Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

by Sasha Graham

  Element: Earth

  Quality: Mutable

  Ruling Planet: Mercury

  Libra: Justice

  Libra derives from the Latin word for “balance.” Scales represent the tension between two opposing forces. The sign of Libra comes at the season of fall, and the figure can be understood as balancing light and darkness or day and night. Scales are the classic symbol of governmental justice. The qualities of Libra include a social and dynamic personality who is outgoing. The enigmatic John Lennon, Jesse Jackson, and Julie Andrews were all born under the sign of Libra. Harmony and peace are hallmarks of the Libra spirit. The seventh house rules partnerships and is influenced by Libra. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Justice card.

  Element: Air

  Quality: Cardinal

  Ruling Planet: Venus

  Scorpio: Death

  Scorpio is Latin for “scorpion” and translated as the “creature with burning sting.” The scorpion archetype bears ancient roots. The oldest arachnid fossil is a scorpion. It is the quintessential symbol of transformation, negotiating darkness in their burrows and hunting under night’s darkness. Scorpio is legendary for its secretiveness and seduction. Resourceful and brave, Pablo Picasso, Martin Scorsese, and Theodore Roosevelt were all born under this sign. This is the place of endings and beginnings, the cycles of human life, and the nature of human sexuality. The eighth house reflects sex and death and is influenced by Scorpio. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Death card.

  Element: Water

  Quality: Fixed

  Ruling Planets: Pluto and Mars

  Sagittarius: Temperance

  The word Sagittarius comes from Late Old English and from the Latin archer, meaning “pertaining to arrows,” and sagitta, meaning “arrow.” The archetype of the archer from early hunting man to the modern concept of a heart struck by love’s arrow reminds us of the hunting magic inherent in this symbol. Sagittarians are considered curious and energetic. They embody the adventurous spirit. Innovative Ludwig van Beethoven, Winston Churchill, and Walt Disney were all born under this sign. This is the place to examine an individual’s dreams and aspirations. It is also the integration of what is learned and expressed at higher levels. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Temperance card.

  Element: Fire

  Quality: Mutable

  Ruling Planet: Jupiter

  Capricorn: Devil

  Capricorn is Late Old English, from Latin Capricornus, meaning “horned like a goat.” Goats are known to be feisty, temperamental, and independent creatures. These qualities all apply to the sign of Capricorn, who is known as determined and ambitious. J. R. R. Tolkien, Richard Nixon, and Joan of Arc were all born under this sign. Ancient mythologies assign sexual virility and potency to the goat, such as the Greek god Pan. The Judeo-Christian West turned the goat into a devil-like figure, creating a cloven-footed, bearded, horned man who is associated with sexual lust and black magic. This wicked figure is seen or implied on many a Devil tarot card. The tenth house reflects career and social status and is influenced by Capricorn. This house reflects the role we choose and how we inhabit it. It also indicates how our ego is massaged by others. It is also the house of the father figure. Consider how these qualities integrate with the Devil card.

  Element: Earth

  Quality: Cardinal

  Ruling Planet: Saturn

  Aquarius: Star

  Like aquarium, meaning “pertaining to water,” Aquarius means “water carrier.” The Star card is almost always shown pouring water or next to a body of water. The sign of Aquarius is known for the qualities of truth and imagination. Affection and intelligence shine through the Aquarius spirit. Revolutionaries Virginia Woolf, Rosa Parks, and Abe Lincoln were all born under the sign. The eleventh house of social groups, causes, and technology is influenced by Aquarius. This is the house that reflects an individual’s tribal sense and the ideas that bind people together. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Star card.

