A Sample Tarot Key
I think it's a good idea to have a 'key' of researched Tarot associations that
correspond with your own personal concept of the cards. Below is a brief sampling of my
own (many of which I've borrowed from other Tarot sources such as Mary K. Greer,
Elizabeth Haich and Rachel Pollack, etc.)
The Four Suits
Wands:
(ruled by the Sun) are associated with
Fire -
creativity, passion, inspiration, enthusiasm, and are 'yang' energy. They are the Intuitive type yet
extroverted Their relation to time is future oriented.
Symbolic Images:
(suit: Clubs) candles, flames, volcanoes, sunflowers,
lions/felines, magic wands, rods and other 'phallic objects'.
Cups:
(ruled by the Moon) are associated with
Water -
relationships, love, healing, inner depths, dreams, the astral world, fantasy and illusion. They are yin
energy. They are the Feeling type and their orientation to time is focused on the past.
Images:
(suit: Hearts) Shells, chalices, containers, wombs, water, mirrors, dolphins, mermaids, sea horses, fish and
all water creatures.
Swords:
(ruled by Mercury) are associated with
Air -
the intellect, and a quick wit, clarity, challenges and mental distortions of reality. They are masculine
energy. They represent the logical, objective functions as well as communication through
ideas. They are the Thinking type and their orientation to time is linear.
Images:
(suit: Spades) Clouds, wind, sky, swords & knives, feathers, incense,
and birds.
Coins:
(Ruled by Earth) are associated with
Earth -
security, money, the home, handmade crafts, harvest, and the 5 senses. They are feminine energy. They are
associated with traditions, foundations and whatever 'grounds' you. Coins are about our
sense of self worth and our values and practical side. They are the Sensate type and are
oriented to the present time.
Images:
(suit: diamonds) Money, coins, pentacles, mother earth, fruits, veggies, machinery, bulls, cows and goats.
Basic Numerology 0-10
0
(the Fool) no-thing, open space, boundless, free, pure conscious energy and potential, the cosmic egg.
1
(Ace) The beginning, primordial, initiative, originality, potential, single-mindedness, unitary consciousness.
2
Polarity, duality, opposing forces or a balance of energies, relationships,
mirroring reflection (symbol: yin/yang sign).
3
Foundation of body, mind & spirit, healing, growth fertility, creativity,
development communication, nurturance (symbol: triangle).
4
Structure, order with definite boundaries, 4 square reality, measurement,
leadership, control, stability, logical thinking, classification, (symbol: square).
5
Change, generation & amplification, conflict, chaos, uncertainty,
complexity, humanity (the five senses, five fingers & toes, the five human appendages
attached to the body), adjustment & adaptation, (symbol: five pointed star).
6
Harmony, balance beauty, equilibrium, integration, peace, personal values
formed & defended (symbol: 6 pointed star- as above-so below).
7
Inner work, imagination, expansion & resistance, challenge,
experimentation, communication, completion of one cycle and the evaluation of the next (7
days in the week, 7 Chakras, 7 colors of the rainbow).
8
Infinity & self reflection, cycles of involution & evolution, rhythm,
balance & justice, a turning point of either distraction or commitment (symbol:
infinity sign).
9
completion, fulfillment, inner peace, passivity, going with the flow.
10
Perfection, mastery, release, regeneration, transition, taking responsibility.
Court Cards
Princesses
signal a new aspect of ourselves emerging and are a sign to be open
to new ways and ideas. They act as catalysts for change and are open to new possibilities
and potential. The represent a child, student, apprentice or your inner child; innocent,
naive and open to learn and experience the qualities of the suit (mentioned above).
Princes
act on and are committed to the things indicated by their suit. They
show where we are putting our energies. Active and focused, they depict courage, purpose,
challenge and adventure. They can be rash and headstrong. One on a personal quest who is
not afraid to take risks.
Queens
represent inner, personal, rather than worldly control. They have the
ability to nurture, heal and develop things indicated by the suit. They tend to channel
the power and rule from the heart. They can represent a creator, mother or the anima in a
man or the sense of self in a woman.
Kings
show mastery, ability and authority in the field represented by the suit.
They represent experience, confidence and status. They can appear secure but limited by
the rules they've established. The king can represent a boss, father or some other
authority figure, or indicate a time for one to take on more responsibility. They can
present the animus in a woman or a sense of self in a man.