that has made you stronger; likewise, which apparent positive situations/people in your life can turn out to be a problem in the future

8. Moon (The High Priestess)

Feelings and emotions; how you have been feeling recently; moods; fears, insecurities; doubts; perceptions, what is hidden; intuition

How to read the Cards in this Spread

Shuffle the deck and arrange the cards face-down. Although the cards are placed in the numerical sequence of the spread, they can be read in any order.

If you do the reading for someone else, you could ask the querent to choose, which card to start with (whilst the cards are still lying face-down). This can give you an indication, what the querent’s subconscious priorities are or what concerns them most.

See this spread in action with the Rosetta Tarot in the follow-up post.

⭐In the meantime, grab the FREE planetary spread worksheet on my Ko-fi page to do your own reading⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Exploring Your Tarot Persona Cards

Sharman-Caselli Tarot © 2005 Connections Book Publishing Ltd

The court cards in the Tarot represent personality types, and in a reading they can relate to people, energies or personality traits that need either to be applied to a certain situation or avoided.

If you use the Tarot to deepen your self-knowledge, you can explore your personality (and that of others) by identifying your tarot persona card and its opposing shadow card.

First of all, find your persona card from the list below; this card relates to your sun sign:

Aries—Queen of Wands

Taurus—King of Pentacles

Gemini—Knight of Swords

Cancer—Queen of Cups

Leo—King of Wands

Virgo—Knight of Pentacles

Libra—Queen of Swords

Scorpio—King of Cups

Sagittarius—Knight of Wands

Capricorn—Queen of Pentacles

Aquarius—King of Swords

Pisces—Knight of Cups

The Pages are not included in this list. However, if you resonate more with the child-like energy of a Page rather than a Knight, Queen, or King, you can choose the Page of the suit that corresponds to your sun sign. 

For example, if you are a Gemini (Knight of Swords), you can opt for the Page of Swords instead.

Next, idntify your opposing card by taking the following two steps:

1. Select the opposite role of your persona card, e.g. if you are a King, select Page:

• King - Page
• Queen - Knight
• Knight - Queen
• Page - King

2. Select the opposite of your suit, e.g. if you are Cups, choose Wands:

• Wands - Cup
• Cups - Wands
• Swords - Pentacles
• Pentacles - Swords

So, for me with my sun sign in Pisces this means that my persona card is the Knight of Cups, and my opposing shadow card is the Queen of Wands.

Your persona card relating to your sun sign reflects your outer personality and your strengths; personality traits you openly express and feel comfortable with.

Your shadow card on the other hand indicates hidden elements of your personality, weaknesses, and character traits and behaviours you prefer to keep hidden, are unconsciously suppressed, or may need to be developed.

In my case, the Knight of Cups reflects my introvert, dreamy and intuitive personality, and the Queen of Wands indicates a need to be more social, take action and feel more confident about my abilities.

Try this exercise with family members, colleagues and friends. This way you can explore and identify people's strengths and weaknesses and develop good judgement of character over time.

And please do let me know, what you have learned from your persona and shadaow cards about yourself. I'd love to hear from you 😃

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

⭐Learn more about combining tarot with astrology in my Starlight Tarot Astrology self-study course⭐

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Tarot and the Four Elements: Fire

Just like Air, Fire is a masculine (yang) element; it is vital, energetic and vigorous.

Fire energy is difficult to control, and it can easily destroy everything in its path. Yet when contained, the energy can provide light, warmth, comfort and used to prepare food.

When our ancestors learned how to use fire, it transformed their lives.

In religions, fire is regarded as a great purifier, cleansing sacred space. It is also a symbol of the soul, a metaphor for spirit.

Fire cannot exist without fuel to consume including oxygen. In order to put it out, it needs to be dowsed with water or the air supply needs to be cut off with soil or a wet blanket.

Fire energy is the hot, devouring power of the most intense emotions: anger, lust, love.

Just like a real fire, people with a “fiery” temperament need the element Water in the form of feelings and emotions to calm down and find balance as well as the Element Earth for grounding and stability.

Positive: creativity, enterprise, drive, enthusiasm, passion, determination.

Negative: restlessness, wilfulness, pride, reckless behaviour.

Tarot Cards

Major Arcana: The Emperor, Strength, Temperance, The Tower, The Sun, Judgement

Minor Arcana: The Suit of Wands; Kings

In the Tarot, the element Fire represents growth, inspiration, energy, creativity, self-development and passion. 

Fire refers to career, work, enterprise and ambition.

