The tarot is a deck of 78 cards that can provide deep insights when used for divination. Each tarot card represents universal archetypes, symbols, events, emotions, situations and more. When certain tarot cards appear together during a reading, they create combinations that give further meaning to the individual cards.
Understanding what tarot card combinations are harmonious or inharmonious can add more depth to your tarot card readings. Keep reading to learn what tarot cards go together in complementary ways and which combinations may signal potential conflicts or obstacles.
Major Arcana Card Pairs
The Major Arcana cards deal with spiritual lessons, profound transformations and destiny. Here are some powerful combinations among the 22 Major Arcana cards in the tarot deck:
The Lovers + The Empress
- Passionate partnership, fertility, creation
- Deep bonds of love and abundance
The Hierophant + The Hermit
- Traditional wisdom and inner spiritual guidance
- Mentorship that leads to self-discovery
Strength + Temperance
- Inner fortitude and self-mastery
- Bringing balance through a calm, patient approach
The Tower + Death
- Sudden change leading to deep transformation
- Major upheaval that forces transition and renewal
Complementary Minor Arcana Pairs
While Major Arcana cards point to significant soul lessons and turning points, Minor Arcana cards deal with the practical aspects of everyday life. Here are some Minor Arcana cards that combine well in tarot readings:
Wands + Cups
- Passion and emotions fueling creativity
- New collaborations or romantic ventures
Pentacles + Swords
- Intellect and resources focused on shared goals
- Logical planning towards prosperity
Cups + Swords
- The head and the heart unite
- Balancing emotions with clear thinking
Wands + Pentacles
- Manifesting ideas into financial success
- Ambitious ventures built on solid foundations
Conflicting Pairs in the Minor Arcana
Just as some Minor Arcana cards complement each other beautifully, others may spell conflict when they appear together. Here are some challenging combinations:
Cups + Wands
- Unchecked passions overwhelm emotions
- Creative endeavors fail to take off
Swords + Pentacles
- Excessive focus on resources blocks innovation
- Financial constraints limit ideas
Pentacles + Cups
- Emotions cloud practical judgment
- Material goals conflict with relationships
Wands + Swords
- Arguments and conflict derail plans
- Hasty actions without forethought
Court Card Pairs
Court cards represent different personality traits and archetypes. When Court cards appear with others, they give information about how people or energies are interacting.
King + Queen of the same suit
- Balanced masculine and feminine energies
- Complementary leadership and nurturing
Knight + Page of the same suit
- An experienced guide mentoring a novice
- Teaching and learning between different levels
Queen + Knight of different suits
- Differing male/female energies in partnership
- Potential personality conflicts
Page + King of different suits
- Vast gap in maturity/experience causes issues
- A novice paired with an authority figure
Perfect Pairs in the Major and Minor Arcana
Now let’s look at pairings that bridge the Major and Minor Arcana. These combinations merge the big picture lessons of the Major Arcana with the Minor Arcana’s pragmatic concerns.
The Lovers + Two of Cups
- A divinely blessed union
- True soulmate connection
Strength + Eight of Pentacles
- Discipline, dedication and perseverance
- Building mastery step-by-step
The Hermit + Four of Swords
- Solitude and introspection for inner renewal
- Withdrawing to realign with your truth
Justice + Three of Swords
- Heartbreak leads to an important reckoning
- A relationship ends to restore fairness and integrity
Pairings to Avoid in Tarot Spreads
Some tarot cards simply don’t mix well together in a reading due to their contrasting energies. Here are combinations that may dilute the accuracy of a tarot spread:
- The Devil + The Star
- Five of Swords + Two of Cups
- The Magician + Four of Cups
- Nine of Wands + The Fool
Aim for synergy by avoiding cards with clashing meanings in a single tarot spread.
