Energy is a word used to describe various types of physical,
mental and spiritual activity. It is important in physical
science, alternative medicine and mystical practice.
Some say that physical energy is different from spiritual
energy, while others believe that energy pulsates and
resonates through everything that exists between and within
the physical and spiritual planes.
In tarot, the suits of Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles
Each carry their own form of energy. These energies are
symbolic rather than scientific. but they often borrow
descriptions from the realm of physics.
In the work of a tarot practitioner, the energy associated
with each suit is perceived mainly through illustration, but
it can be difficult to ascertain the exact type of energy.
So what are some of the types of energy? Physical energy has
several basic categories, two of which are potential and
kinetic. Potential energy is stored energy, while kinetic
energy is the energy spent in the movement of objects.
Spiritual energy also has different forms like kundalini,
chi, or prana.
While examining your deck, what distinct energy forms can
you identify from the illustrations? See if you can get a
sense of the following:
- Sound
- Heat
- Light
- Wind
- Steam
- Gravitational
- Electrical
- Spring (e.g., stretching, rubber band)
- Nuclear (e.g.,, fusion, heavy water)
- Magnetic (e.g., compass, magnets)
- Chemical (e.g., gasoline, batteries, natural gas)
All of these are energy manifesting as different physical
properties, and in the context of tarot, symbolize different
psychological and spiritual states.
