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Simple Way to Read Elementals in Tarot Readings

The purpose of a tarot reading is to give guidance. The reading is not necessarily a prediction of the future, as much as it is shows whether growth will occur or movement in the direction of a goal will happen. The tarot deck is divided into two groups, called the major and the minor arcanas. The four suits of the minor arcana represent the four elements (also called "elementals"): fire, earth, air and water.

Fire
- Some decks call the suit of the 14 cards that depict tree branches "Rods"; some call them "Wands." This suit symbolizes the outward flowing energy that it takes to produce growth. Even though fire does not promote growth, it does become all-consuming toward an end. The energy of growth reaches, as do the flames of fire. When a card of the Rods/Wands suit is drawn it may indicate that the querant (the person for whom the cards are being read) will become involved in communication or some project that takes mental planning to achieve a favorable outcome. For example, if the 3 of Rods/Wands is drawn, the querant must make adjustments, making an important decision on the best way to grow, by choosing something that has to be left behind to focus on imperative projects.
Earth
- The suit Pentacles represents the practical earth element. As with astrology, the earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) are associated with money, which also corresponds to the establishment of security and comfort. The earth element sees what needs to be done to create stability and moves cautiously ahead. If the querant draws a card in the Pentacles suit, the indication will be that he will be guided to take risk-free action to achieve security.
Air
- The minor arcana suit Swords represents the air element in the tarot deck. People find challenges in their lives as naturally as they breathe air. The Swords indicate that they'll have to take action to correct some disharmony or to overcome an obstacle in their lives. For example, if the Knight of Swords is drawn a problem will arise that will require action.
Water
- In tarot decks, the water element is depicted by the suit Cups. In astrology, the water signs cause our feelings to spill and our reactions to be of an emotional nature. The suit Cups is similar, showing that the querant will react with some degree of passion. For example, if there is a question whether the querant will enjoy his new job and the 4 of Cups is drawn, it may be safe to assume that he will, and that he will become emotionally attached to it.

The Occult