Myths of the Tarot Court Cards

Course Description

Juliet Sharman-Burke invites us into the world of the Tarot Court Cards. These figures reflect stages of psychological growth, embody mythic archetypes, and express elemental energies. Each suit—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—contains four Court Cards that mirror our development from youthful curiosity to mature leadership, and carry both astrological and elemental qualities.

In this course, we will explore the Court Cards through myth and astrology. Each card will be paired with a single myth, offering a vivid and memorable way to understand its deeper meaning. Juliet will also show how the Court Cards act as a bridge between the Minor and Major Arcana, describing personality types and inner aspects that shift and evolve over time.

The Court Cards can sometimes feel difficult to interpret in readings, as they may represent people, events, or inner qualities. Juliet will guide us in understanding how best to work with them in divination, inner reflection, and personal development.

Her teaching style is clear, warm, and practical. She often suggests working with one suit at a time, allowing its qualities to unfold. With her approach, Tarot becomes a living art—psychological, mythological, and deeply imaginative.

We will work with both The Mythic Tarot Deck and the Sharman-Caselli Deck. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced reader, this course will help you build a more intuitive and insightful relationship with the Tarot.

PRACTICE TOGETHER: 

This is optional after each class: You can join small groups of three to practice with fellow participants. The groups will stay open for another 30 minutes.

This course is ideal if:

• You want to deepen your understanding of the Tarot Court Cards.
• You are interested in mythology, astrology, and psychology in Tarot.
• You sometimes find the Court Cards difficult to interpret in readings.
• You wish to use Tarot for both divination and personal growth.
• You enjoy learning in a community of like-minded seekers.

Course Overview

Class One: The Pages

This class explores the Pages in each suit and element: Wands–Fire, Cups–Water, Swords–Air, and Pentacles–Earth. Traditionally, the Pages represent a messenger or child, signaling a new beginning or opportunity. They embody the essence of their element. Each Page is paired with a myth that adds depth and meaning:

• Page of Wands — Phrixus
• Page of Cups — Narcissus
• Page of Swords — Zephyrus
• Page of Pentacles — Triptolemus

Class Two: The Kings

This class examines the Kings through each suit and element. We will consider the astrological quality of Cardinality as it appears in the suits, along with each card’s zodiacal counterpart and guiding myth:

• King of Wands — Cardinal Fire, Aries, Theseus
• King of Cups — Cardinal Water, Cancer, Orpheus
• King of Swords — Cardinal Air, Libra, Odysseus
• King of Pentacles — Cardinal Earth, Capricorn, Midas

Class Three: The Queens

This class focuses on the Queens in each suit and element. We will look at the astrological quality of Fixity, and explore each Queen’s zodiacal equivalent and myth:

• Queen of Pentacles — Fixed Earth, Taurus, Omphale
• Queen of Wands — Fixed Fire, Leo, Penelope
• Queen of Cups — Fixed Water, Scorpio, Helen of Troy
• Queen of Swords — Fixed Air, Aquarius, Atalanta

Class Four: The Knights

This class will explore the Knights in each suit and element. We will look at the astrological quality of Mutability as it appears through the suits, along with each card’s zodiacal counterpart and guiding myth:

• Knight of Swords — Mutable Air, Gemini, Dioscuri
• Knight of Pentacles — Mutable Earth, Virgo, Aristaeus
• Knight of Wands — Mutable Fire, Sagittarius, Bellerophon
• Knight of Cups — Mutable Water, Pisces, Perseus