Fire Correspondences
Astrological signs	Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Atmosphere	Hot and dry
Direction	South
Moon	Full
Season	Summer (Spring in Tarot)
Time	Noon
Animals	Komodo dragon, fire-breathing dragons,  desert-dwelling animals, lion, horses (when their hooves strike sparks), salamander
Chakra	Heart
Colour	Red, orange, gold, crimson, white (the sun’s noon light)
Plants	Sunflowers, basil, fennel, onion, garlic, hibiscus, mustard, nettle, red peppers, red poppies, chillies
Places	Deserts, volcanoes, hearth, bonfire
Jungian Function	Intuition
Stones/Gems/Crystals	Amber, ruby, carnelian, garnet, lava, Bloodstone, Tiger’s Eye, topaz
Spirit	The joyful, exuberant Salamander
Tools	Censer, wand, candle
Tree	Almond in flower

How to get in Touch with the Fire Element

1. If you have a fireplace, kindle a fire in the comfort of your home, or make a fire safely outside. 

If this is not possible, light a candle instead and watch the flames; observe its movements, change of shape and strength. 

Watch it flicker and flare up, when you add more fuel or the flame is affected by a draught or wind. 

If you burn a fire in a fireplace, experiment with burning different fuels: coal, wood, paper, some twigs and leaves from the garden. 

If you burn a candle, add some essential oils, but keep the candle safely on a fireproof surface. Notice the different colours of the flames; orange, yellow, white, blue, sometimes green. 

What sort of emotions does the fire or the burning candle invoke in you? Energy, passion, anger or a feeling of warmth and cosiness?

2. On a sunny day, take some time to sit outside and enjoy sunbathing. Sunlight is relaxing, and after a while, you can feel your skin slowly warming up. Just be sure not to get burned!

After a long winter, sunshine is invigorating and enhances our sense of well-being. The heat of the sun gives summer life an “easy” feel, but tempers and passions can also flare up quickly.

Notice the impact sunbathing has on you: do you feel relaxed, enlivened, cheerful, or irritated and unnerved? This may depend on how long you are exposed to the sun 😃

Back to Elements

The Symbolism of Plants In The Tarot

In the Tarot, plants serve as potent symbols, rich with meaning and intention. They stir the imagination, conjuring images, associations, and insight.

The list that follows offers symbolic suggestions for each plant, though interpretation remains a deeply personal part of every reading.

Acorn, see Oak

Apple

Sacred fruit of Aphrodite/Venus symbolising sexual desire and fertility. When sliced horizontally, its seeds resemble a pentacle.

In Celtic mythology, the apple tree is a symbol of plenty, for choice and a door into greater mysteries. It is one of the three legendary magical fruits (hazel, apple, oak).

Symbol of love, faith, generosity and gratitude. It can be found on the RWS Lovers card behind the nude female.

The snake in the apple tree links the card with the story of Adam and Eve, suggesting paradise and its forthcoming demise.

Beech

Symbol of beauty and ancient wisdom, prosperity and divination. The beech tree is a symbol for the written word; it was once used to make writing tablets.

In Celtic mythology, the beech tree is associated with all gods of wisdom and learning and the human intellect.

The wood and leaves were carried as a talisman to increase creative powers.

Birch

Symbol of new beginnings, birth, springtime, young love; renewal and cleansing; new directions and goals. A birch forest appears on the Death card of the Robin Wood deck.

Corn

Cornfields symbolise the potential for cultivation, the need for labour, attention and care in order to achieve material success.

A person standing in a cornfield suggests a down-to-earth mentality and a connection with the Earth element or its energy.

Cypress

The cypress comprises the forest in the background of the Empress in the RWS deck. It is sacred to Venus and Artemis and suggests fertility.

Also sacred to the gods of the underworld, Hades and Pluto, it can represent anything developing in darkness, e.g. the unconscious.

Evergreen

Symbolises continuous giving and support, nurture and stability. See also cypress, ivy, palm, pine.

Grain

Symbolises the cycle of life, harvest and new seed. Fertility, nourishment, creative abundance, spiritual maturity.

Found on the Empress card of the RWS deck and in the suit of Pentacles.

Grapevine

Grapes represent inspiration and truth (as a result from drinking wine, when inhibitions are released).

Also symbolising abundance, fruitfulness and achievement. The vine’s symbolic meaning in the Old Testament is as an emblem of God’s blessing on his chosen people.

Grapes appear on Crowley’s Fool suggesting ‘sweetness of life, intoxication’ (Banzhaf/Theler).

Iris

The flower represents the goddess Iris, who was the Greek messenger of the gods. She is also associated with the rainbow, which represents the pathway by which she travelled.

Both the flower and the rainbow symbolise her qualities as a divine messenger. The flower can be found on the RWS Temperance card.

Ivy

Entwining ivy is a symbol of romantic desolation; it was associated with death in the 18th century Gothic revival and a symbol of melancholy.

Ivy was an essential complement to any ruined building. Its entwining habit represents the movement of the stars and planets and the understanding of their influence on the affairs of humankind.

Ivy symbolises the Spirit, search for enlightenment, a warning (Ivy ale was a highly intoxicating medieval drink), binding and restricting, freeing and uniting. It is closely connected with the vine.

