Tarot and Astrology: How to Combine Both for Deeper Readings

Tarot and astrology have been intertwined for centuries. Both systems use archetypes, cycles, and symbolic language to map the human experience. When you learn to read them together, something remarkable happens: the cards stop being isolated images and start becoming part of a living, breathing cosmic story.

The Foundations: How Tarot and Astrology Connect

Every card in the tarot has astrological correspondences. The Major Arcana are linked to planets and zodiac signs, while the Minor Arcana map onto the four elements — Fire (Wands), Water (Cups), Air (Swords), and Earth (Pentacles) — which align directly with the three signs of each element in astrology.

Major Arcana and Their Planetary Rulers

• The High Priestess — Moon
• The Emperor — Aries
• The Lovers — Gemini
• The Chariot — Cancer
• Strength — Leo
• The Hermit — Virgo
• The Tower — Mars
• The Star — Aquarius
• The Moon — Pisces
• The Sun — Sun
• The World — Saturn

How to Use Astrology to Deepen a Reading

When a card appears in a reading, ask yourself: What is the planetary energy of this card, and how does that interact with what's happening in the sky right now?

For example, if The Tower appears during a Mars retrograde, the disruption it signals may be more internal — a reckoning with anger, drive, or ambition — rather than an external event. If The Star appears when Venus is in your sign, it amplifies the card's message of love and renewal.

Reading for Your Sun, Moon, and Rising

One of the most powerful ways to combine both systems is to pull cards specifically for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs:

• Sun sign card — your conscious path and outer expression
• Moon sign card — your emotional needs and inner world
• Rising sign card — how you're showing up in the world right now

A Simple Combined Spread

1. What energy is the current season (or transit) bringing me?
2. How does my natal chart support or challenge this energy?
3. What does my soul need to align with this cosmic moment?

You don't need to be an astrology expert to begin. Start with your Sun sign, learn its tarot correspondence, and let the two systems inform each other naturally over time.

— Marie Mystic