Tarot Astrology: Jupiter In The Tarot

jupiter in the tarot Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system signifying growth, expansion, luck and higher learning.

Jupiter in the Tarot is primarily linked to the Wheel of Fortune, and because this planet rules Sagittarius, we can also link it to Temperance.

Although Jupiter’s energies are regarded as mainly positive and beneficial, it can also indicate challenges and setbacks.

The Wheel of Fortune makes this clear: perpetual movement brings change, not always good but sometimes necessary and mostly unavoidable.

When you are at the top of the Wheel, rest assured that at one point you will be moving downwards again. And vice versa.

Change always brings some kind of growth, new knowledge and insights – the silver lining in the cloud, if the change thrust upon you isn’t what you wanted or were hoping for.

And you cannot apply the brakes on that Wheel, because there aren’t any. Stuff is happening totally beyond your control.

Let’s take this further to Temperance. Here we see the angel performing some alchemy, creating the perfect mix from two opposing extremes to achieve moderation and harmony.

There is no recipe or science to it, so a good result is simply a happy accident after some experimental trial and error.

Now take a look at the Two of Pentacles (Jupiter in Capricorn) and compare the image with Temperance. Can you see the similarities?

The Two of Pentacles takes us down to earth – juggling the day-to-day essentials like money, work, family… and all the while Jupiter’s influence in the background is helping us grow.

The Six of Wands (Jupiter in Leo) and Nine of Cups (Jupiter in Pisces) show us some happy people, content and successful.

They are sitting right on top of the Wheel of Fortune. They are at their peak, but we also know that the wheel is turning….

And where are the people depicted on the Four of Swords (Jupiter in Libra) and Eight of Swords (Jupiter in Gemini) positioned on the Wheel?

The Four of Swords suggests rest, recuperation, retreat and healing, all of which can lead to personal growth, renewal and a higher understanding.

I’d say that this card is slowly moving upwards on the wheel, but then again that’s down to personal perception. Where would you place this card?

The Eight of Swords is the total opposite to Jupiterian expansion: restriction.

The figure in this card is dreaming of freedom, and although the shackles seem to be self-imposed, Jupiter may offer a lucky break to escape from Colditz…

Now it’s over to you to explore the cards:

Which cards depict movement and which stagnation?
If several of the Jupiter cards appeared in a reading, how would that influence your interpretation of the spread?
What similarities can you see in the Jupiter cards to link them together?
In what way do the cards reflect Jupiter’s energies, especially luck and lack of control?

Grab the FREE printable journaling sheets I have created from my Tarot Astrology online course page.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Tarot Astrology: Mars In The Tarot

mars in the tarot Moving on from the Venus cards, we are now looking at how the energy of Mars is reflected in the Tarot.

In the Major Arcana, Mars is primarily linked to the Tower, and because this planet rules Aries, it also has an influence on the Emperor.

Mars, the “God of War”, isn’t just about disaster and destruction. Mars in the Tarot can also indicate beneficial energies such as drive, competition and ambition, which are vital to pursue progress and growth thus avoiding stagnation.

Let’s take a look at the cards that are influenced by Mars in more detail:

The Tower’s image is pretty clear about the malefic aspect of Mars; what we see isn’t pretty, and we can only cling to the hope that any damage caused can be limited or lead to the creation of something better.

The Emperor can demonstrate a range of martian personality traits, from the aforementioned ambition (in terms of the urge to conquer) and leadership abilities right through to dictatorship and tyranny.

Other martian characteristics include competitiveness, hot-temper, anger, obsession and infatuation, over-controlling, jealousy, ruthlessness and aggression.

Two of Wands (Mars in Aries) – This card is a harmonious link to the Emperor. Here, we see him as a visionary, inspired by his urge and enthusiasm to conquer the world.

The Mars aspect provides the drive, energy and sense of restlessness he needs to make a start towards his goal.

Mars may also indicate the need to dismantle old and outdated structures to create something new.

Seven of Wands (Mars in Leo) – Mars is reflected in a high-energy, stressful situation. If not careful, there is a danger of pressing the self-destruct button by over-exertion or tackling a situation too aggressively.

Mars may also indicate the need to gather up all your energy to get through a difficult period of time.

Five of Cups (Mars in Scorpio) – Mars has created mayhem in the realm of feelings and emotions. A loss, feeling devastated or destroyed. Inner turmoil. Something has been damaged, but just like the image of the Tower, the Five of Cups also indicates that something is still intact and can be built on.

The figure in the Five of Cups needs the forward-propelling survival energy of Mars to cross that bridge in the distance.

Ten of Cups (Mars in Pisces) – Happy families, or are they? Something may be brooding underneath the surface. A dormant volcano.

We know that sooner or later happiness gives way to more challenging times, and Mars offers a little warning sign to watch out and not take your happiness for granted.

Nine of Swords (Mars in Gemini) – Damaging and destructive thoughts; fears and anxiety based on the need to control what cannot be controlled. Fear of failure; fear of success; self-sabotage. Mars shakes up an otherwise balanced mindset into one of chaos and despair.

Three of Pentacles (Mars in Capricorn) – Friction and power struggles at work or in a relationship. However, Mars is also a driving force that unites people to reach a mutual goal. If they have the same vision of what they want to achieve, then they can also overcome challenges along the way.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how Mars can influence card meanings. Here’s an exercise you can do:

Take all the cards linked to Mars from your deck and explore the connections and similarities for yourself. How do the Tower and Emperor influence the meanings of the pip cards?

You can use the journaling sheets I have created by downloading them from my Tarot Astrology online course page.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Tarot Astrology: Venus In The Tarot

venus in the tarot The journey through our solar system continues from Mercury to Venus.

Here you can see, which cards in the Tarot are linked to Venus, and how this planet‘s energy may influence and add to the meaning of each card.

Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

No wonder it has been linked primarily to the Empress, who encompasses the typical Venus characteristics of love, nurture, affection, passion, indulgence and beauty.

The astrological glyph for Venus is depicted on the heart-shaped shield, and her flowery symbol is the rose (red, pink and white).

Learn more about Venus as her role of Roman goddess, and you will know more about the Empress, who embodies her.

Venus in astrology is ruler of Taurus and Libra, so we can see a connection to the Hierophant (Taurus) and Justice (Libra).

Some Venus aspects of the Hierophant are those of security, stability and aeasthetics.

Venus loves to be part of a family, a collective, surrounded by people who adore her, which is reflected in the pope-like figure of the Hierophant. There is little room for change as symbolised by the stone pillars and dominant figure preaching to his acolytes.

There is also a sense of vanity and arrogance surrounding the Hierophant – elaborate robes and rituals together with grandeur interiors (e.g. cathedrals) can be signs of guru-syndrome.

However, the Hierophant’s positive Venus link is his association to community, and the love, care and support it provides to its members.

As a ruler of Libra, Venus’s energy is also reflected in Justice. Her diplomatic abilities are mainly based on female charm, such as seduction and allure, which are meant to temper her masculine counterpart Mars, God of War (the Tower).

So, Libra reflects Venus’s drive to create harmony and balance, especially in relationships and at home.

Interpreting Justice with Venus in mind, consider making decisions based on feminine strengths and characteristics, especially when trying to alleviate disarray or damage caused by masculine traits.

How is Venus reflected in the pip cards? Here are some suggestions:

Four of Wands (Venus in Aries)

The RWS-based image depicts a couple celebrating under a flower canopy. There is celebration, joy, love and a sense of achievement.

Venus heralds good fortunes, which are reflected in this card. So far things have run smoothly, and all is set to continue this way.