Laurel

A laurel wreath was used as a crown of victory or accomplishment for athletes, poets and musicians in ancient Greece.

It was associated with the Greek god Apollo. The Fool in the RWS deck wears a laurel wreath, which symbolises his victorious spirit.

The charioteer on the Chariot card of the RWS wears a laurel wreath and so does the victorious rider on the Six of Wands.

Lily/water lilies

Tarot of Quotes

The white lily symbolises purity, chastity, innocence and also higher spirit. The three-sided fleur-de-lis (triple lily) is a heraldic symbol of illumination.

Water lilies are the Golden dawn’s elemental symbol for water. They float on the water of the RWS Ace of Cups.

Golden lilies appear on the Emperor card of Crowley’s Thoth deck as an attribute of power.

Lotus Blossom

The lotus blossom represents the four elements: the earth from which the plant grows, the water supporting its stalk, air into which its perfume escapes and the fire of the sun, which provides energy for it to grow.

The lotus represents the soul or psyche rising from the unconscious (the bottom of its watery source) into the clarity of consciousness and enlightenment.

Lotuses feature on all the Cup cards of Crowley’s Thoth Tarot (except the Seven and the Knight) as well as the Empress (the Lotus sceptre, representing feminine creativity and life force) and the Devil (wearing a lotus garland as a sign that the bearer is ‘a child of good’ - Banzhaf/Theler).

Mushrooms

Good fortunes, longevity, immortality; also rapid growth and destruction (mushroom cloud). Can also represent restlessness and change (Robin Wood Moon card).

Myrtle

The RWS Empress wears a myrtle wreath, which is associated with female fertility, the forces of nature and also immortality. Myrtle is sacred to Venus. It was a Greek emblem of happiness, often used in marriage and childbirth rituals.

Oak

Celtic symbol for protection and strength; sacred tree of Heracles/Hercules and Jupiter/Zeus; sacred tree of Norse god Thor; acorns are symbols of fertility and spiritual growth.

The oak represents courage, endurance and the protective power of faith. In some Tarot decks the Hanged Man hangs from an oak tree.

The qualities of the suit of Pentacles is symbolised by oak leaves.

Olive Tree

A sacred tree for many cultures, it is associated with light and enlightenment as the oil was used as a lamp fuel in ancient times.

In Islamic tradition, the olive tree represents the world tree or world axis.

In Judeo-Christian tradition, a dove brought an olive branch to Noah as a message that the flood was over.

The olive tree symbolises peace, fruitfulness, purification and wisdom. A branch appears on the RWS Ace of Swords.

Palm Tree

The palm tree, with its solar-like spread of the strong leaves, was associated with victory in Roman times.

Victorious gladiators would be awarded with palm fronds due to the size and evergreen habit, which suggests longevity.

The palm tree and its leaves signify masculinity and assertiveness. A palm branch hangs from the RWS Ace of Swords.

Pine

In Greek mythology the pine tree was sacred to Artemis, the moon goddess who presided over childbirth; also associated with gods of wine like Dionysus and Bacchus.

Pine cones were used in fertility rites and the pollen was used in money spells. Pine resin was burned to clear negative energies, which could also be done by scattering pine needles around.

Its height (taller than most other trees) symbolises foresight, objectivity and overview. Also suggests nature, fertility and life force.

Pomegranate

Symbolises fertility, new possibilities, ‘new birth’ symbol; creative, receptive and feminine energy. Seen on the veil behind the RWS High Priestess.

Rose

Roses symbolise beauty and perfection; they are often associated with the pentagram because of its five-petal structure.

Roses that are clearly depicted with five petals relate to the five senses and the inner five-pointed star of the apple; in horticulture, the rose is linked with the apple, which is also a member of the rose family.

Roses in Tarot decks are mainly red or white. Red signifies passion and desire (not necessarily sexually); white roses can indicate spirit, soul and abstract thought.

A five-pointed white rose can be found on Death’s banner in the RWS deck, signifying the Mystic Rose of life.

Red roses appear on the RWS Nine of Swords as a symbol of the heart and strong emotions. The red roses on Crowley’s Star symbolise love and fertility.

Sunflower

Sunflowers are symbols of devotion and steadfastness, as their flower heads follow the sun during the day. They appear on the RWS Sun and the Queen of Wands.

Tiger Lilies

In the Seven of Cups of Crowley’s Thoth deck, the lotus blossoms, which appear on all other Cup cards of the deck, have turned into tiger lilies, dropping their poisonous nectar into the chalices symbolising ‘deceptive, sinister seduction’ (Banzhaf/Theler).

Wheat

Wheat represents the entire cycle of nature: death, rebirth, resurrection. It suggests nurturing, abundance and fertility.

Psychologically, wheat tied together symbolises the integration of inner opposites, the conscious and the unconscious.

Which plants do you notice in your tarot cards? Please share in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you💚

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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