Tarot cards have been used for centuries to provide guidance, insight and predictions for the future. They continue to fascinate and intrigue people from all walks of life. Many see tarot cards strictly as a form of occult and esoteric wisdom. However, anyone can learn how to read and benefit from tarot cards. Let’s take a closer look at the history, meaning and ways you can interpret tarot cards.
What Are Tarot Cards Meaning?
Tarot cards are a deck of 78 playing cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism and story. The two main components of a tarot deck are the Major and Minor Arcana.
- The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent archetypes, life lessons and the journey through life from birth to enlightenment. Each Major Arcana card has a title and Roman numeral assigned to it. For example, The Fool is card 0 and The World is card 21.
- The Minor Arcana has 56 suit cards divided into 4 suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards: Ace through 10, Page, Knight, Queen and King. This part of the deck is similar to a regular deck of playing cards.
When combined together, the Major and Minor Arcana cards create a powerful tool for gaining insights, clarity and spiritual guidance. Tarot works by tapping into the collective unconscious and energy forces surrounding an individual. Tarot readers aim to interpret what meaning and message the cards convey about a person’s life situation and path ahead.
How Does the Tarot Work?
There are many theories about how and why tarot cards can reveal truths. Here are 3 of the main views about how divining with tarot works:
- Jungian Psychology: Carl Jung believed archetypes exist within the collective unconscious of all humans. The symbols, characters and lessons in the tarot cards allow the psyche to project itself onto these archetypal images. This stirs the unconscious into providing meaningful reflections about one’s life.
- Synchronicity: This theory developed by Jung states that coincidental events reveal meaningful patterns and connections. Synchronicity explains the tarot’s capacity to reveal astonishingly accurate details through random card sequences.
- Energy Forces: Some mystics and occultists regard the tarot as a conduit to tap into universal energy forces or spiritual entities. They allow these energies to guide the cards they place for a spread to reveal insights into a querent’s situation.
Regardless of belief, the tarot provides a rich set of imagery that helps illuminate life’s pathways, offering clarity when feeling directionless.
What is the History of Tarot?
The history and origins of tarot cards remains somewhat obscure and debated. Here is what we know about the development of tarot over the centuries:
- 14th century: The first documented tarot decks emerged in Italy and other parts of Europe as playing cards. They consisted only of the 4 suits that make up the Minor Arcana.
- 15th century: The oldest existing tarot deck is the Visconti-Sforza deck painted in the mid-15th century for the Duke of Milan. This is the first deck that included the cards of the Major Arcana.
- 18th century: Tarot became associated with mysticism and occult sciences in the 18th century through societies and prominent occultists like Antoine Court de Gébelin.
- 19th century: Tarot underwent a revival in the 19th century thanks to prominent occult and mystical schools. Members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, like A.E. Waite, created tarot decks still widely used today.
- 20th century: Tarot saw its greatest revival and popularization in the 20th century. Psychics, occult practitioners and New Age adherents brought tarot firmly into the mainstream consciousness.
While many theories exist about the ancient Egyptian or Gypsy origins of tarot cards, most historians agree that tarot emerged in medieval Italy before spreading across Europe. The exact symbolic meanings of the cards also evolved over time, leaving much still open to interpretation today.
How can I Learn How To Read Tarot?
For beginners, learning how to read tarot cards takes time, practice and patience. However, getting started with tarot is not as difficult as it may seem. Follow these steps to start reading tarot cards for yourself and others:
- Get a tarot deck. Your first deck should be a classic 78-card tarot deck so you can learn all the traditional card meanings. The Rider-Waite deck is the best choice for beginners.
- Learn the meaning of each card. Get a guidebook or look up online the upright and reversed meanings for each Major and Minor Arcana card. Create flashcards if it helps!
- Start with simple 3-card spreads. The past, present, future spread is ideal to begin practicing your interpretation skills. Draw 1 card for each position in the spread.
- Read for yourself first. Doing self-readings allows you to become comfortable with cards before reading for others. Record your sessions to see how cards relate to your life.
- Find a tarot learning community. Joining groups of tarot enthusiasts online to share experiences, ask questions and improve skills can be invaluable for your learning.
With regular study and practice, your tarot interpretation abilities will strengthen over time. Be patient, keep an open mind, and let your intuition guide you as you develop your unique approach to the tarot.
Which Tarot Cards Represent Which Zodiac Signs?
