While perusing a stack of old Astrological literature left to me by my mentor, I happened to come across a copy of Phenomena, a Canadian published periodical dated October 1977. It is a satisfying process for me to read old material about astrology and to muse about how far the ancient science has come over the years in validating its position as a contemporary modality that is worthy of respect. The mission of Phenomena was to instill such respect via a Pot Pourri of articles aimed at proving without a doubt, the link astrology has to terrestrial and celestial events. One of my favorites is an article regarding a geological record dating back some 8300 years which shows that planetary conjunctions and solar cycles are undoubtedly linked to the Ice Ages, BUT, the article that really stirred my curiosity was a short blurb regarding a connection between the Sacred Tarot and the constellations.

Most of us have come to accept that the origin of the Tarot is a mystery and will probably remain enigmatically elusive until some archeologist digs up some datable proof regarding its roots. We are all also just as used to origin references made to the Kabbalah, ancient Egypt, Italian gamers and Persian astrologers as possible root sources. Tarot decks are varied in nature and often depict beautiful artwork and symbology including Zodiac signs and references, Hebrew or Egyptian letters, and other mystical and arcane cryptology. So put on your objectivity cap for here is yet another possibility for us to consider courtesy of Mr. Ian Macfarlane Smith, Kabbalist/occultist Oswald Wirth, and some personal research by myself. If nothing else your curiosity will be tickled…

The Tarot images used in this article are from the classical Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Smith believed that EVERY Tarot card had a connection to the constellations however, for purposes of this article, The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, and The Hanged Man will be analyzed. My research uncovered two diversified celestial connections for each of them.

THE FOOL

Let’s start with the celestial connections to The Fool. One connection is to the constellation “Cepheus the King” as theorized by occultist Oswald Wirth. This constellation was prominent in ancient skies although its origins were lost before any myths could be recorded. Cepheus is a very faint constellation but the singular image that has persisted throughout the ages is that of male sovereignty. According to modern starmaster Bernadette Brady, the influence of Fixed Star Alderamin of this constellation constitutes “balanced male energy in harmony with the feminine and the Earth” which is often the role of The Fool in the Tarot… to venture off and learn about life so he may achieve ultimate balance. Alderamin is further connected to benefits and success which come about by gentle determination rather than dramatic action which The Fool comes to learn in his quest. Thus according to archetypal philosophy, The Fool has a ‘fit’ with Cepheus.

According to Smith’s interpretation, The Fool’s belt and walking staff are, “… clearly represented by groups of stars arranged in straight lines – the belt and sword of Orion.” He extrapolates further stating that since Orion is a southern constellation it periodically disappears from sight thus paralleling The Fool walking over the cliff and disappearing over the horizon. Orion has a bevy of Fixed Stars among them Rigel, Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, and Alnilam which all have archetypal meanings that seem to fit the Fool’s journey. Rigel is often connected to a desire for knowledge and the ability to express what has been learned to others. Betelgeuse refers to using one’s talents and abilities to the fullest in order to garner full happiness in life. Bellatrix represents the need to seriously consider one’s personal weaknesses so both material and spiritual growth can occur. Alnilam is connected to fleeting public honors and the unexpectedness of life.

THE MAGICIAN

The two selections for The Magician are Ophiuchus the Serpent Handler and Taurus the Bull. According to Smith, “The constellation of Ophiuchus suggests an individual with broad shoulders holding a wand bearing a serpent.” Well, perhaps Smith was engaging in a bit of a stretch here. The constellation of Ophiuchus does depict a somewhat broad shouldered man but in any of all data I have ever read, the figure is holding or handling a large snake. The Magician of the Tarot of course sports a raised wand. Archetypically, both the constellation and the Tarot card represent sickness and healing as well as skill and diplomacy. The main Fixed star of Ophiuchus is Ras Alhague which is known to represent natural or innate healing talent that can be used for the self or others as well as what Brady calls, “living ideals.” At the beginning of his journey, The Fool has many ideals some unrealistic and it is his initial visit to The Magician where he learns to equip himself for the dangers that lie ahead where his wisdom will be tested.

The analogy to the constellation of Taurus the Bull by Wirth puts a different spin on things. This constellation consists of two asterisms, the Pleiades and the Hyades neither of which bode positively by astrological archetype. Both relate to inner vision but also relate to ruthlessness and judgmental anger which is particularly aimed at those who have not lived up to certain standards or who have been remiss about fulfilling necessary requirements. The main Fixed Star in Taurus is Aldebaran which is one of the Royal Stars of Persia. The archetypal meaning of Aldebaran seems to fit the journey of The Fool a bit better. Aldebaran represents moral dilemmas that challenge integrity complete with challenges that tempt an individual to compromise his position. In the legend of the Tarot, The Fool does encounter challenges of integrity through choices. Has he been well equipped by The Magician who serves as his quest guide?

