Deities associated with the tarot cards
Last Updated: October 30, 2023
Tarot, as many already know, is a powerful tool. From self-reflection, and divination, to spell-work, there are almost infinite ways one can use, connect, and interact with tarot.
As well as a variety of ways you can gain a deeper understanding of the cards. Incorporating deities is a particularly powerful layer of knowledge one can add to their relationship with tarot.
You may be asking yourself how and why deity correspondences in tarot matter are useful. Although it’s not necessary to be a good tarot reader, witch, or a must to integrate into your craft, it does expand your craft and readings in a practical sense.
If you’re a witch or spiritual practitioner who works with particular deities, knowing their associated cards in tarot can give you a better understanding of who they are, how they were seen historically, how to work better/connect with them, etc. As well as it also can help you identify any signs and symbols they may be sending you or even as confirmation when they show up during tarot readings for yourself or others.
Download my quick and handy PDF guide, providing the list of associated deities for each tarot card.
Beyond your readings, and as briefly mentioned before, deity correspondences in tarot can be especially useful in spell work, or even in creating your altar to a specific deity, spell, concept, etc. You can incorporate the corresponding deities and card or cards by using them as:
- Images on said deity’s altar in addition to or instead of an image of them
- To honour their blessings and aid in your spell/certain part of your life (ex. If you have a love altar it would make sense to have cards that represent what you want to call in and their corresponding deity. Such as The Lovers or the Ten of Pentacles if you’re wanting to attract a prosperous and long-term committed relationship)
- In spellwork and ritual summon them and/or call upon their qualities/power for your spell (under a candle, with your offerings, or however you feel called to use it)
As I said before, there is an abundance of ways tarot cards and their deity correspondences can be incorporated into your craft. Don’t limit yourself, let your imagination and intuition lead you!
While writing this article, it was important to me to do my very best to carefully curate which pantheons I focused on. Not because the pantheons discussed here are better than others, but because it is important to respect closed cultural practices, deities, and pantheons.
To the best of my research abilities, the deities touched upon hailing from the Greek, Norse, Roman, and Celtic pantheons and to an extent Christianity are all open practice deities and pantheons. Meaning that with great respect, anyone can connect and work with these deities.
Deities associated with the major arcana tarot cards
It’s also important to note that this article and the imagery described or associated with a particular deity or deities is based on the Smith-Waite tarot deck (also known as the Rider-Waite deck). As much as I love and own all sorts of tarot decks, the Smith-Waite is the most widely known, used, and is the “mother” deck of modern tarot.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t apply these deities with other decks, or that this article is the end all be all of the deities associated with tarot cards or its major arcana, always follow your intuition.
0 The Fool - Hermes, Janus, Khepri, Shu, Tefnut, Harpakhered/Horus, Bes, Pan, Silvanus, Aeolus
Astrological association – Uranus
In the wild unknown and excitement of the journey, the Greek deity Hermes and the Roman god Janus came to me as embodying The Fool. Hermes is known for many things. Messenger of the gods, traveller of earthly and non-earthly places, adventure, mischief, entrepreneurship, communication, etc. And Janus is known as the god of beginnings, doorways, and to some extent, paths yet to be taken. The astrological energy of Uranus speaks of abrupt and big change, forward momentum, and innovation, among many things. All of which Hermes and Janus are quite at home with. Perhaps when this card comes up, one of them is calling you to embark on an unforgettable unique path or journey of some kind.
I The Magician - Hermes, Thoth, Isis, Ptah, Mercury, Apollo, Hecate, Baba Yaga, Loki
Astrological association – Mercury
Ruled by Mercury, The Magician naturally calls forth the Greek god Hermes (who will appear several times in this article). The Magician card typically speaks of innovation, alchemy, and having the knowledge and tools to know what to do. Mercurial Hermes values these qualities and in Greek stories, these aspects of him are often highlighted. This card also usually speaks about manifestation, which as a messenger of the gods and between realms makes sense. Symbolism-wise, the depiction of all four suits of the tarot and the five elements can be interpreted as symbolizing his power as a messenger and divine traveller between peoples and realms. As he has knowledge of and tools of all.
