Each of the 78 scenic images of the RWS (Rider Waite Smith) Tarot deck contain a number of symbols. When familiar with their meanings and possible interpretations, it is easier to “read” and interpret the cards.
Major Arcana Symbols:
0 – The Fool
White rose in hand – the soul, the heart, love. White = purity, innocence
Bundle on stick – provisions, potential, possessions (not much = flexible, light, independent). Stick = wand
Sun/Sky – blue, sunny, warm; the right time to travel, make a move
Mountains – obstacles, problems, difficulties in the far distance
Cliff – pitfall
Dog – instinct, spirit guide, warning from the intellect or playfulness
Orange – zest for life, energy
Yellow – Air, thoughts
Eagle’s head on bag – soaring spirit
Fool’s Posture – open, receptive, trusting, happy-go-lucky, facing left (yin, feminine, unconscious)
1 – The Magician
Lemniscate above his head – symbol of eternity; infinite potential, connection with universal principles
Red/White clothing – Alchemy; alchemical process catalyst for change
Red roses – passion
White lilies – purity, higher spirit
Objects on the table – 4 elements (4 Minor Arcana suits); possibilities, choices, potential
Garden – nature’s sacred space; emotional and creative power
Magician’s Posture – As above so below; making something real; manifesting spirit force by connecting heaven and earth.
Wand – lightning rod; energy
2 – The High Priestess
White gown – purity
Headdress – three aspects of the moon (symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis)
Equal-armed cross – uniting masculine and feminine powers
High Priestess’s Posture – right hand of power is hidden; left hand holding the Tora, Jewish book of law/5 books of Moses
Veil – something hidden, the unconscious/hidden knowledge
Water behind the veil – unconscious, intuition, mysteries
Pomegranates on veil – fruit of the Underworld, a connection to the myth of Persephone, who spent a third of her life in the Underworld with Hades, because she ate the seeds of the Pomegranate
Palm trees – ability to create through action (fanning), masculine, assertive energy
Columns – entrance to King Solomon’s Temple of Wisdom, Hebrew temple in Jerusalem
B and J – Boaz and Jakin, names of the two main pillars of King Solomon’s temple
Black and white – opposites, night and day, yin and yang
Lunar crescent – beginning of esoteric cycle
3 – The Empress
Empress’s Posture – comfort, luxury
Sceptre in right hand – taking the lead, creatrive energy
Gown – pomegranates; link with High Priestess, two aspects of the feminine
Headdress – 12 stars of the zodiac
Shield – heart-shaped, gentleness, passion; symbol for Venus, Goddess of love and beauty
Trees – growth, wisdom
River – feelings, nurture, emotions, life force, change
Corn – Fruitfulness, fertility
Red – passion, love
Yellow – gold, the sun
4 – The Emperor
Emperor’s posture – sitting straight, full-face image, confident, decisive, focused
Clothing – red cloth over armour, protection; ram shield symbolising Zodiac sign Aries
Red and white – in crown, white beard, red cloak: alchemy
Sceptre in right hand – yang (ankh, symbol of life)
Orb in left hand – yin
Sceptre and orb – two contrasting elements, balance
Ram – Aries, assertive power, force, Aries rules the head, 1st sign of the Zodiac: new life
Background – bare, desolate mountains – limitations, water – little emotions
Stone throne – long-lasting, rigid
Red – colour of Aries, Mars
Yellow – Sun
To be continued….
When I researched colour symbolism in the Tarot, I came across information about how colour is perceived in different cultures.