Astrology And Tarot- How Are They Different From Each Other
Astrology And Tarot- How Are They Different From Each Other
Astrology stepped into my life since the day I was born. I grew up seeing astrology magazines and books in my house. My father had a severe knack for this subject and used to do self-study at home by reading books and talking to fellow astrologers in his friend circle. I saw him practicing chart analysis for hours, and I call it true devotion or love for a subject.
In my teenage I witnessed many people approaching him to read their charts. Initially, he used to do that out of love for the subject. He was an outspoken person. My dad used to say what he observed in the chart with no sugarcoating. Many liked this attitude of my father.
But, afterward, he stopped it as he witnessed people quit doing karma and expecting readings will come true. When I grew up, I found my father making an effort to keep me away from this subject. All he said is to do karma, and things will happen at their own pace. But, my curiosity never stopped, and I remained silent till I got married.
‘I shared my wish with my then-boyfriend and now husband, and finally I ended up doing my PG Diploma in Vedic Astrology. All thanks to him, who gave my desire the wings, my hubby. I started practicing astrology soon after my course completion and following the protocol of presenting the correct reading of the horoscope with no sugarcoating. During my studies, I came across other branches of this divine science like Numerology, Vastu, and Tarot.
I include Vastu and numerology with astrology to provide remedies to my clients. I found Tarot, a bit different from the other 3 branches of Occult science.
Astrology and tarot are two practices used for centuries to gain insight into the human experience, understand the self and the universe, and navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Even though they both employ symbolism and have the potential to reveal essential truths about the human condition, they are in reality different practices with distinct approaches, techniques, and goals. I examined the main distinctions between astrology and tarot. I will share how each might get applied to one’s quest for self-knowledge.
Astrology: A Brief Overview
Astrology is one of the ancient sciences that uses celestial bodies’ locations and motions to explain human affairs and natural occurrences. The core concept of astrology is the belief that there is a link between cosmic patterns and earthly events. Identifying personality features, predicting the future, and getting a perspective on relationships are common uses for astrology. For instance, a person’s zodiac sign, linked to particular personality qualities and life path, can be determined by the sun’s and moon’s location at birth.
Another basis for astrology is the idea of houses, which are divisions of the sky that represent various aspects of life, including love, career, and health. Astrologers can understand a person’s life path, prospective difficulties, and opportunities by examining the placements of planets and other celestial bodies in these houses.
Tarot: A Brief Overview
A set of cards got introduced in the divination method known as tarot. It helps to provide information about the past, present, and future. The Major Arcana and Minor Arcana are the two divisions of the cards. Twenty-two cards make up the Major Arcana, which depicts iconic characters and themes like the Fool, the Magician, and the Lovers. The 56 cards form the Minor Arcana. These cards again get segregated into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. The various aspects of life, including emotions, creativity, intelligence, and material wealth, are each represented by a distinct suit.
Throughout the reading, the tarot reader will shuffle the cards and arrange them in a particular spread, such as a Celtic Cross spread or a three-card spread. The reader will read the cards according to their placement in the spread and the symbolism and intuition connected with each card. Every card symbolizes a specific area of the person’s life. The purpose of a tarot reading is not to foretell the future but to obtain awareness of the subject’s present circumstances and possible future courses.
Astrology vs Tarot: Key Differences
While astrology and tarot have some similarities, they differ significantly in several important ways.
Method of interpretation
The approach of interpretation is the primary difference between astrology and tarot. In astrology, predictions and insights into personality qualities get identified from the positions and motions of celestial bodies. Tarot, we can call a divination which makes use of a deck of cards. It attempts to offer suggestions and insight concerning our past, present, and future.
Scope of prediction
Astrology typically focuses on making broad, all-encompassing forecasts about an individual’s life, like general personality qualities or the path of their life. On the other hand, tarot is often used to provide more precise, situational information, like understanding a specific issue or choice.
Symbolism
Although symbols are used in both astrology and tarot to provide insight, the symbolism is very different in each. Tarot cards employ archetypal images and symbols to symbolize many parts of the human experience. In contrast, astrology utilizes the positions and movements of celestial bodies to depict various aspects of a person’s life.
