TAROT NEWSLETTER
Archives

JULY 2008

Language of the Flora (Floriographic Symbols) in Tarot
by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master

Flowers, plants and trees appear in almost all of the cards or are represented in the decoration surrounding the characters. In general flora symbolizes the seasons, youth, beauty, joy, abundance and growth. If you are attracted to these images or they command your attention, they may be speaking to you regarding your reading.For centuries man has attached significant meanings to the flowers, herbs, plants and trees that flourish around us. In Biblical times and during the Middle Ages, herbs were believed to have magical powers and were given a place of honor in the royal floral gardens. In the Victorian era the language of flowers was so important that flowers adorned everything; hair, clothing, jewelry, clothing, decor, china, and stationery. The silent meanings of flowers were the unspoken messages of love, regret, sympathy, etc. Flowers offered with the right hand meant "yes" and the left, "no".Dictionaries were written to explain the language of flowers and were especially used by lovers and florists. I have composed an abbreviated list of the flowers and plants whose images appear in the Rider Waite deck.

However, your personal experiences with flowers and gardens give special meaning to your readings.

Remember, color may also influence your reading.

MAJOR ARCANA

The Fool – White rose in the fool’s hand: innocence, purity, and secrecy

The High Priestess – Pomegranates on veil behind priestess: fertility and new possibilities

The Empress – Laural wreath worn on her head: accomplishment and victory. Wheat field in foreground: nourishment and plenty

Lovers – Apple tree: doorway to the mysteriesStrength – Flowering wreath: authority comes naturally

The Hanged Man – Oak tree: Protection and strengthTemperance – Iris: (yellow) passionStar – Budding flowers: budding ideas

The Sun – Sunflowers: adoration, (tall sunflowers): pride

The World – Wreath of leaves (mandorla): perpetual movement

LOWER ARCANA

SWORDS

Ace of Swords – Palm and olive branches: triumphant
Nine of Swords – Red roses: love

CUPS

Ace of Cups – Water lilies: Purity and peace
Two of Cups – Green grass: Growth, potential and creativity
Three of Cups – Cornucopia of vegetation: Nature’s abundance, prosperity
Four of Cups – Cypress tree: Door to the mysteries
Six of Cups – Five pointed white flowers: Symbols of light

WANDS

Ace of Wands – Branch of tree sprouting leaves: Power, authority
Four of Wands – A cornucopia of mixed flowers and fruit: Natural abundance, celebration following success
Six of Wands – Two laural wreaths: Victory, success
Queen of Wands – Sunflowers: Feminine sungoddess

PENTACLES

Ace of Pentacles – Flowering bushes with lilies and red roses that flow over garden gate: Offers of a higher choice

Seven of Pentacles – Grape vines: Renewal, reaping the fruits of the vineNine of Pentacles – Lavishly fruiting grape vines: Enjoying the fruits of laborQueen of Pentacles – Lushly forested: Bountiful, skilled, appreciative

King of Pentacles – Covered with grape vines and laural wreath upon head: Enterprising, acquire and maintain material possessions and ideas

Other images that appear on many of the cards:

Acorn – Fertility and spiritual growthThistle – DifficultiesLotus – Soul rising from the bottom of the waterPlowed fields – Ready for cultivationForest – Dark, hidden, unconscious

Desert - Dry, barren of conscious awarenessOrange (fruit) – Confidence, creativity

Pinecone – Force of nature

Purchase Tarot Decks and Books at My Store in Amazon.com



Successful readings leave the querent empowered.