The Four Elements of Tarot - Earth

When I look at the Earth Element I'm reminded of the astrological earth triplets of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Usually: Grounded, Desiring stability, "A job's done, when the job's done properly". I've found that if you know a little of the triplets in the four elements then the cards are easier to understand and remember.

I've been told that my videos are quite relaxing and calming to listen to. They are meant to be a reflective space where you can think and conjugate many of your own thoughts and feelings about the given subject. The picture is hyperlinked above so it will take you to my video on a separate page.

Sometimes people observe the 5th point on the pentacle as spirit but some have said it stands for the 5th element; metal and as the secret societies that helped create and craft certain decks leave much to the imagination, we might never know; and that is exactly what will drive an earth sign up the wall. They value truth, honesty, craftmanship and above all else control. I'm not talking control as in over people (although that can be a bi-product). No, I'm talking about a sense of order that makes them feel secure. For instance, they couldn't teach a subject that they didn't believe in. They need to feel they can make their own decisions about what matters most to them. Work has to be meaningful and the more evolved they are, the more important it becomes.

By knowing a little about astrological star signs we can understand what the earth cards in tarot are depicting.

Taurus

You'll never meet a happier Taurus person than when you've told them that they can have/earn/inherit a certain amount of money each month for the rest of their life. Its the stability in knowing it won't change and they can rely on it. The Taurus can plan around it and it's not going anywhere. That constant presence each month gives them a sense of stability, but the bigger picture is that it's still about control. Taurus mothers are often the best mothers for pre-teens, they offer: cuddles, stability, routine and protection but by middle teens, those same qualities of that mother can be seen as stifling, controlling and over protective. The Taurus mother hasn't changed but the son or daughter needs more space.

Virgo

They can be viewed as miserable, negative, pessimistic downers but their critical thinking makes them feel internally that they have a sense of the world they're living in. They have spent a lifetime criticising everything under the sun and they can say that they know what works and what doesn't. It doesn't make them right of course. They just think they are.

They test everything and everyone by the Virgo litmus test of excellence. They are looking for truth, knowledge and wisdom. This isn't about receiving, in order to share but rather just for the sake of having it. They split everything up as polar opposites. They cut things down the middle. and people are usually put into two divisions; thick as a plank or intelligent, liked or disliked, professional or unprofessional.

It's the safety blanket, of them knowing, that they've made a critical judgment or decision based on what they think they know, about something, that gives them the piece of mind about their universe. By criticising and casting judgment on something or someone they feel they have created order in their mind. And that gives them that sense of having control. Everything has a place in the organised earth signs and hierarchy is not only understood but appreciated.

Capricorn

Capricorns are a different beast all together. They not only understand hierarchy but feel better climbing to the top of it.

Not as nutrient as the earth in Taurus; who is fixed in middle of spring, nor as bothered about being right as Virgo who is at the end of summer going into autumn. Capricorns are welcoming in the winter; the earth is getting colder and harder and they sit on their throne. I love Capricorns but they are no walk-over. They are ambitious, loyal disciplined, practical and might appear a tad boring; that is not the case though, it's just all going on behind closed doors. This earthy sign is goal driven and demanding. Don't ask for an opinion unless you really want it. What you see for the most part is what you get because their verbal honesty is something they cannot help.

Pentacle cards from earths perspective:

2 pentacles - an earth sign will always try to do everything. The infinity number 8 reminds us that somethings don't change and nothing withstands adversity and juggling than earth signs. Twos are about a choice offered and being in balance amidst turbulent waters and earths ability at making plans and being prepared is legendary.

3 pentacles - they understand the individual components in teams; and there is an 'i' in team and its called 'me'. As long as everyone does there job properly earth signs love a team but they appreciate recognition and they know that cream rises to the top.

4 pentacles - what is mine is mine. You want some, go make some of your own.

5 pentacles - loss of security or rather loss of consistency isn't something earth signs like. They also don't like to feel ostracised or in financial chaos. They don't need the spotlight but don't want to be in the dark either or feel out of their depth. Lessons to be learnt with 5's.

Waite, talks of these figures as Mendicants; professional beggars. Whether you are a professional beggar for religious reasons, social virtue signalling, or one who is prone to martyrdom, these people need to let go of pride and hopelessness and receive help.

6 pentacles - 'Judge and Jury' and by their attitude they will be judged; note the beggars red object hanging out his pocket? Earth signs don't appreciate showy acts of emotion they much appreciate restrained emotions from others. His earthy brown cap and cloak are highlighting his down to earth attitude and his striped under garments of blue and white emotions are kept underneath. The jovially dressed and positive beggar receives the coins and the unwise beggar who has no boundaries receives nothing. The earthy Taurus hierarchy at play. Taurus' are givers but a wise earth sign needs to look at who they're helping. Giving to someone who likes to be enabled is poking your nose into someone else's Karma.

7 pentacles - Seven in numerology means, amongst other things, that there is a natural structure in even the most chaotic mess in nature. He stands amongst these vines and he is asked to see potential. There is much to learn in this assessment place. Sometimes things we can't control can blossom if left alone to do their own thing.

8 pentacles - Mastering and accomplishment; the apprentice works hard for the sheer act of itself. The earth signs don't give up if they've set their eyes on something. There is much to be said for the therapeutic act of being driven to design, create and produce something.

9 pentacles - The stance of the earth signs. Proud and independent, surrounded by he labours. She is, as her surroundings explain, a wise lady of stature who has the luxury of enjoying what she has worked so hard for. She learnt about balance, work ethics, asking for help when required etc and now she is taking the time to enjoy the fruits of her labour.

