The Suits of the Tarot cards
There are four suits in the
Tarot cards and each suit has a different meaning.
The four suits are Wands,
Swords, Cups and Pentacles. Now before we get on to what each suit means I
would like to point out depending on which tarot card deck you are using these
suits may come under a different heading.
So for those of you not
using the Raider Waite deck, which does use the above names, let me explain the
other names you may come across in other decks.
Wands also known as staves, clubs,
rods, staffs, and even batons
Swords also known as
daggers, blades or knives
Cups also known as chalices,
bowls, cauldrons
Pentacles also known as
coins and disks
It makes no difference what
they are called they still have the same meanings behind them, the only
difference is which deck you use and how they are called in those decks.
So then what do the Suits
actually mean?
The Suit of Wands is representative of the
element of Fire. They have to do with energy; spirituality, inspiration,
determination, strength, intuition, creativity, and ambition Wands deal with
the spiritual level of consciousness and reflect what is important to you. They
address our personalities, egos, enthusiasms, and personal energy, both
internal and external. Wands are also indicative of things you do during the
day, working at the office, home or outdoors. Wands have to do with movement,
action and plans and the initiation of new ideas.
Swords
The Suit of Swords is
representative of the element of Air. Swords are associated with action,
change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict. This suit can
also mean hatred, battle, and enemies, and of all the suits, this one is
considered to be the most powerful and dangerous.
The Suit of Swords deals with the mental
level of consciousness that is centred on the mind and mental power. Swords
reflect the quality of mind present in your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.
Swords are double-edged and represent the balance between intellect and power
and how they can be used for good or evil.
Cups
The Suit of Cups is
representative of the element of water. Cups deal with the emotional level of
consciousness and are associated with love, feelings, relationships and
connections. Cups are about displays of emotion, expression of feelings and the
role of emotions in relation to others. Cups indicate that you are thinking
with your heart rather than your head, and therefore reflect your impulsive
responses and your usual responses to situations. Cups are also linked to creativity,
idealism, fantasy and imagination.
Pentacles
The
Suit of Pentacles represents element of Earth. Earth covers the more ordinary
material things of life, work, business, trade, property, money and other
material possessions. Pentacles deal with the physical or external level of
consciousness and reflect your health, finances, work, and imagination.
