Using Astrology to Enhance Your Tarot Practice

Have you ever had trouble understanding the meaning behind a tarot card? Do you feel like there’s a deeper message hidden within each card waiting to be unlocked? Fear not, as astrology may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of tarot. Many believe that astrology and tarot are intertwined, and that knowledge of astrology can greatly enhance one’s understanding of tarot card meanings. In this article, we will explore the basics of astrology and how it relates to tarot, as well as practical tips and tricks for using astrology to further your tarot practice. So, grab your tarot deck and let’s dive in!

What Is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs. It examines the position of astronomical bodies like the sun, the moon, and the planets, and the relationship between them and how they affect human life. Through astrology, we are able to develop a deeper understanding of our personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The study of astrology is based on four major components – the zodiac, the planets, aspects, and houses. The zodiac, which is divided into twelve signs, provides a map of the position of the stars and planets at the moment of one’s birth. The planets pinpoint energies, while aspects describe how they interact with each other. The houses are the twelve sectors of the zodiac which represent specific realms of human life like career, relationships, and family. By understanding these components, we can use astrology to gain a better perspective on life and on how to interact better with others. When astrology is combined with tarot, it can provide useful insights into our lives and deeper meaning into the cards we draw.

The Zodiac

The Zodiac is the band of the sky that is divided into twelve sections, each named after the constellation that appears in that sector. It is the oldest known astrological system, with roots dating back to the ancient Babylonians. The zodiac is based on the apparent path of the sun across the sky throughout the year, and each section is represented by a unique symbol. These symbols are collectively known as the zodiac signs and they are used in astrology.

Each zodiac sign represents a particular set of personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Astrologers use these signs to help understand and interpret a person’s birth chart. The zodiac sign that the sun was in at the time of your birth is known as your sun sign, and it is the most common sign that people are familiar with.

Understanding the zodiac signs can add a new dimension to tarot readings. Each sign has its own set of correspondences, such as certain colors, crystals, and herbs. Tarot cards can be interpreted according to these correspondences, adding depth and meaning to the reading. For example, if a tarot card is drawn that represents creativity and the querent is a Pisces, which is known as a creative sign, the reader could use this as an anchor for interpreting the card’s meaning.

It is important to note that the zodiac signs are just one aspect of astrology and should not be relied on exclusively for interpreting tarot readings. An accurate reading requires a thorough understanding of the entire birth chart, including the planetary placements, aspects, and houses. To learn more about how astrology and tarot can be combined, check out our article on Tarot and Astrology Insights.

The Planets

In astrology, planets are incredibly important. Each planet represents different energies and qualities which have a significant impact on our lives. The seven classical planets include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, modern astrology includes other celestial bodies such as Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and more.

The Sun is often considered the most significant planet in the solar system. It represents our identity, vitality, and ego. It is associated with the zodiac sign Leo, as well as the Major Arcana card, The Sun.

The Moon represents our emotions, intuition, and inner self. It is associated with the zodiac sign Cancer and the tarot card, The High Priestess, which symbolizes intuition and spiritual wisdom.

Mercury represents communication, intellect, and quick thinking. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo, and the tarot card, The Magician, which represents skill and creativity.

Venus represents love, beauty, and harmony. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra and the tarot card, The Empress, which symbolizes fertility, beauty, and abundance.

Mars represents energy, action, and assertiveness. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio and the tarot card, The Tower, the intense energy symbolizes the need to change or destroy older patterns.

Jupiter represents growth, expansion, and abundance. It’s associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius and The Wheel of Fortune tarot card, which represents cycles of life.

Saturn represents restriction, discipline, and responsibility. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius and the tarot card, The World, which symbolizes completion of a journey.

Understanding the role of each planet in astrology can greatly assist your tarot readings. For example, if a spread contains a lot of cards associated with Mars, it could signal a need for assertiveness, action, and courage.