  Element: Air

  Quality: Fixed

  Ruling Planets: Uranus and Saturn

  Pisces: Moon

  Pisces is the Latin word for “fishes.” The Moon card often depicts a water creature emerging from a dark pool to greet the moon’s rays. “Imaginative” and “creative” are often used to describe Pisces. Pisces reflects a spiritual and transformative soul. Nurturing and intuitive, Edgar Cayce, Auguste Renoir, and Elizabeth Taylor were all born under this sign. The twelfth house of secrets and desires is influenced by Pisces. It is the shadow self, deep nature, and hidden worlds. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Moon card.

  Element: Water

  Quality: Mutable

  Ruling Planets: Neptune and Jupiter

  Sun: Sun

  The sun is life. It is the center of the solar system. The sun is the sustaining force of the physical world as we know it. Sun symbolism is found on everything from golden royal crowns to fruit cartons. Solar rays are seen as containing the magical properties of life, birth, and possibility. Ancient rituals celebrate the return of the sun each year as the days grow longer. The sun is the star that makes all life possible.

  The sun, in astrology, reflects the ego and the self. The sun is the center of the solar system, just as we are the center of our own lives. People and events revolve around us as mini solar systems. This is why the sun represents the will to live and the creative forces at play in our life. Consider how the astrological meaning of the sun integrates with traditional meanings of the Sun card.

  Element: Fire

  Rules: Leo (Strength)

  Classical Planet

  Pluto: Judgement

  Science may have revoked Pluto’s planetary status but that doesn’t deter astrologers. They still count on this celestial body who rides on the far reaches of our solar system. When it was discovered in 1930, it was named after Greek mythology’s Pluto, who ruled the underworld. Pluto takes about 248 years to complete its orbit around the sun.

  Pluto rules the subconscious in astrology. Renewal and rebirth are all aspected by this transformative planet. This means that Pluto is the place of deep energetic reserves and surprising resources that make all transformations possible. It is a subtle yet wildly powerful planet. Consider how the irreversible internal change of Pluto associates with the Judgement card.

  Element: Fire

  Rules: Scorpio (Death)

  Modern Planet/Celestial Body

  Saturn: World

  Saturn is often called the “jewel of the solar system” due to its thousands of gorgeous rings made of crystals, ice, and rock. It is named after the Roman god of agriculture.

  In astrology Saturn can be seen in opposition to Jupiter. Where Jupiter reflects expansion, Saturn brings restrictions and boundaries. Metaphorically, the two planets hold each other in check or balance each other like the Temperance card balances energies. Rather than looking at Saturn’s restrictions as negative, recall that boundaries are required in life. They keep things from spinning out of control. One can also examine this from an artistic standpoint. An artist experiments, blurts, writes, rehearses, and plays with a variety of creative options. This is very Jupiter-like. Once the artist discovers what works and what doesn’t, Saturn energy is brought in through editing, refinement, and finishing touches. This is how the two energies work in tandem. Consider how the astrological association of Saturn enhances your understanding of the World card, whose traditional meanings include completion, success, and travel.

  Element: Earth

  Rules: Capricorn (Devil)

  Classical Planet

  Aces

  The aces in astrology are the birthplace or explosion of the element, just as they are the root or seed of the suit in taro
t.

  Ace of Wands is the Root of Fire

  The Ace of Wands is the seed of fire. It is the explosion of the sustaining and destructive expansion of fire. It is the color of human blood. It is the warmth in our bones on cold winter nights. It is the instinct pointing us toward the things we want before we know we want them. It is the rush of animal attraction, the stirrings of sexuality. It is the nerves in your belly when standing up for something you believe in. Everything an individual feels passion, fire, and love for is found in fire and in the suit of wands.

  Qualities: Passionate, daring, driven

  Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

  Ace of Pentacles is the Root of Earth

  The Ace of Pentacles is the seed containing everything that is manifested in the material reality of what an individual considers concrete words: bodies, houses, mud, dirt, mountains, furniture, cars, people, friends, family, foes, forests, books, computers, animals, cities, towns, entire continents. Everything an individual can touch, taste, see, and feel is found in earth and the suit of pentacles.