Many tarot readers incorporate astrology into their practice by linking certain cards to zodiac signs. Here is a quick guide to the tarot cards associated with each sign:
- Aries: The Emperor
- Taurus: The Hierophant
- Gemini: The Lovers
- Cancer: The Chariot
- Leo: Strength
- Virgo: The Hermit
- Libra: Justice
- Scorpio: Death
- Sagittarius: Temperance
- Capricorn: The Devil
- Aquarius: The Star
- Pisces: The Moon
Knowing the astrological correspondences gives tarot readings an additional layer of insight into a querent’s sun sign personality traits and life challenges. For example, a Taurus’ reading may deal strongly with themes of tradition, values and seeking meaning conveyed through the Hierophant card. Keep in mind, however, that tarot offers a symbolic language all its own, and the meaning of any card depends heavily on context.
The Major Arcana
The 22 Major Arcana cards represent principles, life cycles and archetypes on the soul’s journey. When these cards appear in a spread, they reveal significant themes, events and lessons currently influencing the querent’s life. Here is a quick guide to the key concepts embodied in each Major Arcana card:
The Fool
- Upright Meanings:
- Symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Encourages embracing adventure with an open heart.
- Signifies taking risks, often leading to personal growth.
- Represents spontaneity, innocence, and boundless potential.
- Inspires a sense of freedom and optimism.
- Reversed Meaning:
- Caution against recklessness or impulsive decisions.
- Suggests the need for more thoughtful planning.
- Encourages considering consequences before embarking on a new journey.
- Warns against overlooking potential pitfalls.
The Magician
The Magician represents new beginnings, manifesting goals, and tapping into one’s full potential.
Upright Meanings
- Manifesting goals and abilities
- Having the power and resources to achieve objectives
- Initiative, self-confidence, action
- Manipulation of the natural world
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of drive or ability to tap into talents
- Feeling uninspired or blocked
- Trickery, illusions, out of touch with goals
The High Priestess
The High Priestess represents wisdom, intuition, sacred knowledge, and the subconscious mind.
Upright Meanings
- Intuition, insight, inner knowing
- Things hidden becoming known
- Understanding the deeper meanings
- Exploring esoteric or occult knowledge
Reversed Meaning
- Secrets remaining hidden
- Disconnected from intuition
- Lack of inner voice or wisdom
- Withdrawing into oneself
The Empress
The Empress represents fertility, femininity, beauty, nature and abundance.
Upright Meanings
- Fertility, creativity, beauty, nature
- Nurturing, compassion, life in bloom
- Abundance of resources, sensuality
- Motherly love, domestic harmony
Reversed Meaning
- Creative block, lack of drive or passion
- Dependence, smothering, emptiness
- Lack of care for own needs
- Infertility, creative struggles
The Emperor
The Emperor represents authority, structure, control, fatherhood, traditional values.
Upright Meanings
- Authority, establishment, structure
- Regulation, rules, fatherhood
- Domination, rigidity, inflexibility
- Stability, protection, conservatism
Reversed Meaning
- Tyranny, excessive control, rigidity
- Lack of discipline, recklessness
- Domineering,abusiveness
- Overthrowing structure, lawlessness
The Hierophant
The Hierophant represents institutions, tradition, conformity, morality, ethics.
Upright Meanings
- Tradition, conformity, morality, ethics
- Institutions, authority figures, officialdom
- Ceremony, ritual, rites of passage
- Spiritual guidance, religious doctrine
Reversed Meaning
- Rebellion, subversion, desire for change
- Unorthodoxy, questioning beliefs
- Freedom from dogma, new approaches
- Independence, self-awareness
The Lovers
The Lovers represent relationships, choices, temptation, values alignment.
Upright Meanings
- Partnerships, duality, union
- Choices, temptation, aligning values
- Love, harmony, relationships
- Trial and tribulation, testing bonds
Reversed Meaning
- Disharmony, imbalance, misalignment
- Bad choices, disputes, friction
- Interference, confusion about love
- Loss of trust, disconnect, temptation
The Chariot
The Chariot represents victory, success, willpower, control, determination.
Upright Meanings
- Victory, success, determination
- Control, willpower, assertion
- Drive, motivation, purpose
- Journey, forward movement, ambition
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of direction, going around in circles
- No control, aggression without purpose
- Defeat, frustration, delays and obstacles
- Low motivation and willpower
Strength
Strength represents courage, power, energy, compassion, patience.
Upright Meanings
- Courage, patience, compassion, gentleness
- Persistence, resilience, inner power
- Control over passions, emotions, instincts
- Maturity, strength of character
Reversed Meaning
- Self doubt, weakness, insecurity
- Loss of control, lack of restraint
- Impatience, anger, recklessness
- Lowered vitality and motivation
The Hermit
The Hermit represents introspection, search for truth, inner guidance, solitude.