II The High Priestess - Hekate, Isis, Khonsu, Luna, Ganesha, Tsukiyomi, Diana, Artemis, Aradia, Melinoe, Selene
Astrological association – the Moon
The High Priestess is a card of divine knowledge, prophecy, liminal understanding, power, and magick. The background symbolism of the pomegranate emphasizes its tie to the underworld and brings forward Hekate as the deity to be associated with this card. Hekate as the Greek goddess of the moon, prophecy, witchcraft, and death, also rules over the occult and is known as the mother of witches. The card’s astrological association with the Moon calls forth the unapologetically blunt truths and lessons that Hekate brings to our attention. The blessing and pursuit of prophecy are both transformative and not always easy.
III The Empress - Aphrodite, Freya, Hathor, Bastet, Juno, Venus, Hera, Parvati, Oshun, Frigg, Rodzanica/Slavic Fates, Gaia, Rhea, Ceres, Demeter, Inanna, Kali, Nut
Astrological association – Venus
The Empress is one of the most desired cards in tarot. For when The Empress appears in reading or as a sign, she brings wonderful news! Ruled by Venus, the astrological planet of love, values, money, and beauty, this card heralds a message of deep respect and admiration from others, grounded in connection to one’s own values and sovereignty, fertility, and abundance. Aphrodite, although has many aspects to her, is best known for being the Greek goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and pleasure.
While similarly, the Norse goddess Freya is known as ruling over beauty, fertility, love, passion, magic, and much more! The symbol of venus on the empress’s side and the flowers on their dress, possibly roses, connect directly to Aphrodite and Freya. Aside from being symbol of both goddesses, they are also considered an aphrodisiac and are often also used in love magick. Both goddesses are associated with spring and fertility and are seen as “empresses” in their own right.
Like Aphrodite and Freya, The Empress is beautiful but is also fierce. For devotion to both goddesses calls forth a need for courage to express yourself and love yourself and others openly, boldly, and unapologetically. The Empress is not known for holding back and neither are they.
IV The Emperor - The Morrigan, Amun, Horus, Montu, Khnum, Ra, Zeus, Odin, Jupiter, Mars, Minerva, Athena, Neith, Anat, Ishtar, Herne, Cernunnos
Astrological association – Aries
Often seen as a stern card and character, The Emperor card’s astrological association with Aries goes beyond that. Aries is incredibly independent, assertive, passionate, sovereign, and straightforward with what they want.
When The Emperor appears it can mean asserting power confidently, authority, successful forward movement, etc. For this card, I chose The Morrigan, an Irish goddess of war, sovereignty, destiny, and death. Although there are many more facets and associations with The Morrigan, I thought her fitting for The Emperor.
The Morrigan embodies the necessity for expressing power and taking one’s own destiny and sovereignty into their own hands. The Morrigan, like The Emperor, calls upon us to reassess where we can take our power back and where we need to move forward more boldly.
V The Hierophant - Hermes, Osiris, Apis, Dionysus, Horus, Serapis, Liber Pater, Prometheus, Brigid, Seshat, Ogma
Astrological association – Taurus
Ruled by the fixed earth sign of Taurus, The Hierophant can mean institutions, tradition, and spiritual legacy as well as profound wisdom through change. Taurus is often focused on for their more Venusian approach to the world, but they are nonetheless deeply rooted in the wisdom of tradition.
As a fixed earth sign, Taurus struggles with change yet when it is embraced they become all the wiser for it. Their approach is slow and eye-opening, as is the knowledge of The Hierophant. While Hermes is associated with the element of air, he is afterall an underworld deity as well. He is comfortable in the earth and in the ancient knowledge of life and spiritual insight.
The image of two keys crossed at the foot of the all-powerful Hierophant signal to being someone one seeks out for answers. A channel for the old ways for better or for worse. One can not shoot the messenger but instead learn what it is one must change or continue.
VI The Lovers - Isis & Osiris, Hathor, Merit, Anubis, Eros & Psyche, Aphrodite & Ares, Venus & Mars, Freyja, Astarte, Lilith
Astrological association – Gemini
With the energy of mutable Gemini, free-spirited and beautifully grand Aphrodite leaps forward once again, this time for The Lovers. Strong connection, harmony, a divinely blessed union, communication, fruitful creative endeavours, and significant decisions of the heart are all things The Lovers can signify.
