Jan 18th - Colours in Tarot

1. Intro: The Language of Colour in Tarot

Colours are everywhere in the tarot - in the sky, the clothes, the backgrounds, even the tiniest detail. They're often the first thing we notice, and they can shape the entire mood of a reading before we’ve even consciously processed the imagery. But beyond just aesthetics, colour is symbolic. It reflects emotion, energy, and elemental resonance.

Whether you read intuitively or follow traditional meanings, paying attention to colour deepens your understanding. Red might shout passion or danger; blue might soothe, soften, or signal intuition. Each deck brings its own palette and interpretations, but learning the basics helps build a richer, more responsive practice.

Today, we’re starting our year-long look at symbols in tarot with colour - one of the most fundamental, intuitive forms of meaning-making there is.

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2. Symbol Breakdown

🔴 Red
Meaning: Passion, power, anger, life-force, drive
Examples: The Magician’s robe (RWS), the Knight of Wands’ plume
Interpretation: Red can point to motivation or intensity. It may suggest energy that’s constructive (action, confidence) or overwhelming (impulsiveness, aggression). Consider what the figure is doing with that fire.

🔵 Blue
Meaning: Calm, truth, intuition, reflection
Examples: The High Priestess’s robe, the ocean in the Six of Swords
Interpretation: Blue can represent emotional clarity or stillness. In some contexts, it may suggest emotional withdrawal or detachment. Ask: is this peaceful or distant?

🟡 Yellow
Meaning: Intellect, optimism, clarity, spiritual energy
Examples: Background in The Fool, the Sun’s radiance
Interpretation: Yellow often adds brightness and promise. It’s a cue to look for learning, revelation, or joy - but too much yellow can also imply naivety or overconfidence.

⚫ Black
Meaning: Mystery, the unknown, grief, boundaries
Examples: Death’s horse, the Queen of Swords’ cloak
Interpretation: Black can symbolise mourning or maturity. It may suggest a clear end - or a challenge to face without full knowledge. Sometimes it offers protection rather than fear.

⚪ White
Meaning: Purity, truth, peace, potential
Examples: The dog in The Fool, the Empress’s gown
Interpretation: Often read as clarity or honesty, white can also speak to vulnerability or a fresh start. What new energy is coming in? Is it welcomed or untested?

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3. How to Read Colour in a Tarot Spread

Colour often provides the emotional or energetic tone of a card before you consciously register the symbols. Try this:

• Scan the spread - what colour stands out overall?

• Note contrast - does one card "disrupt" the palette? That could be a key tension.

• Follow a colour trail - are similar colours connecting figures or scenes?

As a journaling prompt:

“Where do I feel drawn, and what does that colour mean to me?”

Different cultures and personal experiences shape how we read colour, so feel free to trust your own associations. Maybe purple feels deeply spiritual to you, or orange signals tension. That’s valid and useful.

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4. Wrap-Up

Colours in tarot are more than decoration - they guide, highlight, and deepen the story. Whether you read symbolically or intuitively, being aware of colour adds nuance you might otherwise miss.

Next time you're pulling cards, notice what colours jump out. What might they be saying?

We'll continue this symbols series in February with Numbers in the Tarot - another building block of meaning that brings structure and rhythm to your readings. What’s your most noticed colour in tarot? Let me know!