Method of Practice
Tarot and astrology practice methods are also very dissimilar. Creating a birth chart or getting a personalized reading from an astrologer are two standard practices. In Astrology, we need the date, time, and location of the birth of the native to predict his/her future. On the other hand, anyone with a deck of cards and a primitive comprehension of each card’s significance can practice tarot independently to give readings. Astrology studies planetary movements in detail. Study of the Constellation of planets at the time of the native’s birth Astrologers does, to know the status of the planet during birth
Use of Elements
The four essential components, fire, earth, air, and water are important in astrology, with every sign of the zodiac and planet getting linked with a particular element. Tarot also uses elemental implications, with each Minor Arcana suit standing in for a distinct element. However, unlike astrology, using components in the tarot is not as fundamental to the art.
Level of Personalization
A person’s birth chart offers unique insights into their personality and life destiny, making astrology a highly personalized discipline. Tarot is more flexible and may be used to understand various events and people while offering individualized insight.
Timeframe
Astrology frequently covers years or even decades in its forecasts and insights. On the other hand, the tarot is often used for more immediate advice, offering insight into events that are taking place or will occur soon.
Use of Language
It can be challenging for newcomers to comprehend technical terms like aspects, houses, and transits, frequently used in astrology. On the other hand, the language and visuals used in tarot are more approachable, making it simpler for newbies to interact with and comprehend.
Both astrology and tarot are age-old disciplines used for years to shed light on and comprehend the human experience. Even though they have similarities, they are different in terms of technique, scope, symbolism, and practice.
Whether you favor astrology, tarot, or another type of divination, both techniques can offer insightful and enlightening perspectives on your life and world.
Astrology talks about the motive of a native’s life, and Tarot represents our subconscious mind. It helps us in taking the right decisions in life.
As a practicing astrologer I will say – Astrologers can predict but cannot give verdict. We try to alert our clients to take precautions to avoid or reduce the effects of unforeseen situations. We talk about possibilities and to bring the possibilities in one’s favour karma is important. Do your karma diligently and things will fall in place with time.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
I learnt astrology at Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, even did research under the renowned Mr K.N.Rao. This was way back in 1999. And Tarot I have learned from a friend. I do not practice commercially. I believe that the guidance that comes from both is about walking your path with its challenges, ups and downs and you can’t escape your karma. I absolutely agree with your father that one should diligently work on their karma. The two streams help as you find your way through the meanderings of life. And they are both useful.
fascinating to learn about astrology and tarot. As Sikhs my parents didn’t have birth time or our kundalis but I have always been fascinated with astrology and later tarot. Non-believers usually scorn both but I know that there is a science behind this ancient form of astrology. Thanks for the insightful post.
It was so nice to read your post Samata… informative and interesting… I really loved it! One of my close friends is learning tarot card reading n whatever came out of the session I had with her was mindblowing. I was surprised at the accuracy. However, I generally don’t get my kundali read cuz I don’t trust pundits much… they will suggest pujas etc just to warm up their pockets😀. But it’s a good idea to get it read from someone like you who will have no ulterior motive… dunno y I never thought of this.
A very informative post, Samata. People often think astrology and particularly Tarot is all mumbo jumbo, but there is actual science behind it. I once worked on a project with a Vedic astrologer and the discussions with him were eye-opening. I can completely understand your father’s thoughts. People expect things to miraculously happen without karma.
I didn’t know you practiced astrology and Tarot. I am truly impressed by the different things you do. God bless you. Didn’t know much about Tarot and learnt quite a few things today. Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
What an in-depth explanation and impressive comparison of the two very different and yet related ways of predicting and interpreting situations!It makes sense to my scientifically inclined mind too.
Wow, your personal journey with astrology is truly fascinating, Samata! It’s incredible how your father’s passion for the subject ignited your curiosity, even though he tried to keep you away from it. It’s understandable that he became wary of people relying solely on readings and neglecting their actions and responsibilities. However, it’s inspiring to see how astrology and tarot have played a significant role in your life, offering profound insights and guiding you toward making informed decisions. The distinction you draw between astrology revealing the motive of a native’s life and tarot delving into our subconscious mind is intriguing. Both disciplines have a rich history and can provide valuable perspectives on the human experience. Glad to know your personal connection with these ancient practices.
Something that I have not been into, astrology use to attract me when I was in my teens, afters I left getting into this like knowing wat is going to happen and how is my day going to be. I felt it was good to let life go in it’s flow.