Aphrodite’s romantic and pleasure-centred approach to things embodies the passion and desire of The Lovers for maintaining love within oneself and around them no matter what direction one takes in life. As much as The Lovers live embracing their desires, they must also cultivate and sustain their ability to meet them. Which is often a prominent aspect of working with Aphrodite.
VII The Chariot - Rhiannon, Bastet, Apollo, Khepera, Mithras, Nergal, Helios, Selene, Eos, Freyja, Surya
Astrological association – Cancer
Although Cancer is most often portrayed as gentle, one must never forget that Cancer is the cardinal sign of the water element. Cancer may be gentle, loving, and nurturing, but they are a fierce protector and ultimately desire to create and find a sanctuary where they can truly feel and express themselves.
The Chariot calls for forward movement in the face of difficult decisions and important life paths to be taken. It is a card of self-compassion and faith in oneself as much as the divine as one moves through life.
Rhiannon, as the Celtic goddess of primarily horses and then sovereignty, is also associated with the moon (which is ruled by Cancer in astrology). In Welsh stories, Rhinannon was forced to live out punishment after being framed for the death of her infant child. During the time she lived her punishment she was required to have faith despite her horrendous circumstances and her child was eventually returned to her.
VIII Strength - Artemis, Sobek, Sekhmet, Hestia, Vesta, Tiamat, Bastet, Hercules, Ishtar
Astrological association – Leo
The Strength card’s significance is mainly inner strength, compassion, and courage. Astrologically associated with Leo, this card is anything but superficial. The inner strength and courage of Leo are passionate, unwavering, bold, and unapologetic. The image of the person leaning down gently holding the lion’s face speaks of facing one’s own fears and shadow.
While the flora and fauna growing on the person’s head and gown symbolize personal and spiritual growth. The infinity symbol at the figure’s head serves as a reminder that this is an infinite process throughout our lives. The Greek goddess Artemis, although associated with the moon, is also one that I and perhaps many others see as a goddess embodying independence, self-compassion, and the spirit of unapologetic courage.
As the goddess of the hunt, the moon, wild animals, the wild overall, and protector of maidens. Artemis, along with her maidens move through the world on their own terms. Nothing and no one can contain them or steer them off their journeys. Thus is the essence of the Strength card.
IX The Hermit - Nemetona, The Charites, Thoth, Kronos, Saturn, Atum, Prometheus, Astraea, Vesta for Vestal Virgins, Cerridwen
Astrological association – Virgo
When the world around us becomes overwhelming with everyone’s voices but our own, The Hermit emerges from the deck. Often pointing to a need to honour the moment’s call to retreat into your own inner wisdom. Or perhaps walk slowly down the path you are on in order to absorb the lessons spirit is communicating to you, and asking you to integrate as you go about your journey.
With this card’s meaning, Celtic goddess Nemetona comes to mind. Although little is known about her, Nemetona is deeply connected to the earth and creation of one’s sanctuary, as her name literally means “sacred space.” The Hermit’s iconography is simple. A peaceful yet sombre looking figure holding a lantern in one hand and a tall wooden staff in the other. The cloaked figure looks down, eyes closed accepting the quest at hand.
She, like The Hermit’s quest, highlight the need for one’s inner sanctuary to be rooted in the wisdom we choose to embody in the world we live in. The Charites, especially Prasithea (meditation/altered consciousness), embody key themes with the Hermit in a virtuous way. If you are looking to connect with themes of beauty in a non-romantic setting, the charms of the Charites (Gratiae or “the Graces” in Roman pantheons) assisted with providing service to others and connecting with nature. As with meditation, with connecting to the divine, the Pelasgian Charis (as they were collectively known) were as ancient as the themes they ruled over.
Download my quick and handy PDF guide, providing the list of associated deities for each tarot card.
X Wheel of Fortune - The Three Fates, Fortuna, Astarte, Meskhenet, Tyche, The Norns, The Moraei, Dolya, The Rozhanitsy
Astrological association – Jupiter
Often meaning divine timing, fate, luck, and the ups and downs of life. It’s not a stretch to associate The Wheel of Fortune with the Roman goddess of luck, Fortuna and the Greek goddesses of fate, The Three Fates, or The Morai as they are also called.
The books seen in the card symbolize knowledge of life, divinity, the chapters of life, and knowledge of what’s to come. The snake also points to rebirth and transformation. Like the snake transforms, so do we throughout our lives and cycles. Fate and fortune transform our lives in divine timing no matter what, as the wheel keeps spinning.
