The Connection Between Tarot and Astrology

Tarot and astrology have long been intertwined, each offering unique insights into personal growth, timing, and cosmic influence. Both systems use symbolism to reflect patterns in life, creating a bridge between the mystical and the practical. Understanding how they complement each other adds depth to both readings, unlocking layers of meaning that go beyond a single discipline.

Shared Foundations of Tarot and Astrology

• Symbolism: Both tarot and astrology rely on symbols to convey messages. The tarot’s 78-card deck carries archetypes and narratives, while astrology uses celestial bodies and their positions to interpret influence.
• Elements: Earth, air, fire, and water play a role in both practices. Tarot suits align with these elements, just as zodiac signs do.
• Cycles: Astrology tracks planetary movements through cycles, while tarot reflects personal cycles through card spreads and interpretations.
• Personal Growth: Both systems provide insight into life’s challenges and opportunities, acting as tools for self-reflection and decision-making.

How Tarot and Astrology Intersect

Major Arcana and Planetary Influences

Each major arcana card aligns with a planet or zodiac sign, giving it astrological significance. This adds another layer of interpretation when a card appears in a reading.

• The Magician – Mercury: Represents intellect, communication, and skill.
• The High Priestess – The Moon: Symbolizes intuition, mystery, and subconscious knowledge.
• The Emperor – Aries: Embodies leadership, structure, and authority.
• The Lovers – Gemini: Reflects duality, relationships, and decision-making.
• The Chariot – Cancer: Represents emotional resilience and determination.

Understanding these correspondences enhances tarot readings by adding planetary energy to the interpretation.

Minor Arcana and the Zodiac

Each tarot suit aligns with an element, which in turn connects to astrological signs.

• Wands (Fire – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Represents passion, action, and creativity.
• Cups (Water – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Relates to emotions, intuition, and relationships.
• Swords (Air – Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Symbolizes intellect, communication, and conflict.
• Pentacles (Earth – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Governs material stability, finance, and practicality.

Each numbered card in the minor arcana also links to specific decans (10-degree segments of a zodiac sign), creating additional astrological layers.

Using Astrology to Time Tarot Readings

Astrology provides a framework for when to conduct a tarot reading or what influences may be active at a given time.

• New Moon: Ideal for readings about beginnings and setting intentions.
• Full Moon: Best for uncovering hidden truths and gaining clarity.
• Mercury Retrograde: Useful for reviewing past decisions and gaining insight into unresolved issues.
• Zodiac Transits: When a planet moves through a specific sign, it influences the themes of tarot readings. For example, Venus in Libra may highlight relationship readings, while Mars in Aries could focus on ambition and conflict.

Astrology-Inspired Tarot Spreads

Creating tarot spreads based on astrological principles adds depth to interpretations.

The Zodiac Spread

A 12-card layout where each card represents a zodiac house, offering insight into different areas of life.

1. First House (Self & Identity) – How do I present myself?
2. Second House (Finances & Values) – What financial shifts should I anticipate?
3. Third House (Communication & Learning) – What lessons am I currently integrating?
4. Fourth House (Home & Family) – What energies surround my home life?
5. Fifth House (Creativity & Romance) – What inspires me creatively?
6. Sixth House (Health & Routine) – What habits need attention?
7. Seventh House (Partnerships & Relationships) – What should I know about my relationships?
8. Eighth House (Transformation & Secrets) – What deep truths are surfacing?
9. Ninth House (Travel & Higher Learning) – Where is my personal growth leading me?
10. Tenth House (Career & Public Life) – What career shifts should I be aware of?
11. Eleventh House (Community & Friendships) – Who supports my journey?
12. Twelfth House (Spirituality & Subconscious) – What hidden influences shape my path?

Planetary Influence Spread

A seven-card spread reflecting the impact of major planets on different aspects of life.

1. Sun (Core Identity) – What defines me right now?
2. Moon (Emotions & Intuition) – What emotional truths should I acknowledge?
3. Mercury (Communication & Thought Patterns) – How can I improve my expression?
4. Venus (Love & Relationships) – What energies are influencing my connections?
5. Mars (Action & Drive) – Where should I direct my energy?
6. Jupiter (Growth & Expansion) – What opportunities are opening up?
7. Saturn (Discipline & Lessons) – What long-term responsibilities require attention?

How to Use Astrology and Tarot Together

Align Tarot Readings with Your Birth Chart

• Look at your sun, moon, and rising signs to determine key themes in your life.
• Draw tarot cards related to those signs to gain clarity on how their energy plays out.
• Pay attention to planetary transits and how they interact with personal placements.

Consult Tarot for Astrological Challenges

• If experiencing a difficult transit (such as Saturn return or Pluto square), use tarot to gain insight into the lesson.
• Tarot can help navigate eclipses, retrogrades, and planetary oppositions by offering perspective on how to respond.

Final Thoughts

Tarot and astrology are separate yet complementary tools that offer profound insight when used together. Astrology provides the cosmic blueprint, while tarot offers immediate guidance on how to navigate it. Understanding their connection deepens interpretation, helping to align actions with the larger forces at play.