Tarot and astrology are both forms of divination and share a strong connection, but they can also be used as standalone practices. Astrology is the study of the relationship between celestial activity and its influences on earthly events.
Tarot
Tarot uses a deck of 78 cards that are a tool for personal growth, spiritual guidance, and insight into the past, present, and likely future. These cards are split into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana with references to numerology and astrology. Each card has its own meaning, supplemented by illustrations and a unique interpretation dependant on each reader:
- Major Arcana cards represent significant life events, lessons, or milestones
- Minor Arcana cards represent day-to-day events and momentary circumstances
Astrology
There are several traditions/types of astrology, so I narrowed it down to 2: Vedic and Western, and compared them in a simplified table.
| Feature | Vedic Astrology | Western Astrology |
| Zodiac System | Fixed to stars | Fixed to seasons |
| Astronomical Accuracy | Matches NASA star charts | Disconnected from constellations |
| Primary Focus | Moon sign “I feel” | Sun sign “I am” |
| Prediction Accuracy | 85 – 90% for major events | 60 – 70% for general trends |
| Core Philosophy | Karma & dharma, spiritual evolution | Psychology & personality |
| Free Will vs Fate | 25% free will, 75% karma | Emphasis on free will |
What Connects Them?
Tarot includes references to numerology and astrology. Every star/zodiac sign has a corresponding tarot card in the Major Arcana (e.g. Virgo is represented by The Hermit card) and links to planets and houses (Horoscopelogy, 2018).
References
Horoscopelogy (2018). What is the connection between Tarot and Astrology? [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@anjana.soni/what-is-the-connection-between-tarot-and-astrology-d6a74b262c93.
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