THE HIGH PRIESTESS

The High Priestess is one of my favorite Tarot cards because she is a woman of mystery who represents the be-all and end-all of esoteric knowledge. My research shows this etheric beauty to have connections to the constellation Andromeda and the constellation Cassiopeia. Smith favors Andromeda and states that, “Andromeda’s brightest star shows some correspondence with the disc on her forehead… and a well known cluster of stars may be the stars in her crown.” The brightest star in Andromeda is Alpheratz. Oddly according to Brady, “Alpheratz is not at home in Andromeda and has no connection to the symbolism of this constellation.” It seems Alpheratz originally belonged to the constellation Pegasus where its analogy equates with freedom, speed, and love of movement. Another major Fixed Star in Andromeda is Mirach which fits the bill more appropriately. Mirach represents receptivity, feminine power, and intuition which are what The Fool is confronted with when he meets The High Priestess on his journey. The enigmatic Priestess teaches him that the secret of his real purpose and his destiny are to be found on an unconscious inner level.

I did not find Oswald Wirth’s connection to Cassiopeia the Queen to be much of a fit. The brightest star in this constellation is Schedar which embodies feminine leadership, dignity, and a sense of propriety. Stretching the archetypal meaning a bit, it can be deduced that The Fool’s meeting with The High Priestess under the auspices of this constellation can equate with his sense of identity being tied to his ability to maintain ethics and morals which indeed are part of his lessons.

THE HANGED MAN

Smith fancied the image of the Hanged Man to be akin to the constellation of Hercules simply because of the fact that the constellation, “… appears upside down from northern latitudes.” The brightest star in this constellation is Ras Algethi which according to Bernadette Brady represents, “a natural need to submit to or honor something larger than yourself.” This of course is done with the need to give a sense of purpose to one’s life. The Hanged Man in general represents the need for voluntary sacrifice in order to acquire something of greater value so the connection at least to Ras Algethi has somewhat of a fit.

Wirth connects the Hanged Man with the constellation of Perseus which has several prominent Fixed Stars – Mirfak, Algol, and Capulus. Mirfak confers youthful male energy and indicates one who will not listen or take heed of wisdom. Algol is a very powerful energy and unpleasant by meaning referring  to overwhelming anger and rage and revenge. On a more positive note it is said to imbue and inflame an individual with passion and intensity which can be used to fight injustice. Capulus refers to lack of maturity and ruthlessness but when operating positively, focused and clear action. If we conjecture a bit and think of the constellation Perseus as an analogy of “trials” there is a fit with the Hanged Man but I am at a loss to draw any further conclusions about it.

If I had to choose a constellation for this card, I would choose Cetus because of its symbolic connection to the unconscious forces in the human collective. Let’s face it, a person hanging upside down does not see the world in the same way as someone standing on the ground. He is forced to “see” things with more depth. The star Menkar of this constellation lets us know that “the sea of the collective can be stormy” and that we can choose to achieve something positive for the collective or become a victim of it… all depends which way  you’re “hanging out!”

*MAJOR ARCANA CONSTELLATION CONNECTIONS*

THE FOOL - CEPHEUS OR ORION

THE MAGICIAN - OPHIUCHUS OR TAURUS THE BULL

THE HIGH PRIESTESS - CASSIOPEIA OR ANDROMEDA

THE EMPRESS - VIRGO THE VIRGIN

THE EMPEROR - HERCULES

THE HEIROPHANT - ARIES THE RAM

THE LOVERS - SAGITTARIUS THE ARCHER

THE CHARIOT - URSA MAJOR

JUSTICE - LIBRA THE SCALES

THE HERMIT - BOOTES

WHEEL OF FORTUNE - CAPRICORN THE GOAT

STRENGTH - LEO THE LION

THE HANGED MAN - PERSEUS OR HERCULES

DEATH - DRACO THE DRAGON

TEMPERANCE - AQUARIUS THE WATERBEARER

THE DEVIL - CARINA (THE KEEL OF ARGO0

THE TOWER - SCORPIO THE SCORPION

THE STAR - PISCES THE FISHES

THE MOON - CANCER THE CRAB

THE SUN - GEMINI THE TWINS

JUDGMENT - CYGNUS THE SWAN

THE WORLD - URSA MINOR

***********

Research texts and quote sources for this article are from:

PHENOMENA Vol. 1.7, October 197, Page 1, “Constellations Origin of Tarot?”

Brady’s Book of Fixed Stars by Bernadette Brady

Nightwatch-A Practical guide to Viewing the Universe by Terrence Dickinson

The Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sharman-Burke & Liz Greene

AND THE CLASSIC

The Fixed Stars & Constellations in Astrology by Vivian Robson