XI Justice - Nemesis, Themis, Ma'at, Montu, Sudiczka, Astraea, Minerva, Athene, Inanna
Astrological association – Libra
Justice as both a concept and a card in tarot typically brings to mind the laws and justice systems we are most familiar with in the world we live in. But although Justice can mean justice in that sense, Nemesis teaches one to re-evaluate the concept of justice as most of us have come to know and think of it. A lesser known deity of the Greek pantheon, Nemesis is the goddess of retribution.
She brings justice and balances the scales of humanity and the cosmos, getting an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth for whoever has been wronged. Her delivery of justice is both humbling and fair. Nothing escapes her watchful eye and no one walks away unscathed. As a larger known deity, we also have Themis, who was the goddess of law and order.
This goddess was Zeus’s first counsellor and first wife, before Hera. A prophetic goddess who could shed light on the rules of fate, she also assisted mankind in knowing how to provide good governance, hospitality and offerings to the gods.
XII The Hanged Man/One - Morpheus, Odin, Osiris, Horus, Adonis, Poseidon, Dionysus, Neptune, Inanna
Astrological association – Neptune
Another often dreaded card, The Hanged Man or as it is also known, The Hanged One, can point to a need to pause in order to gain perspective, stagnancy, as well as spiritual enlightenment. With The Hanged One there is no speeding ahead, no shortcut to their lessons or state of being. One must be in it and move with the cycle internally.
The Neptunian energy of the mystery and the liminal takes centre stage here because of its astrological association with Neptune. Also at home in the energy of The Hanged One is the underworldly Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. A powerful deity, Morpheus permeates through the subconscious of deities and humans alike shaping the dreams and liminal spaces we enter in our sleep. Residing in the underworld, he is also a messenger of the gods much like Hermes and crosses the bridge of the dream world and the underworld bringing divine messages and insight.
We must not also forget Odin, who quite literally hung himself from Yggdrasil (the tree of life) so that he may further attain knowledge that really put him into power over many other deities in his pantheon.
XIII Death - Hekate, Persephone, Osiris, Nepthys, Sekhmet, Anubis, Nephthys, Neith, The Morrigan, Pluto, Hades, Thanatos, Mars, Aries, Apophis, Hel, Inanna, Ereshkigal, Isis, Izanami, Seth, Manannan Mac Lir, Odin, Morana
Astrological association – Scorpio
The Death card very rarely means literal death, but instead pertains to spiritual death, transformation, and immense change. Perhaps Hekate and Persephone aren’t necessarily the first deities that come to mind, after all, what about Hades? But Hekate and Persephone represent what I think is a less highlighted perspective of death, at least from what I’ve seen outside of my own cultural practice.
Hekate is also said to rule over justice. She highlights justice and equality in death, as everyone transforms and goes through immense change no matter their privilege or lack thereof. Persephone being both the Greek goddess of the underworld and spring, highlights rebirth and blossoming that follows death and transformation.
She reminds us that there is comfort in embodying the seasons and wielding the power of both life and death, creativity and destruction, beginnings and endings.
XIV Temperance - Brigid, Neith, Tawaret, Chiron, Iris, Hermaphroditus, Diana, Artemis, Hebe, Nepthys, Vishnu, Ma'at, Jengu
Astrological association – Sagittarius
Perhaps an underrated card, Temperance can signify reintegration and re-connecting to yourself, a need to restore balance, spiritual enlightenment bringing new horizons, and newly found inspiration in the world around you. The Celtic goddess Brigid is the goddess of healers, poets, craftworks, childbirth, inspiration, and is also strongly associated with fire and the land.
Brigid, like Temperance, calls forth the need to connect deeper to one’s purpose by seeking the passion in the everyday. And teaches us about the relationship between healing, connection, creation, and inspiration. All require one to follow whatever calls them, no matter how deep into the unknown it leads to. A powerful lesson Brigid and this card bless us with.
XV The Devil - Lucifer, Seth, Pan, Bacchus, Dionysus, Faunus, Set, Apep, Lilith, The Morrigan, Baba Yaga, Baphomet, Satan, Veles, The Horned God, Loki, Anansi, Coyote
Astrological association – Capricorn
Both this card and its associated deity don’t necessarily have a good image painted of them. Many fear this card or even go as far as to associate it with evil. But like a growing number of readers and witches, I have a different perspective. The Devil card can mean liberation, sovereignty, desire, passion, and indulgence (which is not a bad thing), and can be a very powerful card to work with. Lucifer as a deity encourages one to take charge of their own life.
Often warning us when we’ve trapped ourselves or are being held back by structures, dreams, people who aren’t in alignment with our true nature and desires. Astrologically associated with Capricorn, The Devil and Lucifer reminds us to stay rooted in who we are and keep going forward.
XVI The Tower - Loki, Sekhmet, Ammit, Apep, Kali, Mars, Ares, Pele, Sedna, Hel, The Morrigan, Anat, Demeter, Chernobog, Rudra Shiva, Taranis, Enlil, Oya
Astrological association – Mars
The Tower speaks of sudden and often unpredictable changes, truths, and chaos revealed. And also can signify that there was something needing to be knocked down to be re-established more sustainably or rebuilt with a more stable foundation. One can see it as a last resort divine intervention when there is no other way.
A god that thrives in this chaos, the Norse trickster god Loki is like The Tower, often thought of as to be avoided because of his unpredictability. But the importance of chaos and the sudden need to rebuild is the part of what makes the lessons of The Tower and Loki all that more important.
Mars in this energy is ambitious in their destruction because ultimately they want to succeed and be victorious in expanding and growing like Loki’s unique approach to truth.
XVII The Star - Astrea, Seshat, Tawaret, Sopdet, Astarte, Aphrodite, Thoth, Hermes, Ishtar, Isis, Arianhrod, The Virgin Mary, Inanna, Nuit, Nodens, Zorya, Asteria, Bao Sheng Da Di
Astrological association – Aquarius
Aestrea, not to be confused with Asteria (THE goddess of stars in the Greek pantheon), is a Greek goddess who became associated with the stars and celestial realm, after Zeus transformed her into the constellation of Virgo. Although The Star is ruled by the sign of Aquarius, Astrea as a celestial deity is associated with the element of air.
While her rulership over moral justice, innocence, purity, and precision embody the optimistic, healing, and humanitarian nature of The Star and its astrological ruler. In the Greek stories it is said Astrea who initially fled the earthly plane because of humanity’s “lawlessness” towards each other, will one day return to bless humanity with harmony and utopian co-existence. Such is the work and goal of The Star.
Download my quick and handy PDF guide, providing the list of associated deities for each tarot card.
XVIII The Moon - Selene, Nyx, Nepthys, Khonsu, Anubis, Luna, Khonsu, Brizo, Artemis, Hekate, Rhiannon, Cerridwen, Phoebe, Mani, Thoth, Arianhrod, Tsukiyomi, Chang-e
Astrological association – Pisces
The Moon card often speaks of the subconscious, dreams, the astral realm, secrets, and even deep-seated fears and anxiety. Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon, making this association quite self-explanatory. But despite Selene not being associated with much else other than the moon, as the deity who drives her chariot to illuminate the night, Selene is witness to and allows us to connect with the energy and power of the moon. She helps us harness and works our magic.
Nyx is also associated with the Moon, the night, and especially as the mother goddess to Deimos (terror/dread), Phobos (fear), Oizys (anxiety/depression), Eris (strife), The Fates/The Morai, Hekate, The Erinyes and many more. The winged goddess Nyx caught the imaginations of theologians, had an insightful power that even Zeus feared, and provided wisdom as they were one of the primordial gods from the beginning of creation.
XIX The Sun - Apollo, Horus, Amun-Ra, The Auroras, Aurora, Eos, Sol, Lugh, Helios, Freyr, Kupala, Horus, Ra, Hathor, Sekhmet, Bastet, Shamash, Amaterasu
Astrological association – the Sun
Most often heralding childhood joy and inner child healing, The Sun card also can mean a celebration of a new beginning, euphoria rooted in the present, and connection to one’s inner spark, as well as creativity and inspiration.
Apollo is known as the Greco-Roman god of prophecy, music, poetry, the arts, the sun, and medicine, and appears loudly in the presence of this card. Apollo as The Sun brings the valuable reminder of living a life full of joy and creative expression. By embracing them fully we open ourselves up to both divine and seemingly more practical wisdom as well as knowledge.
