If you are learning to read Tarot cards or you are an experienced Tarot card reader, you may have learned about the Tarot language. Often we hear from teachers of Tarot that to be able to read Tarot effectively, we need to understand that Tarot has a language. Well, what does that mean? Don't we just have to memorize that little booklet that comes with the deck? Those keywords that are in that little booklet need to be memorized to know how to read Tarot....right? Not really. That booklet is included in your Tarot deck to let you know where the deck was made, when, who the publisher is of the deck etc. The keywords by each card listed in the booklet are just reminders for you.
Tarot Language - what do we mean?
If I look up the word language on the internet:
Language: a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves. from Britannica https://www.britannica.com/
In my words, language is a system of symbols and words to use in communication with others.
So, when we are reading tarot cards, we are using words to communicate what we see in the cards. Those symbols and images invoke words and meanings to the questions we are asking.
What is that system in Tarot?
When we look at the cards in the deck, we see that every card is different. Each card is unique. However, when you lay out the cards you see there are things that the cards have in common. What do the cards have in common?
what colours are used
The direction of human figures or animals. Are the figures facing left or right
The shape of the symbols is laid out on the cards. For example: in the 3 of Coins card, the coins are laid out in the shape of a triangle
Numbers have an energetic meaning, i.e. can describe a phase of a journey
Other commonly used symbols, for example, animals, stars, jewelry, fruit
When we put these common things together i.e. colours, directions, numbers, etc., we come up with messages, and meanings and create conversations. We find we become more reflective and intuitive. We become more present in our current situations. When we use what is in each tarot card, we let go of memorizing the keywords that are in the little booklet. Learning how to read tarot cards is difficult if we just resort to memorizing each card's meaning. When you learn the tarot language, the tarot cards become tools or visual aids to help engage your intuition and your insight regarding your situation.
So when you lay your tarot cards out, keep in mind:
Look at the direction of the cards. Are human and animal figures going in one direction or opposite directions?
What colours are the most prominent?
What numbers are you seeing? See if there is a pattern, e.g. many even numbers.
In what direction are the human figures gazing?
What hand is holding a sword, wand, cup, or coin?
What do you notice in the human figure's posture? How are their hands and feet positioned?
How are the human figures dressed and are they wearing anything on their head such as a crown or hat?
Is the image of the card one of order or chaos?
For decks such as the Rider Waite which came out in the early twentieth century, the creators wrote about the symbolic language. When it comes to the much older decks such as the Marseilles tarot, there was nothing written by the creators of these decks and therefore we need to figure out the symbolic language. Using traditions, and spiritual and cultural customs of the times when these decks were made, scholars have come up with their interpretations of the tarot language.
Here are some clues about the symbolic language of Tarot:
Colour
The colours that are used in a tarot deck have a great impact on the emotions and energy of the reading. For instance: if a tarot spread has many cards where red is the predominant colour, you can interpret the situation as one of a lot of action and movement.
Colour: Meaning:
Numerology
Numerology is associating numbers with meaning. Understanding how to use numerology in your tarot readings will help you become a more effective tarot reader. See https://www.margostarot.com/post/numerology-in-tarot-the-basics-and-meanings-to-numbers Using numerology can give your readings more dimension especially if you see repeating numbers, number patterns, or:
more odd numbers
more even numbers
numbers are increasing
numbers are decreasing
Number One: the root of all numbers. This is the beginning of the potential. This is the point where the process begins. In geometry, the number one is represented by a point.
keywords: individual, beginning, whole, union, power, focus and concentration
The Number Two: an even number associated with feminine energy. It's receptive and accepting or rejecting. In geometry, two is represented by a line that joins two points.
keywords: duality, opposites, compliments, collusion, confrontation, repels, rejects, crossroad
The Number Three: an odd number with masculine energy. In geometry it is represented by a triangle: Two elements coming together to create something new. A child from a relationship, a project developed by people and ideas. The energy is dynamic and moves.
keywords: growth, building, project, birth, marriage, contract
The Number Four: an even number that represents stability, structure, order, and institutions.
It represents matter: the 4 elements of earth, fire, air, and water. In geometry, the number four is represented by a square: four points that come together to represent a simple solid shape. Four Directions: east, west, south, and north.
keywords: solid, balance, achievement, stability, harmony, security, conservative, counterbalance, conformity.
