The Planets in Tarot
Concepts of astrology were used in the design of the Tarot, with the subtle symbolism and characteristics enmeshed in each card. Each card in the Tarot is assigned a specific astrological planet or sign to help provide greater clarity when reading the oracle.
A basic understanding of the traditional planets, signs, and houses will immensely aid the student of Tarot and help in speeding up the learning process, which must inevitably transpire for one to become proficient in this art.
Planets
Planets are considered celestial bodies that orbit the zodiac and vibrate at their own unique frequency to affect different areas of our lives. Many astrologers have also begun to UK hide some of the larger asteroids in their astrological interpretations because these bodies tend to present more refined psychological influences, which are becoming more apparent in our increasingly complicated lifestyles. Although the Sun and Moon are technically not planets, they are classified as such because they too are celestial bodies that appear to encircle the zodiac when using geocentric, or earth-centered astrology. The nodes of the Moon, while not actual planets themselves, have an important influence and are also taken into consideration when delineating a natal horoscope.
The Sun
The Sun is the center of our solar system without its life-giving light and heat there would be no life on earth as we know it. The Sun is happy, vibrant, and romantic, it displays childlike enthusiasm, and represents the basic nature of a person. In astrology, the Sun rules Leo and the fifth house of the horoscope. In Tarot, it rules the Sun in the Major Arcana, and 4, 5, and 6 of Wands in the Minor Arcana.
The Moon
The Moon is the largest satellite to orbit the Earth and represents feelings and emotional reactions. It is intuitive, sensitive, and often symbolizes mother figures. The Moon is very protective and nurturing, so it may at times cling to persons or situations when it should just let go. In astrology, the Moon rules Cancer and the fourth house. In larot the Moon rules the High Priestess and The Moon in the Major Arcana, and Ace, 2, and 3 of Cups in the Minor Arcana.
Lilith
Lilith is Earth's second satellite and has often been called the dark goddess. While her sister, the Moon, symbolises traditionally accepted female roles, Lilith represents the darker side of femininity that people generally prefer not to speak about. Lilith has no time for emotional outbursts and can often seem cold uncaring. She has no need of men, so is therefore often symbolised as, a single or divorced woman. Although many do not attribute Lilith to any particular card, she should share rulership or the High Priestess with The Moon because she more closely identifies with the qualities represented in this card.
Mercury
Mercury is the Closest planet to the Sun and has the fastest orbit of the nine known planets. Mercury is quick, witty, and communicative, is a fast learner and likes to teach what he knows to others. Because Mercury represents communication, intellect and reason it can become critical,fussy, or overly concerned with detail. The negative aspect of Mercury is that it can gossip, lie, and slander if not well aspected in the natal horoscope. In astrology, Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, and the third and sixth houses of the horoscope. In Tarot, Mercury rules The Magician in the Major Arcana
Venus
Venus is known as the Morning or Evening Star because it is the last star to fade away when the sun brings the light of day and the first to be seen at dawn. Venus is charming, graceful, and diplomatic. Venus is very attractive and represents fertile womanhood, which indicate that men often cannot resist falling in love with her. She likes good food, drink, and sex, and may therefore have a tendency to overindulge. In astrology, Venus rules Taurus and Libra, and the second and seventh houses. In Tarot. Venus rules The Empress in the Major Arcana.
Mars
Mars is the red planet and its color signifies the energy it possesses. Mars can be aggressive; if its energy isn't controlled, accidents or mishaps may occur. It has a very adventurous spirit, which will prompt others to forge ahead when more timid souls would prefer to wait until better times appear. In ancient times Mars was considered to he a planet of fertility because much energy was needed to bring about the birth of a new plant, animal, or concept. In astrology, Mars rules Aries and the first house, and co-rules Scorpio and the eighth house in Tarot, Mars rules The Tower in the Major Arcana.
