Elements

The four elements go back to the Greek philosopher Empedocles in the fifth century BC and ran through medieval science and alchemy. Tarot's makers did not use them; occultists added them from the 19th century. In the usual system, fixed by the Golden Dawn, Wands are fire, Cups water, Swords air and Pentacles earth, and readers use them to sum up a suit's character. Some older and French systems swap Wands and Swords, and a few decks follow that. Elements also feed into elemental dignities and the court-card ranks. See tarot elements.