Upright Meanings
- Soul searching, introspection, solitude
- Inner wisdom, analysis, reflection
- Withdrawal, retreat, contemplation
- Search for truth and inner guidance
Reversed Meaning
- Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal
- Lack of inner reflection or search
- Disconnection from self or spirituality
- Alienation, refusal to seek within
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, change, ups and downs, destiny, fate.
Upright Meanings
- Destiny, fate, what goes around comes around
- Cyclical change, ups and downs in life
- Turning point, new opportunities and luck
- Taking risks, seizing the moment
Reversed Meaning
- Bad luck, negative external forces
- Lack of control over destiny
- Repeating negative cycles
- Resisting change, clinging to control
Justice
Justice represents truth, fairness, law and order, cause and effect.
Upright Meanings
- Justice, fairness, truth and law
- Cause and effect, action and consequence
- Clarity, objectivity, lack of bias
- Legal disputes, trials, arbitration
Reversed Meaning
- Unfairness, lack of accountability
- Unjust, biased and corrupt legal system
- Dishonesty, unaccountability, abuse of power
- Errors in judgment, unfairness
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man represents surrender, new perspective, suspension, sacrifice.
Upright Meanings
- Surrender, sacrificing for change
- New perspective, enlightenment
- Delays, suspension, waiting it out
- Indecision, stalling, feeling stuck
Reversed Meaning
- Struggle against surrender, resistance to change
- Self-sabotage, martyrdom
- Inability to gain new perspective
- Impatience, frustration with delays
Death
Death represents transformation, change, transition, letting go.
Upright Meanings
- Transformation, renewal, metamorphosis
- End of a phase or cycle, beginning of change
- Transition, letting go of the past
- Spiritual growth and awakening
Reversed Meaning
- Fear of change, holding on to control
- Resistance to change, stagnation
- Anxiety about loss and endings
- Decay and decline without renewal
Temperance
Temperance represents balance, moderation, patience, blending opposites.
Upright Meanings
- Balance, harmony, moderation, patience
- Blending opposites, mediating between forces
- Adaptability, going with the flow
- Tranquility, neutrality, cooperation
Reversed Meaning
- Excess, lack of balance, mood swings
- Conflict of opposing forces or interests
- Disorganization, impatience, recklessness
- Disagreements, lack of harmony
The Devil
The Devil represents shadow self, addiction, materialism, playfulness.
Upright Meanings
- Shadow self, addiction, repression of negative traits
- Material wealth and temptations
- Playfulness in negative behavior
- Hedonism, giving in to temptation
Reversed Meaning
- Releasing limiting beliefs, detaching from negative patterns
- Embracing humanity, empathy
- Exploring passions positively, fun and joy
- Freedom from addictions and ignorance
The Tower
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, broken pride, disaster, awakening.
Upright Meanings
- Sudden upheaval and chaos, disaster
- Broken pride, destruction of ego
- Awakening, humbling revelation
- Disruption that leads to positive change
Reversed Meaning
- Personal transformation avoided
- Clinging to false beliefs, ignorance
- Fear of change, avoiding truth
- Delaying the inevitable awakening
The Star
The Star represents hope, faith, purpose, inspiration, optimism.
Upright Meanings
- Hope, faith, purpose, renewal
- Inspiration, spirituality, generosity
- Serenity, intuition, calmness
- Luck, fortune, alignment
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of faith, despair, cynicism
- Confusion about life’s purpose
- Narcissism, excessive pride
- Feeling lost, burnt out
The Moon
The Moon represents illusions, shadows, dreams, fear, fantasy.
Upright Meanings
- Illusions, fears, anxiety, insecurity
- Confusion, distorted perception
- Fantasy, dreams, imagination
- Mysteries, the unknown and unconscious
Reversed Meaning
- Releasing fear and anxiety
- Dispelling illusions, inner truth revealed
- Gaining clarity and insight
- Moving past confusion or distrust
The Sun
The Sun represents joy, success, celebration, positivity, happiness.
Upright Meanings
- Positivity, fun, warmth, success
- Joy, happiness, celebration
- Vitality, confidence, radiance
- Creative enthusiasm and expression
Reversed Meaning
- Inner child wounds, lack of joy
- Feeling down, depressed, extinguishing inner light
- Burn out, fatigue, lack of vitality
- Problems with ego, pride or confidence
Judgement
Judgement represents reckoning, awakening, absolution, inner calling.
Upright Meanings
- Judgement, awakening to purpose
- Rebirth, absolution, inner calling
- Major life change, epiphany
- Making the right choices
Reversed Meaning
- Fear of death and rebirth, avoidance
- Resistance to change or hearing the inner call
- Self-doubt, guilt without release
- Feeling judged or blamed
The World
The World represents fulfillment, harmony, accomplishment, travel.
