Boats and ships in tarot
Boats carry people across water, and in art they often stand for passage between states of life, from Charon's ferry to the ship of the Church. In Smith's deck the Six of Swords shows a ferryman carrying a woman and child across to a calmer shore. Ships sail out on the sea in the Three of Wands and ride high waves in the Two of Pentacles, and a ship sails behind the King of Cups. A small sailing ship is drawn on the river behind Death. In readings boats mean transition, trade and journeys. Notice whether the water is calm or rough.
Cards that show boats and ships
-
Death
Death: The river and boat
A blue river crosses the landscape with a small boat on it. Rivers have long stood for passage between states, and ancient myth often places a boat at the crossing to the next world.
-
Three of Wands
Three of Wands: The ships
Small sailing ships dot the golden water. Waite called them his ships, bearing his merchandise. They stand for ventures already launched: things that have left your hands and may come back in their own time.
-
King of Cups
King of Cups: The ship
On the right a ship with red sails rides the sea. Waite pairs it with the fish. It suggests the practical world of trade and travel, the King's ability to steer through feelings and still get somewhere.
-
Six of Swords
Six of Swords: The boat
A plain wooden punt crosses from one side to the other. Boats belong to crossings and thresholds: in many traditions a crossing by water marks a passage from one state of life to another.
-
Two of Pentacles
Two of Pentacles: The two ships
A small ship on the left and a larger one with yellow sails on the right ride the swell, the larger tilted sharply on a crest. Ships traditionally stand for ventures and trade; these are being tossed about but still afloat.