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Elements and Astrology

Astrology: Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects. Astrology has been dated to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, and has its roots in calendrical systems used to predict seasonal shifts and to interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communications. Many cultures have attached importance to astronomical events, and some such as the Hindus, Chinese, and the Mayan developed elaborate systems for predicting terrestrial events from celestial observations. Western astrology, one of the oldest astrological systems still in use, can trace its roots to 19th–17th century BCE Mesopotamia, from which it spread to Ancient Greece, Rome, and eventually Central and Western Europe. Astrology consists of a number of belief systems that hold that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events or descriptions of personality in the human world.

The major arcana and astrology: The major arcana cards are defined and interpreted based on their astrological association, element, and symbology. To truly understand the major arcana you must understand their astrology. Their astrological association will help you to understand their element.

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Major arcana cards: You will notice that some major arcana cards represent a planet and a zodiac sign. A major arcana card can represent both a planet and a zodiac symbol. It can also represent multiple zodiac signs or multiple planets, as well as the sun or the moon. To completely understand the card you must understand it’s basic symbology, as well as it’s multiple astrological associations. For example, the magician symbolizes mercury and Gemini. Which means that it is represented by heavy air signs, but also as the magician, it represents all of the elements. The fool represents Aquarius, Uranus and Aries. Which means that astrologically it is represented by both fire and air, as well as the interpretations that go along with The symbology of the fool.

1. Major Arcana

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Astrological Association –

Uranus: The planet of , eccentricity, rebellion, adventure, change, revolution risk and unpredictability. Uranus brings with it a new way of looking at things, and its approach is best met with an expanded consciousness. Originality, inventions, computers, cutting-edge technologies and future events are all ruled by this planet. Uranus sees no need for the status quo, preferring instead to break with tradition and create a new mold. This planet represents rebellion, revolution, dictators, and an autonomous state and free will. Freedom and creativity are important to this planet. Lastly, in keeping with its sudden, sometimes violent and often unexpected manner, Uranus rules earthquakes and other natural disasters. It takes Uranus 84 years to complete its trip around the zodiac. It is an androgynous energy and rules Aquarius and the Eleventh House.
Aries: In the western tropical zodiac, Aries season begins at the Vernal Equinox, representing the yearly rebirth of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, and the renewal of growth at the beginning of Spring. It begins on March 21 and ends on April 19. The Aries archetype is bursting with youthful enthusiasm, linked to the vital force of life reawakening after the long winter. The Ram’s affinity for inspiration, impulsivity, and assertiveness are kindled in the fire element. In Egyptian astronomy, the Ram’s association continued through the sun god Amon-Ra, who had a human form and a ram’s head. Amon-Ra ruled over fertility and creativity, vital forces that set Spring and regeneration in motion. In Greek mythology, the Ram saved Phrixus and Helle, whose golden fleece became the prize in the story of Jason and the Argonauts. The name Aries is derived from Ares, the Greek god of war.
Aquarius: Aquarians are visionaries, progressive souls who love to spend time thinking about how things can be better. They are also quick to engage others in this process, which is why they have so many friends and acquaintances. Making the world a better place is a collaborative effort for Aquarians.

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The Elements

Earth: Stability, healing, grounding, worldly things, dirt, soil, life, sentient, sentiment, goals, career, growth, roots, and connection. The earth is the symbol of the trees around us, and within us. The flowers blooming inside every organism, and the ones that grow all around us. Earth is a part of the web that connects all living things. It is the food that sustains us and the cycle of life that we are inevitably a part of. It is what grounds us and reminds us of our immortality. It is life, death, and rebirth. As above so below. From the earth we came, and to the earth we shall return.

Air: Air symbolizes freedom, the unknown, something you can’t touch, intellectual thought, and the breath of life. The symbol of cleansing, and purity. The air is wild and untamed, but graceful and ever changing. Air is the steam that erupts from the ground, the gusts that blow over the ocean, and the light breeze that flows through a meadow. It is the train of thought that passes though our conscience mind. Air is the logic and mathematics of the universe. It is the knowledge and wisdom that grows inside all sentient beings throughout their lifetime.

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The Elements:

Fire: Fire is the eruption of passion. It is the element of rebirth and destruction. The phoenix that emerges from the ashes with fire bursting from their soul. Fire is rebellion and impulse, the spark inside of all sentient beings. Fire is the warmth and love that consumes us, and the actions that create the building blocks of our personality. Fire is the sun, and the raw energy produced by its rays. It is the divinations we use to communicate with energy, and the other realms. It is the most raw, and pure form of magic, the first magic of our ancestors, a type of energy that can seemingly be created from nothing.

Water: Water is the gentle flowing river, and the crashing waves of an ocean storm. It is the emotional whirlwind that swirls through our heart and soul. Water is the transformation of our body, and consciousness. It symbolizes the phases we move through, as the never ending circle of life continues. Water is the love that consumes, and heals us. It is the empathy that connects us all, and the unexplainable emotions that tear us apart. Water brings creation and destruction to the universe. It symbolizes the physical and emotional relationships we share with others, as well as the loneliness and trauma that makes us feel so alone. Water is as necessary for life as the emotions that make us human, and brings as much destruction as the depression and rage that overwhelm our psyche.

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Go for a walk outside and collect things that represent each element.
Give yourself a tarot reading. Think about how each element ties to an astrological sign. Try to change every card in your spread into an astrological sign, or planet based on its elemental meaning.
Hold the fool card in you hand and memorize its astrological meanings, as well as its overall definition. Draw cards from your deck and try to imagine how the card you drew would change the meaning of the spread when put next to the fool.

Study at Home:

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