Upright Meanings
- Completion, integration, accomplishment
- Harmony and fulfillment
- Success, achievement, satisfaction
- Wholeness, global awareness, travel
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of completion, unfinished business
- Going around in circles, repeating lessons
- Staying within comfort zone
- Feeling stuck, limited opportunities
The Minor Arcana
The 56 Minor Arcana cards represent the smaller day-to-day concerns and situations we face. The 4 suits carry their own elemental associations.
Wands: Career, creativity, adventure
Cups: Emotions, relationships, spirituality
Swords: Intellect, challenges, mind
Pentacles: Finances, prosperity, health
Here is a quick guide to the 14 cards in each suit and their common interpretations:
Ace of Wands
Ace of Wands represents new beginnings, creativity, inspiration, energy.
Upright Meanings
- New beginnings, creativity, inspiration
- Vitality, energy, strength, assertion
- Ambition, enterprise, adventure
- Passion and drive for goals
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of energy or passion for goals
- Boredom with the status quo
- Depression, creative block
- Delays or resistance to change
2 of Wands
Two of Wands represents planning, progress, decisions, discovery.
Upright Meanings
- Future planning, progress
- Discovery, decision-making
- Bold risk-taking, foresight
- Expansion, broader perspective
Reversed Meaning
- Fear of unknown, lack of planning
- Unexpected delays or resistance
- Struggle with direction or decisions
- Played too small, limited comfort zone
3 of Wands
Three of Wands represents foresight, expansion, overseas opportunities.
Upright Meanings
- Foresight, expansion, overseas opportunities
- Future planning, progress
- Entrepreneurship, global enterprise
- Looking to the future with vision
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of foresight or long-term vision
- Limitations of current environment
- Impatience, lack of planning
- Underestimating challenges ahead
4 of Wands
Four of Wands represents celebration, joy, harmony, relaxation.
Upright Meanings
- Celebration, joy, harmony, relaxation after challenges
- Community, homecoming, return to peace
- Period of prosperity, rejuvenation
- Harvesting successful plans
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of celebration,feeling stuck in challenges
- Disconnection from community, unrest
- Hard work without results or enjoyment
- Disruption of harmony or stalled progress
5 of Wands
Five of Wands represents conflict, disagreements, competition, tension.
Upright Meanings
- Conflict, disagreements,competition
- Tension, arguments, rivalry
- Obstacles, setbacks requiring adaptability
- Personal and creative struggles
Reversed Meaning
- Avoiding or fearing conflict
- Giving in, lacking confidence in abilities or ideas
- Tension or hostility beneath passive exterior
- Lack of motivation, creative stagnation
6 of Wands
Six of Wands represents success, victory, public reward, progress.
Upright Meanings
- Public recognition, victory, success, progress
- Self-confidence, increase in status or power
- Pride in achievements, validation
- Positive movement, going with the flow
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of public recognition or excess pride
- Personal and creative dissatisfaction
- Delays, resistance, hostility to success
- Falling short of goals, phyrric victory
7 of Wands
Seven of Wands represents challenge, competition, tenacity, strategy.
Upright Meanings
- Challenge, competition, holding your ground
- Tenacity, courage, conviction
- Test of strategy skills under pressure
- Struggle leading to higher achievement
Reversed Meaning
- Avoiding or fearing challenge, giving in
- Feeling attacked, disempowered or overwhelmed
- Frustration, anger, lack of strategies or planning
- Burn out from constant challenges
8 of Wands
Eight of Wands represents swift action, progress, alignment of energy.
Upright Meanings
- Swift action, alignment of energy
- Rapid progress, movement, change
- Quick decisions and communications
- Exciting new opportunities, ideas
Reversed Meaning
- Disorganization, scattered energy and planning
- Counter-productive fast pace, delays
- Waiting when action required
- Energy and passion dissipated
9 of Wands
Nine of Wands represents resilience, grit, last stand, endurance.
Upright Meanings
- Resilience, grit, last stand, perseverance
- Inner resources, strength near the finish line
- Fatigue, questioning motivations
- Persistence through setbacks
Reversed Meaning
- Complete exhaustion, burn out, lack of endurance
- Giving up at the last hurdle, losing hope
- Overwhelmed, depleted energy and resources
- Inability to finish challenges
10 of Wands
Ten of Wands represents excessive burdens, heavy responsibilities.
Upright Meanings
- Burden, extra responsibility, hard work
- Strain, over-commitment, bites off more than can chew
- Obligation, being indispensible, lack of support
- At limit of endurance and responsibilities
Reversed Meaning
- Setting down a burden, delegating tasks
- Freeing self from obligations or no appreciation
- Rest from hard work and responsibility
- Not taking on what doesn’t belong to you
Page of Wands
Page of Wands represents creativity, confidence, adventure, inspiration.
