How to Read Tarot Cards – Characteristics of the Suits of the Tarot Deck
Written by psychiclineadmin on April 14, 2009
In a standard tarot card deck, there are 78 cards. As most people know, Within this grouping they are further divided into 2 more specific sections known as the Major Arcana, and the Minor Arcana. But, what some people don’t know is that the tarot deck can also be split up based on suits. In the tarot deck, the suits are Pentacles, Swords, Wands, and Cups. This suit arangement is just like a standard deck of playing cards. Both have four suits, albeit different ones.
The unique thing about these suits within the tarot deck is that they’re each associated with one of the four elements of astrology, and their respective triplicities.
-
The Suit of Cups – The Earth element – Taurus, Virgo, and the Capricorn signs
The Suit of Pentacles – The Water element – Cancer, Scorpio, and the Pisces signs
The Suit of Swords – The Air Element – Gemini, Libra, and the Aquarius signs
The Suit of Wands – The Fire element – Aries, Leo, and the Sagittarius signs
Now while all of the specific relationships between these suits, elements, and influences are beyond the scope of this article, we can take a look at the relationship between the suits and certain traits that are typical of each of the elements.
First up is the Fire Element. You may be aware that the Fire element has traits that are typically those of confidence, enthusiam, assertiveness, and determinations. The fire sign typifies action. The Suit of Wands shares those same characteristics with the Fire element.
Next, The Earth element is most often associated with dependability, stability, introversion, cautiousness, and conventionality. The Earth element, and in turn the Suit of Cups share these traits. THerefore, the Suit of Cups is a very structured and stable suit.
The Water Element is often associated with being very intuitive and feeling. They’re often more emontionally guided and tend to be more passive than active. The Suit of Pentacles shares these traits with the Water Element.
And finally, The Air element. The Air element is quite often thought of as the great communicator. They’re socially active and typically very intellectual. They’re thinkers and often have a great sense of objectivity. The Suit of Swords Shares these traits with the Air element.
So as you can see from this all too brief explanation, using the individual suits can help you to become a better tarot card reader, and help to make your readings much more accurate.
