Have you ever looked at a tarot card and felt like it was whispering a story only your intuition could hear? Welcome to the world of tarot card symbolism and folklore — an ancient universe rich in mysticism, psychology, and timeless wisdom. Whether you’re brand new to tarot or seeking a deeper understanding of the cards, this guide will walk you through the captivating meanings behind tarot’s imagery and its roots in folklore.
Tarot isn’t just about predicting the future — it’s a journey through symbolic storytelling, personal growth, and spiritual connection. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore tarot card symbolism and folklore, making it easy to understand, use, and appreciate — whether you’re doing your first 3-card tarot reading or diving into a full Celtic Cross spread.
What Is Tarot and Why Symbolism Matters
The tarot deck is a 78-card system divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards). Each card is a visual narrative, loaded with symbolic meaning that unlocks intuitive messages during a reading.
At its core, tarot is a visual language:
- Symbols speak to our subconscious
- Colors trigger emotional responses
- Numerology, astrology, and mythology weave deeper meanings behind each card
Understanding tarot card symbolism and folklore bridges the ancient with the personal — and turns every reading into an intimate dialogue between you and your inner wisdom.
A Glimpse Into the Origins: Tarot’s Folklore Roots
To understand tarot deeper, we must tiptoe through history — where mysticism and myth shaped the deck we use today.
Folklore and Myth in the Major Arcana
Many tarot cards reflect archetypes found in mythology, religion, and folklore across cultures:
- The High Priestess echoes the mysterious priestesses of ancient temples, like the Oracle of Delphi in Greek mythology
- Death doesn’t predict demise but transformation, much like tales of the Phoenix rising from the ashes
- The Fool is often compared to the sacred clowns or trickster figures in indigenous stories and fairy tales — naive but wise beyond reason
These folkloric elements help frame the tarot not just as a tool for divination but as a universal mythos anyone can tap into.
From Playing Cards to Prophecy
Did you know tarot began as a card game called tarocchi in 15th-century Italy?
It wasn’t until the 18th century that mystics like Jean-Baptiste Alliette (Etteilla) and Antoine Court de Gébelin linked tarot cards with Egyptian lore and Kabbalistic symbolism. Their imaginative interpretations added layers of mystery, connecting the cards to a magical worldview that persists today.
Decoding Common Tarot Symbols
Every image on a tarot card tells a story through symbols you can recognize and interpret. Here are some symbolic elements found on most decks (like the popular Rider-Waite-Smith deck) and what they mean:
1. The Sun
- Meaning: Clarity, joy, success
- Folklore tie-in: Associated with solar deities like Ra (Egypt), Apollo (Greece), and Amaterasu (Japan)
- Appears in: The Sun card (Major Arcana), emphasizing enlightenment and happiness
2. Water
- Meaning: Emotion, intuition, subconscious
- Symbolism: In folklore, water spirits (like mermaids or undines) represent dreams and emotional truth
- Appears in: Cups suit, The Moon card
3. Mountains
- Meaning: Challenges, aspirations, spiritual achievement
- Folklore: Found in spiritual quests or hero journeys — think Moses receiving wisdom atop Mount Sinai
- Appears in: The Lovers (background), The Hermit
4. Animals
- Lion (Strength card): Bravery, primal energy
- Owl (Queen of Swords): Wisdom, clarity
- Dog (The Fool): Loyalty, guidance, instinct
Animals often link to spirit guides or subconscious aspects of the self and dream folklore across cultures.
5. Swords
- Represent: Air element, intellect, communication, conflict
- Folklore connection: Symbolizes truth and justice in legends like King Arthur’s Excalibur
These symbols aren’t random — they are portals. Noticing and interpreting them is how you engage with the tarot’s rich inner world.
Dive Deeper: Symbolism by Card Type
Major Arcana: The Archetypal Journey
The 22 Major Arcana cards map a hero’s journey — a personal transformation from ignorance to enlightenment. Each card is packed with layered symbolism:
- The Magician: Holds all suits on his table — mastery of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual realms
- The Tower: Struck by lightning, symbolizing sudden upheaval. It reflects the biblical Babel story — when human hubris leads to chaotic unraveling
Want to experience these energies for yourself? Try a free 3-card tarot reading at MoontimeTarot.com to see what part of the journey you’re currently on.
Minor Arcana: Everyday Life & Lessons
Each suit connects to one of the four elements and a different realm of life:
- Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, intuition
- Swords (Air): Thoughts, conflict, analysis
- Wands (Fire): Passion, creativity, inspiration
- Pentacles (Earth): Home, career, body, material matters
Each pip card (Ace to 10) and court card (Page, Knight, Queen, King) holds unique visuals and symbols.
Lesser-Known Tarot Symbolism Facts
- The Hanged Man’s halo represents enlightenment through surrender, not suffering
- The Two of Swords often reflects the myth of Justitia, Roman goddess of justice — blindfolded, impartial, holding two blades
- Numerology plays a significant role:
- 1 = beginnings, 2 = balance, 3 = creation, 4 = stability, 5 = change
How to Use Symbolism in Your Readings
You don’t need to memorize every symbol. Instead, ask yourself:
- What emotion does this symbol evoke?
- Where else have I seen a similar image?
- Does it connect to a story or memory in my life?
Use your intuition — that’s your inner folklorist at work.
Common Tarot Card Symbolism Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do tarot card meanings change based on different folklore?
Yes, and that’s the magic! The cards are archetypal, which means they resonate across cultures and myths.
Q: What’s the most important symbol to notice in a tarot card?
That depends on your intuition. One day it might be the colors. Another day, an animal or body language jumps out.
Q: What if I don’t know the folklore behind a card?
Start with the visual symbols — they already speak your subconscious language. Over time, studying folklore adds depth.
Final Thoughts: Begin Your Symbolic Journey Today
Tarot is a personal, evolving practice. Understanding tarot card symbolism and folklore turns each reading into a meaningful reflection of myth, memory, and inner knowing.
Let the stories within the cards lead you. Pay attention to the colors, images, and emotions — and trust the symbols to speak.
Ready to put your new knowledge into practice? Try a free 3-card tarot reading at MoontimeTarot.com — a great way to explore symbolism and intuition.