Upright Meanings
- Exploratory, independent and creative energy
- Enthusiasm for adventure, free spirit
- Passion, skill development, expression
- New inspiring opportunities, learning
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of direction or commitment to goals
- Frustration with tedious or restrictive circumstances
- Self-doubt, vague goals, creative block
- Restless, distracted energy
Knight of Wands
Knight of Wands represents action, adventure, passion, impulsiveness.
Upright Meanings
- Passion, adventure, impulsiveness
- Competitive, energetic risk-taker
- Impatient when restricted, loves a new challenge
- Free spirit needing constant motion
Reversed Meaning
- Anger, jealousy, impulsiveness out of control
- Restless but no direction, scattered energy
- Impatience with restrictions
- Excess pride, unpredictability, recklessness
Queen of Wands
Queen of Wands represents determination, boldness, courage, confidence.
Upright Meanings
- Confidence, determination, boldness
- Courageous, warm, independent
- Strong leadership skills, visionary
- Protective of loved ones, secure
Reversed Meaning
- Irritability, jealousy, lack of vision or direction
- Overly impulsive, demanding
- Manipulative, egocentric behavior
- Insecurity disguised as confidence
King of Wands
King of Wands represents leadership, vision, entrepreneurship, honor.
Upright Meanings
- Natural-born leader and visionary
- Passion, inspiration, charisma
- Entrepreneurial, dignified
- Takes bold action, honorable
Reversed Meaning
- Impulsive, overbearing, abuses power
- Passionate about wrong goals
- Weak leadership skills and vision
- Lacks integrity in ruthless pursuits
Ace of Cups
Ace of Cups represents new feelings, spirituality, intuition, creativity.
Upright Meanings
- Spiritual beginnings and insight
- New feelings, intuition awakened
- Compassion, healing, renewal
- Inspired creativity, fertility
Reversed Meaning
- Emotional loss, blocked creativity
- Disconnection from spirit and intuition
- Lack of empathy and engagement
- Numbness, fatigue, disillusion
2 of Cups
Upright Meanings
- Signifies emotional connection, deep partnership, and harmony.
- Represents the union of two individuals in love or strong friendship.
- Symbolizes mutual respect, shared goals, and a harmonious bond.
- Suggests the potential for new relationships or the strengthening of existing ones.
Reversed Meaning
- May indicate disharmony, conflicts, or the need for introspection.
- Can suggest relationship challenges or a temporary setback in emotional connections.
3 of Cups
Three of Cups represents celebration, friendship, creativity, collaborations.
Upright Meanings
- Celebration, friendship, creativity
- Collaborations, finding your tribe
- Celebrating life, revelry, joy
- Reuniting with old friends
Reversed Meaning
- Disconnection from friends or community
- Feeling like an outsider, unwelcome
- Overindulgence, lack of moderation
- Collaborations breaking down
4 of Cups
Four of Cups represents boredom, contemplation, apathy, disconnectedness.
Upright Meanings
- Boredom, contemplation, apathy
- Tuning out from distractions
- Disconnectedness, absorption in thought
- Time for introspection
Reversed Meaning
- Taking life for granted
- Distractedness, information overload
- Avoidance of self-reflection
- Restlessness, scattered energy
5 of Cups
Five of Cups represents loss, grief, regret, disappointment.
Upright Meanings
- Grief, loss, disappointment
- Regret, disillusionment, despair
- Failure of hopes and dreams
- Difficult transition, post-traumatic growth
Reversed Meaning
- Moving on from loss, acceptance
- Focusing on the positive
- Healing from emotional wounds
- Finding meaning in loss
6 of Cups
Six of Cups represents nostalgia, childhood memories, innocence.
Upright Meanings
- Nostalgia, childhood memories
- Innocence, simplicity, tender feelings
- Reconnecting with past happier times
- Generalized nostalgia or longing
Reversed Meaning
- Stuck in the past, inability to move forward
- Childhood trauma or wounds
- Clinging to outgrown situations or relationships
- Regression or infantilization
7 of Cups
Seven of Cups represents fantasy, wishful thinking, options, illusion.
Upright Meanings
- Fantasy, wishful thinking, illusion
- Dreaminess, dissipation
- Imagination and opening up possibilities
- Choices and options, daydreaming
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of direction or groundedness
- Escapism and self-delusion
- Inability to make a choice
- Confusion about desires
8 of Cups
Eight of Cups represents walking away, disillusionment, leaving behind.
Upright Meanings
- Walking away, disillusionment
- No longer emotionally fulfilled or satisfied
- Seeking meaning elsewhere
- Moving toward purpose over pleasure
Reversed Meaning
- Fear of change, afraid to move on
- Staying in an unhappy situation
- Denial of unhappiness
- Unable to let go of control
9 of Cups
Nine of Cups represents happiness, comfort, wishes fulfilled.
