TAROT and the Classical Elements

Each of the cards in a Tarot deck has a different meaning; the three keywords for each
card on the cheat sheet help to define each meaning. However, there are some patterns
you can learn that will help you understand the overall meanings and patterns within
the cards. One of these patterns is the Classical Elements. You can see the Classical
Elements on the cheat sheet from the colour coding. The Golden Dawn has attributed
elemental correspondences to each of the cards. However traditionally as an overview
of the deck, each arcana corresponds with one of the five Elements.

Major Arcana - Element of Spirit.

Minor Arcana
Cups - Water
Wands - Fire
Pentacles - Earth
Swords - Air

When you understand the fundamentals of the elements and how they apply to the
Tarot, suddenly there is a structure that helps open up the meaning of the deck.

History of the Five Classical Elements 

The Fifth century B.C Greek philosopher Empedocles developed the four Classical
Elements of nature: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth as a way to explain the form of
everything in the universe. Plato discussed the Elements in his writings and the Greek
physicians Hippocrates and Galen used the Elements to describe the four humours of
the body. A century later, Aristotle and the Pythagoreans added the fifth Element, which
they called Ether which we now refer to as Spirit. This Element represents the universal
energy, which is present in all things. 

The Pentagram And The Elements

The Pentagram refers to the star shape within the circle. However, it is usually depicted
within a circle. It is the same symbol that is used on the cards of the Minor Arcana
Pentacles. The circle symbolises the completeness of the exact proportions of the star,
which are considered to be deeply spiritual.

The main meaning of the Pentagram is universal, regardless of which spiritual

tradition you follow. The symbol represents the elements the top left point represents
Water, then going clockwise it is Fire, Earth, Air. The top point represents their sum
total as Spirit.

The Pentagram = Air+Water+Fire+Earth= Spirit. As everything is created from the

Classical Elements, the Pentagram represents everything in the universe or all of the
divine. The circle can be interpreted as the material world in which all five elements
are contained or the unity that binds everything together.

© Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 2020 elizabethroebuckjones.com

The Relationship between the Tarot and the Classical Elements.

Spirit - Major Arcana

The Major Arcana represents our unconscious drives our deeper understanding of
personal beliefs, values and goals. Each card takes us into an understanding of the
archetypes or universal patterns that describe the very essence of what we struggle
with internally on our life journey. This suit relates to the Element of Spirit because
they refer to the universal energy that makes us who we are. 

Minor Arcana
Cups - Water
The Classical Element of Water is symbolic of the fluidity or the movement of feelings
and emotions. Water flows to where ever it can find a place to form. Water fills a vessel
like a cup and overflows just as our emotions fill and overflow within us. When reading
the cups think about love, feelings, relationships, personal connections and the
emotions we feel within them. The negative aspect of Water is to be too overly
emotional or being too emotionless and disengaged from those around us.
Wands - Fire
Wands are about intuition and action, and their Element of Fire is about being
unpredictable and fiery. These cards represent passion energy, enthusiasm and
sexuality. The suit of Wands is about taking conscious action in our lives and about
what is important to you right now. The negative aspects of the suit of wands are about
impulsive behaviour, a lack of direction and purpose and lacking direction in our lives.
Pentacles - Earth
The Element of Earth is about grounding, having a firm foundation in life from which
you can grow both personally, physically and in your contribution to the world. The
suit of Pentacles refers to the material aspects of your life, what is practical your
possessions, your money where you live, your success. The negative aspects of the suit of
Pentacles include being materialistic, greedy and possessive. All the personal attributes
we associate with being ungrounded.
Swords - Air
Air is symbolic of communication; we cut the air with our words and actions. Air is
unseen but is constant movement, and when it whips up into a tornado can be
devastating. The suit of Swords deals with thinking, our consciousness, in other words,
our mind and our intellect. These cards reflect thoughts, feelings, beliefs and attitudes.
Just as a sword is double-edged, so there is a fine balance between intellect and power.
Knowledge is power, and we need to remember to be mindful of how we use that power.
The negative aspects of the suit of Swords include the verbal and mental abuse that
comes from harsh judgement and a lack of compassion.

© Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 2020 elizabethroebuckjones.com

 FIRE WATER AIR EARTH
intuition feeling thinking sensing
ACE OF WANDS ACE OF CUPS ACE OF SWORDS ACE OF PENTACLES
inspiration love romance idea prosperity
beginnings emotional logic opportunity
creation overwhelm power manifestation

II OF WANDS II OF CUPS II OF SWORDS II OF PENTACLES

discovery balance indecision balance
decisions attraction choices adaptability
planning partnership confusion prioritisation Classical Elements & Keywords
III OF WANDS III OF CUPS III OF SWORDS III OF PENTACLES RWS TAROT CHEAT SHEET
preparation support heartbreak cooperation UPRIGHT
planning celebration grief teamwork
SPIRIT
expansion sharing love-triangle creativity Knowledge

IV OF WANDS IV OF CUPS IV OF SWORDS IV OF PENTACLES 0 FOOL I THE MAGICIAN

celebration meditation reflection control beginnings creative
stability seclusion withdrawal stability innocence action
harmony closed relaxation security spontaneous skill

V OF WANDS V OF CUPS V OF SWORDS V OF PENTACLES II HIGH PRIESTESS III THE EMPRESS

arguments grief selfishness insecure intuition mother
competition loss betrayal hardship mystery fertility
tension despair conflict poverty awareness femininity

VI OF WANDS VI OF CUPS VI OF SWORDS VI OF PENTACLES IV THE EMPEROR V THE HIEROPHANT

progress childhood transition giving father teaching
confidence memories exit receiving authority spirituality
victory innocence move beyond fairness structure tradition

VII OF WANDS VII OF CUPS VII SWORDS VII OF PENTACLES VI THE LOVERS VII THE CHARIOT
competition choices dishonesty planning relationships success
challenge imagination betrayal progress choices assertive
struggle wishing stealth reflection harmony determination

VIII OF WANDS VIII OF CUPS VIII SWORDS VIII OF PENTACLES VIII STRENGTH IX THE HERMIT
movement freedom powerless education control introspection
freedom action fears detail courage reflection
shift change doubts perserverence compassion enlightenment

IX OF WANDS IX OF CUPS IX SWORDS IX OF PENTACLES X WHEEL OF FORTUNE XI JUSTICE

nightmares
courage happiness self-care luck fairness
anxiety
persistence comfort satisfaction karma harmony
over-
strength confidence luxury destiny truth
whelmed
X OF WANDS X OF CUPS X SWORDS X OF PENTACLES XII THE HANGED MAN XIII DEATH
burden belonging betrayal security perspective transformation
responsibility happiness endings family disengage endings
stress fulfilment defeat established release beginnings

PAGE OF WANDS PAGE OF CUPS PAGE SWORDS PAGE OF PENTACLES XIV TEMPERANCE XV THE DEVIL
© Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 2020 elizabethroebuckjones.com

discovery artistic restless ideas harmony bondage

enthusiastic intuitive energetic opportunity balance materialism
naive focussed talkative employment moderation addiction

KNIGHT OF WANDS KNIGHT OF CUPS KNIGHT OF SWORDS KNIGHT OF PENTACLES XVI THE TOWER XVII THE STAR
romantic
energy fearless conservative upheaval creativity
Prince
passion ambitious methodical reality opportunities
Charming
adventure competitive dependable disaster renewal
sensitive

QUEEN OF WANDS QUEEN OF CUPS QUEEN OF SWORDS QUEEN OF PENTACLES XVIII THE MOON XIX THE SUN
warmth intuitive intelligent protective subconscious success
enthusiastic compassionate perceptive generous illusion happiness
determination receptive independent motherly fear inspiration

