Air Element
Air symbolizes reason, intellect, communication, and adaptation. In Tarot, Air corresponds to the suit of Swords. Air embodies freedom and lightness, mobility and changeability. It is the element of thoughts and ideas, communication and the transmission of knowledge. Air is always in motion, renewing and transforming, bringing freshness and clarity.
January (Pine)
Symbolism: New Year and the purity of snow.
Rationale: January brings clarity and freshness, fostering reflection and new ideas. Pine, resilient and strong, symbolizes steadfast thoughts and reason. The cold winter air and fresh pine branches remind us of the purity and clarity of mind characteristic of the element of Air.
May (Iris)
Symbolism: Beauty and grace.
Rationale: May irises, graceful and light, symbolize intelligence and insight, perfectly matching the element of Air. Their delicate and refined petals, like thoughts, gently ripple and move in the spring air.
September (Chrysanthemum)
Symbolism: Longevity and wisdom.
Rationale: September’s chrysanthemums, symbolizing maturity and wisdom, are associated with the keen mind and intellectual strength of Air. These flowers remind us of rich experience and accumulated knowledge, which support clarity and depth of thinking.
Earth Element
Earth represents matter, stability, fertility, and practicality. In Tarot, Earth corresponds to the suit of Pentacles. Earth is the foundation of all existence, a solid base and source of vital forces. It is an element that nourishes and supports, providing stability and confidence. Earth symbolizes material well-being, fertility, and physical reality.
February (Plum)
Symbolism: Strength and endurance.
Rationale: February’s plum, blooming in harsh conditions, symbolizes the resilience and strength of Earth. Its blooming in the cold season embodies steadfastness and fertility. The plum, enduring the cold and bearing fruit, reminds us of the durability and endurance of Earth.
November (Rain)
Symbolism: Sorrow and purification.
Rationale: November rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal, corresponding to the fertility and restoration of Earth. Autumn rains wash the earth, preparing it for winter rest and spring rebirth.
December (Paulownia)
Symbolism: Rebirth and new beginnings.
Rationale: Paulownia in December symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, corresponding to the stability and fertility of Earth. Paulownia, blooming in the winter period, reminds us of the continuity of life and the cyclical nature of nature, characteristic of Earth.
Combining the four elements of Tarot with the 12 months of Hanafuda cards allows for a deeper understanding of the symbolism of both systems. Each element finds its expression in three months, creating a harmonious and interconnected representation of the world and its cycles. This connection enriches the understanding of each system, revealing new facets and interconnections.
As the Japanese say: “四季折々” (Shiki oriori) — “Each season is beautiful in its own way.” This wisdom beautifully illustrates how the elemental energies of Tarot smoothly transition from one month to another, forming an unbroken cycle of life.
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