Deities associated with tarot cards
Many of the Major Arcana cards are linked to deities that represent different archetypes and energies that weave in and out of the tarot journey. Here we will explore some of the deities associated with tarot cards.
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Common Deities associated with tarot cards
Deities and tarot can be connected in various ways, offering a deeper layer of symbolism, meaning, and spiritual exploration. While tarot decks are not inherently associated with specific deities, they can be used as a tool to connect with and receive guidance from different gods and goddesses. Here are a few of the most common deities associated with tarot cards.
The Fool - Dionysus
The Fool is often associated with the Greek god Dionysus, who was known for his wild and unpredictable nature. Both the Fool and Dionysus represent the energy of chaos and the need for freedom and spontaneity.
The Magician - Hermes
The Magician is often associated with the Greek god Hermes, who was known for his ability to communicate with both the gods and mortals. Like Hermes, the Magician represents the power of communication and the ability to manifest one's desires.
The High Priestess - Persephone
The High Priestess is often associated with the Greek goddess Persephone, who was known for her role as the queen of the underworld. Like Persephone, the High Priestess represents the energy of intuition, the subconscious, and the hidden mysteries of life.
The Empress - Venus
The Empress is often associated with the Roman goddess Venus, who was known for her beauty and fertility. Like Venus, the Empress represents the energy of creativity, abundance, and nurturing.
The Emperor - Jupiter
The Emperor is often associated with the Roman god Jupiter, who was known for his power and authority. Like Jupiter, the Emperor represents the energy of leadership, structure, and discipline.
The Hierophant - Osiris
The Hierophant is often associated with the Egyptian god Osiris, who was known for his role as the god of the afterlife and the judge of the dead. Like Osiris, the Hierophant represents the energy of tradition, ritual, and spiritual guidance.
The Lovers - Eros
The Lovers are often associated with the Greek god Eros, who was known for his role as the god of love and desire. Like Eros, the Lovers represent the energy of attraction, connection, and passion.
The Chariot - Mars
The Chariot has a strong connection with the Roman god Mars, who was known for his role as the god of war and conflict. Like Mars, the Chariot represents the energy of determination, willpower, and action.
Strength - Hercules
Strength is often associated with the Greek hero Hercules, who was known for his incredible physical strength and bravery. Like Hercules, Strength represents the energy of courage, perseverance, and endurance.
The Hermit - Odin
The Hermit is often associated with Odin, the God from Norse mythology who was known for his role as the god of wisdom and knowledge. Like Odin, the Hermit represents the energy of introspection, solitude, and inner wisdom.
The Wheel of Fortune - Fortuna
The Wheel of Fortune is often associated with the Roman goddess Fortuna, who was known for her role as the goddess of luck and fate. Like Fortuna, the Wheel of Fortune represents the energy of chance, change, and unpredictability.
Justice - Themis
Justice is often associated with the Greek goddess Themis, who was known for her role as the goddess of justice and divine law. Like Themis, Justice represents the energy of balance, fairness, and accountability.
The Hanged Man - Odin
The Hanged Man is often associated with the Norse god Odin, who was known for his role as the god of sacrifice and wisdom. Like Odin, the Hanged Man represents the energy of surrender, letting go, and spiritual transformation.
The Sun - Apollo
The Sun tarot card is often associated with the god Apollo, reflecting his role as the deity of the sun, light, and prophecy. Just as Apollo brings illumination and clarity, the Sun card signifies joy, vitality, and the awakening of higher consciousness. Sun Apollo.
God or Goddess themed Tarot Decks
Whether you want to use a regular tarot deck or one that specifically incorporate gods and goddesses, you can work with deities in your readings. The following tarot decks feature specific deities on the cards, allowing for a more direct connection to their associated energies and symbolism. Some of our favourites include:
The Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot Deck - to buy click here
Mythos Tarot: Guidance from the Greek Gods - to buy click here
Modern Goddess Tarot: call upon the divine feminine - to buy click here
Mythical Goddess Tarot - to buy click here
Triple Goddess Tarot - to buy click here
Tarot Spreads
When working with deities associated with tarot cards you can use specific spreads as a starting point to connect and explore them more deeply in your tarot readings. Once you have pulled a deity, try the following spread to learn more about what the god or goddess has to offer you:
Card position #1 What does this god/goddess want to teach me?
Card position #2 What do they want me to know right now?
Card position #3 How can I work with this god/goddess?
Card position #4 How can I honor them during my day?
Card position #5 What medicine are they bringing me?
Rituals and Invocations
Tarot can be incorporated into rituals or invocations dedicated to specific gods and goddesses. The cards can serve as a channel for communication or as a tool for receiving guidance and insights from the deities invoked.
When working with the deities associated with tarot cards - especially when rituals are involved - it's important to approach the practice with respect and cultural sensitivity. Take the time to learn about the mythologies and traditions associated with the deities you wish to incorporate. Seek guidance from reputable sources or individuals who have expertise in those specific pantheons.
Ultimately, the combination of tarot and gods and goddesses offers a rich and personalized approach to divination and spiritual exploration. It allows for a deeper connection to the archetypal energies represented by the deities and offers a broader context for interpreting the messages and guidance provided by the tarot cards.