  Qualities: Practical, hardworking, logical

  Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

  Ace of Swords is the Root of Air

  The Ace of Swords is the seed that contains everything manifested in the world of thought, calculation, and mental acuity. The root of air contains the words spoken to other people and the narrative constructed inside an individual’s head. Events play out in life, we decide what they mean or we react, all due to the element of air. Communication forms here: letters, speeches, emails, books. Everything the individual thinks and expresses is found in air and the suit of swords.

  Qualities: Logical, witty, independent

  Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

  Ace of Cups is the Root of Water

  The Ace of Cups is the seed containing every feeling and emotion a human is capable of. The root of water is the transformative place of human imagination. It holds the individual’s capacity to dream, vision, and empathize. It is where we feel love and connection, anger and sadness, hope and joy, despair and boredom. Every emotional response is felt through the lens of water and the suit of cups.

  Qualities: Emotional, empathetic, artistic

  Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

  Aries

  Explosion of Fire (Cardinal Fire)

  Two of Wands—Mars in Aries—Lord of Dominion

  Aggressive Mars meets assertive Aries and the Lord of Dominion is born. To dominate is to take control, exercise influence, and make oneself and one’s intentions clear. This card is often illustrated with an individual who is seen plotting and planning an enterprise.

  Three of Wands—Sun in Aries—Lord of Established Strength

  The explosive and nuclear energy of the sun meets independent Aries and the Lord of Established Strength is born. Established strength reflects an individual who has already proved themselves worthy and powerful. This theme is often seen in the Three of Wands, where a wealthy merchant sets his ships out into the world or, conversely, is waiting for his ships to return with his riches.

  Four of Wands—Venus in Aries—Lord of Perfected Work

  Beautiful Venus meets successful Aries and the Lord of Perfected Work is born. There is inherent symmetry, beauty, and charm in any form of work done to the best of an individual’s ability. The theme of perfected work is often seen in the Four of Wands, in the construction of four wands brought together in a celebratory canopy, or chuppah.

  Taurus

  Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Fixed Earth)

  Five of Pentacles—Mercury in Taurus—Lord of Material Trouble

  Perceptive Mercury meets stubborn Taurus and the Lord of Material Trouble is born. Who and what we resist has a tendency to persist. The Five of Pentacles often portrays people who are fraught with peril or challenge.

  Six of Pentacles—Moon in Taurus—Lord of Material Success

  The intuitive moon meets pleasure-seeking Taurus and the Lord of Material Success is born. How does intuition foster advancement? How does pleasure serve us in our professional lives? Images of charity are often found on this card.

  Seven of Pentacles—Saturn in Taurus—Lord of Success Unfulfilled

  Restrictive Saturn meets down-to-earth Taurus and the Lord of Success Unfulfilled is born. How do boundaries restrict us? Being grounded and focused can sometimes distract us from seeing the big picture. The Seven of Pentacles often shows a successful individual who desires more.

  Gemini

  Rapidly Changing (Mutable Air)

  Eight of Swords—Jupiter in Gemini—Lord of Shortened Force

  Expansive Jupiter meets dynamic Gemini and the Lord of Shortened Force is born. The electrifying energy radiating through this card means that it takes minimum effort for maximum effect. This card is often illustrated with an individual who is blindfolded and bound.

  Nine of Swords—Mars in Gemini—Lord of Despair and Cruelty

  Powerful Mars meets mischievous Gemini and the Lord of Despair and Cruelty is born. Omnipotent forces mingle with transgression, and the results are oftentimes disastrous, however fleeting. This card is often illustrated with late-night mental suffering.

  Ten of Swords—Sun in Gemini—Lord of Ruin

  The explosive sun meets double-sided Gemini and the Lord of Ruin is born. Duplicity often blows up when light is shined on it. This card is often illustrated with an individual who has been killed or stabbed, yet sometimes the card holds a secret clue or message revealing there is more to come.