XX Judgement - Lucifer, Anubis, Ma'at, Sudiczka, Hephaestus, Kuan Yin, Hades
Astrological association – Pluto
When the Judgement card appears it can signify a profound and loud awakening, truth, and perhaps even a second chance. But this only comes after one surrenders to the purging transformation of Pluto brought by the divine.
Think of it as a divine intervention of sorts to bring about deeper alignment, knowledge, new beginnings, and self-empowerment through much needed accountability. Lucifer once again comes to mind, although this time not for the desire, passion, and indulgence of The Devil.
Perhaps it is ironic that Lucifer came to mind considering the Smith-Waite imagery depicts the angel Gabriel. While Lucifer is a deity of desire, he is also one that deeply values and champions truth, knowledge, revolution, and questioning of authority. Grand transformation can not happen without these virtues and necessary stages.
Use this card or keep it close when you want an important truth to be communicated and or revealed by Lucifer.
XXI The World - Hermes, Nike, Khonsu, Cernunnos, Dagda, Demeter, Ceres, Gaia, Kronos
Astrological association – Saturn
Having The World card appear in a reading can indicate travel (usually long distance), a victory, the completion of a lesson or chapter, or a coming of age of some kind. Astrologically associated with Saturn, The World brings to mind Hermes and the Greek deity Nike.
Hermes, because of the deep wisdom of the journey, often blesses one with and represents, and Nike because of her rulership over victory, and therefore successful completion. Although Saturn is not most people’s favourite astrological planet, it rules over some important aspects of The World as the last card in the tarot’s Major Arcana.
Ruling over discipline, maturity, and structure (among many things), the astrological energy of Saturn in The World brings to our attention the growth we’ve had and lessons we’ve learned as we reach the end of our journey or are about to embark on a new one
One’s own practice with tarot and relationship to the gods is incredibly personal. It is unique to each person. With respect and the basics, there is no wrong or right way to go about it. These associations may resonate with you and your practice, or they may not!
Whichever one it is, take this as an invitation to step out of your comfort zone with your craft and embrace the opportunity to enter deeper into different perspectives. You never know what can come through in a tarot reading, or who.
Deities associated with the minor arcana tarot cards
Tarot is a historical system for communicating with the divine. Whether you’re calling on your favorite god or goddess, asking them about what’s going on in life right now and need some advice – tarot can help! In this article, I’ll share eight different minor arcana cards that are often associated with various deities from throughout mythology.
Of course, these aren’t binding rules since every practising witch has their own personal pantheon of celestial beings they connect themselves to so feel free to change up which one best suits wherever their heart claims home may be at any given time. Your practice is unique to you.
All of the cards I’m going to use for this article are court cards, specifically the Kings and Queens. The court cards in tarot are usually associated with masculine and feminine energies and typically represent people or entities. This lends itself nicely to attaching specific deity energies to each of the cards.
Queen of Swords
Deity Associations: The Morrigan, Hekate, Hel, Isis, Ma’at, Athena, Neith, Anat, Themis, Persephone, Baba Yaga
The suit of swords is associated with wit, intelligence, cunning, and vigilance and the Queen is mature, feminine energy that demonstrates these qualities. The Morrigan and Hekate are both often associated with swords in their lore and have fiercely cunning energy that is well represented by this card. Hel is both intelligent and vigilant as a goddess of death and the underworld. Isis is a goddess of magic and wisdom and is said to be a protector of kingdoms.
All of these qualities match up quite well with the energy of the Queen of Swords
King of Swords
Deity Associations: Odin, Hephaestus, Thoth, Osiris, Anubis, Ptah, Tyr, Hermes, Mercury
Since we associate Swords with knowledge and wisdom, these three deities pair well with the King of Swords. All three are associated with both knowledge and wisdom in different ways within their respective lore.
Odin is a part of many stories around the Tree of Knowledge in Norse mythology and his two ravens are named Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory). Hephaestus’ knowledge lies within a specific area, but as the Greek pantheon’s swordsmith, his association is both metaphorical and literal.
Thoth is the god of writing, science, and judgment. He is said to have such clear judgment that he is also associated with the judging of souls moving into the afterlife in Egyptian mythology.
