Tarot Cards Symbols
The symbolism of a particular deck of tarot cards will depend upon which deck is in play. Those who depend upon the tarot card decks usually have one style that is familiar and is the preferred choice when dealing a spread of cards. The symbols on the individual tarot cards usually carry out a theme and can be similar from one style deck to another. The understanding of a particular tarot card may depend upon the experiences and background of the individual doing the reading. The generally accepted interpretive principles of several of the Major Arcana (greater secrets) cards are described below.
Symbolism of the Jester or Fool Tarot Card
The Fool or Jester tarot card holds the number zero. The Jester symbolizes all that is childlike, rash, or without thought. At the same time, the Fool is clever to entertain and enjoy life at the moment of living. He appreciates beauty and is not loaded down with a desire for material possessions. Tarot cards depicting the Jester often show him accompanied by a small dog, which may signify distracting animal desires. When the Fool appears in tarot cards spreads, it may be interpreted to mean that significant change is about to come. Other interpretations say that the Jester means the individual doing the questioning should take action even though the end result cannot be known.
The Magician Tarot Card: Its Symbolism
The youthful Magician or Magus tarot card has been likened to the god Apollo, with symbolic ties to the Holy Spirit, eternity, reincarnation and the elements of earth, air, fire and water. Words used in conjunction with tarot cards depicting the Magician include energy, action, objectivity, confidence and personal power. When tarot cards showing the Magus appear in the spread, the individual doing the query is advised to transform something under some circumstances. However, the Magician can also indicate that the individual is intoxicated with self power.
The High Priestess Tarot Card
The High Priestess card was originally called the Popess tarot card and may have referred to the legendary Pope Joan. It is perhaps the most mysterious and hard to understand of all the modern tarot cards. Some apologists consider that the High Priestess amongst a spread of tarot cards indicates the dual nature of humankind. The representation of the High Priestess shows serenity, wisdom, introspection, love and common sense. Interpretations of this card in the spread include rational thinking, relationships and acceptance of current events.
The Significance of the Empress Tarot Card
The Empress is one of the two female figures in the top valued tarot cards. While all tarot cards are filtered through one’s own experiences and understanding, the Empress card is typically noted for her sensual side. She is the mother figure, also signifying abundance, comfort, satisfaction and health. The Empress tarot card is important when the questioner is searching for health or prosperity. With the power over life and prosperity, an inverted Empress card is sometimes used to mean death or poverty is in the future.