More examples: turning a house into a home, a winning partnership, creative / artistic achievement

Two of Cups (Venus in Cancer)

Attraction, desire, confidence, harmony, cooperation, partnership, trust, emotional balance

Seven of Cups (Venus in Scorpio)

Desire of many things, especially those that give pleasure; creative imagination; flights of fancy; pursuit of beauty; artistic ambitions

In Roman mythology Venus also embodied victory and prosperity, traits which are embedded in the Five of Swords and Nine of Pentacles.

Even though the victory of the Five of Swords (Venus in Aquarius) seems hollow or indicates a lose-lose situation, the Venus energy offers a sense of benevolence and goodwill. Something good can emerge from this scenario despite despair or pessimism.

This card also shows how badly love can go wrong: love turned sour; a nasty break-up; control issues within a relationship; abuse; lack of empathy; the upper hand.

Nine of Pentacles (Venus in Virgo)

Luxury, beautiful surroundings, enjoying the riches of life, security, self-reliance, self-care, nurturing and bonding with animals / pets.

Exercise:

Take all the cards linked to Venus from your deck and explore the connections and similarities.

You can use the journaling sheets I have created by downloading them from my Tarot Astrology online course page.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Tarot Astrology: Mercury In The Tarot

Following up from the moon cards, we are now looking at Mercury in the Tarot and how this planet influences the cards it is associated with.

As “God’s Messenger”, Mercury is linked to communication, reason and self-awareness.

Other areas of influence are languages, travel, transport, logic and intellect.

In the Tarot, Mercury is linked directly to the Magician, and it may seem obvious why.

It is the Magician, who symbolises the power of communication, presenting ideas, arguing a cause, making a winning sales pitch and so on.

The Magician creates Magick with words, including spells, mantras and affirmations. He is influential but can also be manipulating.

Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo; therefore there is some indirect influence on The Lovers and The Hermit.

The pip cards Mercury is linked to are:

Eight of Wands (Mercury in Sagittarius)
Three of Cups (Mercury in Cancer)
Five of Pentacles (Mercury in Taurus)
Ten of Pentacles (Mercury in Virgo)
Six of Swords (Mercury in Aquarius)

How is Mercury’s energy reflected in these cards?

Here are some suggestions:

Eight of Wands – movement, travel, quick thinking, living life in the fast lane, seizing an unexpected opportunity, taking a calculated risk, gaming, travel by air

Three of Cups – communication (social), travelling in a group, building friendships, bonding (also at work), witty conversations, social networking, internet dating

Five of Pentacles – Asking for help, trying to make sense of a negative situation, bad news, mental overwhelm / meltdown, travel delays, being stranded, lost for words, looking for inspiration, learning difficulties

Ten of Pentacles – good organisational skills, nurturing a network of friends/ family / support, being established as an influencer / speaker / advisor, clever with money and long-term investments

Six of Swords – Travel, a new direction will bring clarity, a decision to leave something behind is based on reason and knowledge, fickleness, travel by sea

If you are reading reversed cards, consider thinking “Mercury retrograde”, when these cards show up upside down.

And if a Mercury retrograde is actually taking place while these cards come up in a reading, you can also take that into account.

Here’s an interesting exercise you can do:

Pick out all the Mercury cards from your deck. Which of the pip cards would you assign to which Major Arcana card?

You can look out for visual clues but also take similar meanings into account.

For example, I see the Six of Swords linked to The Hermit and the Three of Cups with The Lovers.

But it is perfectly fine, if you have different ideas. How do you see the Mercury cards connected with each other?

For this exercise I have created journaling sheets, which you can download from my Tarot Astrology online course page.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

The Sun Cards in The Tarot

The planets are linked to Major and Minor Arcana cards in the Tarot.

A while ago, I looked at the moon cards in the Tarot and noticed some interesting visual connections.

Here are some of my observations of the sun cards in the Tarot.

The best deck to use for this exercise is the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) Tarot.

On a visual level, we can see a connection between Strength and the Six of Cups. There is interaction between the two main figures.

I also see a link between Strength and the Four of Pentacles. The woman and man are holding on to something.