Upright Meanings
- Satisfaction, emotional fulfillment
- Luxury, comfort, sensual pleasure
- Achieving wishes, happiness
- Reward and congratulations
Reversed Meaning
- Dissatisfaction with life, achievements or relationships
- Discontentment, feeling undeserving
- Overindulgence, lack of balance
- Taking things for granted
10 of Cups
Ten of Cups represents joy, family, community, connection.
Upright Meanings
- Enduring happiness and community
- Strong bonds with family or friends
- Supportive, loving environment
- Achievement of peace or connection
Reversed Meaning
- Disconnection from loved ones or community
- Family or relationship conflicts
- Feeling isolated or like an outsider
- Discontentment with home life
Page of Cups
Page of Cups represents creativity, imagination, innocence, sensitivity.
Upright Meanings
- Creative, imaginative, dreamy youthful energy
- Emotional openness, innocence
- Sensitivity, vulnerability, shyness
- Intuition, artistic talents emerging
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of direction or appreciated talents
- Overly emotional, hypersensitivity
- Creative frustrations, self-doubt
- Manipulative, emotionally demanding
Knight of Cups
Knight of Cups represents romance, charm, imagination, beauty.
Upright Meanings
- Romance, sentimentality, charm
- Imagination, beauty, allure
- Being seduced by emotion or passion
- Pursuit of relationships, arts, or muse
Reversed Meaning
- Moodiness, disappointment in love or projects
- Emotional manipulation or codependency
- Flaky, unreliability, fleeting passions
- Escapism, living in a fantasy world
Queen of Cups
Queen of Cups represents compassion, calmness, comfort, intuition.
Upright Meanings
- Compassion, calm, comfort, devotion
- Emotional generosity, fluidity
- Intuition, deep spiritual wisdom
- Artistic creativity, visionary imagination
Reversed Meaning
- Martyrdom, insecurity, co-dependence
- Emotionally manipulative
- Clingy, stunted creative growth
- Poor boundaries, overly sacrificial
King of Cups
King of Cups represents mastery of emotion, compassion, diplomacy.
Upright Meanings
- Emotional balance and control
- Compassion, diplomacy, refinement
- Generous, diplomatic, even temperament
- Ready to give comfort and care
Reversed Meaning
- Emotional manipulation, moodiness
- Coldness, lack of empathy
- Addictive personality
- Emotionally volatile or unstable
Ace of Swords
Ace of Swords represents new ideas, breakthroughs, clarity, intellect.
Upright Meanings
- New ideas and inspiring thoughts
- Breakthrough, clarity, sharp mind
- Prospect of success in intellectual pursuits
- Triumph of logic and reason
Reversed Meaning
- Mental confusion, distraction
- Cut off from intuition or inner truth
- Inaction, lack of direction
- Poor judgement clouded by emotions
2 of Swords
Two of Swords represents impasse, stalemate, tension, avoidance.
Upright Meanings
- Stalemate, tension, impasse
- Avoidance, denial, stalling
- Needing more information to proceed
- Careful reflection before decisions
Reversed Meaning
- Breaking out of stalemate
- No longer avoiding the inevitable
- Forcing action before time is right
- Rushing decisions without thought
3 of Swords
Three of Swords represents heartbreak, grief, betrayal, rejection.
Upright Meanings
- Heartbreak, grief, betrayal
- Rejection, deep wounding, sorrow
- Emotional pain from loss or separation
- Finding strength in adversity
Reversed Meaning
- Releasing pain, moving on
- Forgiveness, acceptance
- Relief after difficult times
- Healing, recovery, hope
4 of Swords
Four of Swords represents rest, restoration, contemplation, meditation.
Upright Meanings
- Rest, relaxation, temporary retreat
- Contemplation, meditation
- Recovery from illness or mental exhaustion
- Time out to rejuvenate and reflect
Reversed Meaning
- Restlessness, burn out
- Difficulty being alone with thoughts
- Recovery delayed or interrupted
- Forcing return to work prematurely
5 of Swords
Five of Swords represents conflict, disagreements, hostility, rivals.
Upright Meanings
- Conflict, disagreements, rivalry
- Hostility from others, verbal battles
- Winning without honor, at any cost
- Aggression, lack of empathy, betrayal
Reversed Meaning
- Avoiding conflict, walking away
- Finding peaceful resolution, compromise
- Remorse, desire to reconcile
- Disadvantageous victory, lack of ethics
6 of Swords
Six of Swords represents transition, leaving behind, moving on.
