In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Taurus is The Heirophant who rules over the Element of Earth and is representative of stability and practicality, concerned with matters of faith religion, belief and morality. The Hierophant is a serious card full of esoteric and occult knowledge. The Hierophant is a wise and spiritual master who acts as a liaison between man and God. Indeed, according to some sources, this card is interpreted as the "Mouthpiece of God." The Hierophant's numerical correspondent is five, the number of decision-making based upon insight and intuition. Five is also a number of communication and travel. To the Ancients, it was the number of meditation, also representing Man with his five developed senses. Because The Hierophant has attained mastery of his five senses, he is able to develop a sixth and this card is considered to be representative of the four elements...Earth, Air, Fire and Water...plus the fifth element of Ether or Spirit. The Hierophant's mastery over the four basic elements allows him to transcend them and become the intermediary between mankind and God.
The Hierophant is a member of the First Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana. This is a card which signifies a singular interest in uniting the material with the spiritual. The Hierophant is the initiator and mediator, as well as provider of tools of the spiritual trade. He is a teacher of the techniques required to lead an individual back to his or her connection with "All" and "Everything." Thus, The Hierophant is the spiritual guide...the guru...the priest...the shaman...the one who instructs in the disciplines necessary for uncovering the connection between body and spirit. In essence, this card is both male and female. In short, The Hierophant symbolizes the fully-realized love of life inherent in the Taurus personality, denoting the natural worthiness of knowledge, tradition and established social values which are so important to those born under this Zodiac Sign.
The four beasts depicted on this card are Guardians of the Altar, representative of the Four Elements. The bull is Taurus, symbolic of Earth...the material and the physical. The lion is Leo, symbolic of Fire...willpower and dynamic energy. The person is Aquarius, symbolic of Air...intuition, communication and mental prowess. The eagle is Scorpio, symbolic of water...death, rebirth and emotions. The dark background of this card is indicative of The Hierophant's function, which is to bring light to the darkness. The child, which is located at the center of the pentagram, represents initiation and the female figure represents Venus (ruling planet of Taurus) who is militant in her femininity. The figure of The Hierophant is usually portrayed holding the index and middle fingers extended, as though pointing at something. This is an important symbolic reference because the human will is considered to be directed by these two fingers. In the highest spiritual context, The Hierophant represents a human who has personally united all internal aspects of duality.
In a Tarot reading, this card signifies the need to conform and the importance of being socially approved (especially by an individual's peer group). It is also symbolic of bondage to the conventions of society and preference for the outer forms of religion. Reversed, it indicates unconventionality and unorthodoxy, warning against any tendency to become superstitious. The Hierophant is the card of the inventor as well as that of nonconformist youth.
In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Fifth Path...the Path of the Spiritual Leader, also known as the Way of the Ocean of Wisdom. It is the path between wisdom and mercy which crosses the vast area of expanding grace and compassion. It marks the way of the spiritual master who facilitates the attachment of the individual to the divine...an innovative road for those whose duty it is to unify the disparate portions of the creation. Here, kindness and unconditional compassion predominate and it is the highest path of the Right Pillar of Expansion, emphasizing the importance of giving and doing for others. Those who are true unifers (in either a spiritual or business sense) always receive more than is personally needed. In the Kabbalah, this card is also referred to as "Bat Kol," which means "Daughter of the Voice." Thus, it is representative of an internal spiritual leader who communicates via an inner voice or by means of intuition. It also attempts to connect to the higher self to consciousness, thus making humankind aware of personal potential. The Hebrew letter is Vau (also known as Vav), which means Nail. Nine of these "nails" may be seen at the top center of the card. Also known as thorns, they represent The Hierophant's mastery of trials, troubles and tests...a mastery which is echoed in the five petals of the rose surrounding the head of the figure. This card is often defined as he who joins, marries and heals. Just as nails join two pieces of wood into one, so does this path function to put things together. In Hebrew, Vau is used as a prefix of union...as in boys "and" girls. In basic terms, it signifies the union of humankind with the divine.
The associated Rune is Uruz...Rune of Strength. Uruz means "Aurochs," an ancient wild bison or ox of giant proportions that was native to Europe and became extinct in 1627. This Rune is representative of physical or mental strength. For a male, this is symbolic of virility and manhood. For a female, this is symbolic of fertility and femininity. It also suggests emotional and spiritual strength, opportunities guised as threats, good health and challenges that lead to life changes, as well as symbolizing endurance, courage and the raw, wild power of freedom. This Rune warns that strength is not something to be wielded over others, but to be used in defense. It also suggests a personal challenge to tame the ego first in order to achieve success on other matters. Uruz mandates that an individual possesses the inner strength to fulfill all personal dreams...but with such strength comes responsibility and it should be used to maintain focus. There will always be negative individuals but they must not be allowed to cause disruption. The Runic Number of Uruz is 2. Its color is dark green, its element is earth and its polarity is male.