Queen of Pentacles
Deity Associations: Persephone, Neith, Cerridwen, Sathis, Tara, Aine, Gaia, Rhea, Demeter, Eostre, Frau Holle
The suit of Pentacles is associated with money, material goods, and abundance. The Queen of Pentacles is somewhat calculating energy as she is an excellent steward of resources.
While Persephone is the Queen of the underworld in Greek mythology, she is also a goddess of spring and when she comes back up from the underworld each spring is when the plants and flowers come back to life. She is also associated with the herb mint, which is strongly connected to abundance.
Neith is connected to the creation of the universe in Egyptian mythology and is heavily associated with creation and hunting, both of which are part of abundance. Cerridwen is the goddess of witches in Celtic lore, but she is a goddess of creativity, which is associated with the Queen of Pentacles as well.
King of Pentacles
Deity Associations: Hades, Dagda, Osiris, Ptah, Chiron, Asclepius, Pluton, Akbugha
These three deities are all associated with the masculine energy embodied in the King of Pentacles, as they are all connected somehow with abundance and wealth. Hades, while he is the god of the underworld, is also heavily sought after for his abilities with business and money.
Dagda (or in some cases The Dagda) is the god of the earth and is connected to the changing of seasons. He also is said to have a cauldron full of food that is never empty.
Osiris is the god of fertility, agriculture, and resurrection. In Egyptian mythology, Osiris is associated with the fertility of the Nile River delta.
Queen of Cups
Deity Associations: Frigg, Brigid, Aphrodite, Hathor, Freyja, Venus, Hera, Astarte, Ixchel, Oshun, Ninti, Yemaya, Eingana, Nerthus, Saga, Tiamat, Anahita
The suit of Cups is connected to emotions, particularly love and longing, and the Queen of Cups is both a fierce and loving energy. Her maternal associations are what connect these first two goddesses.
Frigg is the goddess of childbirth, motherhood, and wisdom. In Norse mythology, she is said to go to great lengths to get her son back after he is killed. Brigid is also a goddess of fertility and motherhood, however, she is connected to wisdom, healing, and protection as well.
Aphrodite is the goddess of love and, since the suit of Cups is also connected with the element of water, it’s particularly relevant that Aphrodite was born out of the sea. Hathor is the epitome of femininity in the Egyptian pantheon and is associated with joy, love, and sexuality.
Download my quick and handy PDF guide, providing the list of associated deities for each tarot card.
King of Cups
Deity Associations: Anubis, Balder, Khonsu, Anubis, Obatala, Suijin, Marduk
While the feminine deities associated with the suit of Cups are typically about love and motherhood, the masculine deities are more about care, compassion, protection, and fatherhood.
Anubis is the god of the afterlife in Egyptian lore. He oversees the mummification process and the transition to the afterlife with care and compassion. Balder is the Norse god of beauty, love, and kindness.
Queen of Wands
Deity Associations: Sekhmet, Freyja, Athena, Isis, Lilith, Bastet, Brigid, Hestia, Vesta, Marici
Wands are a suit of action, passion, and conflict and is often associated with adventure. The goddesses above are all passionate warriors and are action-oriented.
Sekhmet is the goddess of war and protector of Pharaohs, often seen with the head of a lioness and associated with the sun.
Freyja is the goddess of both love and war, showing the depth and complexity of the Norse pantheon and how the two concepts can often be connected by passion. She is also associated with cats, as there is a feline connection between all three of these goddesses.
Athena is a goddess of warfare and strategy, often shown holding a weapon of some kind, and she has a feline guardian connected to her.
King of Wands
Deity Associations: Thor, Zeus, Amun-Ra, Zeus, Odin, Mars, Aries, Jupiter, Huitzilopochtli
These two deities are both associated with the more protective nature of the King of Wands. Thor is most widely known as the god of thunder, but he is a god of protection and bravery as well as healing abilities. In Norse mythology, he is a guardian of Earth and humans.
Similarly, Zeus is connected with lightning but is also the god of protection for humanity and a widely accepted father figure for both humans and other gods. Zeus, of course, is also the actual father of several demigods in Greek lore.
As I previously mentioned, these are merely a starting point for your deity work and practice. While I don’t work with all of these deities personally, I have connected with most of them through my work as a channel for deities and a guide for other practitioners looking to get into deity work.
The beautiful thing about witchcraft is that you make it your own. If your relationship with a deity connects you to a different tarot card, that’s cool. There are so many ways to work with deities and the tarot. It’s your practice, so do what feels right for you.
