The first in a series on the elements illustrated in the Pentacle Tarot Keys.

As above so below: the seven planetary metals

In alchemic tradition, the planets and elements form the progression of one’s life path. This is the ladder of perfection: from birth to death, darkness to enlightenment:

The transmutation of Lead to Gold.

Each of the traditional alchemic metals corresponds to a planet. Traditional pigments derived from these metals form the background colours of the Pentacle Tarot Keys.

Saturn ♄ Lead

Of the seven traditional planets visible to the naked eye, Saturn, the furthest from us, symbolises limits and lessons, fears and inhibitions, structure and stability.

Jupiter ♃ Tin

The largest planet, Jupiter the gas giant, represents expansion, fortune, luck and enthusiasm.

Mars ♂ Iron

Mars the god of war, the planet of action and energy, governs the animal soul, survival instinct and getting what it wants.

Venus ♀ Copper

Venus seen as the morning and the evening star, represents love, beauty and the arts. As a goddess she is the divine feminine, magnetic and seeking harmony.

Mercury ☿ Quicksilver

Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, rules commerce and communication. As the Greek god Hermes he is the messenger of the Gods, swift, playful and receptive to information.

Moon ☽ Silver

As a celestial body the Moon is in this context considered a planet. The moon as the soul is feminine and receptive, ruling nourishment, the subconscious, rhythm and instinct.

Sun ☉ Gold

The Sun, giver of warmth, energy and light, represents the core identity and attainment of consciousness.

The term “Know thyself” inscribed in Apollo’s temple reminds us, that to attain the sought-after gold, we must focus on and develop our own intrinsic traits.

The next article will introduce and discuss the four Elements.