Each zodiac sign corresponds to a specific Tarot card. This connection helps to better understand one's strengths, life lessons, and personality traits.
How Tarot and Zodiac Signs Are Connected
Tarot and astrology are two ancient tools for self-discovery. As early as the 18th century, esotericists began to establish a connection between the Tarot Arcana, elements, Kabbalah, and astrology. The most common system is the one created by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: each sign corresponds to one of the Major Arcana.
The elements in Tarot and astrology match:
Fire — Wands
Air — Swords
Water — Cups
Earth — Pentacles
Knowing which Tarot card governs your zodiac sign will help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, as well as the challenges you may face in this life and the spiritual lessons you need to learn.
Aries: The Emperor (IV Arcana)
The fire sign governed by Mars, Aries corresponds to the Arcana of The Emperor. The Emperor is a leader. Someone who uses their charisma, charm, and persuasive power to make others do what they want. People born under the sign of Aries are action-oriented; they love to take control of situations and dominate.
Taurus: The Hierophant (V Arcana)
This may surprise many Taureans, as most of them are critical of religion or even atheists, but their unwillingness to blindly believe and their constant search for truth strongly connects them to The Hierophant — "the master of sacred mysteries." Taureans are the pillars of society, steadfast, reliable, and trustworthy. Taurus knows the truth, the whole truth.
Gemini: The Lovers (VI Arcana)
The sign of Gemini is binary in nature and is governed by Mercury, the god of communication. In Tarot, Gemini is represented by The Lovers Arcana. The foundation of this card is the story of Adam and Eve, who are usually depicted standing next to the Tree of Life and the Tree of Wisdom. The Lovers Arcana symbolizes communication and community, emphasizing Gemini's need for relationships.
Cancer: The Chariot (VII Arcana)
The Chariot Arcana corresponds to Cancer. The charioteer on the card is a person of action. And, like all Cancers, they wear armor because they have an incredible drive for security. Additionally, the charioteer is often depicted with the moon on their armor, representing all that is hidden and concealed. The Chariot is a card of inner determination and assertion through intellect and intuition.
Leo: Strength (VIII Arcana)
The fire sign of Leo corresponds to the Arcana of Strength, which is visually evident: the card depicts a maiden taming a lion. This is a card of strength, when a person knows they possess lion-like will — both physical and spiritual — and can confidently and courageously face all challenges.
Virgo: The Hermit (IX Arcana)
The Tarot card corresponding to the zodiac sign Virgo may not seem as clear and precise at first glance as Leo or Gemini: it corresponds to The Hermit — a solitary old man walking in the dark with a lantern. However, this Arcana shows how exhausting the outside world can be for Virgo, who is much more sensitive than they think. This card calls for nurturing one's inner self. The inner wisdom of The Hermit will reveal the meaning of life for Virgo.
Libra: Justice (XI Arcana)
The zodiac sign Libra is associated with Justice — and this is also evident: in her left hand are the scales, and a sword is in her right hand, just as the sign of Libra relates to the element of Air. Libras are known for their sense of justice. This Arcana teaches Libras how to deal with the injustices of the world and live in harmony with their decisions.
Scorpio: Death (XIII Arcana)
It is not surprising that the creature whose sting is life-threatening corresponds to the Arcana of Death. Fortunately, this card expresses something else: it points to renewal and life change. The skeleton represents what is important to us and remains with us always. The Death Arcana calls for letting go of people and things that no longer serve us in order to move forward: just as Scorpio sheds its skin to be reborn.
Sagittarius: Temperance (XIV Arcana)
Sagittarius is half human, half horse, almost uncontrollable in their impulses. Of course, the best representation of this morally complex sign is the Arcana of Temperance. The card of moderation symbolizes Sagittarius's struggle with the taste of freedom, which, once felt, allows Sagittarians to gallop further than they intended. The Arcana calls for maintaining stability despite all of life's twists and turns, being moderate in their ideas and actions.
Capricorn: The Devil (XV Arcana)
The Arcana of The Devil seems unsuitable for Capricorn — loyal, somewhat naive, and very persistent. But visually, there is a resemblance: both the zodiac sign and The Devil on the card represent a half-goat. Both beings — Capricorn and The Devil — represent forces striving for success but held back by earthly expectations. And both are susceptible to all sorts of temptations. Even The Devil wants Capricorn to know what is good for them and what is bad. But Capricorn must learn this through their own experience.
Aquarius: The Star (XVII Arcana)
Often mistakenly thought to be a water sign due to its name, Aquarius is actually an air sign — the wind that moves the waves. The Tarot card corresponding to Aquarius is The Star Arcana. Like Aquarius, the goddess depicted on this card possesses water (emotions) and pours it where it can be beneficial. This is exceptionally important for Aquarians. Like The Star Arcana, Aquarius is optimistic and dreamy.
Pisces: The Moon (XVIII Arcana)
The zodiac sign Pisces corresponds to The Moon Arcana. Like the sign of Pisces, the Moon card is associated with dreams, idealism, and the unconscious. The Moon also represents the connection with our shadow, presenting us with the opportunity to see the invisible, to dive into the depths of our "self." The Moon card reminds Pisces to listen to the energy of their physical body, which reacts very sensitively to life circumstances and signals the appropriate response.