The Number Five: an odd number with unstable energy. It's an extra element or overabundance that has thrown something or someone off balance. There is no equilibrium and the extra element has a destructive effect. In geometry, is represented by the number five is represented by the pentagon or a five-pointed star inside a circle called a pentagram.
keywords: transformation, revolution, shakeup, churning, anxiety, stirring, agitation
The Number Six: this number represents union, and perfection when two elements/units/bodies/parts come together. It's cooperation. In geometry, it is represented by a hexagon which is the perfect shape where all sides are equal. A honeycomb structure is an example of a hexagon shape as well as a snowflake. This structure is known to be strong because all weight is evenly distributed. It's nature's perfect shape because hexagons fit well together leaving no wasted space.
Hexagons fitting together
keywords: analysis, comparing, choices, options, trust, unison, union, decision/indecision
The Number Seven: this number represents the mystical and beyond the limitations. Seven represents the seven known heavenly bodies from the Sun to Saturn, seven main chakras from the root chakra to the crown, seven days of creation (world's time), and seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). Beyond Saturn was heaven and the divine. We are elevated to a higher knowing of ourselves and the world. In geometry, seven is represented by the heptagram. Heptagram has long been a symbol of the realm between worlds. Seven is often linked to the spiritual meaning of alchemy: healing and achieving inner transformation where we are free of our fears and anxieties.
keywords: effort, growth, maturing, expansion, phenomenon
The Number Eight: This number represents fulfillment after a period of adjustments and
corrections. The number eight on its side is the infinity symbol. It's a number that represents balance and order. In geometry, 8 can be represented as the octagon. We see this shape in churches; baptismal fonts. The octagon's 8 sides represent the day after the seven days of
the week of the world's creation. The eighth day is symbolic of the eternal life.
keywords: evolution, stable structure, details, patience, continuity, order of
cycles
The Number Nine: nine is a multiple of three's, 3 times 3 making it an energetically strong number. It's close to ten which represents wholeness, but it can also mean not being able to reach a goal or desire.
Then number nine energy in geometry is represented by three lines of three points making a square. The energy goes in many directions Energy of Nine may invoke a quest for self-discovery.
keywords: threshold, mysticism, dynamic, wisdom, portal, threshold
The Number Ten: Ten is a number that indicates completion. It can also indicate the start of a new cycle.
Pythagorean Tretractys.
The number 10 is also a symbol of power, completeness, and knowledge and in Pythagoreanism, 10 is symbolised by the Tetractys or tetrad which represents the four
elements of water, air, fire, and earth. It also serves to describe space:
the first row represents zero dimension by a single point
the second row represents one dimension by a point meeting another point to form a line
the third row represents two dimensions where a triangle is formed
the fourth row represents three dimensions to form a tetrahedron
keywords: end of a cycle, completeness, begin again, start of a new cycle, outcome
Zero or Unnumbered
The card with no number value represents a moment that is very brief and between the ending of one journey (or a life's lesson) and the beginning of a new journey.
The Fool is a very energetic card but has no number value. The Fool card is like a wild card because there are so many possibilities and when the Fool appears in the spread the limits and potentials are boundless. This is a new journey, a new beginning. It is often said that the Fool is "nowhere and is everywhere"
The Four Suits:
The suit of cups has indications of the water element (emotions, intuition, feelings, relationships, love)
The suit of Swords has indications of the air element (communication, education, institutions,
learning, conflicts, intellect, and legal issues
The suit of wands has indications of the fire elements (ambition, career, creativity, sexuality, competition, rivalry)
The suit of coins/pentacles has indications of the earth element (grounding, skills, resources, home, physical health, mental health, healing, finances, family, social status
Parts of the Human Body:
Legs:
grounding
health
root (earth element)
Pelvis:
creativity
passion and desire
sacral and solar plexus (fire element)
Upper Body (chest/heart, arms and hands)
emotions
expressions
Heart (water element)
Head and Neck
thoughts
intellect
communication
Throat, Third eye, and crown chakra (air element)
Other human figures found in the court cards have their meanings: See post: Tarot Court Cards - An Overview of Reading the Court Cards in Tarot
Symbols
Symbols found in each card contribute to the messages. Here are some examples:
Head coverings:
Crown-controlled thoughts, connection to the divine
Feather - air element and communication, flight and spiritualness