10 pentacles - End of a cycle. Completion. The Tree of Life like a Perspex sheet overlays a city scene but this city scene always reminds me of the gates in front of the city where Sofia

(Divine Wisdom) always sat; (the church wrote out Sofia's name and replaced it with the Holy Spirit and then eventually just wisdom). But all would be well within the town when the men and families would take heed of the wise *who sat at the gates of the town.

*https://uscatholic.org/articles/201601/desperately-seeking-sophia/

Now for the properties that encompass earthly, Page, Knight, Queen and King of Pentacles and how Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus are represented so beautifully below in the cards. But first ...

DISCLAIMER

Now it saddens me that I have to put in a disclaimer here but there is always someone that says "I'm a Taurus and I never act or think like this?"

So, here, I dive for a brief period into the abyss of the obvious. All people are at different levels of intellect, emotional intelligence and spiritual awakening. Throw astrological birth chart shenanigans into the mix and you have one complex soup. I'm discussing the characteristics of earth at 'ground level' and I'm hoping people can fill in the obvious gaps.

Court Cards

If we look at Taureans for example. I'm a bull, just think cow with a bit more testosterone. So, emotionally; deep, deep down inside, I want a easy life. Unfortunately I will (a) rule the roost if nobody else is willing to take charge and (b) like and appreciate everybody following their duties like good organised little soldiers. It looks like control, smells like control but actually Taureans aren't trying to control others for controls sake, rather we are trying to control our environment. We get stressed by ineffectuality, disorganisation and an unfair balance in the ol' work ethic department. Now does the 3 of pentacles make sense?

We are herd animals, we understand the importance of community from one degree to another (this is the same for all the earth signs). The difference being that the Virgo will be the cow, to one side, somewhere on the outside, being the hermit and judging how much crap everybody is eating and where they're pooping whilst the Capricorn is the Bull that you don't want to mess with. They all understand community and 'dirt' and will not hesitate to get their hooves right in there when the situation arises.

Earth signs all understand contracts. I show you respect, I expect it in return, if that doesn't happen then the contract is null and void. Earth signs are pack animals at their centre so they expect and respect team work. So bear that in mind when looking at the court cards.

These are a slow moving bunch here but don't underestimate them. What they lack in fireworks and drama they make up for in substance. They understand nature runs at its own pace and this solid foursome appreciate the phrase 'short-term pain for long-term gain'. They understand that there is a season for everything and they take time to run through every scenario (much like Dr. Strange) before going into new territory. They are great caretakers and if this was hunger games reality these foursome would be the lovers, the growers and the community service department.

The Young inexperienced page who stands for 'winter' in the tarot astrology chart, looks at the elements depicted by the pentacle in awe and wonder, deciding what he can grow, expand on or gain in knowledge. There is positivity and long-term benefits for those who receive this card.

Or ... this is a young inexperienced person in your midst who is teachable and with patience and understanding from yourself he shows promise if you're innovative and caring in your teaching. One of my favourite pages, they remind me of my Capricorn son.

The Virgo knight has his large shire horse not meant for speed but strength and stamina and he sits looking where this message is best placed for it is to grow and prosper the querent, who must receive this gift, knowing thought and contemplation must be undertaken to bring this gift to its fruition.

They are all looking lovingly at their pentacle unlike other triplet groupings. They value what it means to be an earth sign with earth values. The Taurus king sits like a strong Viking dressed with large swathes of rich fabric but Viking fur would have been apt too. He sits as a rich merchant king: man of few words, methodical, potent, purposeful, contemplative, authentic and experienced. He has strong muscles from going through all the apprenticeships that he would have felt he needed to undergo as a king, and his sons would be expected to learn the same way. He has a 'boots on the ground' mentality, so he can shoe his own horse and make his own wine if it came to it and his Capricorn wife; the Queen of Pentacles will love him all the more for it, for she requires an equal.

"The Queen of Pentacles is the Queen of the earth, goddess of the garden and mistress of the mountains. As such, she wields power over all that is seen, felt and touched. Her grace is evident through her sight, hearing and taste. Every physical thing is reflected in her eyes and she represents the beauty of the physical world. ..."

Sasha Grahame, 2018

She provides a safe place to land, a harbour in a storm. She see's a need and will restore balance. She's the mother, caregiver, and friend. She nourishes what she touches and provides shelter in storms but she appreciates all the seasons and celebrates the changes. She faces left as if turning inwards not looking forwards to the right which can mean the future or looking at the reader and being in the present.

There is a magic in being an earth goddess and she looks within, to find harmony, balance and truth. The Queen had to be a Capricorn earth sign; Taurean females often struggle with boundaries and Virgo's are too aloof and can't stand bureaucracy but the Capricorn makes for an excellent community leader and she was made for bureaucracy. Formidable and strong they have the thick skin to put up with the nonsense and have a strong sense of justice when change needs to happen.

I hope you've gotten to love these characters as I have because when you see them in a spread, they are either coming towards you or somebody is imbuing their characteristics and as long as they're not reversed you're going to be just fine.

Grahame, S. (2018) Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. Llewellyn. p.397.

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I’ve been told that my videos are quite relaxing and calming to listen to. They are meant to be a reflective space where you can think and conjugate many of your own thoughts and feelings about the given subject and add clarity to the subject that you wish to know more about. Below is an expansion of my thoughts on the topic of my video.

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