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