Tarot Pairs for Love and Relationships
When it comes to romance, certain card combinations give insight into the energies at play between partners. Here are some telling pairs:
Lovers + Two of Cups
- A divine, soul-deep union
- Passionate romance leading to enduring commitment
Ten of Cups + Four of Wands
- Emotional fulfillment in marriage/family
- A joyful, stable home environment
Five of Swords + Three of Swords
- Painful conflict in an unhealthy relationship
- The need to walk away from manipulation or mistreatment
King + Queen of Cups
- An emotionally mature, loving partnership
- Nurturing care between romantic partners
Tarot Card Pairs for Career and Finances
The tarot can also reveal the energies around your career, prosperity potential and financial outlook. These pairs shed light in this area of life:
Eight of Pentacles + Nine of Pentacles
- Hard work leads to wealth and abundance
- Reaping rewards from dedication and focus
King of Pentacles + Queen of Pentacles
- Business partnership between seasoned partners
- Complementary financial leadership skills
Five of Pentacles + The Devil
- Feeling trapped in difficult financial circumstances
- The need to free yourself from limiting beliefs about money
Ace of Pentacles + The Magician
- Manifesting fresh financial opportunities
- Using willpower and determination to increase prosperity
Creating Your Own Tarot Card Pairs
Once you become more experienced reading tarot cards, you can also begin defining your own compatible and incompatible combinations.
Pay attention to patterns you notice during readings. Track pairs that appear often for you and make note of whether they bring harmonious or challenging meanings.
Your own observations about how tarot cards interrelate will become a unique reference to guide your future card interpretations.
Always keep exploring, experimenting and expanding your understanding of how tarot cards combine in readings. This is how you develop greater tarot wisdom through experience over time.
FAQs About Paired Tarot Cards
Can more than two tarot cards make combinations?
Yes, three or more tarot cards that appear together can form significant combinations. For example, the Lovers + Two of Cups + Ten of Pentacles could indicate a highly blessed long-term relationship. Or the Devil + Five of Pentacles + Ten of Swords may signal being stuck in very tough financial circumstances. Pay attention to all card groupings within a tarot spread.
Do tarot cards next to each other combine?
Not necessarily. Adjacent tarot cards may relate to separate issues or energies. Of course, cards appearing side-by-side in a spread can sometimes be meaningfully paired. But proximity alone doesn’t guarantee a combination. Consider the meaning and relationship between cards, not just their physical closeness in the spread.
Can tarot cards in reverse be paired?
Absolutely. A reversed tarot card can change the energy of a pair. For example, the upright Lovers reflects harmony while the reversed Lovers suggests imbalance may be present. Reversed cards add additional nuances to the combinations.
Do only compatible tarot cards make pairs?
No, incompatible or challenging card pairings are equally meaningful. Not all combinations are pleasant – some may reveal conflicts, toxic relationships, obstacles, etc. Difficult pairings give insight where problems need to be addressed.
How many pairs should you read in a spread?
There’s no ideal number of pairs to read in a spread. Analyze as many significant combinations as you can find. The more card pairs you can interpret, the more refined your reading will be. But avoid forcing combinations that don’t come naturally to maintain accuracy.
Conclusion
Learning tarot card pairings provides a whole new layer of insight in your tarot practice. Keep exploring how the 78 cards of the tarot interact through experience and intuition. Soon you’ll develop your own reference for interpreting cards in combination during readings.
Mastering tarot card pairwork shows your growth as a reader. Compatible and incompatible tarot combinations tell a deeper story than isolated cards can alone. Continue growing your understanding of which cards go together in harmony and which create challenges. Your tarot readings will reveal richer guidance as you unlock the wisdom of card pairs over time through practice.
Here is a 3000 word article on “what tarot cards go together” using markdown formatting and headings:
What Tarot Cards Go Together: Unlocking the Wisdom of Card Pairs in Your Tarot Practice
Tarot cards are powerful tools for gaining insight and guidance in various areas of life. Each card carries its own unique energy and symbolism, but when combined with other cards, they can reveal a deeper and more nuanced message. This is where the concept of tarot card pairs comes in – the practice of interpreting two or more tarot cards together to gain a deeper understanding of their meanings.
In this article, we will explore the importance of tarot card pairs and how they can enhance your tarot readings. We will also discuss some common tarot card combinations and provide tips on how to create your own pairings. So let’s dive in and discover the wisdom of what tarot cards go together.
The Hermit + Four of Swords: Solitude and Introspection for Inner Renewal
The Hermit and Four of Swords are both cards that represent solitude and introspection. When paired together, they emphasize the need for alone time and self-reflection. The Hermit encourages you to withdraw from the chaos of the outside world and turn inward to find your truth. Similarly, the Four of Swords urges you to take a break from the busyness of life and recharge your mind, body, and spirit.
This pairing can also suggest a period of rest and rejuvenation after a period of intense activity or stress. It is a reminder to prioritize self-care and give yourself the time and space you need to realign with your inner wisdom.
Justice + Three of Swords: Heartbreak Leads to an Important Reckoning
Justice and Three of Swords may seem like an unlikely pair, but together they reveal a powerful message about facing heartbreak and seeking justice. The Three of Swords represents pain and heartache, while Justice symbolizes fairness and balance. When these cards appear together, it can indicate that a difficult situation or relationship has come to an end, leading to a necessary reckoning.
This pairing can also suggest the need for forgiveness and finding closure in order to move forward. It reminds us that sometimes endings are necessary for new beginnings and that justice will ultimately prevail.
Pairings to Avoid in Tarot Spreads
While some tarot card combinations can enhance the accuracy and depth of a reading, others may dilute the message or create confusion. Here are some pairings to avoid in tarot spreads:
The Devil + The Star: Conflicting Energies
The Devil and The Star represent two opposing energies – temptation and hope. When these cards appear together, they can create conflicting messages and make it challenging to interpret the overall meaning of the spread. The Devil urges you to give into your desires and indulge in unhealthy habits, while The Star encourages you to have faith and trust in the universe.
Five of Swords + Two of Cups: Disharmony in Relationships
The Five of Swords and Two of Cups represent two very different types of relationships. The Five of Swords suggests conflict and manipulation, while the Two of Cups symbolizes harmony and love. When these cards appear together, it can indicate a toxic or unhealthy relationship that is causing pain and disharmony.
The Magician + Four of Cups: Missed Opportunities
The Magician and Four of Cups both represent potential and opportunities. However, when paired together, they can suggest missed opportunities due to lack of action or focus. The Magician encourages you to use your skills and resources to manifest your desires, while the Four of Cups warns against being too complacent and missing out on opportunities that are right in front of you.
Nine of Wands + The Fool: Risky Ventures
The Nine of Wands and The Fool are both cards that represent taking risks. However, when paired together, they can indicate that the risks you are taking may not be worth it. The Nine of Wands suggests being cautious and prepared before moving forward, while The Fool symbolizes a leap of faith into the unknown. This pairing can suggest that you may need to reassess your approach and consider the potential consequences before taking any big risks.
When reading tarot cards in combination, it is important to aim for synergy and avoid cards with clashing meanings in a single spread. This will ensure a more accurate and cohesive interpretation of the cards.
Tarot Pairs for Love and Relationships
Tarot cards can also provide insight into the energies at play in romantic relationships. Here are some powerful tarot card pairs for love and relationships:
Lovers + Two of Cups: A Divine, Soul-Deep Union
The Lovers and Two of Cups are both cards that represent deep connections and partnerships. When paired together, they indicate a divine and soul-deep union between two people. This pairing suggests a strong emotional and spiritual bond between partners, leading to a passionate and enduring commitment.
Ten of Cups + Four of Wands: Emotional Fulfillment in Marriage/Family
The Ten of Cups and Four of Wands represent emotional fulfillment and stability in relationships. Together, they suggest a joyful and harmonious family life or marriage. This pairing indicates a strong sense of emotional security and happiness within the home environment.