If you want to learn more about the correlation between astrology and tarot, check out our insightful article on Tarot and Astrology Insights. You can also find resources on Astrological Tarot Correspondences, or how astrology can help you in your daily life. Additionally, you can use astrological houses to interpret tarot cards further. Or you can use astrological tarot spreads to gain deeper insights into a question or situation.

Aspects

Aspects are another important aspect (pun intended) of astrology. These refer to the angles formed between celestial bodies and can provide greater insight into a person’s personality and fate. Here are some of the most common aspects and what they represent:

Aspect	Meaning
Conjunction	The most powerful aspect, when two planets align at 0 degrees. It intensifies the energy of both planets and can indicate a significant event or personality trait.
Sextile	Occurs when two planets are 60 degrees apart. This aspect is considered harmonious and can indicate opportunities for growth or collaboration.
Square	Occurs when two planets are 90 degrees apart. This aspect can indicate tension or conflict, but also the potential for growth and overcoming challenges.
Trine	Occurs when two planets are 120 degrees apart. This aspect is considered harmonious and can indicate natural talents and easy flow of energy.
Opposition	Occurs when two planets are 180 degrees apart. This aspect can indicate a push-pull tension, but also the potential for balance and growth through compromise.

Understanding the aspects in your birth chart can paint a more complete picture of your personality and life path. When combining astrology with tarot, consider the aspects of the planets in the spread and how they may influence the card meanings. A card representing conflict may be exacerbated by a square aspect, while a card representing harmony may be strengthened by a trine aspect. Paying attention to the planetary aspects can deepen your understanding of both astrology and tarot.

Houses

The houses in astrology represent different areas of life and experiences that we go through. They are determined by the time and location of our birth. There are 12 houses, each with its own unique energy and meaning. Here’s a breakdown of each house and its symbolic representation:

House Number	Symbolic Representation
1st House	Self-expression, identity, appearance, physical body, personality
2nd House	Personal finances, values, material possessions, sense of self-worth
3rd House	Communication, siblings, early education, daily routine, short trips
4th House	Home, family, roots, childhood, emotional well-being, private life
5th House	Creativity, self-expression, pleasure, love affairs, children, hobbies
6th House	Health and wellness, work, daily routine, service, pets
7th House	Partnerships, marriage, relationships, contractual agreements, legal matters
8th House	Transformation, other people’s resources, sex, death, rebirth, inheritances
9th House	Expansion, higher education, spirituality, long-distance travel, philosophical beliefs
10th House	Career, reputation, public image, authority figures, life path, achievements
11th House	Social circle, group activities and causes, friendship, innovation, aspirations
12th House	Subconscious mind, hidden strengths and weaknesses, intuition, spiritual guidance

Understanding the houses in astrology can greatly enhance your tarot readings. By knowing which house represents which area of life, you can gain deeper insights into the meanings of tarot cards. For example, if a tarot card falls in the 4th house, it may have to do with family or emotional issues. If it falls in the 10th house, it may be related to career or life purpose. By using astrology in conjunction with tarot, you can unlock a wealth of information and gain a more holistic view of any situation.

How Astrology Relates to Tarot

Astrology and Tarot are intertwined in many ways. One of the most notable connections is through the use of correspondences. Each Tarot card has a corresponding astrological symbol, such as The High Priestess being connected to the Moon. Each card can be connected to a specific planet, element, or zodiac sign. This allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the card’s meaning and symbolism. The Major Arcana especially has strong links to astrology, with each card representing a different stage in the journey of life and corresponding to a specific zodiac sign. For instance, the card Strength aligns with the sign of Leo. By understanding the astrological correspondences of the Tarot, readers can gain a more in-depth perspective on the cards and their meanings.

Correspondences

Correspondences refer to the connections between astrology and tarot. Understanding these connections can help you to interpret tarot cards more deeply and accurately. Here are some key correspondences to keep in mind:

• The suit of Wands in tarot often corresponds to the fire element in astrology.
• The suit of Cups is often connected to water.
• Swords typically correspond to air.
• Finally, Pentacles are often associated with earth.

