The magical order, the Golden Dawn, linked the twenty two cards of the tarot’s major arcana with the planets and signs used by astrologers. If you already know something about astrological symbolism and meanings these links can be a useful way to deepen your understanding. These links are widely used in interpretations of modern tarot, but if you’re just beginning to study tarot you don’t need to study astrology as well. Simply be aware that these cross connections exist, and explore them when, and if, you feel it is appropriate.  The keywords shown here relate to the meaning of the card, a fusion of planetary symbolism and tarot interpretation.

0. The Fool  - Planet: Uranus

Keywords:  Innocence, adventurous, freedom-loving

1. The Magician – Planet: Mercury

Keywords: Mediation, bringing creativity and practicality together

2. The High Priestess – Planet: The Moon

Keywords: Intuition, instinct, what is hidden

3. The Empress – Planet: Venus

Keywords: Love, fertility, creativity

4. The Emperor – Sign: Aries

Keywords:  Initiation, power, male authority

5. The Pope – Sign: Taurus

Keywords:  Religion, education, convention, marriage

6. The Lovers – Sign: Gemini

Keywords:  Love and choice, blending of opposites

7. The Chariot – Sign: Cancer

Keywords:  Hard work and tenacity bring rewards. Vehicles.

8. Strength – Sign: Leo

Keywords: The power of love

9. The Hermit – Sign: Virgo

Keywords:  Guidance, service, solitary contemplation

10. The Wheel of Fortune  - Planet: Jupiter

Keywords:  Growth, luck, destiny

11. Justice  -  Sign:  Libra

Keywords:  Decisions, balance, mental clarity

12. The Hanged Man  - Planet: Neptune

Keywords:  Dreams, sacrifice, suspended activities

13. Death  -  Sign: Scorpio

Keywords:  Endings and transformations

14. Temperance – Sign: Sagittarius

Keywords:  Blending, adaptability, alchemy

15. The Devil -  Sign: Capricorn

Keywords:  Desire, the material world, traps and obsessions

16. The Tower - Planet: Mars

Keywords:  Disruption, sudden change, upheaval

17. The Star  - Sign: Aquarius

Keywords:  Hope, nature, healing, joy

18. The Moon  -  Sign: Pisces

Keywords: Vivid dreams, creative imagination, illusions, water

19. The Sun – Planet: Sun

Keywords:  Vitality, sunshine, children, the higher self

20. Judgement -  Planet: Pluto

Keywords:  Awakening, rebirth, end of a phase

21. The World  -  Planet: Saturn

Keywords:  spirit and matter, time, completion of a cycle

by Jane Lyle