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Templum Dianae > Symbols and Meanings: Spiritual, Ancient & Sacred Symbolism Guide > Esoteric & Occult Symbols > Divination Symbols > Tarot Symbols

Tarot Symbols

Tarot Symbols explores symbolism found across the Major Arcana, Minor Arcana and visual language of tarot decks. This page belongs to the Symbols and Meanings encyclopedia and acts as the main guide to this family.

This guide is part of Divination Symbols.

Symbols are interpreted here within their own cultural and historical settings before later spiritual or esoteric adaptations are considered.

Summary

  • Symbolic language: Tarot uses colors, objects, animals, numbers and astrological motifs across the Major and Minor Arcana.
  • Context: Meanings depend on the deck, artistic tradition and historical setting.
  • Interpretation: Compare the image with documented sources before adopting later esoteric interpretations.
On this page

Tarot Symbols at a glance

  • Major Arcana
  • Minor Arcana
  • colors
  • animals
  • objects
  • planetary and zodiac symbolism

What these symbols mean

These signs can identify beliefs, deities, teachings, communities, ritual functions or sacred ideas. Similar forms may have very different meanings in different traditions, so context is essential.

Main traditions and contexts

Core subjects include Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, colors, animals, objects, planetary and zodiac symbolism. Focused guides will expand individual symbols and distinguish historical evidence from modern reinterpretation.

How to interpret tarot symbols

  1. Identify the exact tradition.
  2. Check historical period and source.
  3. Avoid merging unrelated cultures because symbols look similar.
  4. Compare specialist and primary sources where possible.

Explore tarot symbols

This hub will expand with individual symbol guides and connected cultural topics.

Read the complete guides