KING OF WANDS KING OF CUPS KING OF SWORDS KING OF PENTACLES XX JUDGEMENT XXI THE WORLD
leader considerate precise realistic action achievement
visionary balance articulate dependable renewal success
successful generous truthful providing absolution completion
 FIRE WATER AIR EARTH
intuition feeling thinking sensing
ACE OF WANDS ACE OF CUPS ACE OF SWORDS ACE OF PENTACLES
delays repressed chaos disorganisation
depressed emotion unclear loss
misunderstand blocked logic weak failure

II OF WANDS II OF CUPS II OF SWORDS II OF PENTACLES

unrealistic rejection clarity overwhelmed
stifled separation decisiveness unbalanced
procrastinate disharmony action chaotic Classical Elements & Keywords
III OF WANDS III OF CUPS III OF SWORDS III OF PENTACLES RWS TAROT CHEAT SHEET
delays disloyalty release disharmony REVERSED
obstacles betrayal optimism isolation
SPIRIT
disorganised rejection forgiveness unskilled knowledge

IV OF WANDS IV OF CUPS IV OF SWORDS IV OF PENTACLES 0 FOOL I THE MAGICIAN

tension boredom exhaustion greed naivety manipulation
change detached restlessness materialism recklessness disorganised
transition apathy stuck possessive inexperience incapable

V OF WANDS V OF CUPS V OF SWORDS V OF PENTACLES II HIGH PRIESTESS III THE EMPRESS

passive acceptance approachable recovery logic laziness
aggressive forgiveness fair assistance evidence dependency
scattered gratitude assertive relief doubt uninspired

VI OF WANDS VI OF CUPS VI OF SWORDS VI OF PENTACLES IV THE EMPEROR V THE HIEROPHANT

doubt experience stuck debt chaos rebellion
destroyed cynical emotional- unfairness domination contempt
ignored unforgiving baggage selfishness control withholding

VII OF WANDS VII OF CUPS VII SWORDS VII OF PENTACLES VI THE LOVERS VII THE CHARIOT
illusions revelations waste conflict negativity
overwhelmed
temptation freedom disorganised disharmony confusion
disempowered
distraction caught-out chaos temptation passive
insecure

VIII OF WANDS VIII OF CUPS VIII SWORDS VIII OF PENTACLES VIII STRENGTH IX THE HERMIT
delays hopeless freedom careless weakness isolation
confusion drifting openness unfocussed doubt withdrawal
frustration withdrawal empowerment meaningless impatience loneliness

IX OF WANDS IX OF CUPS IX SWORDS IX OF PENTACLES X WHEEL OF FORTUNE XI JUSTICE

frustrated selfishness calmness frivolous misfortune dishonest
defensive greed control setbacks problems injustice
anxious materialism restful poverty chaos irresponsible

X OF WANDS X OF CUPS X SWORDS X OF PENTACLES XII THE HANGED MAN XIII DEATH
irresponsible arguments recovery problems indecision stagnation
immature disunity regenerated insecurity closed sameness
careless breakup beginnings failure involved restrained

PAGE OF WANDS PAGE OF CUPS PAGE SWORDS PAGE OF PENTACLES XIV TEMPERANCE XV THE DEVIL
© Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 2020 elizabethroebuckjones.com

discouraged naive careless blocked conflict detachment

distracted irrational defensive distracted impatience freedom
depressed day dreaming incompetent inactive instability simplicity

KNIGHT OF WANDS KNIGHT OF CUPS KNIGHT OF SWORDS KNIGHT OF PENTACLES XVI THE TOWER XVII THE STAR
energy manipulative fearless unreliable confined disappointed
passion unreliable ambitious bored imprisonment doubt
adventure untrustworthy competitive lazy certainty despair

QUEEN OF WANDS QUEEN OF CUPS QUEEN OF SWORDS QUEEN OF PENTACLES XVIII THE MOON XIX THE SUN
hurried intuitive disorganised protective conscious depression
distracted compassionate scattered generous clarity negativity
careless receptive careless motherly calmness failure

