Tarot Card Elements

Looking to enrich your tarot interpretations? Have you ever heard about the elements of tarot cards? It is important to understand. The suits of the tarot are connected with elements – earth, air, fire and water – and will add their own perspective to the analysis. For instance, the pentacles imply physical aspects, things and security and wands in the tarot, describe passion and active undertakings.

When you know how these tarot elements suits relate, you develop a better view of how the forces work within the environment. We would even think of it as an indispensable tool to understanding the labyrinth of tarot cards elements. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tarot reader, it will definitely improve your practice if you know what the elements of tarot suits literally are. As an example, how the swords in the tarot element are connected with air or how the pentacles are connected with earth in the tarot element? Want to know the tarot element of wands in tarot or distinctions of pentacles? Keep on reading to find out how these elemental associations can enhance your tarot work.

The Four Elements and Tarot Suits

Each of the four suits in a tarot deck is linked to one of the classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The said tarot suits elements ensure that each of the cards possesses its own character and feel, providing a grace to each of them. Think of it this way: the suits are the skeleton, and the cards give body and life to them in tarot.

Let’s break it down:

  • Pentacles: The element of pentacles is solid and realistic, and it is connected with the concept of the Earth. Spend it thinking of money, solidity and your grounding to the world. It’s about awakening and creating a strong initial foundation for all the achieved goals.
  • Cups: Cups suit is associated with water, Cups are considered to be flowing and emotional. They deal with your emotions, interactions, and instincts. It kind of presses you to tap further into your feelings and figure out what your spirit is saying to you.  
  • Swords: Elegant swords in tarot elements are connected with air. They represent your thinking as well as your problem-solving skills. This element encourages you to look at issues more analytically and to respond to problems using your mind, rather than emotions.
  • Wands: Wands in tarot element – fiery and passionate, as this attribute embodies the element of fire. They represent movement, ideas and desire. This element motivates you to act happily and spread joy in oneself. 

To understand the correlation between the tarot suits and elements, it is easier to get insight and closer look at the card and its relevance to your life. For instance, when the particular tarot card represents the air in the suit of Swords, it would mean clear communication; while if the tarot card with the meaning of water is in the suit of Cups group, then there is an issue with emotion. Do not forget that tarot elements are not simply fantasy; these are enigmatic signs for personal growth. 

🌱 Earth Element In Tarot (Pentacles)

Earth Element In Tarot

Let’s take a closer look at the pentacles suit. This element is very much related to conformity, structure and your relationship with the tangible reality. It can be parallel to the energy you uses in constructing a proper foundation in life.

The pentacles tarot element in tarot readings concern money, work, health, home and business. Security, abundance, and the things that drive your merry-go-round and keep the world going in your part of the universe are in the safety zone.

It would be evident how this is the case by looking at the cards and the symbols on it. Well, Pentacles cards may depict scenes of work, prosperity and or nature. They can present people as constructing something or, perhaps, reaping what they sowed, or just communicating with the ground.

Pentacles therefore represent areas in your life where your concentration tends to lie, especially in the practical aspects of it. They might inspire you to prepare for a big presentation, pay your bills and keep your body in shape. It also has nucleus themes of improvement, of acquisition, of arriving at what you have set out to achieve.

How do suits and elements combine? Should you have a Pentacles card next to a card from another deck, the reading will be even clearer. To give an example, if Pentacles are drawn together with Cups (associated with water and emotions) then it would point to emotional Pentacle or search for love and companionship or the attainment of such in relationships.

Therefore, the next time you are pulled into your crossroads by the pentacles element in the reading, be sure to read carefully. This is a call to remain humble, invest in assets and create a solid, prosperous and well-lasting life.

💧 Water Element In Tarot (Cups)

Water Element In Tarot

Concerning tarot card elements, water belong to emotions, intuition, and relationships. That is the one that motivates you to reach deep down inside you and touch the very essence of your emotions.

Element cups cards represent love, friendship, and any other aspect connected with emotional interaction. There can be friends, people being supportive to each other.

When Cups show up in a tarot spread, you are asked to steer the ship of the emotions. They could be used to convey messages to attend to your gut-instinct, value your relationships, and share your emotions.

And the water tarot card meaning does not end with the level of emotions of people and their relationships with each other. Another factor of signification of water is that it is associated with treatment, kindness, and caring for another person. It reminds you to come back inside and find yourself in the process of touching your spirit deep within you.

Do you recall how we were introduced to the relations between tarot suits and elements? Oh, if Cups card is placed next to Swords (air element) – it means that you are trying to find the middle ground between your head and your heart. Or if it seems with Wands card (fire) it means that you are pursuing your callings in a rampant and passion filled manner.

Therefore do not take the water element without taking your feelings into consideration when you come across it in your reading. What are you feeling? How do those messages that are sometimes elicited by your intuition sound like? Let the universal symbol of tranquility lead you on the path of learning about oneself and formulating even better relationships.

💨 Air Element In Tarot (Swords)

swords tarot element

The swords have an affinity with the air tarot card elements of intellect, communication, and clear thinking. It’s the passion that motivates you and helps you make the right decisions after you’d think and plan.

The swords in tarot element fit this energy include aggression, conclusion and possession of solutions to human problems. They may illustrate participants in a discussion, dispelling a delusion or influencing the world through the sword of truth.

Specifically, within a reading, the air tarot card meaning is linked to this area of life concerning what you think, believe and say. Are your ideas and opinions well communicated? Do you share some ideas, obstacles or even mental barriers? For Swords cards, you can view them as areas in which you should reason, provide examples or clarification, or gain ideas.

