26 Tarot Card Animals: Exploring Their Symbolic Meanings & Messages

Tarot cards are rich with symbolic meanings. And while the animals depicted in the cards might not take center stage the way the human characters do, they are nevertheless essential to the card’s message. In this list, we’ll go through each card in the Major and Minor Arcanas of the Rider–Waite–Smith deck that depicts an animal (or animals) exploring their symbolic meanings.

Animal Symbols in the Major Arcana

1. The Fool – White Dog

In the Fool card, a small white dog leaps beside the Fool as he steps toward the edge of a cliff. The dog symbolizes faithful companionship and the joy of shared adventure. He also serves as a guardian and protector, warning the Fool of potential dangers as he embarks on his journey into the unknown.

2. The Magician – Serpent 

In the Magician card, the Magician’s belt is shaped like a serpent biting its own tail, a classic ouroboros. 

The serpent symbolizes eternity, cycles, and continual renewal. It reminds us of the infinite nature of creation and transformation that the Magician channels through his tools.

3. The Chariot – Black Sphinx and White Sphinx

In the Chariot card, two sphinxes rest at the front of the chariot:

• White Sphinx – Symbolizes purity, discipline, and conscious direction toward victory.
• Black Sphinx – Represents mystery, instinct, and the subconscious forces that must be balanced with conscious will.

Together, they embody the integration of opposing forces that propel the charioteer forward on his journey.

4. Strength – Lion

In the Strength card, a lion stands calmly as a woman gently holds his jaws. The lion symbolizes courage, raw power, and passion. He also represents our instinctual drives, which can be tamed and transformed through compassion, patience, and inner fortitude.

5. Wheel of Fortune – Bull, Lion, and Eagle

In the Wheel of Fortune card, four winged creatures appear in the corners, each representing one of the fixed astrological signs:

• Human (Aquarius) – Though he is not an animal, the human symbolizes intellect and clarity of thought.
• Bull (Taurus) – Represents strength, stability, and steadfast determination.
• Lion (Leo) – Embodies courage, vitality, and leadership.
• Eagle (Scorpio) – Signifies spiritual vision, transformation, and higher awareness.

6. Death – White Horse

In the Death card, a majestic white horse carries the skeletal figure of Death. The horse represents purity, strength, and the inevitability of life’s cycles. He also embodies forward movement into transformation and rebirth.

7. The Devil – Goat and Bat-like Wings

The Devil is a satyr-like figure with goat features (relevant to the deity Baphomet). 

1. Goat – Associated with the astrological sign Capricorn, the goat symbolizes vitality, ambition, and earthly desires. He also warns of the attachments and temptations that bind us.

• Bat-like Wings – Sprouting from the Devil and the chained figures, these wings represent the shadow realm, mystery, and hidden aspects of the psyche that thrive in darkness.

8. The Star – Bird

In the Star card, a bird perches in a tree in the background. Traditionally, the bird symbolizes hope, spiritual freedom, and the connection between heaven and earth. They serve as a reminder that guidance and inspiration are always within reach.

9. The Moon – Lobster, Wolf, and Dog

In the Moon card, several animals appear, representing the interplay between instinct, intuition, and consciousness:

• Lobster – Emerging from the water, the lobster symbolizes primal urges and the deep subconscious rising toward awareness.
• Wolf – Embodies untamed instinct and wild intuition.
• Dog – Symbolizes loyalty, domestication, and learned behaviors that balance our wild side.

10. The Sun – White Horse

In the Sun card, a radiant white horse carries a joyful child beneath the shining sun. He symbolizes purity, vitality, and the harmonious energy of enlightenment and joy.

11. The World – Bull, Lion, and Eagle

In the World card, three animals appear in the corners, representing fixed astrological signs:

• Bull (Taurus) – Symbolizes strength, stability, and determination.
• Lion (Leo) – Represents courage, vitality, and nobility.
• Eagle (Scorpio) – Signifies spiritual vision, transformation, and higher perspective.

