The Ultimate Guide to Combining Tarot and Astrology
Published:
Sep 20, 2024
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Updated:
Oct 13, 2024
Ever wondered what happens when Tarot and Astrology meet? You’re in for a mystical treat! Tarot cards offer symbolic wisdom, while Astrology maps the cosmic energies that shape your life. But what if I told you that combining them could unlock insights far beyond what each offers alone? This article explores the fascinating synergy between Tarot and Astrology, revealing how their combination creates a holistic roadmap to your soul’s journey.
I’ve guided thousands through life's twists and turns using these two powerful tools together. In this article, I’ll show you how to harness the best of both worlds and align your inner intuition with celestial forces for profound life insights.
Table of Contents
What is the Tarot-Astrology Combination?
Tarot and astrology are like two old friends who share a lot in common, even though they each bring their own vibe to the table. At its core, Tarot is a system of 78 cards that offers insights through archetypal symbols, revealing hidden truths about our inner world and external circumstances. Astrology, on the other hand, decodes the language of the cosmos by mapping how the movement of celestial bodies influences us on personal and collective levels. When you blend these two practices, they enhance each other in ways that can make both your readings and interpretations much richer.
Historically, Tarot and astrology have walked parallel paths for centuries, though their relationship became more defined during the Renaissance period when mystics sought to connect different esoteric traditions. Tarot’s symbols began to reflect astrological ideas, like how the Major Arcana cards align with the energies of zodiac signs and planetary rulers. Many practitioners today use these connections to deepen the meaning behind their spreads, whether it's tapping into Mars’s fiery drive or Saturn’s lessons on discipline. The fascinating part is that the symbols in both Tarot and astrology are universal, which makes them incredibly effective tools when used together.
One of the clearest ways these two systems connect is through correspondences between the Major Arcana cards and specific zodiac signs or planets. For example, The Emperor represents Aries — full of leadership energy, action, and a bit of stubbornness. The Moon card, on the other hand, speaks to Pisces’ dreamy, intuitive, and sometimes confusing energy. Each card brings the flavor of its associated zodiac sign or planet, creating layers of meaning that wouldn’t be as apparent if you were using Tarot or astrology on their own.
The beauty of combining Tarot and astrology is that it makes your readings more specific and personalized. Imagine pulling The Lovers card during Venus’s transit through Libra — that’s not just a general “relationship” card anymore; it’s speaking directly to themes of harmony, balance, and decisions in love. This blend also helps with timing. When Mercury is in retrograde, certain cards (like The Magician) might take on new nuances, showing delays or the need to rethink strategies. The combination offers a fuller picture, giving readings a multidimensional quality that can provide both spiritual and practical guidance.
What makes this fusion even more powerful is how it brings different kinds of symbolism into one reading. Tarot’s imagery speaks to the subconscious, while astrology’s planetary placements align with specific energies unfolding in real time. That means you’re not just guessing when to act or reflect — you’re working with cosmic and symbolic tools in tandem. It’s a practice that builds intuition and encourages a deeper connection to both the universe and yourself.
And if you’ve ever felt like a reading was missing something — either too abstract or too rigid — blending these two systems can fill in the gaps. The Tarot gives you a narrative, while astrology offers context and structure. Together, they not only reveal what’s going on, but also why it’s happening and what you can do about it.
In the next section, we’ll dive into the specific Tarot cards and their astrological correspondences. Knowing how these associations work is key to mastering this combination and unlocking its full potential.
Tarot Cards and Their Astrological Correspondences
One of the most exciting things about working with Tarot and astrology is how the Major Arcana cards map to zodiac signs and planetary rulers. These associations give each card an added layer of meaning, helping you understand its energy from an astrological perspective. Knowing which cards align with specific signs or planets not only sharpens your readings but also brings out subtle details you might otherwise miss.
Take The Emperor, for example. This card embodies the essence of Aries — bold, assertive, and always ready to take charge. Aries is ruled by Mars, a planet of action, aggression, and leadership, and you can feel that same Mars energy in The Emperor’s commanding presence. When this card shows up in a reading, it’s often a call to step into a leadership role or assert yourself in a situation. If Aries is prominent in someone’s birth chart, they may resonate deeply with The Emperor, feeling a personal connection to its energy.
Then there’s The Moon card, which reflects the dreamy, emotional qualities of Pisces. Pisces, ruled by Neptune, is known for its intuitive and mystical nature — it’s a sign that often operates in the world of feelings and imagination rather than logic. Similarly, The Moon in Tarot speaks to uncertainty, hidden truths, and the power of intuition. When this card appears, it invites you to lean into your inner knowing, even if things feel unclear. If Pisces energy is active in the sky, this card’s message might become even more relevant, encouraging introspection and trust in the unseen.
