Exploring Tarot Symbols in Different Cultures

Updated: February 18, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: February 18, 2025.

Does country or culture specifics matter when it comes to tarot symbols? Should you explore tarot symbols in different decks of your country before you “go international?” In our opinion, as with everything concerning divination, you need to follow your heart and intuition. There is nothing more important than expanding your horizons in the matters that are nurturing to your soul.

When Symbols Mean Different Things

Pick up a tarot deck from Japan, then one from Brazil, and you’ll quickly notice how the same symbol can tell entirely different stories. 

Take the snake, for example — in Western decks; it often represents temptation or danger, making many readers feel uneasy when it appears. But in Eastern traditions, that snake might symbolize wisdom, transformation, or good fortune. This means you need to feel the deck you are using and trust its cultural power, but not forget about the context.

The lotus flower also appears in many decks, but its meaning shifts dramatically. In traditional Indian-inspired tarot it represents spiritual awakening and purity. Switch to a modern Western deck; that flower suggests beauty or growth. Some readers even interpret it as a symbol of emotional distance — floating above murky waters.

The Meaning of Color in Tarot Decks

Even something as simple as color changes meaning across borders. The Death card wearing white might seem odd to Western readers, but in many Asian cultures, white — not black — is associated with mourning and transitions. Modern deck creators frequently play with these cultural differences, creating rich new layers of meaning.

Numbers carry different weights, too. While Western traditions view 13 as unlucky, some Asian cultures consider “four” the number to avoid. This shows how different decks number their Major Arcana or interpret the numeric cards.

As you, it may be difficult to get all these differences and intricacies on the first try. You will certainly need time to adapt. For now, however, you may order an accurate online tarot reading from TarotAtlas, a professional service with top-rated readers, and through well-thought-out tarot symbolism get answers to your most burning questions quickly.

Universal Symbols That Show Up Everywhere

You know what’s cool about tarot? No matter where you go in the world, some symbols just hit the same way. Sure, decks look different — from ancient European designs to modern manga-style cards — but specific images speak a universal language.

• For example, the Sun card. Whether you’re looking at the classic Rider-Waite deck or a contemporary Korean interpretation, it’s almost always about warmth, clarity, and good times ahead. It makes sense. Every culture has experienced that moment when the sun breaks through the clouds, and everything feels… better.
• The Moon shows up everywhere, too. Grab any deck, and there it is — mysterious, a bit spooky sometimes, tied to intuition and what’s hiding in the shadows. Maybe it’s because everyone, everywhere, knows that weird feeling when the full moon is out, and things just feel different.
• Stars are another big one. Whether you’re reading with cards from Mexico or Morocco, stars represent hope, guidance, and finding your way. Think about it — before GPS, everyone used stars to navigate — that deep human connection to looking up for answers just stuck around.
• And water — rivers, oceans, cups- in almost every deck. Constantly flowing, always about emotions and feelings and the way life moves. Doesn’t matter if you’re reading cards in Tokyo or Toronto; water means you’re diving into the feels.

These symbols work because they’re part of being human. We all see the same sun, the same moon, and the same stars. We all feel the same rain. Maybe that’s why tarot can cross so many borders — some things just make sense to everyone.

Reading Cards Across Cultures

Here’s the thing about reading cards from different cultures — you’ve got to leave your assumptions at the door. Just because you’ve been reading The Empress one way for years doesn’t mean that’s how she shows up in every deck.

Here are some simple tips you may benefit from:

1. Start fresh with each deck. Seriously. When you get a deck from another culture, pretend you’re learning tarot for the first time. Look at the images like you’ve never seen them before. What jumps out at you? What feels different?
2. Read the guidebook, even if you think you don’t need to. Trust us on this one. Creators often pack them with cultural insights you’d never guess. Did you know that in some African decks, wisdom comes from the West, not the East? Game changer.
3. And don’t freak out when cards seem “wrong.” For example, when Death is being white instead of black or The Fool looking totally different from what you’re used to. That’s the fun part! These differences aren’t mistakes — they’re doorways to seeing things in a new way.

Talk to people from that culture if you can. Some of my best “aha!” moments came from casual chats with other readers who grew up with different traditions.

Cultural Sensitivity in Tarot – Keep it Ethical

I’ve seen readers get super excited about Buddhist symbols or Native American imagery without really understanding what they mean. Look, being interested is great! But there’s a difference between genuine appreciation and just using stuff because it looks mystical.

If you’re drawn to a deck with cultural elements that aren’t yours, dig deeper. Like, actually deeper — not just Google-deep. Learn about the culture, understand why certain symbols are sacred. Maybe that cool-looking eye isn’t just decoration — it might be super important to someone’s spiritual practice.

And hey, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know enough about this.” Better to admit that than make stuff up. At the end of the day, tarot is about connection — connecting with ourselves, with others, and with different ways of seeing the world. These cards have traveled across centuries and continents, picking up new meanings while keeping their magic.

Whether you’re reading with a traditional Rider-Waite or a deck inspired by ancient Egyptian symbols, remember — it’s not about knowing everything. It’s about staying curious, respectful, and open to learning. Because that’s where the real magic happens — in those moments when different worlds meet over a spread of card.