And yes, The Sun and Strength both depict people with animals.

I leave you to explore more visual similarities and what they could mean.

What additional interpretations does the sun as a planet add to each card it corresponds with?

Here are some suggestions:

The Sun – primary link with the sun, which in astrology represents the ego, life force and creativity. Additional interpretations therefore could be confidence, extroversion, selfishness, survival instinct, hedonism.
Strength – linked to the zodiac sign Leo, which is ruled by the sun. Strong physical energy, vitality, health and resilience.
Ten of Swords – Here, the sun represents a new beginning, new life, new opportunity, birth, resilience, survivor spirit, looking at the bright side, blessing.
Three of Wands – optimism, focus, alert, enthusiastic, adventure spirit, creative drive, ambition.
Six of Cups – contentment, benevolence, joy, nurture.
Eight of Pentacles – job satisfaction, vocation, workaholic, creative energy
Four of Pentacles – selfishness, self-protection, possessiveness

These are just a few ideas. Explore the cards and see what else you can find that relates to the sun – additional interpretations or visual connections.

Also bear in mind that the sun adds the element of Fire to each card.

If you would like to learn step-by-step more about astrology and how to apply it in your Tarot work, then check out my Tarot Astrology self-study course, where you can download the complete planet exercise together with some funky journaling sheets.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

The Moon Cards in the Tarot

moon cards in the tarot Most of the cards in the Tarot (except Aces and Pages) are connected either directly or indirectly (via zodiac attributions) to the planets.

When you look closer at the images of those cards that share the same planetary attribution, you can see some visual similarities.

By identifying and studying these similarities, you can gain new insight and a deeper understanding of individual cards.

Here, we are looking at the moon cards in the (RWS) Tarot.

The example above shows the High Priestess and the Two of Swords.

The moon is assigned to the High Priestess, and the Two of Swords’ astrological attribution is Moon in Libra.

Both women face us with their backs to the water. Whereas in the High Priestess image the view of the water is concealed by a curtain, the woman in the Two of Swords is blindfolded.

Both women are dressed in a white robe. The moon crescent can be found at the feet of the High Priestess, and in the sky on the Two of Swords.

The High Priestess is holding a book, the woman in the Two of Swords is holding the swords.

Both women are seeking knowledge through quiet contemplation, yet they do so in different ways.

Both cards are connected to feelings, emotions and the unconscious (lunar influences).

But there are more moon cards in the Tarot:

moon cards in the tarot The Chariot – zodiac sign Cancer is ruled by the moon

Six of Pentacles – Moon in Taurus

Four of Cups – Moon in Cancer

Nine of Wands – Moon in Sagittarius

Seven of Swords – Moon in Aquarius

We can also add the Moon to this list, even though this Major Arcana card is linked to Pisces.

Take all these cards from your deck and explore how the energy of the moon is reflected in them.

What new insights are you gaining?

Bear in mind that the moon also adds the element Water to each card.

You can check out my Power of the Moon article and the Planet chart for more information about the moon and how it might affect card meanings and interpretations.

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

And if you love this kind of Tarot study, you may be interested in my Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Tarot & Astrology: Planets

The planets represent the motivating forces behind all our actions.

Our ancestors regarded them as gods, and the myths of the gods have been adapted by modern astrology into the concept of archetypes.

The planets-as-gods are associated with characteristics, psychological energies or impulses that all of us express in one form or another.

The word ‘planet’ derives from Greek meaning ‘wanderer’.

Although the Sun and Moon are not technically planets, they are still included in this group and given special importance as ‘luminaries’.

Ancient, medieval and traditional astrology only recognised the planets visible to the eye, but modern astrology now incorporates the newly discovered planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Each planet has its own characteristics and is categorised as either a benefic (helpful) or a malefic (disruptive).

