Tarot Cards - What the Different Suits Mean

The four elements were traditionally considered the basis of our universe and they recur in ancient philosophy, medicine and astrology.

Each tarot suit represents one of the four classical elements: cups signify water, pentacles belong to earth, wands represent fire and swords, air.

Let's see the specific tarot symbolism and characteristics linked to each element.

WANDS

Element: Fire

Tarot Symbolism: The tarot suit of Wands represents the element of fire that brings intense but volatile energy.

Wands relate to the power of creative thinkers, artists, mystics and visionaries.

These personalities often inspire others but their visions need nurturing and support to become reality. The fire vitality can be easily extinguished by routine and boredom.

A predominance of wands in a spread brings creativity and optimism.

Wands are often associated with travel, new ventures, deals and negotiations.

Keywords: Intuition. Energy. Action. Travel. Negotiations. New projects. Creativity. Passion. Exuberance. Enthusiasm.

People: When Wand court cards appear, they often indicate an extroverted, active person full of drama and exuberance. Entrepreneurs, producers. Gifted teachers. Actors, artists.

PENTACLES

Element: Earth

Tarot Symbolism: The element of Earth is symbolized by the pentacles, they represent the material world and our senses.

Pentacles give a firm support to ideas, they are the common sense and the everyday work behind every brilliant intuition.

Earth represents also our sensuality and the need for material comforts. The Pentacles tarot suit symbolizes money, material goods and financial matters.

Keywords: The senses. Reality. The material world. Money. Property. Business. Wealth. Work. Management.

People: Court cards of Pentacles represent solid people who are able to work hard an appreciate the material comforts money can buy. Bankers. Accountants. Managers. Builders. Farmers.

SWORDS

Element: Air

Tarot Symbolism: Swords represent the element of Air, the realm of rational mental activity.

This tarot suit is connected with the world of science and organized thinking.

When swords appear in a spread, they often refer more to mental states than actual events. They can herald a desire of knowledge, learning and exploring.

Keywords: Thinking. Intellect. Mental activity. Rationality. Intelligence. Stress. Decisions.

People: Swords court cards represent intellectual people, able to analyze and organize information but unable to express their feelings.

These often highly educated people may appear aloof and cold, in reality they have deep feelings but find it difficult to acknowledge them.

Scientists. Military leaders. Lawyers. Doctors.

CUPS

Element: Water

Tarot Symbolism: Cups are all about the world of emotions and feelings. Water nurtures life and growth.

Cups in a reading speak to us about sensitivity, relationships and interpersonal exchange.

This element is linked with a strong bond with animals and nature.

Keywords: Feelings, emotions. Social life and relationships. Creativity and Intuition.

People: Relationships and social life are important for typical watery types that are often kind and generous.

They are softhearted and concerned about the others.

Cups court cards can represent people that are sensitive and overemotional or someone that is deeply bonded to you like a spouse or a close relative.

Relatives. Welfare workers. Psychologists. Counselors. Psychics.