  Cancer

  Bubbling Emotion (Cardinal Water)

  Two of Cups—Venus in Cancer—Lord of Love

  Romantic Venus meets sensitive Cancer and the Lord of Love is born. Enchantment and fascination ensue when two open souls meet. This card is often depicted with a romantic pair coming together in mutual admiration.

  Three of Cups—Mercury in Cancer—Lord of Abundance

  Communicative Mercury and friendly Cancer meet and the Lord of Abundance is born. An expressive nature and openness is a recipe for growth, which spurs more of the same. This card is often illustrated with three people dancing, celebrating, and laughing.

  Four of Cups—Moon in Cancer—Lord of Blended Pleasure

  The moody moon meets empathetic Cancer and the Lord of Blended Pleasure is born. Cups dip into all sides of the emotional spectrum. This card is often illustrated with a person who is offered a cup or opportunity; however, they do not see it.

  Leo

  Stable Passion (Fixed Fire)

  Five of Wands—Saturn in Leo—Lord of Strife

  Laborious Saturn meets domineering Leo and the Lord of Strife is born. Powerful personalities and highly charged energy can provoke conflict or disagreement, yet these are the very challenges that push an idea forward into required evolution. The Five of Wands is often portrayed with five youths sparring.

  Six of Wands—Jupiter in Leo—Lord of Victory

  High-level-thinking Jupiter meets charismatic Leo and the Lord of Victory is born. Achievement and success take a combination of many elements. This card is often illustrated with a victory parade.

  Seven of Wands—Mars in Leo—Lord of Valor

  Dynamic Mars meets action-oriented Leo and the Lord of Valor is born. Courage lies dormant until it is called upon. We only know our strength when challenges test us. This card is often illustrated with an individual taking an offensive or defensive stance.

  Virgo

  Quakes and Tremors (Mutable Earth)

  Eight of Pentacles—Sun in Virgo—Lord of Prudence

  The sustaining sun meets Virgo the leader and the Lord of Prudence is born. Sagacity and common sense infuse the word prudence, which is fueled by solar energy. This card is often illustrated with an individual deeply invested in work.


  Nine of Pentacles—Venus in Virgo—Lord of Material Gain

  Gorgeous Venus meets creative Virgo and the Lord of Material Gain is born. The gathering of material possessions is a pleasing pursuit when we do not fall under the spell convincing us that this is all there is. This card is often illustrated with an attractive woman lingering in a vineyard.

  Ten of Pentacles—Mercury in Virgo—Lord of Wealth

  Logical Mercury meets clever Virgo and the Lord of Wealth is born. The nature of wealth exceeds finance and includes the people, animals, and places we inhabit. This card is often illustrated with a multigenerational family.

  Libra

  Fresh Ideas (Cardinal Air)

  Two of Swords—Moon in Libra—Lord of Peace Restored

  The intuitive moon and peaceful Libra meet and the Lord of Peace Restored is born. A sensitive nature treated with care and respect will find its equilibrium, and clarity will ensue. This card is often illustrated with a person wearing a blindfold; however, it is not a prison but rather a gateway to inner peace.

  Three of Swords—Saturn in Libra—Lord of Sorrow

  Restrictive Saturn meets harmonious Libra and the Lord of Sorrow is born. The edge of harmony cuts like a knife. This card is often illustrated with a heart pierced by multiple swords.

  Four of Swords—Jupiter in Libra—Lord of Rest from Strife

  Fortunate Jupiter meets gracious Libra and the Lord of Rest from Strife is born. Peace often results from stillness. This card is often illustrated with a resting knight or knight’s effigy.

  Scorpio

  Deep and Eloquent (Fixed Water)

  Five of Cups—Mars in Scorpio—Lord of Loss of Pleasure

  Forceful Mars and hardcore Scorpio meet and the Lord of Loss of Pleasure is born. Can two equally powerful energies cancel each other out? This card is often illustrated with a forlorn figure.