The Sun

Integrity—Self-Discovery—Action

The “inner king”. All planets in our solar system revolve around the sun, which is the symbol of our basic nature; our whole essence comes from the position of the sun at our birth, which is reflected in our sun sign. The Sun is associated with a sense of power and represents our divine inner spark—the vital force that urges us to seek greater expression of our nature.

Ruler of: Leo; in the physical body the Sun rules the heart and the blood as carrier of life-sustaining substances.

In Nature: masculine, hot and dry; mildly malefic (due to the heat)

Positive aspects: creativity, independence, courage, strength, success, affection and generosity.

Negative traits: arrogance, over-confidence or lack of confidence, selfishness.

Associated Tarot cards: The Sun, Strength

The Moon

Emotions—Self-Nourishment—Instinct

The “inner child”. The second of astrology’s most important celestial body is not a planet but Earth’s satellite. The moon cycles—new moon, waxing, full moon, waning, dark—symbolise the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Its gravitational pull on the Earth’s surface is linked with the tides, and its phases influence numerous biological rhythms in plant, animal and human life.

The Moon represents our imaginative and reflective side, unconscious impulses, emotional reactions, childhood experiences, the mother-child relationship and our need for emotional comfort.

Ruler of: Cancer; in the physical body the Moon rules the breast, womb and digestive system.

In Nature: Feminine, cold and moist; benefic (when waxing) and mildly malefic (when waning)

Positive aspects: sensitive, caring, compassionate, artistic, intuitive

Negative traits: emotional instability, self-absorbance, weakness, confusion, fear.

Associated Tarot cards: The High Priestess, The Chariot

Mercury

Reason—Communication—Self-Awareness

“Messenger of the gods”. The smallest planet and closest to the sun, Mercury is linked with movement, communication, logic, reason, languages and transport. It facilitates comprehension, so we may become thinking, intelligent beings. Mercury also symbolises our ability to make connections and understand the relationship between things, ourselves and the wider world.

Ruler of: Gemini and Virgo; physically Mercury rules hands, shoulders and lungs.

In Nature: Neither masculine nor feminine (it takes on the nature of the planet with which it is connected); cold and dry; benefic or malefic depending on associated planets

Positive aspects: eloquence, wit, good memory, organisational skills

Negative traits: learning difficulties, fickleness, cunning.

Associated Tarot cards: The Magician, The Lovers, The Hermit

Venus

Relationships—Inner Strength—Personal Choices

“Goddess of Love”. Venus is associated with love and affection, diplomacy, harmony and beauty. Psychologically Venus represents the need for emotional and material security and therefore indicates how we tend to relate to others and handle our finances.

Ruler of: Taurus (night) and Libra (day); physically, Venus rules the kidneys, bladder and sexual organs.

In Nature: Feminine, moderately cold and moist; benefic.

Positive aspects: physical beauty, pleasant manners, diplomatic, artistic, nurturing

Negative traits: laziness, jealousy, emotional coldness, unfaithfulness, debauchery.

Associated Tarot cards: The Empress, The Hierophant, Justice

Mars

Assertion—Drive—Control

“God of War”. The fourth planet from the sun, Mars is associated with the inner drive for action, self-manifestation and both positive and negative aggression, as well as the male sex drive. Mars is named after the Roman god of war and is said to be an influencing factor on all people, objects and matters connected to warfare, bloodshed, conquest and destruction. Mars also rules people, who use sharp, metallic objects such as surgeons, butchers, cooks and tailors.

Ruler of: Aries; physically Mars rules the primary sexual organs.

In Nature: Masculine, hot and dry; malefic.

Positive aspects: physical strength, courage, decisiveness, a sense of fair competition

Negative traits: uncontrolled anger, ruthlessness, violence, dishonesty, tyranny.

Associated Tarot cards: The Tower, The Emperor

Jupiter

Expansion—Generosity—Optimism

“King of the gods”. Jupiter is named after the Roman king of the gods and is traditionally known as the Greater Benefic, bringer of good fortunes. Jupiter is associated with judges, lawyers, teachers, healers, religious leaders as well as seekers of knowledge and truth. The function of Jupiter is to enlarge, make fruitful and bestow a feeling of being protected and a spirit of hope and optimism. Jupiter influences our self-confidence and our ability to extend our horizons.

