A Tarot Reading For Matters Of Food & Drink

TAROT CARDS are, for the most part, concerned with general symbolism and themes related to life, emotions and spirituality. However, a closer reading of certain cards in decks that are in common use, does reveal interpretations or iconography connected to matters of food and drink, harvests and natural bounty, consumption and nourishment. Let’s take a look:

I. Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

1. The Empress (Card III): The Empress card often represents fertility, nurturing and abundance. She is often depicted surrounded by lush vegetation and holding a scepter topped with a globe, which can symbolise the Earth's abundance and the fruits it yields, including food. Indeed, the throne on which she is seated is positioned amid a field of grain, “representative of her dominion over growing things”. Embodying the growth of the natural world, The Empress corresponds with the goddess Aphrodite from Greek mythology.

2. The Four of Cups: In this card, the figure is contemplating the cups before them, suggesting contemplation or dissatisfaction with what is being offered. It can be related to the idea of considering one's options or desires, which can include food or drink.

3. The Ten of Cups: This card typically represents emotional fulfillment and happiness within a family or community. The imagery often shows a loving family gathered together, sometimes with a rainbow overhead — containing 10 golden goblets or chalices — which can symbolise a bountiful and harmonious home life, including the sharing of meals.

4. The Page of Cups: The Page of Cups is associated with creativity and intuition. A fish emerging from the cup held by the page can symbolise nourishment, both physical and spiritual, as well as creative ideas that flow like water.

5. The Ace of Cups: While primarily related to emotions, love, and new beginnings, the cup overflowing with water can symbolise an abundance of emotional nourishment, much like a cup filled with nourishing food or drink. In addition, the five streams pouring out of the cup represent the senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch — which are also important parts of the experience of consuming food and drink as well as preparing and serving it.

II. Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck

Several of the cards from the Rider-Waite that we’ve discussed above, can be interpreted in a similar manner from the Thoth Tarot deck as well — although the latter generally calls for a fairly esoteric and contextual reading. The Empress, Ten Of Cups and Ace Of Cups are among these. However, a couple of other cards that certainly deserve attention in this regard are:

1. The Chariot: Although not directly related to food or drink, The Chariot card in the Thoth Tarot often symbolises determination and the mastery of one's desires. This determination can extend to pursuing one's goals, which may include achieving material comforts like food and sustenance.

2. The Princess of Disks: In the Thoth Tarot, the Princess of Disks represents the earthy and practical aspects of life. Again, while the reference to food isn’t direct, it can symbolise the diligent and methodical approach needed for sustenance and nourishment.

III. Modern Witch Tarot Deck

Once again, we find The Empress, Page of Cups and Four of Cups coming up as cards that can be read for meanings pertaining to food, drink and sustenance, in this deck. Beyond these, cards that merit a look include:

1. The Nine of Cups: Known as the "Wish Card," the Nine of Cups often represents emotional and physical contentment. In this deck, it may suggest indulgence and the enjoyment of fine food and drink.

2. The Ace of Pentacles: While not specifically about food, The Ace of Pentacles represents new opportunities and material abundance. It can signify the potential for a bountiful harvest or the ability to provide nourishment for yourself and others.

3. The Ten of Pentacles: This card often represents family, legacy, and wealth. It can be associated with the idea of providing for one's family, including providing food and sustenance.

4. The Three of Swords: While this card typically relates to heartache and emotional pain, in the context of food and drink, it might represent the idea of comfort food as a source of solace during difficult times.

5. The Six of Pentacles: This card often signifies generosity and sharing wealth. It can be linked to the act of sharing food and resources with others, especially those in need.

IV. Gilded Tarot Deck

The Gilded Tarot set is known for its vibrant and opulent artwork. Several of the cards in this deck do contain interpretations, meanings, inferences, icons or symbology related to food and drink, harvests, seasonal produce, eating and drinking, and nourishing the body. While some of these overlap with the cards from the decks mentioned above, a few unique additions could be found in the form of:

1. The Six of Cups: While primarily related to nostalgia and memories, in terms of food, The Six of Cups may evoke memories of childhood meals or traditions, emphasising the emotional and nurturing aspects of food.

2. The Queen of Cups: In The Gilded Tarot, the Queen of Cups embodies emotional depth and intuition. Although not directly about food, it can represent the emotional connection to nourishment and the act of nurturing through cooking and sharing meals.

3. The Nine of Pentacles: This card often represents self-sufficiency and material well-being. In The Gilded Tarot, it may symbolise the enjoyment of the finer things in life, including exquisite food and drinks that contribute to a sense of abundance.

It's important to note that these interpretations are symbolic and should be considered in the context of the overall reading and the specific question or situation. Tarot cards are a tool for exploring the psyche and gaining insight, and interpretations can vary based on the reader's intuition and the cards' positions in a spread.