KING OF WANDS KING OF CUPS KING OF SWORDS KING OF PENTACLES XX JUDGEMENT XXI THE WORLD
stubborn obsessive manipulative stubborn doubt failure
ruthless manipulative severe miserly destruction unfinished
opinionated volatile ruthless authoritative blame unfulfilled
 FIRE WATER AIR EARTH
intuition feeling thinking sensing
ACE OF WANDS ACE OF CUPS ACE OF SWORDS ACE OF PENTACLES
inspiration love romance idea prosperity
beginnings emotional logic opportunity
creation overwhelm power manifestation

II OF WANDS II OF CUPS II OF SWORDS II OF PENTACLES

discovery balance indecision balance
decisions attraction choices adaptability
planning partnership confusion prioritisation Classical Elements & Keywords
III OF WANDS III OF CUPS III OF SWORDS III OF PENTACLES RWS TAROT CHEAT SHEET
preparation support heartbreak cooperation UPRIGHT
planning celebration grief teamwork
SPIRIT
expansion sharing love-triangle creativity knowledge

IV OF WANDS IV OF CUPS IV OF SWORDS IV OF PENTACLES 0 FOOL I THE MAGICIAN

celebration meditation reflection control beginnings creative
stability seclusion withdrawal stability innocence action
harmony closed relaxation security spontaneous skill

V OF WANDS V OF CUPS V OF SWORDS V OF PENTACLES II HIGH PRIESTESS III THE EMPRESS

arguments grief selfishness insecure intuition mother
competition loss betrayal hardship mystery fertility
tension despair conflict poverty awareness femininity

VI OF WANDS VI OF CUPS VI OF SWORDS VI OF PENTACLES IV THE EMPEROR V THE HIEROPHANT

progress childhood transition giving father teaching
confidence memories exit receiving authority spirituality
victory innocence move beyond fairness structure tradition

VII OF WANDS VII OF CUPS VII SWORDS VII OF PENTACLES VI THE LOVERS VII THE CHARIOT
competition choices dishonesty planning relationships success
challenge imagination betrayal progress choices assertive
struggle wishing stealth reflection harmony determination

VIII OF WANDS VIII OF CUPS VIII SWORDS VIII OF PENTACLES VIII STRENGTH IX THE HERMIT
movement freedom powerless education control introspection
freedom action fears detail courage reflection
shift change doubts perserverence compassion enlightenment

IX OF WANDS IX OF CUPS IX SWORDS IX OF PENTACLES X WHEEL OF FORTUNE XI JUSTICE

nightmares
courage happiness self-care luck fairness
anxiety
persistence comfort satisfaction karma harmony
over-
strength confidence luxury destiny truth
whelmed
X OF WANDS X OF CUPS X SWORDS X OF PENTACLES XII THE HANGED MAN XIII DEATH
burden belonging betrayal security perspective transformation
responsibility happiness endings family disengage endings
stress fulfilment defeat established release beginnings
© Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 2020 elizabethroebuckjones.com

PAGE OF WANDS PAGE OF CUPS PAGE SWORDS PAGE OF PENTACLES XIV TEMPERANCE XV THE DEVIL
discovery artistic restless ideas harmony bondage
enthusiastic intuitive energetic opportunity balance materialism
naive focussed talkative employment moderation addiction

KNIGHT OF WANDS KNIGHT OF CUPS KNIGHT OF SWORDS KNIGHT OF PENTACLES XVI THE TOWER XVII THE STAR
romantic
energy fearless conservative upheaval creativity
Prince
passion ambitious methodical reality opportunities
Charming
adventure competitive dependable disaster renewal
sensitive

QUEEN OF WANDS QUEEN OF CUPS QUEEN OF SWORDS QUEEN OF PENTACLES XVIII THE MOON XIX THE SUN
warmth intuitive intelligent protective subconscious success
enthusiastic compassionate perceptive generous illusion happiness
determination receptive independent motherly fear inspiration

KING OF WANDS KING OF CUPS KING OF SWORDS KING OF PENTACLES XX JUDGEMENT XXI THE WORLD
leader considerate precise realistic action achievement
visionary balance articulate dependable renewal success
successful generous truthful providing absolution completion
 FIRE WATER AIR EARTH
intuition feeling thinking sensing