Additionally, each tarot card is associated with a specific astrological sign. Here are some examples:

Tarot Card	Astrological Sign
The Magician	Mercury
The Hierophant	Taurus
The Lovers	Gemini
The Chariot	Cancer

Understanding these correspondences can help you to create more meaningful tarot spreads, as well as add depth to your interpretations. For example, if you draw the Eight of Wands in a tarot reading, you might interpret it as representing swift movement and action, which are both associated with the fire element in astrology. Or, if you draw The Empress card, which is associated with Venus, you might interpret it as representing beauty, love, and creativity, which are all themes associated with the planet Venus in astrology.

Understanding the correspondences between astrology and tarot can help you to develop a deeper appreciation for both practices, as well as enhance your understanding of the tarot cards and their meanings.

Bigger Picture

When it comes to understanding tarot card meanings better with astrology, it’s important to step back and see the bigger picture. By viewing the tarot as a representation of the universe and all its energies, we can use astrology to gain a deeper understanding of the cards’ messages.

One way to see the bigger picture is by using the concept of the elements. Astrology recognizes four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. These elements are symbolic of different energies and qualities, and can be used to interpret the tarot cards. For example, the fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are associated with the suit of wands in the tarot, which represents inspiration, creativity, and passion. By understanding the elemental associations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cards’ meanings.

Another way to see the bigger picture is by using the concept of the astrological ages. Astrology recognizes different ages that the universe goes through, based on the position of the sun in relation to the constellations. Currently, we are in the Age of Aquarius, which is associated with the tarot’s Star card – a symbol of hope, renewal, and spiritual connection. By understanding the astrological ages, we can gain insight into the global shifts and changes that are occurring, and how they relate to the messages contained in the tarot.

Finally, it’s important to remember that astrology and tarot are both tools for self-discovery and personal growth. By examining the connections between the two, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. By seeing the bigger picture, we can tap into the energies that are available to us and use them to manifest our highest potential.

Major Arcana

The Major Arcana is a set of 22 cards in a Tarot deck that represents deep spiritual lessons and universal archetypes. Each card has its own distinctive symbolism and message that can offer guidance and insight into the querent’s life journey. The Major Arcana cards are often associated with significant life events and major shifts in consciousness, making them an essential component in many Tarot readings using astrology.

For instance, the Fool card represents new beginnings and adventures, while the Magician card portrays manifestation and self-empowerment. The Strength card is associated with the zodiac sign Leo, and it portrays courage and inner strength. The Death card is often associated with Scorpio and symbolizes transformation and letting go of the past. The Judgement card is connected with the planet Pluto and represents spiritual awakening and self-evaluation.

By understanding the astrological correspondences, one can delve deeper into the meanings of the Major Arcana cards. For example, The Emperor card represents leadership and control and is associated with the planet Mars, which represents assertiveness and action. The Chariot card, which indicates control and determination, is connected with the zodiac sign Cancer, which is related to emotions and intuition.

When combining astrology with the Major Arcana cards, one can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual messages and lessons they offer. By using astrology to interpret the symbolism of each card and the universe’s energies at the time of the reading, the Tarot reader can provide more insightful and accurate readings. This can also help querents gain a better understanding of their life path and growth opportunities.

The Major Arcana cards are a crucial aspect of Tarot and provide insight into universal archetypes and profound spiritual lessons. By using astrology to understand the correspondences between the cards and the universe’s energies, readers can offer more accurate and meaningful readings to their clients.

Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana is commonly referred to as the ‘suit cards’ in Tarot decks. They are divided into four suits, each with its symbolic correspondences. These suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each of these suits represents a particular area in life:

Suit	Area Represented
Wands	Energy, passion, creativity, and inspiration
Cups	Emotions, relationships, and love
Swords	Mental and intellectual aspects, challenges, and conflicts
Pentacles	Material aspects, finances, career, and wealth

Each suit consists of fourteen cards, ten numbered cards, and four court cards. The numbered cards range from Ace to Ten and represent various stages in a particular area of life. The court cards are further divided into four ranks: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. They are representative of specific personality types or archetypes.