However the air tarot card meaning does not solely pertain to deep thinking. Air also symbolizes fresh ideas, creativity, and inspiration inherent in our mind to conceive and invent. It is otherwise understood as the wind that displaces stale energy and makes room for new hopes.

Do you recall when we explained the link between the tarot suits and elements? If you have a Swords card with a Pentacles card (earth element), it can mean that you are thinking your way through to make some money. And if it appears with the card of Cups (water and emotions) – you’re trying to express your feelings in the best way.

🔥 Fire Element In Tarot (Wands)

wands tarot element

It’s time to crank it up a notch and learn about the bright spirit of the wands in the tarot element! Fire, as an element of tarot cards is the element of passion, of action, and of creativity. It is one of the relentless forces that compel you to achieve your given goals and to be who you are.

A fiery energy may be seen in Wands cards – these can portray sequences of action, formation, and contemplation of the soul. You might notice that you will be depicted dancing with flames, going for adventures, or unleashing your powers.

Therefore, what is the concern of wands in tarot? In a reading, Wands often represent what the person wants in life, the individual’s desire or their determination. They may inspire you to decide to do something, be creative or draw strength from spiritual powers. Are you going after what really matters to you? Is your spirit light burning?

But fire is not just external behavior; it includes passion, vigour, and sparks, and your spirit. It’s the passion which creates interest and enthusiasm in life; in order to live in the best way possible.

And you did recall the connection of the tarot suits and elements? If you notice you have the Wands card in combination with a Pentacles card (which are the material cards), then it means you are trying to work hard and stable your financial state, get a good job or make your business successful. Or if it is drawn with Cups (water and feelings) that means you are following your dreams with passion and devotion.

Thus the next time you get in touch with the wands in tarot element in a particular reading you will definitely feel this energy within you. What do you like? What are you willing to dream for; what goals are you willing to pursue? Use the fire element to fuel your passion and bring you the power, insight and enlightenment in that journey.

How Elemental Imbalance Affects Tarot Readings

Ever noticed how sometimes your tarot readings seem a bit…one-sided? As in maybe you’re seeing a lot of Swords (air) but you’re not getting any sign of Pentacles (earth) at all. That, my friend, could be an elemental imbalance and it can complicate your understanding in a way that is so different, so entirely new.

Think of it like this: The elements of the Tarot card are supposed to exist, so to speak, in balance which, as we all know, is not possible in real life situations. But sometimes, one element can undo the whole, or another may be absent altogether. This can mean something is not balanced in your own life or in the situation for which you are inquiring.

For example, if you pulled many Wands during your reading, it could mean you are working too hard and/or needlessly rushing into things. It’s the opposite with the lack of Wands, which can suggest that if they are missing in a person’s life, they don’t really have something to look forward to or that does not excite them. Maybe you got too much of the pentacles element? Perhaps you need material things and you really aren’t in touch with your emotions (Cups – water).

Then, how can you make sense of these imbalances when you are interpreting your own readings? To do this, you have to look at the proportion of elements of the tarot suits in the tarot reading that is above or below the normal percentage. Then, it is time to think about what those elements mean for you in your life. Maybe you are overwhelming yourself in overthinking and not paying enough attention to your wealth (Pentacles)? Are you restricted in your ability to speak (Swords – air)? Are you not listening to your hunches or gut feelings (Cups – water)? Such disparities also help to be aware of what problems you have to address or where you should concentrate efforts.

FAQ

What are the tarot card elements?

The tarot card elements are earth, air, fire, and water. Each of the tarot suits elements is connected to one of these classical elements, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the cards.

How do the elements in tarot affect my reading?

The elements in tarot can indicate the overall energy of a reading or specific cards. For example, a reading with many Cups (water) might suggest a focus on emotions and relationships, while a reading with many Swords (air) might point to intellectual challenges or the need for clear communication.

What element is wands in tarot?

The wands in tarot element is fire! Wands are associated with passion, action, creativity, and willpower.

What does it mean if one element is missing from my reading?

If an element is missing, it might suggest that this area of your life needs attention. For instance, if you don’t see any Pentacles (earth) in your reading, it could indicate that you need to focus on your finances, career, or physical well-being.

How can I use the tarot suits and elements to improve my life?

By understanding the tarot suits and elements, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the energies at play in your life. This awareness can help you make better decisions, navigate challenges, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

What are some examples of tarot element symbols?

Tarot element symbols often appear in the imagery on the cards. For example, Pentacles often feature coins, gardens, or images of the natural world, reflecting the earth element. Cups frequently depict water, chalices, or scenes of emotional connection. Swords often show actual swords, clouds, or stormy skies, representing the air element. Wands might include flames, wands, or active, dynamic figures, symbolizing the fire element.

Can you give an example of how to interpret the air tarot card meaning in a reading?

If you see a lot of Swords (air) in a reading, it might suggest that you need to focus on clear communication, intellectual pursuits, or making important decisions. Pay attention to the specific Swords cards that appear to get a more nuanced understanding of the air tarot card meaning in your reading.

Ophelia Kai
Ophelia Kai

I’m Ophelia Kai, a spiritual guide blending my Catholic faith with witchcraft. With over 30 years of experience, I specialize in Tarot, crystal viewing, herbal healing, and more. My work focuses on love, oneness, and helping others find clarity and healing through spiritual insight.