I have a theory to share with you about a hidden relationship between Astrology and the Tarot. Since I do not consider myself an original thinker I am surprised to conclude that this concept is unique with me. On the other hand, amongst the plethora of Tarot books in my library, as well as my search on the Internet for a similar view of the Tarot, I have yet to find anything like what I am about to propose.
Much about the Tarot’s beginnings has been shrouded in secrecy. Consequently, there are myriad theories about its origin and meaning. I have no intention of expounding on, agreeing, or disagreeing with any of the theories proposed by others more learned in the subject of Tarot than I. I intend merely to present an idea that may resonate with you as it does with me.
The hypothesis I am about to introduce refers only to the twenty-two Tarot cards known as the Major Arcana. Each of these twenty-two cards has been assigned an astrological ruler (listed in the chart below). I have no idea who first assigned the astrological rulers to these cards; in fact, like everything else in the esoteric sciences—Tarot and astrology—not everyone agrees about the astrological rulers of these twenty-two cards!
I have therefore adopted the rulers that agree with my own understanding of the Tarot, and which, after all, inspired my theory about the astrological symbolism hidden in the Tarot. I can tell you this, however: The concept my proposal most nearly resembles is that of mythologist Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey”. As you shall see, we are all heroes as we march along life’s precarious path.
It is my belief that the Major Arcana of the Tarot is meant to be understood as an exact depiction of the stages of our lives—from birth to death. My hypothesis began, as I said, with my realization that each of the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana has an astrological ruler, and that in astrology there are twelve signs of the zodiac and ten planets—which also, as it happens, equals twenty-two.
Did someone— perhaps a group of learned visionaries—long ago intend for us to understand the Tarot as a disguise for astrology, which was, during the dark ages, being rigorously attacked by the Church? Was it their intention to protect and perpetuate in a hidden device—the Tarot—the valuable information about how astrological cycles guide us through life? I believe there is ample evidence to suggest that this is the case.
Let's begin with the hypothesis that our hero’s journey through life begins with the Fool card in the Tarot, which is ruled by Uranus. Uranus, the Great Awakener. That sounds like birth, doesn't it?. Hmm, let's see. The cycle of Uranus lasts for 84 years. So what if we divide those 84 years of Uranus’s cycle by the 22 cards in the Major Arcana? We get four. Now let’s break down the 22 phases of our life into segments of four years and observe whether we find ourselves in agreement with what we personally experience at various stages as we move from birth to death. Here is the chart:
So that is my theory that the twenty-two phases of our life based on the premise that the Tarot is a hidden codex for astrological cycles. As you see, it’s really quite easy to identify with each of the twenty-two steps in one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual development as it has been surreptitiously hidden in the Tarot.
However, as we assess the validity of this cosmic connection between the Tarot and astrology, we must also remember that tucked in amongst the twenty-two ages of our lives which I have listed above, there are other cycles affecting us all along the way, such as the Jupiter Return every twelve years and the Saturn Return approximately every 28 years.
I was especially delighted to notice the correspondence of the Death and Resurrection card with the 52nd year of life. We’ve heard repeatedly that the age of 52 is one of the most significant years of our life. I also loved noticing that the Star card in the Tarot corresponds to age sixty-eight. The Star is said to bring happiness, and at that age I first became a grandmother—indeed a time of unparalleled joy.
Obviously, not everyone lives until the age of eighty-four, nor do we all die at that age. Oh, dear! What shall we do with the 84-year formula? I suggest that we start over again with the Fool card—the Great Awakener (Uranus), at the age of eight-eight, which certainly can represent a rebirth. Not only that, at age 88 one is approaching the third Saturn Return—another symbolic rebirth.
I’m thrilled to share my (I believe unique) theory about the hidden relationship between the Tarot and astrology with you. I feel certain that you will easily discover correspondences in your own life to confirm its validity. I will be interested to hear any comments you may care to share with regard to my theory. By all means, if you find the exact idea expressed elsewhere, please direct me to the source so that I may provide appropriate attribution to my co-discoverer!
I embrace you with love and light,
Beverlee
