Tarot is, if nothing else, a book of symbols. Not only is it steeped in history and archetypes and myth, it also contains visual details that help tell a bigger story – something beyond what the initial imagery may suggest. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and when it comes to tarot, I think it's actually more.
In this post, we'll be providing you a run down of the common symbols you will find in tarot along with some basic key words. Please note, there is far more to each symbol than what we've captured below. You may see some of these details differently and that's ok. This is simply where our work has taken us, but it is not the final or only world. As well, each symbol may carry a slightly different meaning in the context of the card you can find itself on, the way it interacts, its colour, its size etc.
We've also included some of the cards where you can find each symbol. That part is also not conclusive in all cases. As well, if there is a symbol you're interested in that we haven't included, reach out and let us know!
Skill, talent, determination, work, effort.
As seen in: 3 of Pentacles, 8 of Pentacles, The Magician (though it could be argued this is a table)
A reliance on inner sight, initiation, intuition, looking deep within
As seen in: 8 of Swords, 2 of Swords
Travel, journey, venture, risk, opportunity
As seen in: 3 of Wands, 6 of Swords, Death
Transformation, change, metal agility, freedom
As seen in: Queen of Swords, King of Swords, Knight of Swords
Obscurity, a lack of clarity, confusion, a passing storm
As seen in: The Wheel of Fortune, 3 of Swords, Knight of Swords, The Tower
Divinity, royalty, an open crown chakra, wisdom
As seen in: Death, The Tower, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant
Companionship, an aid, domestication, loyalty, adaptability
As seen in: The Fool, 10 of Pentacles, The Moon
An open mind, an open heart, weightlessness, to be unencumbered, achievement
As seen in: The Fool, Death, The Sun, Page of Wands
Desire, energy, heat, passion, creativity
As seen in: The Devil, The Lovers, The Tower
Intuition, the depth, sensitivity, fluidity
As seen in: Page of Cups, Knight of Cups, King of Cups
Friendship, love, joy, growth, life, beauty, the natural world
As seen in: The Sun, 6 of Cups, Temperance, The Fool
Pleasure, abundance, fertility
As seen in: The Devil, 3 of Cups, 9 of Pentacles, King of Pentacles
Movement, strength, endurance, freedom, heroism
As seen in: The Knights, Death, 6 of Wands, The Sun
Energy, momentum, paradox, ever-lasting life, power
As seen in: The Magician, Strength, 2 of Pentacles
Illumination, enlightenment, a shock
As seen in: The Tower
Bravery, confidence, strength, natural power
As seen in: Strength, Queen of Wands, The Wheel of Fortune, The World
The subconscious, the shadow, what is hidden, the feminine principle
As seen in: The Moon, 8 of Cups, High Priestess, 2 of Swords
Initiation, trials, overcoming obstacles, a higher perspective
As seen in: The Lovers, Strength, Judgement, The Fool
The unknown, a journey, initiation, purpose
As seen in: The Moon, Temperance
Balance, polarity, support
As seen in: The High Priestess, Justice, The Hierophant
Spirituality, healing, ancient wisdom
As seen in: Page of Wands, Queen of Wands, Knight of Wands
These are often presented together as they symbolize dual parts i.e. the masculine (rose) and feminine (lily) principle or the sun and the moon.
As seen in: The Magician, The Hierophant, 2 of Wands
Balance, harmony, judgment, equilibrium, justice
As seen in: Justice, 6 of Swords
Kundalini, creativity, intelligence, forbidden knowledge
As seen in: The Lovers, 7 of Cups, The Wheel of Fortune
Isolation, overcoming adversity, trials, endurance
As seen in: The Hermit, 5 of Pentacles, Judgement
Guardian on the threshold, divinity, hidden knowledge, riddles
As seen in: The Chariot, The Wheel of Fortune
Will power, perseverance, an aid
As seen in: The Hermit, 8 of Cups, 7 of Pentacles, 6 of Swords
Hope, healing, divine guidance, possibility
As seen in: The Star, The Empress, The Chariot, The Hermit
Energy, enthusiasm, joy
As seen in: The Fool, Death, The Sun
Materiality, form, structure, the physical world
As seen in: The Tower, Death, The Chariot, 4 of Wands, 6 of Cups, 4 of Pentacles
Illusion, something hidden, a secret, mystery, protection, the unknown
As seen in: The High Priestess, The Hierophant, Justice
Water may just be one of the most used symbols within the tarot – so that gives us a lot of information as to what these cards, as a whole, are all about…
The subconscious, emotions, intuition (to understand more of what the water is communicating, look at the way it moves/interacts i.e. smooth vs. waves vs ripples)
As seen in: The High Priestess, The Moon, The Star, Temperance, 2 of Swords, 6 of Swords
Divinity, being in touch with a higher source, creativity
As seen in: Ace of Cup, Ace of Wands, The Tower, The Moon
I'm sure we'll be updating this one on a regular basis, so bookmark for reference!
Julia & Tim
