What Do Lilies Symbolize on Tarot Cards?

Lilies are found on these Tarot cards:

Scroll down to see each card

Lilies are a subtle but important symbol appearing on five different cards on the seminal Rider-Waite-Smith deck of Tarot cards.

The symbols may or may not make an appearance in more modern decks, but a large number of modern Tarot decks often feature adaptations of the same, widely accepted symbology.

Here's What lily flowers symbolize in Tarot

White lily flowers are used throughout the Rider Waite deck on multiple cards. Lilies mean pure thoughts, innocence, mental clarity and focus. Lilies are also the representation of a female force, or the "Yin" in the Yin Yang.

Lilies mean pure thoughts, innocence, mental clarity and focus.

In historic European symbolism, the pure white lily is also linked to the concept of virginity, the Virgin Mary and things that are both pure and sacred.

White lilies are often combined with red roses in the Tarot, which in turn represent a male force. When when the two colored flowers are paired they represent dynamism, creation, growth and an interplay of synergistic energies.

Here Are the 5 Tarot Cards in Which Lilies Are Found

The Six of Cups

NOTE: Because the two figures featured in the Six of Cups card are children, the lilies in the Six of Cups card are taken to represent an innocent, sweet and immature affection.

The Ace of Pentacles

NOTE: The lilies growing in the garden, symbolizing focus and clarity, contrast with the foreboding mountains seen through the gate — which symbolize the challenges ahead.

The Two of Wands

NOTE: The roses and lilies shown on the Two of Wands are arranged into a family crest. The suggestion here is that his family's strength comes from a potent mix of male and female energy.

The Magician

NOTE: The lilies near the bottom of the Magician card are mixed with roses. In the same way that all 4 Tarot suits are mixed together on the Magician's workbench above, the energies of male and female flowers mix among the plants below.

The Hierophant

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