The Tarot Language-Reading the Cards' symbols, numbers, figures etc.

If you are learning to read Tarot cards or you are an experienced Tarot card reader, you may have learned about the Tarot language. Often, we hear from teachers of Tarot that to be able to read Tarot effectively, we need to understand that Tarot has a language. Well, what does that mean? Don't we just have to memorize that little booklet that comes with the deck? Those keywords that are in that little booklet need to be memorized to know how to read Tarot....right? Not really. That booklet is included in your Tarot deck to let you know where the deck was made, when, who the publisher is of the deck, etc. The keywords by each card listed in the booklet are just reminders for you.

Tarot Language - what do we mean?

If I look up the word language on the internet:

Language: a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves. from Britannica https://www.britannica.com/

In my words, language is a system of symbols and words to use in communication with others.

So, when we are reading tarot cards, we are using words to communicate what we see in the cards. Those symbols and images invoke words and meanings to the questions we are asking.

Tarot Language

When we look at the cards in the deck, we see that every card is different. Each card is unique. However, when you lay out the cards, you see there are things that the cards have in common. What do the cards have in common?

When we put these common things together, i.e. colours, directions, numbers, etc., we come up with messages and meanings and create conversations. We find that we become more reflective and intuitive. We become more present in our current situations. When we use what is in each tarot card, we let go of memorizing the keywords that are in the little booklet. Learning how to read tarot cards is difficult if we just resort to memorizing each card's meaning. When you learn the tarot language, the tarot cards become tools or visual aids to help engage your intuition and your insight regarding your situation.

So when you lay your tarot cards out, keep in mind:

For decks such as the Rider Waite which came out in the early twentieth century, the creators wrote about the symbolic language. When it comes to the much older decks such as the Marseilles tarot, there was nothing written by the creators of these decks and therefore we need to figure out the symbolic language. Using traditions, and spiritual and cultural customs of the times when these decks were made, scholars have come up with their interpretations of the tarot language.

Here are some clues about the symbolic language of Tarot:

Colour

The colours that are used in a tarot deck have a great impact on the emotions and energy of the reading. For instance, if a tarot spread has many cards where red is the predominant colour, you can interpret the situation as one of a lot of action and movement.

Numerology

Numerology is associating numbers with meaning. Understanding how to use numerology in your tarot readings will help you become a more effective tarot reader. See https://www.margostarot.com/post/numerology-in-tarot-the-basics-and-meanings-to-numbers. Using numerology can give your readings more dimension, especially if you see repeating numbers, number patterns, or:

Number One: the root of all numbers. This is the beginning of the potential. This is the point where the process begins. In geometry, the number one is represented by a point.

Keywords: individual, beginning, whole, union, power, focus and concentration

Keywords: duality, opposites, compliments, collusion, confrontation, repels, rejects, crossroad

The Number Three: an odd number with masculine energy. In geometry, it is represented by a triangle: Two elements coming together to create something new. A child from a relationship, a project developed by people and ideas. The energy is dynamic and moves.

keywords: growth, building, project, birth, marriage, contract

It represents matter: the 4 elements of earth, fire, air, and water. In geometry, the number four is represented by a square: four points that come together to represent a simple solid shape. Four Directions: east, west, south, and north.

keywords: solid, balance, achievement, stability, harmony, security, conservative, counterbalance, conformity.

The Number Five: an odd number with unstable energy. It's an extra element or overabundance that has thrown something or someone off balance. There is no equilibrium, and the extra element has a destructive effect. In geometry, the number five is represented by the pentagon or a five-pointed star inside a circle called a pentagram.

Keywords: transformation, revolution, shakeup, churning, anxiety, stirring, agitation

The Number Six: this number represents union, and perfection when two elements/units/bodies/parts come together. It's cooperation. In geometry, it is represented by a hexagon, which is the perfect shape where all sides are equal. A honeycomb structure is an example of a hexagonal shape as well as a snowflake. This structure is known to be strong because all the weight is evenly distributed. It's nature's perfect shape because hexagons fit well together, leaving no wasted space.

Hexagons fitting together

Keywords: analysis, comparing, choices, options, trust, unison, union, decision/indecision

Keywords: effort, growth, maturing, expansion, phenomenon

The Number Eight: This number represents fulfillment after a period of adjustments and judgment. The Moon and the eights from the Marseille Tarot professional edition

corrections. The number eight on its side is the infinity symbol. It's a number that represents balance and order. In geometry, 8 can be represented as the octagon. We see this shape in churches: baptismal fonts. The octagon's 8 sides represent the day after the seven days of

the week of the world's creation. The eighth day is symbolic of eternal life.

