Astrology and the Tarot
“Perhaps there is a pattern set up in the heavens for one who desires to see it, and having seen it, to find one in himself.” ~ Plato
There is an old adage in Metaphysical and Hermetic circles that says, “As above, So Below.” That means — as above — the patterns and movements of the planets that happen along the backdrop of the constellations are the same patterns and movements of people and events here on Earth — so below.
If you learn about astrology, you start to realize that the aspects, patterns, and movements of the planets and constellations are representative of psychological movements within our own minds. These psychological movements are the meanings we ascribe to the events and interactions in our lives, and the emotions that result.
So, even though the planet Venus might be moving in the same direction in the sky for everyone right now, the effect or experience of that movement is different for everyone because of the way in which his or her Natal Chart looks. The Natal Chart is the pattern of Planets and Constellations in the sky on the day, hour, and minute of your birth. So, depending on how the planet Venus is moving, you may have a different experience of that movement.
They say that the astrology of the sky is the astrology of the Mind, or of the Psyche. The Tarot helps us to understand the movement of those planets in the sky and the planets within our own mind.
Psychology textbooks of future generations will look back on the modern psychologists working without the aid of astrology as being like the medieval astronomers working without the aid of the telescope — Richard Tarnas
For example, if you are having a really difficult day, meaning everyone seems to be against you or is giving you trouble and hassle. We could say that your tarot card of the day might be the “Emperor” or “Tower” Tarot cards. These cards correspond to the planet Mars, which is the planet of conflict and strife in astrology. If we see that the Emperor falls as one of your cards of the day, then it will help us to understand that we may need to take a look at what is going on with Mars in your Natal Chart vs. what is happening with the current movement of Mars in the sky. This is representative of the “As above, so below.” Mars is moving in the sky and constellations; Mars (conflict) is showing up in your day-to-day life, and Mars (Emperor, Tower) is showing up on the table of cards in front of us.
Another example might find you having a wonderful day, where everything is going great! You’ve got the Midas Touch…everything you touch is turning to Gold. That might mean that the movement of the planet Jupiter (the planet of expansion, abundance, and increase) in the sky is significant for you in regards to your Natal Chart.
If we see the card Wheel of Fortune (associated with Jupiter) show up in a reading…that would be a clue for us to be on the lookout for opportunity, abundance, and expansion. Seeing this card will help you to attune your consciousness to be looking for those opportunities for expansion and abundance.
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves; we are underlings. ~William Shakespeare
There is an ages old doctrine that states humanity is the conduit for bringing down inspirations, ideas, and visions from the spiritual and imaginal (imagination) realms and manifesting them onto the physical plane. Astrology and Tarot are intimately connected, so the Tarot and the guidance of a talented reader can help to make those connections between the Sky and the Earth.
Mark Iwanicki is an artist, teacher, and tarot reader. Please visit him at www.iwanickimedia.com
