by A. T. Mann

It is important to understand some of the basic symbols of the language of the Tarot. The most common symbols are derived from architecture, plants, animals, postures and crafted objects.

Columns and Arches
The pair of columns between which many of the Tarot archetypes are placed represents the structure of the world, and may be understood as metaphors for the way the world is seen.

Our own world view is always compared to the real world. Sometimes the columns are black and white, symbolizing the dualism of inside and outside, us and them, and the forces of life and death, male and female, good and bad, left and right sides of the brain, conscious and unconscious. When the pair of columns is arched it represents a gateway into and out of the world of form. When four columns are shown they represent the four elements which create or support the physical universe.

The canopy of stars is symbolic of the influence of Astrology or the astral sphere.

Shapes
The cube is symbolic of the four elements, as well as being earth. Square shapes represent the four elements, the earth or physical reality.

The triangle represents the active trinity comprising birth, death and rebirth or the three Platonic physical, emotional and mental bodies. An upward pointing triangle is the element fire and the resolution of duality by a higher third point, while a downward pointing triangle is the element water, and the tendency to sink into the unconscious. An upward pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line is the element air, while a downward pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line is the element earth. Upward and downward triangles intersecting create the Seal of Solomon, the integration of physical and spiritual worlds, and contain all four triangular elements.

Stars either represent actual constellations which are symbolic, such as the zodiac signs, the Pleiades or Sirius, or are bodies encasing spirit, mind and soul. In esoteric astrology, seven stars represent the seven solar systems from which the present world was evolved, acting through the Seven Sisters or the Great Bear.

The horizontal figure 8 is the symbol of infinity, also called the lemniscate, which is the sign of the holy spirit.

Keys are symbolic of the secret doctrine, and gold and silver keys signify male and female qualities.

The spherical orb is a symbol of worldly power, yet has the connotation of spirituality when surmounted by a cross, which is associated with papal dominance.

The arrow is symbolic of will, spirit and fire.

The heart is love, the seat of the soul and divine suffering.

The eye or third eye is the available higher center within the spiritual domain of humanity.

The crown is domination, royal position and high status. The triple crown symbolizes the integration of, or power over, the physical and spiritual bodies.

The pyramid is the resolution of physical world (the four sides) in a higher, transcendent state (the apex).

*This material is excerpted from the book, The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann.