What Do Garlands Symbolize on Tarot Cards?

Garlands show up on these Tarot cards:

Scroll down to see each card

Garlands are a frequent, repeating symbol used on nine individual cards in the seminal Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot artwork.

The exact same symbols may not make an appearance in more modern decks, however many modern Tarot sets will feature adaptations of the same famous Rider-Waite symbology.

Here's What garlands mean in Tarot

The imagery of garlands and rings of flowers is used frequently throughout the classic Rider Waite deck. Garlands of flowers, leaves and fruit indicate happiness, success and our unbreakable connection to nature.

Garlands of flowers, leaves and fruit indicate happiness, success and our unbreakable connection to nature.

In other cases, the presence of garlands may also indicate a ceremony or some official recognition.

Here Are the Nine Tarot Cards Where Garlands Appear

The Two of Cups

The Three of Cups

The Seven of Cups

NOTE: The garland of laurel leaves shown in the Seven of Cups must be interpreted in combination with the ominous skull that appears on the same cup. This illusory garland, unlike the other garlands in the Tarot, symbolizes false illusions of success and happiness. It warns of temptation and a dangerous lust for victory, against better judgement.

The King of Pentacles

The Ace of Swords

NOTE: The garland on the Ace of Swords is an exception to the general garland symbols used elsewhere in the Tarot — if it can even be categorized as a garland at all. While other garlands throughout the tarot are crowns made of leaves, the garland on the Ace of Swords is an actual crown draped with leaves. The leaves in this case are olive leaves representing peace and palm leaves representing victory.

The Four of Wands

The Six of Wands

NOTE: The two garlands in the Six of Wands are garlands made from laurel leaves. Laurel leaves are an ancient symbol of success in battle. While the two garlands in the Six of Wands share the traditional garland meaning of success, happiness and plenty, these garlands carry the additional meaning of success after a competition or confrontation.

Strength

The Sun

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