Animal Symbols in the Minor Arcana

12.  – Lions and Salamanders

In the King of Wands card, the king’s throne is adorned with carved lions, symbolizing majesty, courage, authority, and leadership. 

His robe is decorated with salamanders. They represent transformation, adaptability, and the power to overcome obstacles.

13. Knight of Wands – Horse and Salamanders

In the Knight of Wands card, there are two animals:

• Horse – Symbolizes forward momentum, passion, and adventure. This horse embodies the knight’s energetic and impulsive drive.
• Salamanders – Decorate the knight’s tunic, representing transformation, persistence, and the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.

14. Page of Wands – Salamanders

The Page of Wands wears a tunic patterned with salamanders. These creatures symbolize transformation, renewal, and the spark of inspiration that fuels creative pursuits.

15. Queen of Wands – Black Cat and Lions

In the Queen of Wands card, there are two felines:

• Black Cat – Represents independence, intuition, and a touch of mystery. Traditionally, the black cat is also a guardian spirit.
• Lions – Carved on the queen’s throne, the lions symbolize courage, confidence, and command over one’s domain.

16. Knight of Cups – White Horse and Fish

In the Knight of Cups card, there are two types of animals:

• White Horse – Symbolizes purity, grace, and the controlled pursuit of dreams.
• Fish – Embroidered on the knight’s tunic, fish represent creativity, emotional depth, and intuition.

17. Page of Cups – Fish

In the Page of Cups card, a fish pops out of the cup the page holds. The fish symbolizes unexpected inspiration, intuition, and the emergence of creative ideas from the subconscious.

18. Queen of Cups – Mermaids with Fish Motif

In the Queen of Cups card, her throne features carved mermaids holding fish. The fish represent intuition, emotional depth, and psychic receptivity, while the mermaids embody mystery, grace, and a deep connection to the element of water.

19. Knight of Swords – Horse and Butterflies

In the Knight of Swords card, there are two types of animals:

• Horse – Symbolizes action, speed, and the relentless pursuit of goals.
• Butterflies – Adorning the knight’s harness, butterflies symbolize transformation, intellect, and the swift evolution of ideas.

20. Queen of Swords – Butterflies

The Queen of Swords’ crown and throne are decorated with butterflies, representing transformation, clarity of thought, and the higher wisdom gained through the evolution that comes from life experience.

21. King of Swords – Butterflies

The King of Swords’ throne is decorated with butterflies, symbolizing transformation, insight, and the clarity that comes from wisdom and truth.

22. Page of Swords – Birds and Butterflies

In the Page of Swords card:

• Birds – Flying in the background, birds represent vision, freedom, and spiritual perspective.
• Butterflies – On the page’s clothing, butterflies symbolize transformation and intellectual growth.

23. Knight of Pentacles – Black Horse

In the Knight of Pentacles card, a black horse stands still, representing patience, dependability, and the steadfast pursuit of goals.

24. Queen of Pentacles – Rabbit

In the Queen of Pentacles card, a rabbit rests at the queen’s feet, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and the gentle nurturing of prosperity.

25. Nine of Pentacles – Snail and Bird of Prey

In the Nine of Pentacles card:

• Snail – Represents patience, self-sufficiency, and slow but steady progress.
• Bird of Prey (Falcon or Hawk) – Symbolizes focus, precision, and disciplined mastery.

26. Ten of Pentacles – Dogs and Carved Animals

In the Ten of Pentacles card:

• Dogs – Represent loyalty, protection, and family bonds.
• Carved Animals – On the archway, animal motifs suggest tradition, legacy, and the continuation of ancestral heritage.

The Archetypal Energy of Animals

The animals in the Rider–Waite Tarot deck add layers of wisdom, instinct, and archetypal energy to the cards in which they’re portrayed. Each creature, whether fierce or gentle, reminds us of qualities we can embrace or challenges we must face on our own journey. By understanding their symbolism, hopefully you can read the tarot with greater depth and nuance, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

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• What’s My Spirit Animal Quiz