Tarot and Astrology: What is the Difference?

Tarot and astrology

Astrology and tarot practices have intrigued humanity for centuries. Both methods offer glimpses into the mysteries of the universe and provide guidance in various aspects of life. Astrology, with its celestial connections, and tarot, with its symbolic imagery, delve into the realms of divination and fortune-telling. Ultimately, they both invite us to explore our past, present, and future.

Tarot cards visually represent archetypes and symbols that tap into our subconscious minds. Through intricate spreads or layouts chosen by readers or seekers alike, tarot cards provide guidance on various aspects such as love relationships, career choices, or spiritual growth. Each card holds profound meaning, which can be interpreted by skilled practitioners who possess both intuition and knowledge.

On the other hand, astrology is a metaphysical practice that examines the positions and movements of celestial bodies to gain insight into human behavior, relationships, and events. By analyzing birth charts or horoscopes based on an individual’s date, time, and place of birth, astrologers can reveal personality traits, strengths, challenges, and potential life paths. It is a powerful tool that helps us understand ourselves better while navigating life’s twists and turns.

Both astrology and tarot offer unique perspectives on our lives – they are not set-in-stone predictions. Instead, they serve as tools for self-reflection and development. They encourage us to explore our innermost thoughts and feelings while seeking clarity amidst life’s uncertainties.

African oracle card deck

What is the Tarot?

Tarot is one of the most popular forms of cartomancy, a divination system that uses cards for spiritual insight. Tarot readers often use a combination of tarot and oracle cards as part of their divination toolbox. Spiritualists who use tarot and oracle cards are typically referred to as tarot readers or simply readers. These divinely inspired oracles are capable of eliciting messages from Spirit for the benefit of others.

While tarot and oracle cards are powerful divination tools, the real power of cartomancy is in a reader’s intuitive gifting. Skilled tarot readers hear from Spirit and relay Divine messages in an easily understandable way to their clients. The cards simply serve as a messaging apparatus similar to other divination tools. This is why tarot readers can use a variety of card decks and different techniques and still present accurate messages.

the Purpose of a Tarot Reading

The ultimate goal of a tarot reading is to relay vital messages from the spirit realm. This practice is not all about fortune-telling and seeing the future. It is more about helping people find answers and Divine guidance in their time of need. It is a sacred practice that involves channeling messages from Spirit.

While you may ask one question during a tarot reading, Spirit often provides more detail than you expect. For instance, you may want to know if your business is going to prosper. Instead of a resolute “yes” or “no” answer, Spirit typically gives you the steps you need to achieve success in your business. Because, in most instances, answers are not as simple as “yes” or “no.”

Your business may have all the potential it needs to be successful. However, you may not be foundationally grounded to execute a successful business endeavor. In this case, Spirit may beckon you to put in more work, gain more skills, change your mindset, or do other things to align yourself for business success. This is why I often discourage clients from asking single-answer questions during a tarot reading. Instead of asking, “Will I achieve a specific outcome?” it is best to ask, “What do I need to know or do to achieve my desired outcome?”

Tarot Cards

The use of tarot is said to have originated in ancient Egypt. While ancient Egyptians may or may not have used tarot cards to divine, the system from which tarot was derived came from the ancient Egyptian school of mysticism. The tarot deck basically represents the varied experiences that each human will have throughout the course of life. From finding your soul mate to enduring heartbreak, the tarot is a divine system that helps guide you through life’s journey.

While tarot readings may not provide “medicine” in the same way as divination in astrology or traditional spiritual systems, they can provide you with resolute wisdom and sound guidance. Tarot can point you in the right direction so that you can achieve beneficial results. It can also show you how your spiritual team is supporting your journey. Tarot is generally recommended for finding guidance for common everyday life concerns.

Oracle Cards

Oracle cards, on the other hand, are quite varied in their scope and meaning. Messages from oracle decks are channeled by the creator of the deck and interpreted by the reader. Therefore, they relay a wide variety of messages about various aspects of life. They are sometimes used to confirm or flesh out a spiritual message during a reading.