Using astrology with the Minor Arcana can provide additional insight into the meaning of each card. For example, the Wands suit corresponds to the fire element and the zodiac signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The Cups suit corresponds to the water element and the zodiac signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The Swords suit corresponds to the air element and the zodiac signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. The Pentacles suit corresponds to the earth element and the zodiac signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

By incorporating knowledge of astrology, one can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of each card. For instance, a card drawn from the Swords suit may relate to a particular challenge or conflict in life. Understanding which zodiac sign is associated with the Swords suit can provide insight into the underlying cause of the challenge or conflict and how it can be resolved.

The Minor Arcana represents the details of daily life and the day-to-day challenges that we face. Each card has its own unique meaning and corresponding astrological associations that can be a valuable tool in interpreting Tarot readings.

Using Astrology with Tarot

Using astrology with tarot can deepen one’s understanding and interpretation of tarot card meanings. Before a tarot reading, establish a pre-reading ritual such as lighting candles or meditating to create a sacred space. When drawing cards, consider the astrological correspondences between the card and the current planetary placements. For example, The Moon card may relate to the sign of Pisces, or the planet Neptune. Card interpretation can also be informed by astrological symbolism, such as understanding the elemental influence of each suit. For instance, Pentacles relate to the earth element and can represent material or financial matters. When creating tarot spreads, consider the astrological symbolism present in the cards and their positions, such as planets or zodiac signs. Integrating astrology and tarot can bring a new level of insight and depth to one’s readings.

Pre-Reading Rituals

Incorporating astrology into your tarot practice can begin even before you start reading the cards. Pre-reading rituals can help to ground and focus your energy while also setting intentions for the reading.

Here are some pre-reading rituals that can be used in conjunction with astrology:

Cleansing: Use sage, palo santo, or incense to cleanse the space and release any negative energy.

Gemstones: Use gemstones associated with the planets or zodiac signs to enhance your energy. For example, amethyst for intuition and clarity, or rose quartz for love and compassion.

Meditation: Set aside a few minutes to meditate, focusing on your breath and visualizing a white light surrounding you. This can help to clear your mind and open yourself up to messages from the universe.

Affirmations: Recite affirmations that correspond to the zodiac sign or planet you’re working with. For example, for Leo energy, you could say, “I am confident and creative.”

Journaling: Write down any thoughts or feelings that come up during your pre-reading rituals. This can help to bring clarity and awareness to your intentions and desires for the reading.

Incorporating pre-reading rituals into your tarot practice can help to create a sacred space for the reading and improve your overall experience. Experiment with different rituals and see what works best for you. Remember, the most important aspect of any ritual is intention and mindfulness.

Card Interpretation

Card interpretation is where astrology and tarot really start to come together. Each tarot card is associated with specific astrological correspondences, which can give you deeper insight into the meaning of the card. When interpreting a card, consider the astrological significance of the card, taking into account any zodiac signs, planets, or aspects that are associated with it.

For example, The Emperor card in the tarot is associated with the sign of Aries and the planet Mars. This can give you clues as to the meaning of the card. Aries is associated with leadership, control, and ambition, while Mars is associated with action, passion, and aggression. The Emperor represents a person who is strong-willed, ambitious, and assertive, perhaps even to the point of being dominating or overbearing.

Similarly, The World card in the tarot is associated with the planet Saturn, which represents structure, discipline, and responsibility. This card could indicate the completion of a long-term goal or the attainment of a new level of understanding or wisdom.

When interpreting a tarot card with astrological correspondences, it’s important to take the whole picture into account, including the card’s position in the spread, the question asked, and any other cards that are present. It’s also important to consider the meanings of the individual symbols within the card, as they can hold additional astrological significance.

In conclusion, card interpretation is a crucial part of using astrology to understand tarot card meanings better. By taking into account a card’s astrological correspondences and considering its placement within a spread, you can gain a deeper understanding of the card’s meaning and its significance within the context of your reading.

Spread Creation

Creating your own tarot spreads is a great way to personalize your readings and incorporate astrology into your practice. There is no right or wrong way to create a spread, but the process generally involves selecting a theme or question, determining the number of cards in the spread, and assigning astrological correspondences to each position.

Theme or Question
When creating a spread, start by selecting a theme or question that is meaningful to you or your querent. This could be anything from a general life overview to a specific concern or situation. Keep in mind that the more specific the theme or question, the easier it will be to create corresponding astrological correspondences.

Number of Cards
Once you have your theme or question, determine the number of cards in the spread. This will depend on the complexity of your theme or question and how many positions you feel are necessary to fully explore it. Keep in mind that spreads can range from a single card to as many as 10 or more.

Astrological Correspondences
Each position in the spread should be assigned an astrological correspondence based on the theme or question. For example, if your question is related to career, you may assign the first position to the planet Mars which represents drive and ambition, the second position to the planet Mercury which represents communication and networking, and so on.

Examples
Here are a few examples of tarot spreads incorporating astrology:

• The Zodiac Spread – a 12-card spread representing each sign of the zodiac and how it influences different areas of your life
• The Planetary Alignment Spread – a 5-card spread representing how current planetary alignments are affecting your life
• The Solar Return Spread – a 10-card spread representing the astrological influences of your current solar return

Creating your own tarot spreads can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to explore themes and questions in a personalized way. Don’t be afraid to experiment with astrological correspondences and adjust the number of cards as needed to fully explore your topic.

Tips and Tricks

When it comes to using astrology to understand tarot card meanings, there are several tips and tricks you can use to enhance your practice. One tip is to try “stellar mapping,” which involves looking at the position of the stars and planets at the time of your reading to gain further insight into the cards. Another helpful technique is to analyze “solar returns,” or the specific astrological chart for the day of a person’s birth. You can also delve deeper into astrology by “dissecting charts,” or examining the intricate relationships between planets, houses, and aspects. Finally, it’s essential to prioritize your “spiritual connection” to the cards and build a practice that feels authentic and meaningful to you. By incorporating these tips and tricks, you can deepen your understanding of tarot and astrology and take your readings to the next level.

Stellar Mapping

Stellar mapping is an advanced technique that combines astrology and tarot. Essentially, it involves creating a map of the stars at the exact moment you ask a specific question or perform a tarot reading. By examining this map, you can gain deeper insights into the meaning behind the cards.

To perform a stellar map, you’ll need to know the exact date, time, and location of your tarot reading. Once you have this information, you can use a variety of online tools or astrology software to create a map of the stars at that precise moment.

Next, you’ll want to compare the positions of the planets and stars on your map to the corresponding cards in your tarot spread. Look for any patterns or connections between the two, and use your knowledge of astrology and tarot to interpret their meaning.

For example, if you notice that the planet Venus is in the same position as the Empress card in your tarot spread, it could indicate a strong emphasis on nurturing and creativity in the matter at hand.

Keep in mind that this technique requires a solid understanding of both astrology and tarot, so it may not be suitable for beginners. However, for seasoned practitioners, stellar mapping can offer a powerful new way to tap into the wisdom of the universe for guidance and insight.

Solar Returns

Solar Returns are a method in astrology that looks at the exact moment that the sun returns to the same point in the zodiac as when a person was born. This method can be used to provide insights into the upcoming year of a person’s life. It is helpful in tarot readings as it gives context to the specific time in a person’s life that the tarot reading is taking place.

Here are some ways to use Solar Returns to enhance tarot readings:

Technique	Description
Identify Major Transit	Look for the most significant planet that will be transiting during the Solar Return year. This placement will give insights into the overall energy of the year.
Create a Spread	Create a spread specifically for Solar Returns. This spread should focus on the major themes for the upcoming year.
Use Astrological Houses	When interpreting tarot cards during a Solar Return reading, use the house placement of the sun to give context to the reading.
Compare to Birth Chart	Compare the Solar Return chart to the individual’s natal chart to understand how the upcoming year builds upon their overall life path.