Hat shaped like an Infinity sign or an infinity sign: endless energy, possibilities, continual motion, and a reminder that the spirit lasts forever
Angels:
divine messages
inspiration
divine intervention
higher thoughts
Arch:
an opening or passageway
initiation
a new direction
Ankh/Sceptor with cross:
Balance
the rule is supreme balanced reason and force
Armor:
protection
preparation
strength
plans put into action
Birds:
spiritual matters
thoughts
ascension
the need for freedom
Bench:
the need for reflection
rest for a bit to take in what is going on
take time to enjoy the moment
Brick Wall:
protection against negativity
you or something else is holding you back
Bridge:
help/aid
there are different ways to succeed
Butterflies:
transformation
development
symbol of striving to do better
Boats:
deep thoughts
travel
movement in different directions
Cats:
psychic abilities
there are energies at work that we are not aware of
be observant
Child(ren):
hope
promises
new beginnings
innocence
Circle, Wheel:
perfection
cycle
completion
Chains:
slave to habits or negative vices
obsessiveness with negative thoughts and conflict
obsession
restrictions/bonds
addictions
Cross:
spiritual
representation of church
protection
represents the four directions - North,East, South and West
Eagle:
air element
mind and intellect
power
Flag:
announcement
a shift
awareness
change
illumination
Horse:
strength
movement and action
Horn:
announcement
joy
warning
something had to happen
Keys:
knowledge
keeper of secrets
keeper of wisdom
Leaves/foliage
growth and vitality
Crayfish:
regeneration and cycles
Lizards:
renewal and visions
perspective
Lion:
royalty
strength and courage
desires
a paradox - bravery and savage
Mountains:
challenge
triumph
endurance
Moon:
cycles
intuition
dreams
Wreath:
victory
peace
Yod:
tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet that represents the divine is present
Wolf:
primal urges
loyalty
examine what you want
Wing:
intuition
flight
spirit
divine
Veil:
hidden things
illusion
virginity
mystery
Waterfall:
emotions
movement
deep seeded thoughts
Water:
feminine
cleansing
intuition
Star
direction and guidance
illumination
Triangle:
trinity
father, son, and holy ghost
mother, father, and child
product of hard work or love
Sun:
expansion and growth
energy and vitality
paradox life-giving yet burns
Tomb:
we have to deal with the things and people that no longer serve us
a rest is required
Throne:
status and authority
Directions
In reading Tarot, many readers pay attention to the direction of the cards. The direction of the cards can give important clues. We look in directions: left to right, right to left, up and down, and diagonally in some spreads.
Left and Right:
Looking at the cards in a spread that appears on a horizontal axis. The example below shows the Magician I and the Strength IX:
Look at the direction in the human figures' gazes. The Magician is looking to the right and the strength is looking left. They appear to be looking at each other.
Another clue regarding the direction is the Numbers: Magician is the Number One arcanum and Strength is Number Nine.
What about the feet? The Magician's feet are pointing in opposite directions and we see only one of the feet in the Strength care which is pointing left. Are the hands of the human figures pointing in any direction?
Left Direction: indicates the past, hesitate to reflect, withdraw, decreasing
Right Direction: forward, future, active, expanding, improvement, ascension
Up: the top part of the card which refers to the higher self, emotion, and reason
Bottom part: desire
Movement down: difficulty
Movement Up: optimism
Sample Reading:
In reading the cards above for the questioner regarding changing careers:
The Magician suggests that the questioner has many ideas and basic tools/skills. Many possibilities are running in his mind. If we look at the shape of the hat, we see that it is in the shape of an infinite sign. He must organize his thoughts about the future. Make sure that he is in a good place before making any changes. The table is on three legs which tells us that he has to make sure he is steady on his feet before he makes his move. The ground is yellow indicating growth, but it is not all yellow. Some parts of the ground are grey, so that indicates some unknowns. Perhaps he must review his plans. He points his wand up suggesting he knows he can advance, but the hand on his lower belly (sacral chakra) suggests he may be acting on his desires. The gaze of the Strength card is there on the Magician's lower belly. He knows there is a risk that desire may be the driving force for the change. These passions must be controlled and reason must be used. Like the Magician, The Strength card has a hat in the shape of an infinite sign indicating endless possibilities.
Sources:
For notes on geometry representation: Reading and Understanding the Marseille Tarot by Anna Maria Morsucci & Antonella Aloi, Lo Scarabeo
The Marseille Tarot Revealed by Yoav Ben-Dov, Llewellyn Publications
The Way of Tarot, The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Marianne Costa, Destiny Books
Tarot By Numbers by Liz Dean, Fair winds Press