Using these correspondences makes readings more precise. Let’s say you pull The Chariot (which aligns with Cancer) during a time when the Moon is transiting Cancer in someone’s chart. That combination can highlight emotional control, personal victories, or the need to overcome obstacles with sensitivity. These connections between cards, signs, and planets allow you to weave astrological insights directly into the narrative of a Tarot reading.
To really get comfortable with these associations, it helps to work with them regularly. One trick that works for many readers is to group the Major Arcana cards by element. For example, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are all fire signs, and their corresponding cards (like The Emperor, Strength, and Temperance) share similar themes of passion and drive. Creating flashcards with both the card image and its zodiac or planetary match on the back can also make it easier to remember.
Another way to embed these connections is to study planetary rulers alongside your Tarot practice. Mercury’s energy, for instance, is reflected in The Magician and The Lovers, both of which emphasize communication and choice. When you get into the habit of thinking astrologically during a Tarot reading, it starts to feel second nature — like having a conversation between the cards and the stars.
Once you become familiar with these correspondences, your readings will feel more connected to real-world timing and energy shifts. Astrology provides the context, while Tarot brings the story to life. Next up, we’ll explore how this combination can shine in love and relationship readings, where compatibility and planetary influence often take center stage.
Using Tarot and Astrology for Love and Relationships
Reading compatibility through Tarot and astrology is like having a secret map to understanding relationships. It’s not just about who matches with whom, though — it’s about gaining insight into the energy dynamics between two people. Tarot cards reflect the emotions, challenges, and desires that play out in a relationship, while astrology offers a framework for understanding the cosmic timing and compatibility of that connection.
One way to dive deeper into relationship readings is by combining Tarot with synastry charts. In astrology, a synastry chart compares two birth charts to reveal how the planets of each person interact — where they align and where they clash. Pairing this with a Tarot reading gives you a nuanced look at both the potential strengths and the areas of friction in a relationship. For example, if Venus (the planet of love) in one person’s chart connects harmoniously with Mars (the planet of passion) in another’s, pulling cards like The Lovers or the Ace of Cups could confirm emotional chemistry and mutual attraction. On the other hand, if Saturn plays a heavy role in the synastry, cards like The Tower or The Five of Pentacles might appear, hinting at tough lessons and challenges ahead.
A great way to work with Tarot and astrology together is through spreads designed for romantic compatibility. One of my favorites involves pulling a card to represent each person, another for the relationship’s current state, and a final card to show where things are headed. You can enhance this by adding astrological layers — for instance, pulling additional cards to represent the Venus placements for each partner, which tell you how they express affection. If Venus is transiting Libra (a sign focused on harmony), cards like The Two of Cups might surface, showing mutual respect and a deep connection.
Certain zodiac signs and Tarot cards seem to have a natural chemistry when it comes to love readings. Pisces, with its dreamy, romantic energy, often resonates with cards like The Moon or The Knight of Cups, which capture the themes of longing and emotional depth. For fiery, passionate signs like Leo, The Sun or The Lovers often appear, signaling joyful love and magnetic attraction. And when dealing with practical signs like Capricorn, The Ten of Pentacles tends to surface, speaking to the importance of building something lasting and secure.
This mix of Tarot and astrology helps you read not only the emotional state of a relationship but also its timing and flow. A reading during Mercury retrograde might suggest the need to slow down and communicate carefully, while a spread aligned with Venus’s transit through a compatible sign can encourage deepening intimacy. Knowing these patterns can help you offer practical guidance: Should they hold on a little longer or move forward? Is this a time for romance, reflection, or closure?
In the next section, we’ll shift gears and explore how this combination can be just as powerful for career and life path readings. Whether it's aligning your career choices with planetary transits or pulling cards for guidance during major transitions, Tarot and astrology have a lot to offer in the professional realm too.
Tarot Astrology Spreads for Career and Life Path
Career decisions aren’t always easy — sometimes they feel more like a leap of faith than a logical next step. That’s where Tarot and astrology really shine. When you align your career moves with astrological transits and Tarot insights, it’s like getting a cosmic roadmap. Astrology shows you when the timing is ripe for new opportunities or when it’s better to hold steady, and Tarot adds those deeper layers of meaning, revealing what’s unfolding behind the scenes and within yourself.
