The elements are well–elemental in tarot. They matter. Sometimes they do the heavy lifting in a reading, and at other times they act as the back-up singers. 

When I first look at a card in a reading, I assess what’s happening in the imagery. What is the environment? Are there figures, and what are they doing? Are there certain symbols that speak to me? Honing in on the visual story happening acts as a mirror to the Seeker’s experience. 

The elements are then usually considered as the choir behind the card(s), although again, not always. For example, after examining multiple cards to read their message, I then consult the element of the suits. Are the cards drawn mostly in Fire (in the suit of wands)? If yes, then things are swift, heated, and exciting. Are they mostly in Earth? If yes, then things are moving along at a bit more of a measured and grounded pace, and the focus is on stability.

So, elements basically house the cards in the sphere of energy the Seeker is dealing with. And this is why it’s so important to get friendly with them!

You can take it even further with the elements. You can look at what’s called the “elemental dignities,” which is a method for seeing how the elements interact. 

For example, Fire and Water are enemies. So are Earth and Air. They cancel each other out. 

Fire wants to spark and express, water wants reflection and calm. Earth wants to solidify, Air is invisible and heady. So, in a reading where you notice a lot of opposing elements, it can mean any of the following:

• Resolution will be difficult. 
• There are opposing energies inside the seeker.
• A person or situation is not aligned with you, and you have a decision to make about which direction to go in.

There are even more methods to working with dignities, but these are the basics. Want to get deeper? Visit my zines link to get the elemental zines: