Meanings of playing cards
Here are some notes I took on the meanings of playing cards. First, I list the older meanings linked with tarot and the occult, then, their Medieval counterparts.
Spades: Air, swords, a leaf, cosmic tree, fall/winter, intellect, action, destiny, death (esp. Ace)
King: Saturn, King David
Queen: Pallas Athena/Minerva
Knave: Mercury, Hogier the Dane (Charlamagne’s paladin)
Hearts: Water, cups, spring/summer, light, knowledge, watery creation, love, fertility, chalice, joy
King: Neptune, water, Charlamagne
Queen: Venus, love, Judith (of the Bible)
Knave: Mars, La Hire a.k.a. Etienne de Vignoles (French warrior)
Clubs: Fire, wands, trefoils, fall/winter, night and darkness, oppose diamonds, energy, will, wealth, work, luck
King: Zeus, Alexander the Great
Queen: Hera, Argine An (anagram of Regina)
Knave: Apollo, Lancelot
Diamonds: Earth, pentacles, feminine power (contrast w/clubs), earthly matter, money, courage, energy
Ace: the single entity
King: king of fire, spirit and father, Julius Caesar
Queen: fuel for king’s fire, soul and mother, Rachel (of the Bible)
Knave: warrior, the ego, Hector of Troy
Joker: the ethereal, void