Upright Meanings
- Transition, passage from hardship or danger
- Moving on to calmer waters
- Distancing yourself from difficulties
- Achieving objectivity and perspective
Reversed Meaning
- Emotionally stuck, unable to move on
- Resistance to change or transition
- Going around in circles in thought
- Holding on to wounds or pain
7 of Swords
Seven of Swords represents deception, cheating, trickery, stealth.
Upright Meanings
- Deception, tricks, cheating, craftiness
- Stealth, sneakiness, covert action
- Getting away with something dishonest
- Outwitting someone through deception
Reversed Meaning
- Coming clean, confession, apology
- Discovering the truth of deception
- No longer avoiding accountability
- Admitting your role in things
8 of Swords
Eight of Swords represents being restricted, powerless, self-victimization.
Upright Meanings
- Feeling restricted, trapped by circumstances
- Powerless, victimized, lack of options
- Punishing self, self-imposed limitation
- Feeling fenced in by obstacles or people
Reversed Meaning
- Escaping victim mentality, empowerment
- Freedom from restrictions or negative thinking
- Seeing options where once saw dead ends
- Taking back control through positive action
9 of Swords
Nine of Swords represents anxiety, worry, trauma, insomnia.
Upright Meanings
- Anxiety, worry, distress, insomnia
- Trauma, grief, fear of future
- Nightmares, negative thinking patterns
- Guilt, shame, loneliness, misery
Reversed Meaning
- Releasing fear and worry, finding peace
- Seeking help, taking steps to improve
- Working through grief or self-blame
- Turning a corner, light at the end of tunnel
10 of Swords
Ten of Swords represents ruin, endings, betrayal, collapse.
Upright Meanings
- Failure, collapse, defeat, betrayal
- Ruin, loss, ending, reaching rock bottom
- Back-stabbed or at the mercy of others
- Extreme pain before ability to recover
Reversed Meaning
- Relief after difficulties, slow recovery
- Pulling through a terrible situation
- Overcoming hurt, forgiveness, moving on
- The worst is over, only upwards from here
Page of Swords
Page of Swords represents curiosity, restlessness, mental energy.
Upright Meanings
- Curiosity, restlessness, mental energy
- Need for intellect and communication
- Desire to learn through challenging old ideas
- Mental dexterity” thinks quickly on feet
Reversed Meaning
- Deviousness, manipulation of truth
- Abusive communication, hurtful words
- Joy in creating mental pain or conflict
- Immaturity, mentally undisciplined
Knight of Swords
Knight of Swords represents action, intellect, communication, bluntness.
Upright Meanings
- Fast thinking, action, communication
- Intellectual, clever, competitive
- Blunt, direct, lacks emotional nuance
- Cutting to the truth without tact
Reversed Meaning
- No direction, scattered thoughts, actions
- Misuse of intellect and words
- Vicious, emotionally immature, fights dirty
- Lacks empathy, ignores other views
Queen of Swords
Queen of Swords represents clarity, intellect, independence, wit.
Upright Meanings
- Clear thinking, intellect, truth
- Independence, wit, perceptiveness
- Complex mind, enjoys challenging old paradigms
- Strong boundaries and principles
Reversed Meaning
- Coldness, lacks compassion or nuance
- Emotionally blocked off
- Judgmental, narrow viewpoint
- Overly blunt, critical without empathy
King of Swords
King of Swords represents head over heart, discipline, truth, law.
Upright Meanings
- Head over heart, objectivity
- Discipline, authority, truth
- Clear judgement detached from emotion
- Rules by law and principles
Reversed Meaning
- Manipulative, excessive coldness
- Abusive authority, lack of compassion
- Prejudice, narrow viewpoint
- Dishonest means to an end
Ace of Pentacles
Ace of Pentacles represents new financial opportunities, prosperity, abundance.
Upright Meanings
- Financial opportunity, new resources
- Prosperity, abundance, wealth potential
- Gift, winnings, new income stream, raise
- Material comfort, financial security
Reversed Meaning
- Missing an opportunity, bad investment
- Poverty mindset, insecurity around money
- Struggling with debt or cash flow problems
- Greed, financial loss, lack of resources
2 of Pentacles
Two of Pentacles represents balancing, adapting, resourceful, flexible.
Upright Meanings
- Juggling resources, multi-tasking
- Adaptable, flexible, resourceful
- Balancing priorities and interests
- Staying on top of things, organized
Reversed Meaning
- Disorganized, dropping balls, scattered
- Finances and priorities out of balance
- Inflexible, unable to adapt to change
- Distracted, overwhelmed, lack of systems
3 of Pentacles
Three of Pentacles represents teamwork, initial fulfillment, pride in work.
