In recent times, there has been a surge of interest in the fascinating world of tarot and astrology. As these two ancient practices continue to captivate individuals seeking insights and guidance, there is a growing trend that combines the power of both: Astro-Tarot.
Defining Astro-Tarot
Astro-Tarot combines your preferred astrological system and tarot, using the principles of both to provide insight and understanding into a person’s life. It is a method that interprets the meanings of Tarot cards through the lens of astrology, and vice versa. This approach aims to give a more comprehensive understanding of the energies and forces at play in one’s life.
It is also worth noting that while Astro-Tarot is currently trending, occultists have merged these systems since the 1700s. While it was reserved for an esoteric elite back then, it is now becoming popularised by many modern astrologers and tarologists thanks to social media and books like Tarot for Your Self by Mary K Greer.
A deck and book set with the title Astro-Tarot by the UK Astrologer Russel Grant came out in the early 90s. While this deck combines astrology and tarot, it is not a complete tarot deck. But at least here in the UK, many still think of this card set when they hear the word Astro-Tarot.
Holistic Guidance
As people yearn for a greater understanding of themselves and their connections to the world around them, Astro-Tarot provides a holistic approach to in-depth guidance. By incorporating tarot cards in a chart analysis, for instance, the reader can explore the intricate interplay between celestial forces and personal experiences.
One of the reasons for the increasing popularity of Astro-Tarot is its ability to unveil hidden patterns and offer specific guidance tailored during a natal or horary chart reading. It enables users to uncover their strengths, challenges, and potential outcomes with a more comprehensive perspective.
Moreover, Astro-Tarot can deepen the understanding of astrological transits and the energies they bring. This allows individuals to navigate life’s twists and turns with insightful clarity. By drawing tarot cards corresponding to specific astrological positions or transits, practitioners gain further wisdom and guidance to inform their decisions and actions.
Many of the tarot spreads I have created for personal and spiritual development are specifically for holistic guidance when working with a wide range of celestial transits. Here is one example that allows you to explore the lunar nodes in your natal chart through the lens of the Tarot.
Top 5 Benefits of Using Astro-Tarot for Personal Development and Practical Guidance
1. Deepening Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Using Astro-Tarot for personal development provides a profound opportunity for self-reflection and growth. By delving into the wisdom of astrology and tarot, you can gain a deeper understanding of your personality traits, strengths, and areas for improvement. This heightened self-awareness allows for personal growth and empowers you to make positive changes in your life.
2. Empowering Decision-Making and Clarity
Astro-Tarot offers a practical approach to decision-making by combining the insights of astrology and tarot. By drawing tarot cards for astrological positions or transits, you can receive specific guidance and advice tailored to your unique circumstances. This empowers you to make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
3. Revealing Patterns and Transforming Challenges
One of the most empowering aspects of Astro-Tarot is its ability to uncover hidden patterns and bring attention to recurring challenges in an individual’s life. By examining the astrological influences through the lens of the tarot, you can easily unveil any hidden patterns or habits. This awareness enables you to break free from negative cycles and embrace transformative growth.
4. Holistic Perspectives and Balanced Living
Astro-Tarot offers a holistic perspective by integrating astrology and tarot. When exploring the interplay between celestial energies, planetary influences, and personal experiences, you gain a deeper understanding of your journey through life. Patterns reveal themselves and you know what to look out for. This broader perspective allows you to navigate challenges with grace. It makes it easier to make choices that align with your well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
5. Harnessing Intuition and Personal Empowerment
Engaging with Astro-Tarot fosters a strong connection to intuition and inner wisdom. Astro-Tarot teaches you to trust your intuition, set firm intentions and make decisions aligned with your authentic self. This sense of personal empowerment allows you to take charge of your life and create positive change.
Five Popular Astro-Tarot Practices
Zodiac Sign Tarot Readings
This practice involves exploring the connection between a person’s zodiac sign and the corresponding tarot cards. Each zodiac sign has specific characteristics and traits, and tarot cards can provide insights and guidance related to these qualities.
You can easily find the Major Arcana cards corresponding with your Sun, Moon and Rising signs HERE. You can, for instance, read these cards together with your Tarot Year Card or your Numerological Birth Cards. Sometimes an interesting pattern of overlap emerges. For example, one of your zodiac cards is also currently your Year Card. This then puts added emphasis on the lessons and opportunities associated with that card in the year ahead. It also encourages you to look for repeating cycles and patterns.
Astrological House Tarot Readings
Astrological houses represent different areas of life, such as love, career, and health. In this practice, tarot cards are drawn to gain insights into particular astrological houses, providing guidance and clarity regarding specific life areas. Check out the 12 Houses Zodiac Tarot spread!
Planetary Tarot Readings
Planetary energies have a significant influence on our lives. This practice combines tarot cards with the energies of different planets to uncover specific themes and guidance related to those planetary influences. A good example is this Mercury Retrograde Tarot Spread. And in THIS POST, I cover all the Planetary Correspondences.
Astrological Transit Tarot Readings
Transits occur when planets move through different positions in the sky, and they can have a profound impact on our lives. This practice involves using tarot cards to gain insights into the energies and lessons associated with specific astrological transits. You can uncover major transits in your own chart by visiting astro.com. Then you simply pull cards for any questions that crop up about that transit. Or you can use the multi-purpose Clarity Tarot Spread for guidance around the main theme, challenge, action advice, and subconscious component regarding the transit of interest.
Astrological Profile Tarot Readings
This practice combines the individual’s birth chart, which includes their zodiac sign, planetary placements, and astrological aspects, with tarot cards. By merging these two systems, practitioners can provide personalised and in-depth guidance based on the person’s unique astrological profile. Beware that this is a complex practice. While I encourage you to explore and experiment on your own, it may be worthwhile to get a reading by a professional Astro-Tarot expert.
Please note that these practices are not exhaustive. There are various other ways to incorporate astrology and tarot in readings.