Symbolism, Terminology and Practices
The Tarot
Rider-Waite
Major Arcana: 0 - 21 cards in the traditional tarot, the journey of initiation. Split into three septenaries, 1 = active, male, 2 = passive, female, 3 = trinity/neuter, son, 7 = transition to the next stage. Major influences at work. Connects to the Kabalah, The Tree of Life and Astrology. Phases of experience, returning back to the origin, our life with its sorrows hopes and fears. Archetypes that connect to the ‘collective consciousness’. The Tarot mirrors the alchemical journey through the physical, emotional and mental planes 7x7x7.
Minor Arcana: 4 ‘suits’ with court cards (14 each, 56 Minor Arcana). 78 cards in deck. People involved, feelings and action required. The four elements that created the Universe.
Pentacles – Earth, abundance, manifesting in the physical world, money, work.
Cups – Water, emotions, love, happiness, the subconscious, beauty, pleasure.
Swords – Air and the power of our thoughts, conflict, strife, courage.
Wands – Fire, action to take, will, a journey forward, growth, enterprise, renewal.
Inner Child Tarot
Major Arcana: 0 - 21 cards, same as traditional tarot yet using archetypes from myths and fairytales, the 22 fold path of the journey to human enlightenment.
Crystals – Earth, abundance, how we are able to manifest, physical.
Winged Hearts – Water, emotions, what we believe and how we connect with our heart.
Swords of Power – Air and the power of our thoughts, mental.
Wands – Fire, action, butterflies as the wings of the soul, transformation, spiritual.