For centuries, adepts, witches, astrologers, alchemists and Qabalists have been practicing spiritual philosophies, utilising oracles and signs from their environment to make sense of their existence and plan their destiny.
Astrologers for example, plotted planetary transits and star positions to study their influence upon us on both a subconscious and conscious level. Noting and recording influences in relation to zodiac signs and planetary transits. A zodiac cycle refers to a period of time where the sun follows a certain motion around a zone of stars (also referred to as ecliptic motion). During the Spring Equinox Period, the energy of light returns after the dark winter, energising our spirit to influence creative self-expression, empowering us to strive forward with refreshed enthusiasm. The Summer Solstice period follows, where warm and uplifting energies are linked with the element of water. After that, we have the Autumn Equinox, in which the energy of light starts to wane encouraging reflection and introspection. Finally, the yearly cycle is marked with Winter Solstice, characterised by the darker, shorter days, allowing us to deepen our connection with the grounding forces of mother earth.
Tarot incorporates many belief systems, including Astrology. Often seen as an an occult tool Tarot mixes all these astrological elements with various other elements borrowed by multiple religions and philosophies like for example mythology, Christianity and the Kaballah.
Tarot and astrology have always been linked as they are both influenced by similar archetypal and alchemic symbols e.g. water, fire, earth, or air elements. The Wands cards represent the element of Fire, in which the signs Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo belong. The element of fire is linked with a fiery personality, short temperament, spontaneity, and energetic outer charisma.
On the other hand, we have the element of water which is represented in the Tarot by the Cups cards, corresponding to Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer. All these water-influenced signs are characterised by sensitivity and inner-reflection rather than outer expression and fierceness. Water signs have energies that make them very empathetic and sensitive to their surroundings and other individuals feelings. The cups in tarot also speak of people with hidden emotions that may appear in challenging situations. Cancer for example may become emotional, Scorpio may attack with its sting, and Pisces, being the most passive of the three, will swim away to their own imaginary world as a means of escape.
The Sword cards in Tarot correspond to the elements of air and the zodiac signs of Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. These air influenced signs are linked with communication and intellectual matters, although not always in a steady, fixed sense. Just like the air element, they can blow hot or cold, weak or strong at any given moment. Libra for example, attempts to balance things out by trying to remain calm in any given situation, Aquarius will fight for their beliefs, and Gemini will talk incessantly until you feel no choice but to submit.
Lastly, we have the Earth element corresponding to Pentacles in the Tarot Universe, linked with the signs of Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus. This group benefits from the grounding and nourishing forces of the Mother Earth element, typically manifesting as the most stable of the zodiac signs. Should the negative aspect of these signs manifest, uncharacteristic behaviours may appear. Capricorn in the extreme can act cold and distant towards others, Virgo will get defensive and pedantic over details, and Taurus will simply lose its patience and go on the attack, when provoked to an extreme.
The natal chart is a blueprint of the heavens at the exact moment of your birth & can provide a pathway to reveal your mission in your current incarnation, if you choose to believe. The journey your soul needs to take to fulfil your true potential is not black and white, though many believe the characteristics revealed in a detailed birth chart can go a long way to guiding you along your chosen path.
Astrology is based on the belief that twelve types of personality can be identified by examining the elements as well as the planetary positions at your moment of birth. In combination with the power of the Tarot, detailed study and meditation, I believe that any individual can chart a course to achieve their full potential.