ACE OF WANDS ACE OF CUPS ACE OF SWORDS ACE OF PENTACLES

delays repressed chaos disorganisation
depressed emotion unclear loss
misunderstand blocked logic weak failure

II OF WANDS II OF CUPS II OF SWORDS II OF PENTACLES

unrealistic rejection clarity overwhelmed
stifled separation decisiveness unbalanced
procrastinate disharmony action chaotic Classical Elements & Keywords
III OF WANDS III OF CUPS III OF SWORDS III OF PENTACLES RWS TAROT CHEAT SHEET
delays disloyalty release disharmony REVERSED
obstacles betrayal optimism isolation
SPIRIT
disorganised rejection forgiveness unskilled knowledge

IV OF WANDS IV OF CUPS IV OF SWORDS IV OF PENTACLES 0 FOOL I THE MAGICIAN

tension boredom exhaustion greed naivety manipulation
change detached restlessness materialism recklessness disorganised
transition apathy stuck possessive inexperience incapable

V OF WANDS V OF CUPS V OF SWORDS V OF PENTACLES II HIGH PRIESTESS III THE EMPRESS

passive acceptance approachable recovery logic laziness
aggressive forgiveness fair assistance evidence dependency
scattered gratitude assertive relief doubt uninspired

VI OF WANDS VI OF CUPS VI OF SWORDS VI OF PENTACLES IV THE EMPEROR V THE HIEROPHANT

doubt experience stuck debt chaos rebellion
destroyed cynical emotional- unfairness domination contempt
ignored unforgiving baggage selfishness control withholding

VII OF WANDS VII OF CUPS VII SWORDS VII OF PENTACLES VI THE LOVERS VII THE CHARIOT
illusions revelations waste conflict negativity
overwhelmed
temptation freedom disorganised disharmony confusion
disempowered
distraction caught-out chaos temptation passive
insecure

VIII OF WANDS VIII OF CUPS VIII SWORDS VIII OF PENTACLES VIII STRENGTH IX THE HERMIT
delays hopeless freedom careless weakness isolation
confusion drifting openness unfocussed doubt withdrawal
frustration withdrawal empowerment meaningless impatience loneliness

IX OF WANDS IX OF CUPS IX SWORDS IX OF PENTACLES X WHEEL OF FORTUNE XI JUSTICE

frustrated selfishness calmness frivolous misfortune dishonest
defensive greed control setbacks problems injustice
anxious materialism restful poverty chaos irresponsible

X OF WANDS X OF CUPS X SWORDS X OF PENTACLES XII THE HANGED MAN XIII DEATH
irresponsible arguments recovery problems indecision stagnation
immature disunity regenerated insecurity closed sameness
careless breakup beginnings failure involved restrained

PAGE OF WANDS PAGE OF CUPS PAGE SWORDS PAGE OF PENTACLES XIV TEMPERANCE XV THE DEVIL
© Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 2020 elizabethroebuckjones.com

discouraged naive careless blocked conflict detachment

distracted irrational defensive distracted impatience freedom
depressed day dreaming incompetent inactive instability simplicity

KNIGHT OF WANDS KNIGHT OF CUPS KNIGHT OF SWORDS KNIGHT OF PENTACLES XVI THE TOWER XVII THE STAR
energy manipulative fearless unreliable confined disappointed
passion unreliable ambitious bored imprisonment doubt
adventure untrustworthy competitive lazy certainty despair

QUEEN OF WANDS QUEEN OF CUPS QUEEN OF SWORDS QUEEN OF PENTACLES XVIII THE MOON XIX THE SUN
hurried intuitive disorganised protective conscious depression
distracted compassionate scattered generous clarity negativity
careless receptive careless motherly calmness failure

KING OF WANDS KING OF CUPS KING OF SWORDS KING OF PENTACLES XX JUDGEMENT XXI THE WORLD
stubborn obsessive manipulative stubborn doubt failure
ruthless manipulative severe miserly destruction unfinished
opinionated volatile ruthless authoritative blame unfulfilled