The Aurochs is fearless and huge of horn
A ferocious beast, it fights with its horns
A famouse moor-stalker that:
A mettlesome wight.
The associated stone is Lapis Lazuli, also known as the Eye of Wisdom and Stone of Total Awareness. It symbolizes higher wisdom and intellectual capacity, facilitating connection with the higher self, spirit guides and Angels. It is also indicative of links to the past...with mythology and instructors who have come before. This stone teaches humankind to take what is good from the past and from traditions and discard all that is not useful or that which is confining. Lapis Lazuli is said to provide the stimulus to the process of reasoning and aid in the stimulation of emotional, mental and physical purity. Evidence of the first Lapis Lazuli mines was recorded approximately 6000 years ago and this stone has been used to fashion both jewelry and ornamental decorations for royalty since that time. In ancient eras, Lapis Lazuli was used by religious personages because of its association with deep power, wisdom and inner strength. It was also believed to impart insight and the ability to make decisions. Thought to aid in the treatment of ailments related to the throat and thyroid, this stone is said to improve speech and hearing, as well as relieving migraines and pain in the joints. In short, it is credited with improving the awareness of life so that happiness, joy and peace may be found.
In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the left rear of the neck and physical strength. Other associated items include cowslips, cypress trees, pine trees and cattle, while the associated magical symbols are the crown and the pentagram. The colors of this card are deep indigo, deep olive, rich brown and reddish-orange. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Magus of the Eternal, Child Priest, High Priest, Pope and Law of Intuition. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with Enoch (the teacher who saw God face-to-face) and the Banshee. It is also associated with the Deities Thor and Urdl. In some cultures, it was believed to be the Hierophant who was Master of the Eleusinian Mysteries...rites which were once held annually near Athens. The credo of The Hierophant is "Ruled By The Conventional."
"I listen...I am a spiritual being. I discern true intuition from false intuition and see the connections between spirit and matter. I am a student and I am a teacher. I travel my road with others and I also travel alone. I value learning with and from others. I help those who come to me for advice and I speak with authority."
In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Venus (the ruling planet of Taurus and one which it shares with Libra) is the Empress, governed by the Element of Water which defines this card as the essence of female energy...accepting, giving and nurturing. The Empress is the embodiment of the archetypal Mother as the life-giver, much like water itself nurtures and gives life to all creature. This card symbolizes Venus in its highest expression, seeking to bring beauty, elegance, balance and harmony into whatever environment it might appear. The throne of The Empress is built of endurance, tenacity, loyalty and sheer determination. This card stands for the mother and for the daughter...who will, in turn, become a mother. The numerological value of The Empress is three, representative of growth through imagination and a number which is seen to represent the Christian Trinity as well as the Wiccan Trinity of Light, Life and Love.
The Empress is a member of the First Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana. It is indicative of the highest of spiritual qualities and the lowest of the material. It is symbolic of the deepest form of unconditional and nurturing love...illustrated in the card by the mother swan feeding her young with her own blood. The Empress is the ultimate expression of all that is feminine, mysterious, receptive and magnetic. She holds the power to steadily and determinedly rebuild and renew, blessed with an unquenchable and generous courage, responding instantly when there is a need to defend. The realm of The Empress is built of love, fertility and warmth, representative of unconditional love which makes no demands and sets no conditions. It is to the arms of The Empress that all of humankind yearns to return in its search for safety, security, love and comfort.
The blue flames depicted on this card are symbolic of The Empress' birth from Water while the lotus represents feminine and passive power. The revolving Moons indicate the need for opposition in order to maintain balance and the pink hue within the design denotes the perfection of love. The swan mother and her young are indicative of the nurturing qualities of the female and the green gown worn by The Empress represents the ability to make ideas manifest. The shield symbolizes protection afforded to all those who fall under the sphere of The Empress' love and the Moon throne indicates that she is intuitive and emotionally involved with all. The double eagle is a symbol of transformation and the Maltese Cross indicates the union of the spiritual with the material. The pictured dove is a bird of the future, while the pictured sparrow is a bird of the past.
In a Tarot reading, this card denotes marriage, fertility to would-be parents, balance and stability. It also signifies openess of character and fair dealing, as well as wealth, contentment, fruitful harvest for the farmer and realization of creative projects for those in the creative arts. Reversed, it indicates infidelity, a possible mother-child conflict and/or a chance that poverty could disrupt the home...it may also be indicative of approaching war and destruction.
