Key Symbols
Earth King. Like all of the kings in the tarot deck, the King of Pentacles is a seasoned, experienced man. He has successfully completed the mission he undertook as the former Knight of Pentacles. He was rewarded with the keys to the kingdom, and he now rules the entire realm-as well as its armies, which defend and conquer in the name of the throne.
Kingdom of Earth. The earthy symbols that surround the king reinforce his connection to his element. His throne is a massive, hewn structure, as heavy and immovable as the earth itself. It's embellished with bull's heads, a symbol of earth and Taurus. The king is also surrounded by grapevines, a sign of wealth, abundance, and material satisfaction.
Astrological Symbolism. Astrologically, the four kings of the tarot are associated with the four fixed signs of the zodiac. The King of Pentacles represents the fixed earth sign of Taurus, which makes him a steady, reliable monarch.
Elemental Symbolism. Elementally, the four kings of the tarot are all airy intellectuals. They simply combine the element of air with the corresponding element of their own suit. In that regard, the King of Pentacles embodies the somewhat dry and dusty combination of air with earth.
Historic Significance. Historically, the King of Pentacles was tied to mathematical gifts, achievements, and success. Reversed, it symbolized a vicious old man, or a dangerous man. Traditionally, the King of Pentacles was said to represent dark men, along with merchants, employers, and professors of math, science, and physics.
Keywords
Upright: A savvy and successful businessman, wealth, investment, business acumen, mathematical ability, and success
Reversed: Vice, weakness, ugliness, perversity, corruption, peril
Writing Prompts
Write about:
. a king
. a physical scientist
. a self-made man
. a power broker
. an irresistible force that comes up against an immovable object
hope this guide has given you a firm foundation for incorporating tarot cards into your writing practice. With any luck, you've found a few ideas to improve your current writing projects-as well as inspiration for even more stories, poems, books, and articles down the road. While this book is ending, you're only just beginning an exciting journey into the world of tarot.
I'd love to hear about any success you have in working with the cards. If you'd like to share your work-or let me know about your next published piece based on the cardsjust send me an email! My address is [email protected].
Good luck, and happy writing!
-Corrine Kenner www.corrinekenner.com
A
Abbey-refuge; holy place; symbol of the divine within one's self.
Above-the Higher Self.
Above/Below-heaven and earth.
Abyss-depth; the origin and ending of the world; the underworld; the unconscious.
Acorn-potential.
Adam Kadmon-the primordial man.
Adam and Eve-the primordial couple.
Air-one of the four elements; active; masculine; corresponds to the Minor Arcana suit of Swords and the intellect.
Air Signs-the "thinkers" of the Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Alchemy-Greek and Arab attempts to make gold; symbolic of salvation. The four stages include (1) prime matter, symbolic of origins and guilt; (2) the first transmutation, symbolic of early efforts at transformation; (3) purification, symbolic of passion; and (4) gold, symbolic of spiritual attainment.
Allegory-a descriptive story that includes symbolic or hidden meaning, used for imparting ideas and principals.
Alpha and Omega-first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; beginnings and endings.
Altar-a focus for worship, sacrifice, and spirituality; refuge and sanctuary.
Amulet-a charm carried to ward off evil.
Anchor-Christian symbol of salvation and hope.
Angels-invisible forces; Four archangels appear in tarot: Raphael, angel of air (The Lovers); Michael, angel of fire (Temperance); Gabriel, angel of water (Judgement); and Uriel, angel of earth (The Devil).
Animals-divine forces; human characteristics.
Ankh-ancient Egyptian cross of life, with the perfect balance of masculine (Osiris) and feminine.
Antlers-the divine masculine; the father god.
Anubis-ancient Egyptian jackal-headed god of wisdom; represents the evolution of consciousness.
Anvil-earthly matter.
Ape-Thoth, Egyptian god of wisdom.
Apple-health; healing.
Arcana-plural of the Latin Arcanum.
Archer-offers direction; symbol of the astrological sign Sagittarius.
Archetypes-innate ideas or patterns in the psyche, expressed as symbols and images. Carl Jung's description of archetypes include the anima, the feminine aspect of a man's personality; the animus, the masculine aspect of a woman's personality; the mother, which typifies a nurturing, emotional parent; the father, a physical, protective parent; the trickster, or rebel; and the shadow, the hidden, antisocial dark side of human nature, as well as the hero, the maiden, and the wise old man.
Armor-defense; protection.
Ashes-spiritual purification.
Ass-humility; patience; courage.
Astrological Correspondences:
. Aries: The Emperor
. Taurus: The Hierophant
. Gemini: The Lovers
. Cancer: The Chariot
. Leo: Strength
. Virgo: The Hermit
. Libra: Justice
. Scorpio: Death
. Sagittarius: Temperance
. Capricorn: The Devil
. Aquarius: The Star
. Pisces: The Moon
Aura-energy field.
B
Backpack-tools; karma.
Bandages-newborn's swaddling and corpse's shroud; wounds.
Basket-womb.
Bat-blindness; darkness; chaos; leathery bat wings offer a striking contrast to pristine angel wings.
Bear-lunar animal; prime matter; unconscious; the Great Mother.
Beard-masculinity; strength; wisdom; power.
Bed-sexuality; intimacy; rest; illness; nurturing.
Bee-creative activity; monarchy; social organization.
Bell-joy; victory.
Bird-the soul; good news; soaring spirit.
Black-negative; passive; receptive.
Blindfold-lack of information; sometimes relates to justice.
Blood-sacrifice; passion.
Blue-associated with spirituality.
Boar-magic and prophecy.
Boat-cradle; womb; the body.
Boaz and Joachim-The pillars of light and darkness, mercy and severity, strength and stability, or spirit and matter that held the veil in the Temple of Solomon, the first Temple of Jerusalem. Boaz was King David's great-grandfather. Joachim was a high priest.
Book-education; knowledge; life; the universe.
Bow and Arrow-sunlight; pangs of love.
Box-feminine; maternal; unconscious.
Branch-see garland.
Bread-fertility; communion with others; staff of life; money.
Breast-love; nurturing; mothering.
Bridge-connection between worlds; transition from life to death and from the secular to the divine.
Broom-cleansing power; unity of male and female.
Buckle-self-defense; protection.
Bud-new beginning.
Bull-symbol of the astrological sign Taurus.
Butterfly-transformation.
C
Caduceus (a winged wand entwined by two serpents)-symbol of Mercury, messenger of the gods; the wand represents power, the snakes represent wisdom, and the wings represent diligence; also, the wand represents earth, the wings represent air, and the serpents represent fire and water.
Canal-passage; childbirth.
Candle-faith in spiritual things; enlightenment; the light and spirit of the indiv
idual.
Canyon-vast unconsciousness.
Cartomancy-the art of divination with cards.
Castle-physical and spiritual refuge; stronghold of good or evil; a place of guarded treasure; to be watchful; embattled; otherworldly.
Cat-domesticity; liberty; vanity; witch's familiar.
Cauldron-vessel of magical change; the womb.
Cave-the feminine; the unconscious; an entrance to the underworld; initiation.
Celtic Cross-a popular tarot spread, designed in the shape of a cross, with additional cards laid alongside for additional information.
Cernunnos-Celtic horned god.
Chain-bondage; restriction; communication.
Chakras-seven energy centers of the body.
Chalice-human heart; holy grail; womb.
Chalice (covered)-heaven and earth.
Chariot card-the young charioteer is in command of his physical and emotional drives, symbolized by the two opposing forces that pull the Chariot.
Chariot-the human body.
Charioteer-the self.
Chasm-division between worlds.
Child-innocence; the future.
Church-refuge; holy place; symbol of the divine within one's self.
Circle-completion; infinity; enclosure; the feminine; heaven; the sun; nothingness; the fifth element, Spirit.
Clarifier-an additional card used to enhance or explain the primary cards in a spread.
Cliff-division between worlds.
Cloak-veil; separation; something hidden.
Clocks-under the law of time; or something that is possible but not yet firmly in the future.
Clouds-mysterious and sacred; a symbol of higher thought.
Cold-solitude.
Colors:
Black, the color of night, is linked to darkness and sleep, when our consciousness fades and our unconscious thoughts and emotions take control of our dreams. Black is mysterious. It can even be elegant and authoritative. Black is also the color of mourning, depression, darkness, and anxiety, and it can symbolize the darker forces of nature, like upheaval and destruction.
Blue, like the sea and the sky, symbolizes depth and calm, a tranquil environment for meditation and reflection.
Brown, the color of bare earth, symbolizes the potential of fallow soil. It can represent grounding, stability, and practicality. Brown can also symbolize poverty and dirt.
Gray, a mixture of black and white, is the color of shadows and shade, along with fog. It can symbolize depression and confusion, or simply a steady drizzle.
Green is the color of nature, growth, healing, and fertility. It symbolizes creativity and prosperity. In the United States, green is the color of money and financial success. Green can also symbolize envy, jealousy, and greed.
Indigo, like the midnight heavens, symbolizes cosmic mysteries. For those who find themselves lost in its inky depths, indigo inspires contemplation, wisdom, spiritual realization, and cosmic wisdom.
Orange, like a blazing fire or a sunset on a tropical island, symbolizes the flames of desire and burning passions. Orange typically represents vitality and enjoyment, vigor, physical health, enthusiasm, and enjoyment.
Pink, a lighter shade of red, indicates passions that have cooled-or an interest still blushing into existence. Shades of pink and rose are soothing, calming, and symbolize acceptance, friendship, forgiveness, love, romance, peace, and harmony.
Red, the color of wine or blood, symbolizes passion, love, and sex. Red is also the color of Mars, the planet of energy and aggression. It can represent danger, anger, and alarm.
Silver, the color of the moon, symbolizes reflection.
Violet, the traditional color of royalty, symbolizes leadership and divinity, as well as luxury, wealth, and sophistication.
White, like the clouds, symbolizes innocence, pure spirituality, intuition, and psychic ability. It can also seem sterile, cold, clinical, and easily marred.
Yellow, like the sun, symbolizes energy, clear thinking, and consciousness. Yellow is also the color of Mercury, the planet of speed and communication. Yellow represents optimism, radiance, and brilliance. Yellow can sometimes symbolize cowardice and weakness.
Collective Unconscious-Carl Gustav Jung's term for the underground stream of psychic energy and shared archetypes that link all people to each other.
Columns-duality; choice; civilization.
Conflict-a troubling or opposing force in the querent's life.
Corn-fertility.
Cornucopia-the union of male and female; horn of plenty.
Court cards-the page (or knave), knight, queen, and king of the four suits of the Minor Arcana.
Crab-symbol of the astrological sign Cancer.
Crane-justice; longevity.
Crest-thought.
Crescent Moon-symbol of Isis, the ancient Egyptian queen of heaven; also the symbol of virgin goddesses; the newborn; the ship of light that carries the soul through the dark night into dawn.
Crocodile-duality; capable of living on land and in water.
Cross-protection.
Cross, Blue-spiritual leader.
Cross, Celtic-popular tarot layout; fertility; union of heaven and earth.
Cross, Inverted-humility; tree of life.
Cross, Red-health; healing; and medicine.
Cross, Rosy-fertility; spilled blood of Christ; seven stages of initiation.
Cross, Solar-equal arms indicate union of male and female; positive and negative.
Cross, Yellow-philosopher or philosophy.
Crossed Keys-unlock knowledge and truth. The gold depicts solar energy; the silver depicts lunar energy; St. Peter, as the Hierophant, held the keys that made him the founder of Christ's church on earth.
Crossroads-choice.
