In today’s post, we discuss the court cards, their functions, actions and professions related to each, how they operate in relationship and what their MBTI correspondences are. We will not discuss astrological correspondences since I have already covered them in the Angelic Tarot card meanings series. First we, will look at each ‘family’ (suit) and then we will learn about their respective MBTI types.
Court Cards and Their Multifaceted Roles
Court cards in Tarot often represent specific people in the seeker’s life or aspects of the seeker themselves. However, their meanings extend beyond this dual role. Court cards can signify events, actions, or situations, adding layers of interpretation to a reading.
Representing People
Traditionally, court cards are seen as representing individuals. Kings and Queens typically denote adults over the age of 35, Knights are teens or young adults, and Pages are children or tweens. However, these roles are fluid and not strictly bound by gender or age. For instance, a 70-year-old with lively curiosity could resonate more with the Page of Wands than with a Queen or King card.
Actions and Situations
Court cards can also signify actions or events:
- Knight of Wands: This card often indicates travel or movement, symbolising a journey, relocation, or an adventurous endeavor that requires the seeker’s attention and energy.
- Page of Pentacles: Beyond representing a young person, this card can signal a focus on studies, new projects, or the initial stages of a career pursuit. It embodies curiosity and a diligent approach to learning and skill development.
Messengers and Messages
Additionally, Pages are often seen as messengers. Each Page carries a different kind of message:
- Page of Wands: Brings news related to creativity, inspiration, or new ventures.
- Page of Cups: Delivers romantic messages, intuitive insights, or news of a heartfelt nature.
- Page of Swords: Represents intellectual or communicative messages, often bringing clarity or new ideas.
- Page of Pentacles: Conveys news regarding practical matters, financial opportunities, or educational pursuits.
Now let’s take a look at the four different families of court cards.
The Fire Family
The Element of Fire (Wands) is the element embodied by the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of Wands. This element is a powerful force that drives passion, motivation, and raw vitality in the Tarot. When we explore the King of Wands, we encounter an intensified representation of Fire, Fire of Fire. This double dose of Fire symbolises an immense capacity for leadership, inspiration, and unwavering determination. The Queen of Wands, embodying Water of Fire, balances this fiery energy with emotional depth, intuition, and nurturing qualities. The Knight of Wands, as Air of Fire, brings movement, playfulness, and and an adventurous spirit to the fiery suit. Finally, the Page of Wands, representing Earth of Fire, grounds this energy, symbolising sensuality and the initial steps toward manifesting inspiration.
The Water Family
The Element of Water (Cups) is embodied by the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of Cups. The Element of Water represents emotions, intuition, relationships, and the subconscious mind. In the King of Cups, we see Water of Water, indicating a profound depth of emotional wisdom and stability. The Queen of Cups, representing Water of Water, represents nurturing, empathy, and emotional intelligence. The Knight of Cups is Air of Water, is on a quest for love, often presenting as a romantic and idealistic figure. Finally, the Page of Cups with Earth of Water brings the message of emotional beginnings and the birth of intuitive insights, associated with creativity, innocence and a youthful heart.
The Air Family
The Element of Air (Swords) is symbolised by the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of Swords. This element represents intellect, communication, clarity, and the mind’s logic and reason. The King of Swords, embodying Fire of Air, signifies a masterful intellect, strategic thinking, and authoritative command over words and ideas. The Queen of Swords, aligning with Water of Air, balances sharp mental acuity with empathy and insight, demonstrating keen perception and fairness. The Knight of Swords, as Air of Air, brings dynamic action, decisiveness, and persistent pursuit of truth, embodying a relentless and energetic quest. Finally, the Page of Swords represents Earth of Air, grounding intellectual curiosity and the initial steps towards gaining knowledge, symbolising youthful inquisitiveness and the early stages of intellectual exploration.
The Earth Family
The Element of Earth (Pentacles) is embodied by the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of Pentacles. This element represents practicality, material wealth, stability, physical wellbeing and the physical realm in general. In the King of Pentacles, we find the manifestation of Fire of Earth, indicating a dynamic approach to creating and managing resources, with a strong focus on leadership and financial acumen. The Queen of Pentacles, embodying Water of Earth, balances this material focus with nurturing care, intuition, and a deep connection to nature and home life. The Knight of Pentacles, as Air of Earth, brings methodical planning, perseverance, and intellectual strategy to the pursuit of goals. Finally, the Page of Pentacles, representing Earth of Earth, symbolises new material opportunities and the start of a journey toward tangible achievements, marked by curiosity and a diligent work ethic.
Myers-Briggs Types
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely-used personality assessment tool that classifies individuals into one of 16 distinct personality types. I personally don’t believe it’s a coincidence that we have 16 MBTI types that perfectly match the 16 court cards! Rooted in Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types, the MBTI provides insights into how people perceive the world and make decisions.
Each type is represented by a combination of four dichotomous preferences: Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), and Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P). These preferences define where individuals focus their attention, how they gather information, make decisions, and interact with the external world. For instance, a person with the ISTJ type might be diligent, detail-oriented, and reserved, whereas an ENFP individual is likely to be energetic, imaginative, and empathic. CLICK HERE for a FREE test to learn your MBTI type!
MBTI Tarot Correspondences
The Wands/Fire Family MBTI Types
King of Wands
MBTI Type: ENTJ – The King of Wands embodies the commanding presence of an ENTJ, always ready to take charge with visionary leadership. This card represents a powerful force of motivation and inspiration, reflecting the strategic thinking and assertiveness common to ENTJs. In relationships, the King of Wands’ fiery energy fuels an unwavering determination to drive projects and people forward.
