Understanding your Zodiac Sign through Tarot

Most of us are familiar with our Sun Sign within Astrology and know what sign to look at when reading about our relationship style according to our Zodiac Sign or looking at the horoscope section of the newspaper.

This only scratches the surface of what Astrology can tell us about who we are and the energy that is most influential in our lives. It is ludicrous to think that there are only 12 personalities on the planet. Sun Signs are a top level way that astrologers can provide general information to a lot of people. If you want a more detailed astrological reading you will need to get a full natal chart which is based on the specific time and location of your birth, and maps the location of all the planets at the time of your birth, going far beyond your Sun Sign alone.

But this doesn’t diminish the importance and usefulness of your Sun Sign for understanding some of the forces that drive you and some of the influences that are having a big impact on your life.

The information available to us from our Sun Sign can also be deepened by coupling it with Tarot. Much of the wisdom of Astrology is mirrored in Tarot, and just as the different Zodiac Signs are associated with the different elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water), so too are the suits of the Tarot.

Each sign of the Zodiac also has a corresponding card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. Understanding a bit more about the meaning of each of these cards can throw some further illumination onto what we can learn about ourselves from our Sun Sign.

Aries (March 21-April 19) – The Emperor

A fire sign rules by Mars, Aries is linked to the Emperor, a symbol of authority, structure and control. In a Tarot reading The Emperor is a card is often a symbol of undergoing an intensive life experience during which much is learned, and the person comes out the other end stronger. This link indicates a person who is a born leader and isn’t afraid to make decisions. However it also indicates a person who sees themselves as the centre of the universe, even if they are benevolent to those around them.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) – The Hierophant

Earth based Taurus is linked to the Hierophant, a symbol of tradition and conformity, as well as ethics and morals. In a Tarot reading the Hierophant is a divine messenger and represents strong spirituality. This link indicates a person who is always at the centre of their community and has great influence on those around them. They are trend setters and peace keepers.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) – The Lovers

The dual nature of airy Gemini is linked to the Lovers, a symbol of partnership, duality and self love. The Lovers card is often taken to represent romantic love, but it is more closely linked with ideas of self-love and self-acceptance and being complete as an individual before sharing with another person. This link indicates a person who has a duality of nature and can adapt to different situations, but is also sometimes hard to pin down.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) – The Chariot

Watery Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is linked to the Chariot, a symbol of control and will power. The Chariot speaks of the need to focus and put in the hard work in order to reach a goal. This link indicates a person who protects themselves, wearing armour like a charioteer, and seeks balance across the different aspects of their life.

Leo (July 23-August 22) – Strength

Bold and fiery Leo is connected with Strength, a symbol of bravery, focus and compassion. In a reading this card indicates that a person has the resources that they need to meet their challenge. This link indicates a person with inner strength and self-assurance, but who is also generous and compassionate, as well as fiercely protective.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) – The Hermit

Down to Earth Virgo is linked with the Hermit, a symbol of contemplation and the search for guidance. The Hermit represents the ability to step back from the noise of the universe and self-reflect, noticing details that others can be blind to. This link indicates a person who is always seeking, new knowledge, self-improvement, love and respect.

Libra (September 23-October 22) – Justice

High minded Libra is connected with Justice, a symbol of clarity and truth. Justice is the card of Karma and speaks to the consequences of actions, and the importance of integrity. This link indicates a person who is committed to what is fair and right, but also someone who can be indecisive as they try and balance the influences in their life.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22) - Death

Ferocious Scorpio is linked with Death, a symbol of new beginnings and metamorphoses. Death rarely refers to physical death in a Tarot reding and rather points to the end of cycles and new beginnings. It is also linked to an ability to deal with grief. This link actually indicates a person who is full of life, as they bounce back easily from pain and disappointment, and are always excited by the prospect of something new.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 22) - Temperance

Free flowing and watery Sagittarius is connected to Temperance, a symbol of balance and deeper meaning. Temperance in a reading often calls for patience and is a reminder that all things come in their own time. This link points to a person who strives to be moderate in their approach to lie, but is actually prone to taking things too far.

Capricorn (December 22-January 20) – The Devil

Devoted Capricorn is connected with the Devil, a symbol of materialism and playfulness. When the Devil appears in a reading it is often a sign that a person feels out of control and needs to take back control of their destiny. This link indicates a person with a forceful personality and a drive to succeed. It also speaks to a tendency to try anything and everything, if when you are pretty sure it isn’t right for you.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18) – The Star

Airy Aquarius is linked to the Star, a symbol of hope, faith and rejuvenation. The Star often carries a message of hope, healing and renewal. This link indicates a person who is optimistic and altruistic, always thinking about the needs of others.

Pisces (February 18-March 20) – The Moon

Pisces is linked to the Moon, a symbol of intuition. The Moon often appears in a tarot reading when a person is feeling anxious or doubting themselves, and encourages the person to trust their gut. This link indicates a person who can fit in anywhere and easily connect with others.