How-to Guides · 4 min · 2026-07-29
The flag appears in the three major cards of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot: Death, Sun, and Judgment. Each flag carries a distinct message — from rebirth, to new beginnings, to victory and spiritual protection. Let's explore how these small symbols shape the meaning of the most powerful cards.
Tarot is not simply cards with pictures. It's a comprehensive symbolic system where every detail — big or small — has its own meaning. From panoramic landscapes to small objects like a key or a door, from character gestures and expressions to colors and atmosphere — they all function as pieces of a big picture.
As you learn to read tarot, understanding the symbols helps you: - Grasp the deep meaning of each card - Interpret complex situations - Learn about yourself through open questions In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer.
In everyday life, the flag is raised to declare: "We are here", "Join us", "Follow us", "Protect us", "Respect us".
The flag has important symbolic functions: - Declaration of identity: It tells who, what, and what is going on - Gathering Power: The flag gathers everything in one place - Inspirational: It lifts the spirit and creates encouragement - Attention-Catching: No one can ignore a raised flag
In tarot, flags appear in forms similar to banners, badges, or totem symbols. A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
In Death card, the flag is drawn in two colors: black and white. On a black background is a white rose in full bloom — the light of the sun in a dead world.
This image forms a sharp contrast to the rising sun in the distance, between the two towers. This shows: - White rose flag symbolizes the rising sun in the dead world — wooden effect - The white rose is also a symbol of rebirth in the esoteric tradition - Death is not the end, but a new beginning
When you encounter the Death card, remember that transformation is taking place — not to end, but to transform.
The flag in the Sun is held by a small child, the color is orange-red. This is the color of the 30th path (Resh) on the Tree of Life in the Cabala — this path represents the Sun itself.
The shape of this flag is reminiscent of: - Egyptian character "Ra": sun god, symbol of cosmic vitality - Hebrew letter "Resh": means "beginning" or "origin"
Meaning of the flag in the Sun: - The Sun is the beginning of everything - It is the source of life energy for the whole world - Hope, positivity, and new beginnings
The flag in Judgment has a white background with a red crosshair in the middle. This is symbolic of the flag of the Templars — the soldiers charged with protecting pilgrims.
From a Christian theological perspective, this flag is derived from the victory flag of Emperor Constantine — the first Roman emperor to follow Christianity.
In Judgment: - The flag is held by angel Gabriel - It symbolizes victory over death — that is, rebirth - It represents escape from material constraints - It brings immortality of the soul
Taken together, the flag in Judgment is protection for each soul walking their path of enlightenment.
When you encounter one of these three cards in your deck:
1. Pay attention to the color of the flag — it hints at the nature of the message 2. Observe who is holding the flag — it shows who has power or responsibility 3. Recall the historical or mythological context — it helps you deepen your understanding 4. Connect with your journey — the flag is always calling you to attention and action
Icons never lie. They call you to listen — pay attention, follow, get started, protect what's important to you.
Reference source: zhihu.com — Meaning of the Flag in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Big Card
Read deeper
Reading note: Check these meanings against the cards beside them before settling on one keyword.
Source: Zhihu
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