In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Third Path...the Path of the Womb of Life, also known as the Way of Mother Nature. It is the path which joins wisdom with understanding...the undifferential right hemisphere of the brain with the logical left hemisphere. Venus rules this path which is representative of fertility and Mother Nature who provides for all sentient beings. This path also unites the feminine and masculine mind, tying the Father of the Right Pillar to the Mother of the Left Pillar under the eye of Venus, Goddess of Marriage and Love. Often defined as a doorway or gate to life, this path is associated with the third eye, intuition and beauty. Those who are creative and artistic are linked to this road, but are urged to remember that creativity must be achieved via a union of imagination and logic...the balance of left and right. The Hebrew letter is Daleth (also known as Dalet), which means Door and is also often referred to as the Gate of Heaven. The door to life is considered to be the womb and is recognized as the energy connecting the supreme Father and Mother. In short, Daleth functions as the vortex through which the potential becomes the material. It also symbolizes the contradictions of existence.
The associated Rune is Berkanan...Rune of Growth. "Berkanan" means "birch twig," a reference to new life, fertility, birth and rebirth. It is also associated with beauty, stature and abundance, encompassing female energy in its earthiest sense. This Rune is representative of the power of nature, wealth, sensuality, sexuality, family and home. It also symbolizes renewal, purification and regeneration, as well as health and healing. Berkanan has links to increased business affairs, investment and/or profit as well as suggesting that lost causes may be redeemed with new beginnings likely to flourish. This Rune indicates an exciting time for new beginnings and fresh adventures. It is symbolic of activity and energy. However, since the harvest of sown seeds has yet to come, it would be unwise to expect immediate reward for expended effort. The past should be put in its place and lessons should be learned from experience. Berkanan suggests a good time for spiritual renewal...to clear away misconceptions and accept new ideas. The Runic Number of Berkanan is 18. Its color is dark green, its element is earth and its polarity is female.
The Birch is fruitless, nonetheless it bears The associated stone is Jade, often referred to as the Stone of Heaven by the Chinese who also treasure it as the royal gemstone known as "Yu." Indeed, this stone has been an important part of Chinese arts and crafts for more than 6000 years. It is often used for jewelry and/or ceremonial pieces with one of the most popular symbols carved from Jade being the sacred image of Buddha. Other common objects crafted from this stone include phoenixes and dragons...usually carved for the nobility. Dragons are believed to represent rain, fertility and male vigor. Jade is also called the Stone of Fidelity and the Dream Stone, given its ability to improve the recalling of dreams and assist in dream solving by releasing supressed emotions via the dream state. It is said that this may be achieved by placing a piece of Jade under the pillow prior to sleep. Considered by the Ancients as a sacred stone, it was believed to assist in gaining access to the spiritual worlds and to have brought the user a long and fruitful life, culminating in a gentle transition from the physical body into the realm of the spirit. Jade symbolizes life force, rain, health, prosperity and longevity, as well as being linked to fertility and abundance. This stone suggests the healing power of love and kindness, coupled with the notion that love needs to be accompanied by acceptance and non-judgment. When love is so freely bestowed in this manner, then contribution is made toward personal evolution of the soul. Jade is thought to offer protection for the kidneys, heart, liver, larynx and spleen, as well as generally strengthening the body. It is also recognized as a symbol of love and virtue.
Shoots without seed; it is beauteous in boughs
High of helm, fairly adorned
Laden with leaves, close to the sky.
In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the nose and the mouth. It is also associated with vibrational recognition and enchantment. Other associated items include love potions, bluebells, sweet chestnut and bees, while the associated magical symbols are the girdle, the shield and the lotus. The colors of this card are emerald green, spring green, sky blue and rose/cerise. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Daughter of the Mighty Ones, Great Mother of Ideas, The Wife and Law of Imagination. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with the Harpies, Eve (after her banishment from Eden), all the Great Mother Goddesses found in the world's cultures (Gaia, Rhea, Demeter, Ceres, etc.) and, of course, Venus. It is also associated with the Deities Nerthus and Holda. The credo of The Empress is "Material Abundance And Fertility."
"I am fruitful..I am abundant...I am creative. I am nurturing and caring and loving. I am attuned to nature. I am fertile...I am generous...I am secure. I make myself and others comfortable. I am intuitive and passionate. I have a healthy passion...I am feminine."
As an Earth Sign, Taurus is also associated with the Tarot's Suit of Pentacles
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Much of the tarot information found on this page is taken from
"The Royal Road," a manual authored by Lady Shyra and used with
permission provided such credit is givenAll featured tarot card designs are from "The Book of Thoth" deck
designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris
