Elements in Tarot
Tarot Elements:
(TAROT COURSE - LESSON 18)
Learning Tarot can be greatly expedited by starting with an understanding of the elements. Elements are the essence of Tarot and human personalities, providing four distinct types of energy to Tarot cards. Attempting to learn Tarot without grasping the elements is akin to a misstep, as these elements constitute crucial building blocks of Tarot.
In Tarot, each card and card group is associated with an element. In fact, some cards are a result of combinations or amplifications of multiple elements. For instance, Wands are influenced by the element of fire, and their numbers are also tied to the fire element. Thus, in the case of Wands, both their role as the elemental representation within the suits and their individual numerical value linked to the fire element converge and intensify their influence. Similarly, the Cups series is connected to the element of water, while its numerical value is tied to fire, resulting in the combination of fire and water elements in the Cups series.
The most effective method for learning about the elements is to study and analyze each of the four elements individually. This process will allow you to perceive firsthand just how distinct the nature of each element truly is. To enhance your understanding, get closer to each element and observe it. For instance, visit a beach or river, gaze upon the water, and observe its fluidity and behavior. What happens in its abundance, and what changes occur in its absence? Similarly, spend time in a garden, touch the earth, and try to perceive the qualities of the earth element. You can also observe the fire element, inhale the air element, and jot down your observations related to each element.
Pay close attention to the specifics of each element. For instance, the fire element is hot and can be directed by the air element. Consequently, fire-air signs tend to be compatible, and air often governs fire. Another example is the water element, which is fluid and flowing but can also be slow and retarding. Thus, it can be challenging to move swiftly underwater. The earth element, on the other hand, is solid and unyielding, representing the grounded and unchanging nature of the signs it governs.
These elements not only influence zodiac signs and human personalities but also impact Tarot cards. The Cup group, represented by the water element, offers insights into our emotional lives and our subconscious. The fire element, being the first element, is the most creative and pioneering. Therefore, the Wand series, associated with fire, is the precursor to all other series and is the origin of innovative ideas. Swords are linked to the air element, and as such, they think quickly and move swiftly. They are unpredictable, much like the wind, changing direction suddenly and unexpectedly. The earth element, representing the element of the world, is the most concrete and tangible element. Thus, it addresses more earthly, physical, and financial matters.
Now, let's get to know each element a bit better:
Fire Element - Creative Energy (Wands Series)
The fire element is the first and pioneering among the elements, associated with creativity and leadership. It is also intense, wild, and ruthless. This element can be harnessed for beneficial purposes like cooking, but when it manifests negatively, it can be merciless and destructive, akin to a fire disaster. Consequently, individuals aligned with this element can exhibit ruthlessness when angered, experience sudden outbursts of anger, and struggle with empathy.
The fire element is passionately associated with sexuality and enthusiasm due to its intense nature. People born under fire signs are generally both spiritually warm and physically warm. They tend to be more impatient regarding matters of sexuality than other signs and are more prone to perspiration. Moreover, they are highly energetic and don't tire easily.
The Wands, governed by the fire element, primarily deal with intellectual events and creativity. They symbolize the initiators and facilitators of events. As the first element, fire sometimes represents the initial touch, the catalyst for an event, or decision-making.
Water Element - Emotional Energy (Cups Series)
Among all the elements, water is the most fluid and driven to move. When abundant, it is incredibly powerful and shaping. You don't need to experience a tsunami to understand the immense power and shaping capacity of water, but you can simply observe ocean waves. Water is not always as turbulent; it can also be calm and still when the situation demands it. Therefore, individuals and signs aligned with this element may oscillate between tranquility and emotional outbursts.
Water is a highly fluid element, and it should be allowed to flow. For instance, if water accumulates in one place and is blocked from flowing, it will inevitably lead to flooding or a surge. This is because water wants to flow freely, and it may surge with great force if confined.
The water element represents our emotional lives and our subconscious. Therefore, Tarot cards associated with the water element provide insights into matters of love, emotions, relationships, and connections. When there is an abundance of water cards in a reading, it indicates that we are thinking and acting based on our emotions rather than logic. An excess of water can sometimes signify a flood of tears or emotional overflow. Additionally, this element is associated with the creativity of the subconscious mind.
Air Element - Mental Energy (Swords Series)
The air element is the most abstract and invisible among all the elements. It is so unobtrusive that we often forget its presence. However, it exists everywhere in our lives, albeit subtly. It constantly flows and is changeable, and it is clean and refreshing. While we may not see it, we breathe it every day. Just like all elements, when there is an excess of it, it can be destructive and ruthless.
The air element primarily guides the fire element but has a different relationship with the water element. Air resides in the upper realm where we breathe, while an entirely different life exists under the water. Therefore, individuals and signs belonging to the air and water elements are not always in harmony because they come from different worlds. Air is quite fast and variable, changing direction suddenly. This trait doesn't align well with the water element. Similarly, air doesn't penetrate the earth much, making it incompatible with this element.
Earth Element - Physical Energy (Pentacles Series)
Our next element is the earth element, the tactile element of our planet. It is the most tangible, palpable, and nourishing element. It contributes to the development of our planet, supporting plants and trees. It is the source of all our nourishment. Earth provides for us, offering us food and abundance. Therefore, it's no coincidence that the Pentacles series represents wealth. This element emphasizes material aspects, prosperity, physical health, and tangible achievements.
In addition to all its benefits, the earth element is also the most stable, solid, and unchanging. Have you ever seen earth change places like the air or water elements? Earth remains in one place, with no intention of moving elsewhere. This unwavering characteristic is the reason why signs associated with the earth element are considered stubborn and resistant to change. In particular, when two individuals of this element engage in an argument, their intransigence becomes more apparent. Earth and water signs, on the other hand, have a special connection. Water nurtures and enhances the productivity of earth. Hence, there is excellent compatibility between earth and water signs. Air can somewhat harmonize with earth but not to the extent of air and water signs.
The Pentacles series represents the earth element. Due to this element's nature, this series delves into more earthly, physical, and financial subjects. The Pentacles group in Tarot addresses material matters, prosperity, physical health, and tangible achievements. This group often emphasizes topics related to wealth, poverty, and financial issues.
This comprehensive understanding of the elements is an essential foundation for interpreting Tarot cards and provides insight into the interconnectedness between Tarot, the elements, and human experiences. Explore these elements in your Tarot readings to gain a deeper understanding of the energies at play in your life and the lives of those you read for.