Thank you so much for your detailed post covering every aspect of Tarot and Astrology. Both can be valuable tools for self-reflection, decision-making, and personal growth. They offer insights into personality traits, relationship dynamics, and life dynamics and life patterns, guiding individuals in understanding themselves and others better. Both practises provide support during challenging times, offering perspectives on timing, planning, and spiritual well-being. However, it is important to approach them with an open mind, using them as aides for self- discovery and personal empowerment rather than relying solely on external predictions. Just like your father said – Focus on karma and things will happen at their own pace.
That is nice to see the differences between tarot and astrology.
This was a fascinating post! I’ve had my moments with predictions, but more than anything, your post reminded me of a tarot card reader I used to follow during school/college (I don’t remember when) and how I’d pick my clothes based on her predicted lucky color!
Being a medico and a hardcore believer of science, I sometimes tend to ward off these as superstition. However there have been more than many incidents that have forced me think otherwise. Thanks for clarifying the differences.
Interesting observation. I never thought of the similarities and differences between the two in this way. Thanks for bringing this perspective.
You’ve explained both concepts so nicely that even someone who doesn’t know much about them can now understand the basics. I’ve got both Astrology and Tarot cards readings done and believe that though the approach is different, the science is precise and often quite correct.
Wow! What a rush of information you’ve shared with me and the other readers. I grew up looking up magazines/newspapers for my zodiac sign prediction and was always amused by how it somehow related to what I’d gone through at that moment. I’ve always thought of tarot reading as somehow like a witch spell. haha..idk why/where I had that from. Anyways, now all have been cleared😊
I love reading articles about astrology and tarot and as you mentioned, they are different. Thank you for explaining the concepts thoroughly. It will be beneficial to anyone looking to learn the very basics of the two.
As a person I was only familiar with a few topline differences between these sciences however, your post gave an in-depth understanding of how astrology and tarot work.
Such a detailed post. Shows your love for the subject. Though I believe in astrology I don’t practice it or ask for advice as most do it for money….very few do it for passion & are true to it.
Such an interesting and informative post. I have also seen my father study astrology on his own by looking at different videos of astrologers and how they study different star positions. Even when we were looking for possible suitable matches for me he was the first one we asked to match charts too
This is an extremely informative post bringing out the difference between Astrology and Tarot. I do not follow or believe either, but growing up I used to enjoy reading about sun signs and people belonging to my zodiac. It was fun to decipher and see like qualities in people of the same zodiacs.
Your detailed post here provides ample amount of understanding and insight about both the things and also the difference between the two. I myself like to go astrologers and I do believe in Astrology along with Karma. Haven’t tried any Tarot card reading yet.
Interesting to read the clear differences between astrology and tarot, though I am not much of a believer in either. Astrology is an ancient science, but the problem is we do not have many people really well-versed in this ancient science today.
This article is insighful. I remain confuse always till now about tarot card readings and couldn’t comprehend what actually it is. This article helps me to understand both the terms Astrology and Tarot better.
I believe in tarot cards but never knew how it is different from astrology. Thankyou for sharing such a detailed information on both.
Ultimately, whether one resonates more with astrology or tarot depends on individual preferences and beliefs. It’s fascinating to see how these ancient practices continue to captivate and empower individuals in their search for meaning and guidance.
I’ve never paid much attention to these things, so reading your post was a good opportunity for me to learn about these practices more. Ultimately, whether one resonates more with astrology or tarot depends on individual preferences and beliefs. It’s fascinating to see how these ancient practices continue to captivate and empower individuals in their search for meaning and guidance.
This post provides a clear and insightful explanation of the distinctions between these two mystical practices. Informative and enlightening!
For the longest time i thought astrology and tarot works the same way. Later I understood the difference but still I was not clear about tarot. But you gave a detailed insight into both.
It is so fascinating to learn about astrology and tarot. Your article is so detailed I was always curious about tarot now I finally understand
Thank you for sharing this
The difference between Astrology And Tarot has always intrigued me…For a long time, I was of the opinion that both are the same, but I recently found out that they are two completely different things. Astrology is based on the movements and positions of celestial bodies like stars, planets etc., which affects human life in various ways. On the other hand, Tarot is an ancient form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards. But this article has clarified the differences point by point. Thanks
A very interesting post. I have engaged more with tarot for the precise reasons that it is often easier to understand.