A Quick Look at the Four Suits of Tarot

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Energy and Associations 

There a lot of different ways to read the minor arcana in tarot, but the framework that works best for me is based on the elements.

I have been reading tarot since I was 13. I find it helpful to journal on my readings. This gives me a chance to reflect on the cards and whatever situation I’m reading on.

As an AuDHDer with alexithymia I find tarot, journaling and dreamwork especially helpful. Not the kind of tarot where you throw down cards hoping for a glimpse of what’s coming. The kind where you write and reflect and arrive at something new.

To me the elements can provide a good starting point (for the minors).

Swords

Air | Winter

• Current of divine / archetypal inspiration 
• Human intellect and insights
• Clarity
• Thinking and reasoning
• Overthinking and anxiety

Cups

Water | Spring

• The wellspring of the unconscious
• Human intuition and psychic knowing
• Dreams
• Feeling and relating
• Withdrawal and confusion

Wands

Fire | Summer

• The inspiration of the Muse
• Human creativity and creative inspiration
• Expression
• Communication and purpose / identity
• Overwork and burnout

Pentacles

Earth | Autumn

• The energy of nature
• Human connection to place / nature 
• Grounding
• Building and growing
• Materialism and attachment

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