Five of Swords + Three of Swords: Painful Conflict in an Unhealthy Relationship
The Five of Swords and Three of Swords are both cards that represent conflict and pain. When paired together, they suggest a toxic or unhealthy relationship that is causing emotional distress. This combination urges you to walk away from any manipulation or mistreatment in order to find healing and peace.
King + Queen of Cups: An Emotionally Mature, Loving Partnership
The King and Queen of Cups represent emotional maturity and nurturing energy. When paired together, they suggest a loving and supportive partnership built on mutual understanding and care. This pairing encourages open communication and emotional vulnerability in relationships.
Tarot Card Pairs for Career and Finances
Tarot cards can also provide insight into career and financial matters. Here are some powerful tarot card pairs for this area of life:
Eight of Pentacles + Nine of Pentacles: Hard Work Leads to Wealth and Abundance
The Eight and Nine of Pentacles represent hard work and financial success. Together, they suggest that your dedication and focus will lead to wealth and abundance. This pairing encourages you to continue putting in the effort and trust that it will pay off in the long run.
King of Pentacles + Queen of Pentacles: Complementary Financial Leadership Skills
The King and Queen of Pentacles represent leadership and prosperity. When paired together, they suggest a strong business partnership between two individuals with complementary financial skills. This combination indicates a successful and harmonious working relationship.
Five of Pentacles + The Devil: Feeling Trapped in Difficult Financial Circumstances
The Five of Pentacles and The Devil both represent challenging financial situations. When paired together, they suggest feeling trapped and limited by your beliefs about money. This combination urges you to break free from any negative thought patterns and take control of your finances.
Ace of Pentacles + The Magician: Manifesting Fresh Financial Opportunities
The Ace of Pentacles and The Magician represent new beginnings and manifestation. Together, they suggest the potential for fresh financial opportunities and the power to create abundance through determination and willpower.
Creating Your Own Tarot Card Pairs
As you become more experienced in reading tarot cards, you can start defining your own compatible and incompatible combinations. Pay attention to patterns you notice during readings and track pairings that appear often for you. Make note of whether they bring harmonious or challenging meanings.
Your own observations about how tarot cards interrelate will become a unique reference to guide your future card interpretations. This personalized approach will enhance your tarot practice and deepen your understanding of the cards.
FAQs About Paired Tarot Cards
Can More Than Two Tarot Cards Make Combinations?
Yes, three or more tarot cards that appear together can form significant combinations. Pay attention to all card groupings within a tarot spread to gain a deeper understanding of the overall message.
Do Tarot Cards Next to Each Other Combine?
Not necessarily. While adjacent tarot cards may sometimes be meaningfully paired, proximity alone does not guarantee a combination. Consider the meaning and relationship between cards, not just their physical closeness in the spread.
Can Tarot Cards in Reverse Be Paired?
Absolutely. A reversed tarot card can change the energy of a pair and add additional nuances to the combination.
Do Only Compatible Tarot Cards Make Pairs?
No, incompatible or challenging card pairings are equally meaningful. Not all combinations are pleasant – some may reveal conflicts, toxic relationships, obstacles, etc. Difficult pairings give insight into areas where problems need to be addressed.
How Many Pairs Should You Read in a Spread?
There is no ideal number of pairs to read in a spread. Analyze as many significant combinations as you can find. The more card pairs you can interpret, the more refined your reading will be. However, avoid forcing combinations that don’t come naturally to maintain accuracy.
Conclusion
Learning how to interpret tarot card pairs provides a whole new layer of insight in your tarot practice. By paying attention to how the 78 cards of the tarot interact with each other, you can unlock a deeper level of wisdom and understanding. Keep exploring and experimenting with different combinations, and over time, you will develop your own reference for interpreting cards in combination during readings.
Mastering tarot card pairwork showcases your growth as a reader and allows for a more nuanced and accurate interpretation of the cards. So keep exploring, learning, and expanding your understanding of what tarot cards go together. Your tarot readings will reveal richer guidance as you unlock the wisdom of card pairs over time through practice.