Keywords: evolution, stable structure, details, patience, continuity, order of cycles

The Number Nine: Nine is a multiple of three's, 3 times 3, making it an energetically strong number. It's close to ten, which represents wholeness, but it can also mean not being able to reach a goal or desire. The Hermit, The Sun and the Nines from the Marseille Tarot Professional edition

The number nine energy in geometry is represented by three lines of three points, making a square. The energy goes in many directions. Energy of Nine may invoke a quest for self-discovery.

Keywords: threshold, mysticism, dynamic, wisdom, portal, threshold

The Number Ten: Ten is a number that indicates completion. It can also indicate the start of a new cycle.

Pythagorean Tretractys.

The number 10 is also a symbol of power, completeness, and knowledge, and in Pythagoreanism, 10 is symbolized by the Tetractys or tetrad, which represents the four Judgements and the Wheel, Tens from the Marseille Tarot Professional Edition

elements of water, air, fire, and earth. It also serves to describe space:

Keywords: end of a cycle, completeness, begin again, start of a new cycle, outcome

Zero or Unnumbered

The card with no number value represents a moment that is very brief and between the ending of one journey (or a life's lesson) and the beginning of a new journey.

The Fool-Nicolas Conver, Anna Maria Morsucci, Mattia Ottonlini

The Fool is a very energetic card, but has no number value. The Fool card is like a wild card because there are so many possibilities, and when the Fool appears in the spread, the limits and potentials are boundless. This is a new journey, a new beginning. It is often said that the Fool is "nowhere and is everywhere"

The Four Suits:

The suit of cups has indications of the water element (emotions, intuition, feelings, relationships, love)

The suit of Swords has indications of the air element (communication, education, institutions, Page of Swords - Rider Waite Tarot

learning, conflicts, intellect, and legal issues

The suit of wands has indications of the fire elements (ambition, career, creativity, sexuality, competition, rivalry)

The suit of coins/pentacles has indications of the earth element (grounding, skills, resources, home, physical health, mental health, healing, finances, family, social status

Parts of the Human Body:

Legs:

Pelvis:

Upper Body (chest/heart, arms and hands)

Head and Neck

Other human figures found in the court cards have their meanings: See post: Tarot Court Cards - An Overview of Reading the Court Cards in Tarot

https://www.margostarot.com/post/tarot-court-cards-an-overview-of-reading-the-court-cards-in-tarot

Symbols

Symbols found in each card contribute to the messages. Here are some examples:

Head coverings:

Angels:

Arch:

Ankh/Sceptre with cross:

Armor:

Birds:

Bench:

Brick Wall:

Bridge:

Butterflies:

Boats:

Cats:

Child(ren):

Circle, Wheel:

Chains:

Cross:

Eagle:

Flag:

Horse:

Horn:

Keys:

Leaves/foliage

Crayfish:

Lizards:

Lion:

Mountains:

Moon:

Wreath:

Yod:

Wolf:

Wing:

Veil:

Waterfall:

Water:

Star

Triangle:

Sun:

Tomb:

Throne:

Directions

In reading Tarot, many readers pay attention to the direction of the cards. The direction of the cards can give important clues. We look in directions: left to right, right to left, up and down, and diagonally in some spreads.

Looking at the cards in a spread that appears on a horizontal axis. The example below shows the Magician I and the Strength IX:

Look at the direction in the human figures' gazes. The Magician is looking to the right, and the strength is looking left. They appear to be looking at each other.

Another clue regarding the direction is the Numbers: Magician is the Number One arcanum, and Strength is Number Nine.

What about the feet? The Magician's feet are pointing in opposite directions, and we see only one of the feet in the Strength card, which is pointing left. Are the hands of the human figures pointing in any direction?

Sample Reading:

In reading the cards above for the questioner regarding changing careers:

The Magician suggests that the questioner has many ideas and basic tools/skills. Many possibilities are running through his mind. If we look at the shape of the hat, we see that it is in the shape of an infinite sign. He must organize his thoughts about the future. Make sure that he is in a good place before making any changes. The table is on three legs, which tells us that he has to make sure he is steady on his feet before he makes his move. The ground is yellow, indicating growth, but it is not all yellow. Some parts of the ground are grey, which indicates some unknowns. Perhaps he must review his plans. He points his wand up, suggesting he knows he can advance, but the hand on his lower belly (sacral chakra) suggests he may be acting on his desires. The gaze of the Strength card is there on the Magician's lower belly. He knows there is a risk that desire may be the driving force for the change. These passions must be controlled, and reason must be used. Like the Magician, the Strength card has a hat in the shape of an infinite sign, indicating endless possibilities.

Sources: 

For notes on geometry representation: Reading and Understanding the Marseille Tarot by Anna Maria Morsucci & Antonella Aloi, Lo Scarabeo

The Marseille Tarot Revealed by Yoav Ben-Dov, Llewellyn Publications

The Way of Tarot, The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Marianne Costa, Destiny Books

Tarot By Numbers by Liz Dean, Fair Winds Press