Ruler of: Sagittarius; physically Jupiter rules the thighs and liver.

In Nature: Masculine, hot and moist; benefic.

Positive aspects: success, happiness, wisdom, thoughtfulness, honesty, justice.

Negative traits: vanity, self-indulgence, recklessness

Associated Tarot cards: Wheel of Fortune, Temperance

Saturn

Hardship—Conscience—Self-Discipline

“God of social order”. The second largest planet of the solar system used to be regarded as the Greater malefic, associated with loss, hardship, loneliness and death. In modern astrology Saturn’s reputation is more balanced and represents our innate desire for order, form, structure and security. This in turn is connected with generational conflicts, conventional views and issues of fear, repression and control. Saturn rules natural and man-made structures, hierarchies, organisations, authorities, the karmic law of cause and effect and even time itself.

Ruler of: Capricorn; physically Saturn rules the skeleton.

In Nature: Masculine, cold and dry, melancholic and malefic.

Positive aspects: discipline, patience, reliability, honesty, practical talents, responsibility.

Negative traits: rigidity, restriction, narrow-mindedness, excessive limitations, fear of life.

Associated Tarot cards: The World, The Devil

Uranus

Inner Voice—Change—Idealism

“God of the sky”. The first Trans-Saturnian planet was discovered in 1781 shortly before the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. Due to this timing, Uranus is associated with non-conformity and revolutionary tendencies; it is also an indicator of new discoveries, sudden and unexpected events, disruptions and unpredictable occurrences. Uranus is linked with modern technology, electricity, aviation and space travel. Psychologically, it represents the individual’s need for self-realisation and freedom from restrictions.

Ruler of: Aquarius; physically Uranus rules ankles, calves and the nervous system .

In Nature: Masculine

Positive aspects: originality, inventiveness, independence

Negative traits: stubbornness, impracticality, uncontrolled emotional outbursts, delusions

Associated Tarot cards: The Fool, The Star

Neptune

Inspiration—Obligation—The Collective

“God of the sea”. Neptune, the eighth planet from the sun, is linked with the unseen and mysterious. Neptune dissolves boundaries, such as between the conscious and unconscious, between individuals and between truth and illusion. Neptune represents our vision of perfection and our ideals. For most of us this will be our fantasy world, an escape of reality. Neptune gives inspiration to poets, artists, musicians, mystics and humanitarians.

Ruler of: Pisces; physically Neptune rules feet and circulation.

In Nature: Feminine

Positive aspects: sensitivity, compassion, empathy, spirituality, psychism, imagination

Negative traits: delusion, deception, drug abuse, apathy, neediness, irrational fears

Associated Tarot cards: The Hanged Man, The Moon

Pluto

The Unconscious—Transformation—Letting Go

“God of the underworld”. The smallest and most dense planet of the solar system, Pluto is associated with sexuality, physical and spiritual birth, with death and resurrection. It symbolises old patterns that need to be eliminated if we are to grow and develop. Pluto forces us to come to terms with the darker, more instinctive side of nature. If we try to avoid it, the result will be havoc, physical and emotional upheaval.

Ruler of: Scorpio; physically Pluto rules the prostrate, skin, finger and toe nails, cancer cells.

In Nature: Masculine

Positive aspects: psychological insight; the ability to heal and regenerate with radical creativity

Negative traits: obsessive compulsive tendencies

Associated Tarot cards: Judgement, Death

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Tarot Astrology: Jupiter In The Tarot

Christiane

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Tarot Astrology: Mars In The Tarot

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Tarot Astrology: Venus In The Tarot

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Tarot Astrology: Mercury In The Tarot

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The Sun Cards in The Tarot

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The Moon Cards in the Tarot

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Tarot & Astrology: Planets

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