With the information gained from utilizing Solar Returns in tarot readings, individuals can gain a better understanding of how the upcoming year will play out, and how to best navigate the energy that will be present.

Dissecting Charts

Another way to use astrology in tarot is by dissecting astrological charts. This involves taking note of the positioning of the planets and other astrological factors, and comparing them to the tarot card spreads.

To do this, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of astrology and be able to read a natal chart. From there, you can overlay the tarot spread onto the chart and see which astrological factors are emphasized in the cards.

For example, if a tarot spread pulls multiple cards from the suit of Cups, which is associated with emotions and relationships, you can look at the chart to see if there are any significant placements in the 7th or 12th houses, which are also related to relationships and emotions.

By dissecting the astrological chart in this way, you can gain deeper insight into the meaning of the cards and how they relate to your life and current circumstances.

It’s important to remember that this method requires a bit more knowledge and understanding of both astrology and tarot, so it’s not recommended for beginners. However, if you’re already familiar with both practices, dissecting charts can be a valuable tool for gaining a fuller understanding of your tarot readings.

Spiritual Connection

Conclusion

In conclusion, astrology and tarot are two powerful tools that can be used together to deepen your understanding and interpretation of tarot cards. By studying the zodiac, the planets, aspects, and houses, you can gain a greater appreciation for the correspondences between astrology and tarot.

When using astrology with tarot, it’s important to establish pre-reading rituals to connect with the energies of the universe. This can include meditation, breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to ground yourself before beginning your reading.

During the reading itself, astrology can provide valuable insights into the meaning of the cards. Pay attention to the zodiac signs associated with each card, as well as any aspects or houses that may be relevant.

When creating tarot spreads, consider incorporating astrological influences into your design. By using the positions of the planets or the zodiac signs, you can create custom spreads that are tailored to your specific needs.

Finally, if you really want to take your astrology and tarot practice to the next level, consider exploring stellar mapping, solar returns, and chart dissection. These advanced techniques can provide even deeper insights into the connection between astrology and tarot.

Overall, by combining the wisdom of astrology and tarot, you can unlock a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. So why not embrace these powerful tools and see where they take you on your personal spiritual journey?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between astrology and tarot?

Astrology is based on the positions of celestial bodies while tarot is a form of divination that uses cards.

What do zodiac signs have to do with tarot cards?

Zodiac signs can be used to correspond to specific tarot cards and provide additional insight during a reading.

Can astrology be used to interpret any tarot card?

Astrology can be used to interpret any tarot card, but it is especially useful when interpreting the Major Arcana.

What are some common correspondences between astrology and tarot?

Some common correspondences include the sun card with Leo, the moon card with Cancer, and the tower card with Mars.

Why is understanding astrology important for tarot readers?

Understanding astrology can provide deeper insight into tarot readings and help readers provide more accurate and comprehensive interpretations.

How can astrology be integrated into pre-reading rituals?

Astrology can be used to determine the best time to perform a tarot reading or to choose a specific tarot spread.

What is stellar mapping?

Stellar mapping is the process of creating a chart that shows the position of the planets and stars at the time of a tarot reading.

What is a solar return chart?

A solar return chart is a chart that shows the position of the planets and stars at the moment of a person’s birthday.

What are some tips for creating spreads using astrology?

Some tips include using the zodiac signs or planets as the basis for the spread or incorporating the houses of astrology.

How can a spiritual connection enhance the use of astrology in tarot?

A spiritual connection can help a reader better understand the symbolism and meaning behind astrological correspondences in tarot.

References

• Should tarot readers also learn astrology reading?
• Tarot Card Reading: What is it and how can you do it?
• Best Way To Learn To Read Tarot Cards