Crow-messenger.
Crown-attainment and mastery.
Crux Ansata (the Egyptian ankh)-union of male and female; heaven and earth; eternity; immortality.
Crystal-transmits and magnifies energy.
Cube-earth; material world; four elements.
Cups-the second suit; symbolizes emotional life.
Curtain-separation of worlds.
D
Daffodils-springtime.
Dagger-phallus; masculinity.
Dance-union of space and time; creation; metamorphosis.
Dawn-new beginnings.
Day/Daylight-clarity; reason.
Death-end of an era; sacrifice; destruction; leads to rebirth.
Death card-Not the frightening specter that most of us expect, the card of Death is one of transition. It foretells the completion of one stage of life and the exciting beginning of a new phase.
Devil-subconscious desires; materialism.
Devil card-with tongue firmly in cheek, the Devil of the Major Arcana shows us that a selfish devotion to material possessions and ill-conceived passions ties us down and keeps us from true happiness.
Desert-asceticism; deprivation; transcendence; abstract thought.
Dew-spiritual illumination; approaching dawn.
Directions:
. East air; associated with the suit of Swords.
. South fire; associated with the suit of Wands.
• West water; associated with the suit of Cups.
. North earth; associated with the suit of Pentacles.
Disk-spherical bodies, especially the earth but also the sun and the moon; the heavens; the pentacle.
Dog-faithful companion; loyalty; protector, guardian; conscience; tamed beast.
Dolphin-salvation.
Door-access; opportunity; new situation; a barrier which only initiates may unlock and pass through; transition.
Dot-seed; beginning; origin; the number one.
Dove-peace; harmony; innocence; devotion; spirit; soul; Holy Spirit.
Dragon-adversary.
Drum-the heart; the spoken word.
Duality-balance; equilibrium; opposing forces; choices; attraction of opposites.
E
Earth-concrete physical manifestation.
Earth Signs-the "maintainers" of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.
Earthquake-sudden change for better or worse.
Eclipse-drama.
Egg-potential; the world.
Eight-infinity (the lemniscate); caduceus; eternal spiral; regeneration.
Elements-the four ancient elements (fire, water, air, and earth) correspond to each of the tarot's four suits: fire for wands, water for cups, air for swords, and earth for pentacles. (Some tarot readers assign a fifth element, spirit, to the Major Arcana cards.)
Elephant-physical strength.
Emperor card-the archetypical father, the authoritative Emperor brings order out of chaos so that civilization can prosper.
Empress card-the archetypical mother, the Empress nurtures and protects all of nature, including humankind.
Esoteric- secret; intended for and understood by only a chosen few.
Eve-primordial woman; mother of all.
Exoteric-public; suitable for the uninitiated.
Eye of Horus-symbol of the watchful Egyptian lord of the skies.
F
Falcon-untamed will.
Feather-wind; flight; words.
Feather, Red-victory.
Fire-one of four ancient elements; represents spirit, will, inspiration, desire; purifying force.
Fire Signs-the "initiators" of the Zodiac: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
Fish-creative inspiration; ideas; Jesus; symbol of the astrological sign Pisces.
Five-the five senses; the five appendages of man; five vowels.
Flag-victory.
Flame-spirit; will.
Fleur-de-lis-illumination; royalty; the triple majesty of God; the trinity of body, mind, and spirit.
Flute-erotic or funereal anguish; masculine shape, feminine sound; associated with shepherds.
Fool Card-technically, the Fool is the Major Arcana's only unnumbered card. A wanderer, most tarot experts agree that the Fool represents each of us-naive travelers through life, off on a grand adventure, out to learn whatever experience and the tarot can teach us.
Fool's journey-The procession of the Fool through the cards of the Major Arcana is often said to be an allegorical description of our journey through life, starting with the Fool and culminating with the World card.
Forces-in tarot, the term "forces" refers to people and circumstances that may help or hinder the querent. Such forces also are delineated as either positive, negative, or hidden.
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