Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a real treasure trove of symbols that enrich the interpretation of each cards and open up new levels of understanding for us. By diving into the world of Tarot symbolism, we can uncover hidden messages, gain insights into various aspects of life and deepen our intuition. This article is a guide to the 100 symbols found in the Rider-Waite deck to help you decipher their meaning and enrich your Tarot practice.

Symbols in the Rider-Waite deck: the key to interpretation

Each symbol in the Tarot deck has its own unique history and meaning, which can change depending on the card's context. Here's a closer look at some of the symbols:

• Beard: Symbol of wisdom, experience and knowledge gained over the years. In Tarot cards, it often appears in older figures, such as the Hermit, symbolizing a deep understanding of life.
• Mountains: They represent challenges, obstacles and aspirations. Climbing a mountain symbolizes striving for a goal, overcoming difficulties and reaching a higher level of consciousness. Mountains can also symbolize isolation and introspection.
• Leaves on rods: They signify new beginnings, growth and renewal. Just as leaves appear on trees in the spring, the symbolism of leaves in the Tarot indicates a fresh start, new opportunities and potential for growth.
• Wreath of flowers: A symbol of fertility, abundance and beauty. Flowers have been associated with the cycles of life for centuries, and a wreath of flowers can signify celebration, joy and fulfillment.
• Grape clusters: Like a wreath of flowers, they symbolize fertility, abundance and wealth. Grapes are also a symbol of joy, celebration and gratitude for the gifts of life.
• Angels: In the Tarot, angels are messengers from a higher dimension who offer help, protection and guidance. They symbolize spiritual connection, intuition and divine intervention.
• Large coats/wide scarves: They often envelop characters, symbolizing inner knowledge, mystery and spiritual protection. They can also indicate isolation and the need to withdraw from the outside world.
• Harness: A symbol of protection, security and control. In the Tarot, the harness may indicate the need for discipline, self-control and focus.
• Dog: A loyal companion, symbolizing instinct, friendship and protection. The dog can also represent inner guidance and the voice of intuition.
• Dog and Fool: In the Fool's card, the dog is a faithful companion who follows him on his journey. It symbolizes the instinct that guides the Fool through life.
• Dog by the Moon: In the Moon card, the dog howls to the moon, symbolizing fear, anxiety and uncertainty. The moon represents the subconscious, and the dog expresses the fears that lie within.
• Crown: Symbol of power, authority and connection to a higher dimension. The crown can signify goal achievement, success and recognition.
• Laurel wreaths: A symbol of victory, honor and recognition. Laurel wreaths were traditionally worn by victors in ancient Greece and Rome.
• Lion: Symbol of strength, courage, power and leadership. The lion is the king of the jungle, and in the Tarot represents our inner strength and ability to overcome obstacles.
• Lemniskata: Symbol of infinity, the eternal cycle of life and death, and the connection between the spiritual and material worlds.
• Moon: It represents the subconscious, intuition, emotions, mystery and femininity. The moon is also a symbol of cycles and change.
• Horses: They symbolize energy, movement, power and freedom. Horses can represent our instincts, desires and drive.
• Rider on horseback: Symbol of progress, action, travel and change. A rider on a horse can mean striving for a goal, taking initiative and moving forward.
• Cat: Symbol of magic, mystery, intuition and independence. Cats are also associated with femininity and divine energy.
• Red roses: Symbol of love, passion, beauty and life. Red roses are also associated with the heart chakra and life energy.

Color symbolism in Tarot cards: A palette of emotions and energies

Colors In Tarot cards are not random. Each color carries a specific meaning and affects the interpretation of the card.

• Black: The color of mystery, the unknown, as well as protection and grounding. It can symbolize the end, death, but also a new beginning and transformation.
• Red: The color of passion, energy, willpower and action. It can also signify anger, aggression and danger.
• Pink: The color of love, tenderness, compassion and gentleness. It also symbolizes harmony, beauty and gentleness.
• Orange: The color of creativity, optimism, enthusiasm and joie de vivre. It can also signify ambition, expansion and change.
• Brown: The color of earth, nature, stability and security. It can also symbolize home, family and tradition.
• Yellow: The color of intellect, communication, logical thinking and mental clarity. It can also signify joy, optimism and hope.
• Gold: The color of divinity, spirituality, wisdom and enlightenment. It also symbolizes wealth, success and abundance.
• Green: The color of healing, growth, harmony and balance. It can also signify hope, renewal and fertility.
• Blue: The color of peace, tranquility, intuition and spirituality. It can also symbolize communication, self-expression and truthfulness.
• Purple: The color of transformation, spiritual awakening, intuition and wisdom. It can also signify royalty, luxury and ambition.
• White: The color of purity, innocence, beginnings and new ch opportunities. It can also symbolize spirituality, enlightenment and connection to the divine.
• Silver: The color of intuition, emotions, dreams and feminine energy. It can also symbolize mystery, magic and change.

Symbolism of the Great Arcana: Journey of the Soul

The 22 cards of the Great Arcana represent the archetypal journey of the soul from innocence to enlightenment. Each card symbolizes a stage on this journey, and the symbols on the cards help us understand the meaning of each stage.

Tarot symbol interpretation: a multidimensional approach

Interpretation of Tarot symbols is a multidimensional process that takes into account various aspects of meaning.

• Universal Symbolism: Symbols that are recognized by people all over the world, regardless of culture or origin.
• Personal experiences and beliefs: Each of us has unique experiences and beliefs that affect how we interpret symbols.
• Family and tribal symbolism: Symbols that are specific to a particular family or tribe, and that carry cultural and historical significance.
• Local and regional symbolism: Symbols that are related to where you live and carry geographical and cultural significance.
• Religious, cultural, racial, national symbolism: Symbols that are associated with a particular religion, culture, race or nation, and that carry spiritual, cultural and historical significance.

Summary

The symbolism of Tarot cards is rich and multi-layered. Understanding the symbols allows us to interpret the cards more deeply and gain greater insight into various aspects of life. The Rider-Waite deck is full of symbols waiting to be discovered. I encourage you to continue to explore Tarot symbolism and discover the hidden meanings in each card. Remember that symbols in the Tarot are not just graphic elements, but keys to discovering deeper meanings and messages.

Each symbol can have multiple interpretations, and its meaning can change depending on the context of the card and the reading. Therefore, it is important to approach Tarot symbolism with an open mind and intuition, allowing them to speak to us on an individual level. The more we delve into the world of Tarot symbolism, the more our intuition and ability to read the cards develops. The Rider-Waite deck is a wonderful tool for Tarot symbolism exploration and spiritual development.