Oracle decks are often used in combination with tarot cards in readings. However, they can be used as stand-alone tools. The decision to use either divination tool is primarily up to the reader. However, clients can also request the use of specific types of cards during divination services if the reader offers this option. Either way, both types of cards are effective divination tools.

What is Astrology?

Astrology, the study of celestial bodies and their influence on human behavior offers a unique perspective into our personalities, relationships, and life events. By examining the positions of planets at the time of our birth, astrologers can provide valuable insights into various aspects of our lives.

Astrologers have been relied upon for centuries to interpret celestial patterns and offer guidance based on their expertise. Their role is to decipher the cosmic insights provided by the alignment of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. The expertise of an astrologer lies in their ability to understand the intricate connections between celestial events and human experiences.

Zodiac Signs

At the core of astrology are the twelve zodiac signs, each representing different personality traits and characteristics. These signs are determined by the position of the sun, moon, and ascendant at the time of our birth. By knowing our core zodiac signs, we can begin to explore our strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities.

Birth Charts

Another fundamental concept in astrology is the birth chart, also known as a natal chart. This chart maps out the positions of celestial bodies at the exact moment we were born. It provides a personalized snapshot of our individuality and can offer guidance on various aspects of our lives.

Horoscopes

Horoscopes are a popular application of astrology that many people turn to for daily insights and predictions. These forecasts are based on the movement of celestial bodies in relation to our birth charts. They provide a glimpse into potential opportunities, challenges, and trends that may arise in different areas of life.

Houses

Astrological houses play a crucial role in understanding how different areas or themes manifest in our lives. Each house represents specific aspects such as relationships, careers, or spirituality. By examining which planets reside in each house within our birth chart, we can gain deeper insight into these areas.

Elements

Elements also play a significant role in astrology. There are four elements – fire, earth, air, and water – each associated with three zodiac signs. These elements bring distinct energies and temperaments to individuals born under their influence.

Planetary Influences

The planetary positions at the time of our birth are believed to shape our individuality and predispositions. Each planet possesses unique characteristics that contribute to shaping different aspects of our personality. From fiery Mars fueling ambition and drive to harmonious Venus inspiring love and creativity, these cosmic forces intertwine to create a complex tapestry within us.

One fascinating phenomenon in astrology is the retrograde motion of planets. During retrograde periods, it appears as if a planet is moving backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. This apparent reversal can have profound effects on how we experience certain energies associated with that particular planet.

For instance, when Mercury retrogrades, communication may become more challenging, leading to misunderstandings or technological glitches. On the other hand, Saturn’s retrograde motion might prompt us to reevaluate structures and responsibilities in our lives. Beyond retrogrades, every planetary movement impacts life on Earth though such influence may be strong or subtle depending on the planetary alignment at one’s birth.

When to Turn to Astrology or Tarot for Answers?

So when should you turn to astrology or tarot? Astrology is beneficial when seeking overarching insights about yourself or others, understanding patterns in relationships or career paths, and gaining a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Tarot, on the other hand, is ideal for specific questions requiring immediate guidance, exploring different options before making decisions, or gaining clarity during uncertain times.

Ultimately, whether you choose astrology or tarot depends on your personal preferences and the nature of your inquiry. Both offer unique perspectives that can complement each other in navigating life’s complexities. So embrace the wisdom that these ancient practices provide and use them wisely to gain valuable insights into your journey ahead.

Summary

In conclusion, both astrology and tarot offer unique perspectives and methods for exploring the mysteries of life and seeking guidance. Astrology focuses on the cosmic influences that shape our personalities and life events, while tarot taps into intuition to provide insights and clarity. Whether you prefer the celestial language of astrology or the mystical symbolism of tarot, both practices can offer valuable guidance on your journey of self-discovery and decision-making.


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