One of the most useful tools for career planning is the “Zodiac Year Ahead” Tarot spread. This spread involves pulling 12 cards, one for each astrological house, which governs different areas of life — from finances to reputation and work. Pay close attention to the card that lands in the 10th house, which represents career and public image. For example, if The Star lands there, it’s a sign that hope, inspiration, and recognition might be part of your professional path in the coming year. If a card like The Hanged Man shows up instead, it could be telling you that patience and a shift in perspective are needed before success arrives. Pairing this spread with your upcoming transits gives even more clarity on what’s ahead.
Astrological transits can also influence the way you interpret Tarot cards in relation to your career. When Jupiter (the planet of growth and opportunity) is transiting your 6th house of work, cards like The Wheel of Fortune or the Eight of Pentacles might surface, signaling that good things are on the way through consistent effort. On the flip side, if Saturn (the planet of discipline) is hitting a sensitive point in your chart, you may pull cards like The Devil or The Ten of Wands, reflecting periods of heavy responsibility or the need to break free from unhealthy work patterns. These planetary influences help fine-tune the advice you get from your cards, making it more practical and aligned with real-world events.
Knowing when to use Tarot and astrology together for major life changes can make all the difference. If you’re thinking of switching careers or starting a new business, consulting both your birth chart and a Tarot spread can highlight the best timing. For example, beginning something new during Mars retrograde might not be ideal, as Mars governs action and forward movement — it’s a time better suited for reviewing plans rather than launching them. A Tarot reading during this period might confirm this by showing reflective cards like The Hermit or the Four of Swords, advising you to hold off for now. On the other hand, if Mars is direct and your cards pull up bold archetypes like The Chariot or The Magician, the universe might be telling you to go for it.
Using Tarot to clarify your career’s planetary influences can also give you insights into your long-term path. Some cards, like The Hierophant, connect to Jupiter’s wisdom and point toward careers in education, law, or philosophy. Meanwhile, cards like The Tower — linked with Mars energy — might suggest sudden changes or the need to break out of limiting structures. The trick is to interpret these influences together, viewing your Tarot reading as part of a larger astrological cycle.
In the next section, we’ll explore the role of moon phases and astrology in Tarot readings. The moon holds a lot of power over our emotional and intuitive selves, and aligning your Tarot practice with lunar cycles can unlock even more insight, especially during moments of new beginnings or release.
Moon Phases, Tarot, and Astrology
The moon has a way of influencing not just our emotions but also the flow of our Tarot readings. Each phase of the moon carries its own energetic signature, which can guide the kinds of questions we ask and the insights we receive. By aligning your Tarot practice with these phases, you can tap into rhythms that support personal growth, manifestation, and release. It’s a simple but powerful way to make your readings more intentional and connected to the natural world.
One of the best times to perform a Tarot reading is during the new moon. This phase marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, making it the perfect time for fresh starts and setting intentions. A new moon Tarot spread might include cards that explore what you need to focus on, what habits to leave behind, and what new energy is emerging. For instance, pulling the Ace of Wands during a new moon can signal the start of a creative project, while the Page of Pentacles might hint at new opportunities for learning or financial growth. Since new moons are about planting seeds, the cards pulled during this phase often offer gentle nudges toward what you should cultivate moving forward.
As the moon moves through its phases — waxing, full, waning, and new again — it influences the energy available for different kinds of work, both in life and in readings. The waxing moon, for example, is a time for building momentum, and the cards pulled during this phase often reflect progress and forward movement. The full moon, on the other hand, brings clarity and revelation. It’s a powerful time to do a reading if you’re seeking answers, as the cards often reflect things that have come to the surface. Cards like The Moon or The High Priestess frequently show up during full moon readings, reminding us to trust our intuition and look beneath the surface.
The moon’s transits through zodiac signs also add another layer to your readings. If the moon is moving through Scorpio, for example, it’s a good time to pull cards that explore transformation, emotional depth, or letting go of what no longer serves you. On the other hand, a moon transit through Gemini might bring up themes of communication and mental clarity, showing up in cards like The Lovers or the Eight of Swords. Understanding these astrological layers can help you ask more specific questions and make better use of your readings.
Lunar nodes — the North and South Nodes — offer yet another way to combine Tarot and astrology. These points represent karmic lessons, with the North Node pointing to what you’re meant to grow into, and the South Node showing the patterns you need to release. Including them in a Tarot spread can add a karmic dimension to your readings. For example, pulling cards for both nodes might reveal challenges you need to overcome (South Node) and the qualities you need to embody (North Node) to stay on your highest path.
Synchronizing Tarot with the moon’s energy can bring a rhythm and depth to your practice that feels grounded and intentional. In the next section, we’ll look at some practical tips for blending Tarot and astrology, including the tools and habits that can make your readings even more meaningful.
Practical Tips for Blending Tarot and Astrology
Preparing for a combined Tarot-astrology reading takes a little extra effort, but it’s well worth it. You’re working with two powerful systems, so setting the right tone helps everything flow smoothly. Start by grounding yourself. A few deep breaths or a short meditation can clear away mental clutter and sharpen your intuition. If you know the client’s (or your own) astrological chart, have it ready before you begin. This makes it easier to pull the relevant planetary or zodiac influences into the reading.
It’s a good idea to develop a habit of meditation and journaling, especially if you want to build your intuitive muscle. Meditating regularly helps you become more attuned to subtle energies, which makes reading the cards feel more natural. Journaling your readings and astrological insights is equally important. Write down what cards you pulled, what transits were active, and how you felt during the reading. Over time, you’ll notice patterns — like how certain cards show up during specific planetary events — and that builds confidence in your readings.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when blending Tarot and astrology is trying to force connections that aren’t there. Not every card will align perfectly with a planet or sign, and that’s okay. Sometimes the cards speak in symbols that go beyond the astrological context, and it’s important to honor that. Another common pitfall is getting too caught up in astrological jargon. Your goal is to help yourself or your client understand the message, not get lost in technical details. Keep things simple and practical — it’s the insight that matters most, not how many terms you can throw in.
Timing is another tricky area. Some readers feel pressure to only pull cards during specific planetary alignments or moon phases, but that’s not always necessary. While it’s great to sync readings with cosmic events, intuition has no set schedule. Trust yourself to read when the moment feels right, even if the stars aren’t perfectly aligned.
With the right preparation and tools, blending Tarot and astrology becomes second nature. You’ll start to notice how the two systems complement each other, creating readings that are both insightful and empowering. In the end, it’s about finding your rhythm — learning what works for you and refining your approach over time. The result? A practice that feels intuitive, grounded, and deeply connected to both the cards and the cosmos.
Connecting The Dots
The combination of Tarot and Astrology offers unparalleled insight into your life's journey—helping you see the unseen and understand the underlying forces at play. By learning the astrological correspondences of Tarot cards and timing your readings with planetary movements, you create a more holistic and accurate guidance system. Remember, the magic of this combination lies not just in prediction but in empowerment.
I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these combined readings can be. Ready to explore what the stars and cards say about your path? Pull a card, check your chart, and embark on this mystical journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which Tarot card corresponds to my astrological sign?
Each zodiac sign aligns with a Major Arcana card that shares similar qualities. For instance, Aries corresponds with The Emperor, symbolizing leadership and assertiveness, while Pisces aligns with The Moon, reflecting intuition and emotional depth. Familiarizing yourself with these associations helps make your readings more personal and accurate.
Can I use Tarot cards to time events based on planetary transits?
Yes, you can. Many practitioners align Tarot readings with significant astrological events, such as Mercury retrogrades or Jupiter’s transit through certain houses. For example, performing a spread during a new moon might focus on new beginnings, while a full moon spread can reveal what needs to be released or brought to light.
How do I integrate astrological houses into a Tarot reading?
You can create a custom Tarot spread where each card position aligns with an astrological house. For example, the 10th house, associated with career, could correspond to a card revealing professional insights. This method allows you to explore how various life areas are influenced by both the cards and your astrological profile.
Should I cleanse my Tarot cards after astrological events, like eclipses or retrogrades?
Cleansing your Tarot deck after intense astrological events, such as lunar eclipses or retrogrades, can help reset its energy. Many readers use methods like smudging, moonlight exposure, or crystals to refresh their decks, ensuring they remain attuned to current energies and accurate in readings.
How does the moon phase impact a Tarot reading?
Moon phases significantly influence the themes of a Tarot reading. A reading during the waxing moon supports intention setting and action, while a full moon reading often reveals hidden truths or emotional clarity. A waning moon spread encourages release and letting go, aligning with natural cycles of closure and transformation.
Can Tarot readings reveal karmic patterns through the North and South Nodes?
Yes. The North Node in astrology indicates the life lessons you are meant to embrace, while the South Node highlights past behaviors to release. A Tarot spread focusing on these nodes can offer profound insight into karmic challenges and personal growth opportunities.
What’s the best way to practice blending Tarot and astrology as a beginner?
Start by pulling a daily Tarot card and observing how its energy aligns with the moon’s phase or any major planetary transits occurring that day. Journaling these observations will help you build connections between the two systems over time. You can also use online birth chart tools to get familiar with planetary placements and their influences on Tarot readings.
Miranda Starr brings over four decades of experience in astrology and tarot reading. Her compassionate approach and deep insight guide readers through life's complexities, offering clarity and wisdom in life.
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