B
Balance of the Spread
A way of gaining an overview of the balance between the Majors, Minors, suits and numbers in a reading in order to gain an overarching perspective. For example, counting the number of Major and Minor Arcana cards will tell the Reader if the situation being explored will have a big impact (if there are lots of Majors) or be of less significance (if the Minor cards dominate in a spread).
Baphomet
The appearance of the Devil card in Tarot is often based on the goat-like Baphomet. During the Middle Ages, the Catholic military order the Knights Templar were accused of worshipping this deity.
Bat Wings
In the symbology of the Tarot cards, these indicate darkness and death.
Binah
Hebrew word meaning understanding and numbered three on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Binah is the female pillar in Kabbalah and regarded as a celestial mother.
Bird
The image of a bird indicates a spirit capable of guiding the souls of the dead in the afterlife. In ancient times the souls of men were often depicted as birds.
Birth Cards
These are a pair of Major Arcana cards thought to be indicative of an individual’s essential personality, something that stays more or less the same despite life's events. They are found by reducing the numbers of an individual's birth date. Birth cards were created by Wald and Ruth Ann Amberstone.
Black
This colour is used in Tarot decks to communicate themes of power, mystery, strength, solidity and danger.
Blindfold
Indicates initiation into a new realm and inner thoughts. <br
Blue
Colour often used in Tarot decks to symbolise emotion, reflection, intuition, coolness. It is also the colour of the suit of Cups.
Bonifacio, Membo
Italian Renaissance artist who is thought to have created several early Tarot decks, including the Visconti-Sforza.
Book of Thoth
The Tarot deck created by British occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) and painted by Lady Frieda Harris (1877-1962).
Book T
A Golden Dawn secret manuscript written by Samual Liddell Mathers (1854-1918).
BOTA
The letters BOTA stand for 'Builders of the Adytum', a US-based school of the Western mystery tradition founded in 1922 by Paul Foster Case. Its work has had a significant influence on modern Tarot usage and understanding.
Bow and Arrow
A weapon that can hit from a distance in a subtle and penetrating way, the arrow is also a phallic symbol in the Arcana.
Bridge
Represents a passage and the chance to move to a new reality.
Brown
Used in Tarot decks to communicate themes of earth, security, healing, home and stability.
Bull
A powerful, potent force.
Butterfly
A symbol of transformation, connection to the spirit world and higher energies.
Updated
12 July 2024 at 22:59:38