Jupiter
Jupiter is the largest known planet in our solar system and represents expansion and growth. It brings luck, money, and abundance to whatever it comes in contact with. Jupiter is wise, understanding, and serves as the zodiacal mentor. In astrology Jupiter rules Sagittarius and the ninth house, and co-rules Pisces and the twelfth house. In the Tarot, Jupiter rules the Wheel of Fortune in the Major Arcana.
Saturn
Saturn is such a majestic sight with its encircling rings, and this gas giant is oh-so-concerned about its reputation. Saturn is the taskmaster as it sets limitations and gives arduous lessons to be learned before the next step in the evolutionary process can be approached. Saturn is concerned with responsibility, duty. time, and age. Saturn can be a fearful sight to those who have not learned their lessons and taken obligations seriously. In astrology, Saturn rules Capricorn and the tenth house, and co-rules Aquarius and the eleventh house. In Tarot, Saturn rules The World in the Major Arcana.
Uranus
Uranus is such an oddball planet with its rings orbiting vertically rather than horizontally. This uniqueness pervades the planet that was rediscovered by an amateur astronomer instead of the traditional professionals of the day. With Uranus, only the unexpected can be expected. Uranus is the planet of change, genius, unconventional behavior, and revolution. In astrology, Uranus co-rules Aquarius and the eleventh house. In Tarot, Uranus rules The Fool in the Major Arcana, and 4, 5, and 6 of Swords in the Minor Arcana.
Neptune
Neptune is a watery, fluid planet whose gaseous fog and mist make it difficult for one to clearly see its surface. Neptune's fluid state makes it emotional, sensitive, intuitive, and psychic. Neptune can spend so much time daydreaming that it may not be in touch with reality, and is so vague that it can be quite deceptive. Ir seeks spirituality in the form of sacrifices, but is definitely not a pushover. This powerful planet wields a forceful energy that it can, and will, use to get its way in life. In astrology, Neptune co-rules Pisces and the twelfth house. In the Tarot, Neptune rules The Hanged Man in the Major Arcana, and 7, 8, and 9 of Cups in the Minor Arcana.
Pluto
Pluto is erratic and powerful. It is not a single, but actually a double planet with its relatively large moon orbiting in the same fashion as a double star. Pluto's orbit is not like the other planets because it is highly elliptical and it is at times the farthest-known planet in our solar system, but at others is inside Neptune's orbital path. While all of the other planets have a fairly even rate of travel throughout the twelve signs of the zodiac, Pluto's presence in a sign spans anywhere from fourteen years in Scorpio to thirty in Taurus. The more exploration that is done on this sometimes foreign, sometimes thawed planet can make one wonder just exactly which planet is actually the oddball of the solar system. Regardless of Pluto's eccentricities, it is very powerful indeed and has a tendency to destroy outmoded concepts in order to build anew. When Pluto makes an aspect during a transit, no one is left untouched from its influence. Pluto is lord of the underworld and is the planet of death and rebirth, symbolised by the fact that half of the time this planet is fro/en and dead while the other half it is thawed and alive. In astrology, Pluto co-rules Scorpio and the eighth house. In the Tarot, Pluto rules Death in the Major Arcana.
North Node
The North Node of the Moon, or Dragon's Head, says "yes, yes, yes," and represents good fortune and luck that has been given to the native in this life to help him or her create their destiny. !t is one of the things they are supposed to build upon and refine in this life. The North Node has many characteristics of Jupiter in that it is a free gift to the native. It should be noted, however, that many people must learn to act in accordance with the node because the concepts it brings are completely new and must be developed before they can come to fruition.
South Node
The South Node of the Moon, or the Dragon's Tail, says "no, no, no," and represents lessons, limitations, and restrictions. This is what the native has already developed in past lives and may have even abused. The South Node has many characteristics of Saturn in that it sometimes places harsh limitations on the areas of its concerns. It should be noted that because we have already developed the qualities and attributes of the South Node, it is all too compelling to slip back into its patterns whenever we are distressed or unsure of ourselves. Because it is our task to learn from mistakes, however, our higher selves will tend to put obstacles in our path that inhibit us from Totally enmeshing ourselves in South Node areas.