Queen of Wands
MBTI Type: ESFP – Charismatic and empathetic, the Queen of Wands brings out the best in others just as an ESFP would. Her nurturing qualities and emotional depth combine with a vibrant, outgoing personality that captivates and inspires those around her. Both the Queen of Wands and ESFPs excel in social situations, using their charm to foster strong connections and uplift communities.
Knight of Wands
MBTI Type: ENFP – The Knight of Wands is brimming with the energetic and innovative spirit of an ENFP, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. This card signifies movement, playfulness, and a relentless drive to explore uncharted territories. Just like an ENFP, the Knight of Wands thrives on adventure and brings a dynamic, adventurous spirit to all endeavors.
Page of Wands
MBTI Type: ENST – Enthusiastic and imaginative, the Page of Wands reflects the ENST’s eagerness to explore new possibilities. This card represents the initial spark of inspiration, grounding the fiery energy in a quest for knowledge and discovery. Both the Page of Wands and ENSTs are marked by their curiosity and readiness to embark on new journeys, embracing the unknown with open arms.
The Cups/Water Family MBTI Types
King of Cups
MBTI Type: ENFJ – The King of Cups mirrors the depth and emotional intelligence of an ENFJ, providing profound insight and stability. This card symbolises a mastery over emotions, guiding others with wisdom and compassion. Both the King of Cups and ENFJs excel in nurturing relationships, valuing harmony and empathetic understanding in their interactions.
Queen of Cups
MBTI Type: INFJ – Nurturing, protective, and deeply empathic, the Queen of Cups aligns seamlessly with the INFJ personality. She balances emotional depth with intuitive insights, offering a safe haven for those in need. Both the Queen of Cups and INFJs are known for their ability to deeply understand and support others, fostering strong, meaningful connections.
Knight of Cups
MBTI Type: ENFP – The romantic and idealistic Knight of Cups embodies the inner values and dreams of an ENFP. Driven by a quest for love and meaning, this card signifies a journey fueled by emotion and idealism. Both the Knight of Cups and ENFPs are captivated by the beauty of life, pursuing their passions with heartfelt intensity and creativity.
Page of Cups
MBTI Type: INFP – Friendly, creative, and emotionally engaged, the Page of Cups resonates with the INFP’s imaginative and introspective nature. This card represents the beginnings of emotional exploration and intuitive insights. Both the Page of Cups and INFPs are characterised by their innate curiosity and desire to connect with the world through their emotions and creative expressions.
The Air/Swords Family MBTI Types
King of Swords
MBTI Type: ENTJ – The King of Swords personifies the strategic, logical, and analytical prowess of an ENTJ. With a commanding intellect and authoritative presence, this card signifies mastery over thoughts and ideas. Both the King of Swords and ENTJs are known for their decisive leadership and ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and precision.
Queen of Swords
MBTI Type: INTJ – Practical, meticulous, and fair-minded, the Queen of Swords reflects the analytical acumen of an INTJ. This card balances sharp mental acuity with empathy, demonstrating keen perception and fairness. Both the Queen of Swords and INTJs excel in strategic planning and problem-solving, approaching situations with an objective and insightful perspective.
Knight of Swords
MBTI Type: ENTP – Bold, quick-witted, and intellectually driven, the Knight of Swords represents the dynamic energy of an ENTP. This card embodies a relentless pursuit of truth and knowledge, taking decisive action when necessary. Both the Knight of Swords and ENTPs thrive on intellectual challenges and are always ready to engage in stimulating debates and innovative thinking.
Page of Swords
MBTI Type: ISTP – Curious, thoughtful, and eager to learn, the Page of Swords aligns with the inquisitive nature of an ISTP. This card symbolises the initial steps toward intellectual exploration, grounding curiosity in the pursuit of knowledge. Both the Page of Swords and ISTPs are known for their hands-on approach to learning, seeking out information with a practical and analytical mindset.
The Earth/Pentacles Family MBTI Types
King of Pentacles
MBTI Type: ESTJ – Practical, responsible, and resourceful, the King of Pentacles embodies the leadership qualities of an ESTJ. This card signifies a dynamic approach to managing resources and achieving financial acumen. Both the King of Pentacles and ESTJs are skilled in organisation and efficiency, making them reliable figures in the domains of finance and leadership.
Queen of Pentacles
MBTI Type: ISFJ – Caring, organised, and focused on maintaining harmony, the Queen of Pentacles mirrors the nurturing aspects of an ISFJ. This card balances material focus with intuition and a deep connection to home and nature. Both the Queen of Pentacles and ISFJs excel in providing support and stability, creating comforting environments for those around them.
Knight of Pentacles
MBTI Type: ISTP – Methodical, reliable, and practical, the Knight of Pentacles reflects the hands-on approach of an ISTP. This card represents perseverance and intellectual strategy in the pursuit of goals. Both the Knight of Pentacles and ISTPs are diligent and dependable, demonstrating a strong work ethic in achieving their objectives.
Page of Pentacles
MBTI Type: ISTJ – Practical, curious, and detail-oriented, the Page of Pentacles aligns with the meticulous nature of an ISTJ. This card symbolises new material opportunities and a journey toward tangible achievements. Both the Page of Pentacles and ISTJs are known for their dedication and thoroughness, embracing tasks with a diligent and methodical approach.
