The Beginner's Guide to Divination by Adams Media

Author:Adams Media
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: F+W Media

Universal Symbolism

Symbols embody the essence of whatever they stand for; they aren’t merely a convenient form of shorthand. That’s why they have such power, why they appear in diverse and widely separated cultures, and why they have endured for millennia.

Symbols that turn up again and again, in all parts of the world, possess universal appeal and resonate in what Swiss psychiatrist C.G. Jung called the collective unconscious. They mean essentially the same thing to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or nationality and get around the limitations of the rational, analytical left brain. Often we confront these symbols in dreams where they provide guidance and awaken us to parts of ourselves that we may have ignored in our waking lives. The Tarot works in a similar manner.

The following table shows a number of common, universally understood symbols that you may notice on the cards in your Tarot deck. They can be helpful keys as you examine the cards and learn their significances.

Symbol Meaning

Circle Wholeness, unity, protection, continuity

Square Stability, equality, structure

Triangle Trinity, three-dimensional existence, movement

Downward triangle Divine feminine, Earth or Water elements

Upward triangle Divine masculine, Fire or Air elements

Star Hope, promise

Five-pointed star Protection, the human body, physical incarnation

Six-pointed star Union of male/female or Earth/sky, integration, manifestation

Vertical line Movement, heaven, sky, masculine energy

Horizontal line Stability, Earth, feminine energy

Cross Union of male/female or Earth/sky, integration, manifestation

Spiral Life energy, renewal, movement toward the center

Sun Clarity, vitality, optimism, contentment, masculine energy

Moon Secrets, intuition, emotions, feminine energy

Dove Peace, reconciliation, promise

Crane Wisdom

Rose Love

Mountain Challenge, vision, achievement

Ocean/water Emotions, the unknown depths of the psyche

Snake Transformation, hidden knowledge, kundalini energy

Egg Birth, fertility

Rainbow Renewal, hope, happiness

Book Knowledge

Lantern Guidance, clarity, hope

Bridge Connection, harmony, overcoming difficulty

Tree Knowledge, growth, protection, strength

Butterfly Transformation

When studying the symbolism in the Tarot, remember that your own responses and interpretations are what count most. Cars suggest movement and freedom to most people, but if you were in a serious auto accident when you were young, cars may represent pain or danger to you. Trust your own instincts and intuition. After all, your Tarot deck and your subconscious are attempting to communicate with you, and they will do it in imagery that you can understand.

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