The four suits of the Tarot have a major association with the four elements. Generally, the correspondence is: Wands/Fire, Cups/Water, Swords/Air, Pentacles/Earth. The numbers Ace through Ten, as well as the Court Cards, carry the quality of the element they are associated with.

Fire brings the characteristics of hot and dry to the suit of Wands. It is considered to be yang (active) energy. Fire’s basic nature is to purify, destroy, and add energy and force. To the passion and will of the Wands Fire adds sexuality, and the drive to act on ones thoughts. The color associated with Wands is red. Wands are all about passion, will and career. The Elemental Creature associated with Fire, and therefore the suit of Wands, is the Salamander.

Water brings the characteristics of being cool and moist to the suit of Cups. It is considered to be heavy, receptive yin (passive) energy. Water’s basic nature is to flow and to cleanse. It is also known for healing, and for carrying the energy of love. Cups govern emotions and relationship. The color associated with Cups is blue. The Elemental Creature associated with Water, and therefore the suit of Cups, is the Undine.

Air brings the characteristics of hot and moist to the suit of Swords. It is considered to be light, yang (active) energy. Air’s basic nature is to float, to create movement, and to govern intelligence. Swords in the Tarot is the mental suit, and the suit of communication (including psychic ability). The color associated with Swords is yellow. The Elemental Creature associated with Air, and therefore the suit of Swords, is the Sylph.

Earth brings the characteristics of cold, dry and heavy to the suit of Pentacles. It is considered to be passive, yin (passive) energy. Earth’s basic nature is to nurture, stabilize and ground. Pentacles in the Tarot is the suit of finances and material things. The color associated with Pentacles is Green. The Elemental Creature associated with Earth, and therefore the suit of Pentacles, is the Gnome.

Keeping these associations in mind when reading the cards will make reading the Tarot ever so much easier!