The Symbols of Tarot
Tarot is, if nothing else, a book of symbols. Not only is it steeped in history and archetypes and myth, it also contains visual details that help tell a bigger story - something beyond what the initial imagery may suggest. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and when it comes to tarot, I think it’s actually more.
In this post, we’ll be providing you a run down of the common symbols you will find in tarot along with some basic key words. Please note, there is far more to each symbol than what we’ve captured below. You may see some of these details differently and that’s ok. This is simply where our work has taken us, but it is not the final or only world. As well, each symbol may carry a slightly different meaning in the context of the card you find it on. Look also at its size, colour, quantity etc. to get a more complete interpretation.
We’ve also included some of the cards where you can find each symbol. That part is also not conclusive in all cases. As well, if there is a symbol you’re interested in that we haven’t included, reach out and let us know!
Bench
Skill, talent, determination, work, effort
As seen in: 3 of Pentacles, 8 of Pentacles, The Magician (though it could be argued this is a table)
Blindfold
A reliance on inner sight, initiation, intuition, looking deep within, something being obscured
As seen in: 8 of Swords, 2 of Swords
Boat
Travel, journey, venture, risk, opportunity
As seen in: 3 of Wands, 6 of Swords, Death
Butterfly
Transformation, change, metal agility, freedom
As seen in: Queen of Swords, King of Swords, Knight of Swords
Cloud
Obscurity, a lack of clarity, confusion, a passing storm
As seen in: The Wheel of Fortune, 3 of Swords, Knight of Swords, The Tower
Crown
Divinity, royalty, an open crown chakra, wisdom, intellect, leadership
As seen in: Death, The Tower, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant
Dog
Companionship, an aid, domestication, loyalty, adaptability
As seen in: The Fool, 10 of Pentacles, The Moon
Feather
An open mind, an open heart, weightlessness, to be unencumbered, achievement, protection
As seen in: The Fool, Death, The Sun, Page of Wands
Fire
Desire, passion, drive, creation, destruction, aggression
As seen in: The Devil, The Lovers, The Tower
Fish
Intuition, depth, sensitivity, fluidity, adaptability
As seen in: Page of Cups, Knight of Cups, King of Cups
Flowers
Friendship, love, joy, growth, life, beauty, the natural world
As seen in: The Sun, 6 of Cups, Temperance, The Fool
Grapes/Fruits
Pleasure, abundance, fertility, indulgence, enjoyment, luxury, the material
As seen in: The Devil, 3 of Cups, 9 of Pentacles, King of Pentacles, 4 of Wands
Horse
Movement, strength, endurance, freedom, heroism
As seen in: The Knights, Death, 6 of Wands, The Sun
Infinity (figure 8)
Energy, momentum, paradox, ever-lasting life, power
As seen in: The Magician, Strength, 2 of Pentacles
Lightning
Illumination, enlightenment, a shock
As seen in: The Tower
Lion
Bravery, confidence, strength, natural power
As seen in: Strength, Queen of Wands, The Wheel of Fortune, The World
Moon
The subconscious, shadows, illusion, dreams, intuition, emotion, cycles, the feminine principle
As seen in: The Moon, 8 of Cups, High Priestess, 2 of Swords
Mountains/Peaks
Initiation, trials, overcoming obstacles, a higher perspective
As seen in: The Lovers, Strength, Judgement, The Fool
Path
The unknown, a journey, initiation, purpose
As seen in: The Moon, Temperance, 8 of Cups
Pillars
Balance, polarity, support
As seen in: The High Priestess, Justice, The Hierophant, The Moon, Death
Pyramids
Spirituality, healing, ancient wisdom
As seen in: Page of Wands, Queen of Wands, Knight of Wands
Roses & Lilies
These are often presented together as they symbolize dual parts i.e. the masculine (rose) and feminine (lily) principle or the sun and the moon
As seen in: The Magician, The Hierophant, 2 of Wands
Scales
Balance, harmony, judgment, equilibrium, justice
As seen in: Justice, 6 of Swords
Snake
Kundalini, creativity, intelligence, forbidden knowledge
As seen in: The Lovers, 7 of Cups, The Wheel of Fortune
Snow
Isolation, overcoming adversity, trials, endurance
As seen in: The Hermit, 5 of Pentacles, Judgement, The Fool
Sphinx
Guardian on the threshold, divinity, hidden knowledge, riddles
As seen in: The Chariot, The Wheel of Fortune
Staff
Will power, perseverance, an aid
As seen in: The Hermit, 8 of Cups, 7 of Pentacles, 6 of Swords
Star
Hope, guidance, spirituality, purpose, inspiration, cosmic forces
As seen in: The Star, The Empress, The Chariot, The Hermit
Sun
Energy, enthusiasm, joy, power
As seen in: The Fool, Death, The Sun
Towers/Structures/Cityscape
Materiality, form, structure, the physical world
As seen in: The Tower, Death, The Chariot, 4 of Wands, 6 of Cups, 4 of Pentacles
Veil
Illusion, something hidden, a secret, mystery, protection, the unknown
As seen in: The High Priestess, The Hierophant, Justice
Water
Water may just be one of the most used symbols within the tarot - so that gives us a lot of information as to what these cards, as a whole, are all about…
The subconscious, emotions, intuition, healing, purification (to understand more of what the water is communicating, look at the way it moves/interacts i.e. smooth vs. waves vs ripples)
As seen in: The High Priestess, The Moon, The Star, Temperance, 2 of Swords, 6 of Swords
Yods
Divinity, being in touch with a higher source, creativity
As seen in: Ace of Cup, Ace of Wands, The Tower, The Moon
I’m sure we’ll be updating this one on a regular basis, so bookmark for reference!