As an added bonus, here is handy table that lists tarot cards that can be associated with deities.
Tarot Card | Associated Words | Associated Deity |
|---|---|---|
| 7 of Swords | Stealth, Trickery, Inventiveness | Loki, Osiris, Geb |
| 2 of Pentacles | Balance, Weighing Options | Anubis, Isis |
| Ace of Cups | New Love and Emotions | Aphrodite/Venus, Hathor |
| 7 of Cups | Fantasy, Illusions, Dreams | Cerridwen, Osiris, Thoth |
| Ace of Wands | New Adventure, Risk, Inspiration | Artemis, Apis |
| 9 of Pentacles | Autonomy, Self-Sufficiency, Abundance | Bastet/Bast |
| 4 of Swords | Rest, Recovery, Healing | Apollo, Anubis, Neith, Isis |
| 6 of Wands | Recognition, Pride, Accomplishment | Nike, Hathor |
0 The Fool | New beginnings, naivety, journeys | Hermes, Janus, Khepri, Shu, Tefnut |
I The Magician | manifestation, creation, willpower, mastery | Hermes, Thoth, Isis |
II The High Priestess | Intuition, inner voice, higher self | Hekate, Isis |
III The Empress | abundance, creation, divine feminine power, nurturing | Aphrodite, Freya, Hathor, Bastet |
IV The Emperor | Authority, Discipline, Structure, Drive | The Morrigan, Amun, Horus, Montu |
V The Hierophant | Tradition, Knowledge, Education, Institutions | Hermes, Osiris, Apis |
VI The Lovers | Balance, Harmony, Unity, Choices, Partnerships | Aphrodite, Isis + Osiris, Hathor, Merit, Anubis |
VII The Chariot | Direction, Willpower, Intention, Control | Rhiannon, Bastet |
VIII Strength | Inner strength, compassion, confidence, overcoming self-doubt, courage, and bravery | Artemis, Sobek, Sekhmet |
IX The Hermit | Searching, solitude, introspection, inner journey, learning | Nemetona, The Charites, Thoth |
X Wheel of Fortune | Good luck, fate/destiny, fortune, change, karma | The Three Fates, Fortuna, Astarte, Meskhenet |
XI Justice | fairness, truth, balance, and legal matters | Nemesis, Themis, Ma'at, Montu |
XII The Hanged Man | slowing down, putting something on hold, and coming to a halt. | Morpheus, Odin, Osiris, Horus |
XIII Death | transition, embracing change, transformation, new beginnings, and letting go | Hekate, Persephone, Osiris, Nepthys, Sekhmet |
XIV Temperance | balance, peace, moderation, patience, and harmony. | Brigid, Neith, Tawaret |
XV The Devil | the shadow self, desire, temptation, manipulation, cruelty, addiction, and restriction. | Lucifer, Seth |
XVI The Tower | trauma, destruction, unexpected change, revelation, chaos, awakening, and warning. | Loki, Sekhmet, Ammit, Apep |
The minor arcana section was written by Jamie Kieltyka
Jamie is an eclectic witch, spiritual mentor, and tarot reader who is passionate about educating others and dedicated to helping people trust themselves. Born in Chicago, she has lived on both coasts and has worked in Education for 8 years. As a child she recognized the magic in everything, especially writing. She has been on a dedicated spiritual journey for five years and has learned so much that she wants to share. In her spare time, she likes to read, write, and get out to enjoy the beauty of nature. You can often find her baking cookies and dancing/singing to 90s music. A homebody at heart, she loves anything to do with making the home more magical. She currently resides in central California with her handsome ginger tabby, Tabasco.
The major arcana section was written by Emma Mendez
Wmma mendez / lavender luna (she/they) (@lavender.lunaa), is a Venusian poet, bruja, psychic medium & santa muerte devotee, who centres her spiritual work around personal, collective transformation, & ancestral healing. always with an approach focusing on love, creation, & liberation through an underworldly & decolonial lens. they use their creative works & magic as a form of resistance and healing. blending tarot & mediumship, Emma creates transformative experiences through lavender luna’s metamorphosis woods. she lives, creates, and studies the unceded and ancestral lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, so-called Vancouver, Canada.
Continue your tarot journey ✨
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