Upright Meanings
- Teamwork, collaboration on shared goals
- Initial achievement of goals
- Pride in excellent work and skills
- Gaining respect through high standards
Reversed Meaning
- Mediocre work, lack of skills
- Struggling with teamwork or group efforts
- Capabilities not appreciated by others
- Difficulty prioritizing goals
4 of Pentacles
Four of Pentacles represents control, security, holding on to resources.
Upright Meanings
- Holding tightly to resources or security
- Saving rather than spending
- Protecting accomplishments, conservative
- Withholding from others, stinginess
Reversed Meaning
- Opening up, sharing resources
- Balanced approach to money
- Letting go of control around possessions
- Taking financial or intimacy risks
5 of Pentacles
Five of Pentacles represents hardship, poverty, isolation, worry.
Upright Meanings
- Hard times, poverty, alienation, neediness
- Illness, loss, financial struggle
- Feeling excluded, rejected, lonely
- Lack mentality, worrisome thoughts
Reversed Meaning
- Recovery from hardship, healing
- Support from others, overcoming loneliness
- Generosity, opening up to receive help
- Developing self-reliance skills
6 of Pentacles
Six of Pentacles represents generosity, sharing wealth, balance, charity.
Upright Meanings
- Generosity, charity, sharing wealth
- Giving assistance, balancing scales
- Fairness, balance, equitable exchange
- reciprocation, receiving needed help
Reversed Meaning
- Stinginess, imbalance, strings attached
- Pride prevents accepting help
- Feeling undeserving, used or exploited
- Refusing accountability or payment
7 of Pentacles
Seven of Pentacles represents perseverance, investment, hard work, frustration.
Upright Meanings
- Hard work, perseverance, diligence
- Long term investments
- Frustration with short term results
- Re-evaluating approach and priorities
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of care or effort, apathy, laziness
- Planning without follow through
- Easily giving up when results don’t arrive
- Scattered efforts, reinventing the wheel
8 of Pentacles
Eight of Pentacles represents apprenticeship, passion, high standards, repetition.
Upright Meanings
- Apprenticeship, passion, skill development
- Total absorption in task, dedication
- High standards, attention to detail
- Discipline, repetition, meticulousness
Reversed Meaning
- Shoddy workmanship, lack of passion
- Boredom with task or skill
- Restless, scattered energy
- Lack of dedication or precision
9 of Pentacles
Nine of Pentacles represents luxury, comfort, self-sufficiency, financial security.
Upright Meanings
- Luxury, leisure, self-sufficiency, relaxation
- Financial independence, enjoying fruits of labor
- Comfort in solitude, inner contentment
- appreciation of beauty and quality
Reversed Meaning
- Financial dependence on others
- Loneliness from isolation or lack of purpose
- Lack of self-esteem or vision for life
- Showy materialism over inner growth
10 of Pentacles
Ten of Pentacles represents legacy, inheritance, family bonds, prosperity.
Upright Meanings
- Lasting prosperity, legacy, passing on values
- Strength of family, community
- Security from material investments or real estate
- Establishing something of value for future generations
Reversed Meaning
- Fleeting success, lack of planning for future
- Uprooted, fractured family life
- Greed at expense of values or connections
- Obsession with money and status
Page of Pentacles
Page of Pentacles represents learning, potential, skill development, opportunity.
Upright Meanings
- Learning new skills, intellectual development
- Talent and opportunity, potential
- Diligence, scholarship, being a student
- Mind open to grow capabilities
Reversed Meaning
- Immature, lazy, distracted student
- Talents ignored or undiscovered
- Boredom with developing skills or talents
- Lack of drive or discipline to learn
Knight of Pentacles
Knight of Pentacles represents efficiency, routine, conservatism, methodicalness.
Upright Meanings
- Efficiency, routine, conservativism
- Step-by-step approach, methodical
- Discipline, responsibility, hard work
- Building through determination and consistency
Reversed Meaning
- Lack of drive or discipline
- Cutting corners, sloppy work, negligence
- Going through the motions without passion
- Inflexible, resistant to change
Queen of Pentacles
Queen of Pentacles represents nurturing, practicality, providing, down to earth.
Upright Meanings
- Nurturing, comforting, providing security
- Practical, productive, down to earth
- Resourceful, uses finances wisely
- Sensual, loves beauty, luxuries
Reversed Meaning
- Smothering, martyrdom, co-dependence
- Lack of common sense or business skills
- Living beyond means
- Obsession with money or possessions
King of Pentacles
King of Pentacles represents abundance, prosperity, security, discipline.
Upright Meanings
- Properity, abundance, apex of luxury and security
- Financial discipline, enjoys finer things in life
- Authority, sound judgement, responsibility
- Benevolent and strategic leadership
Reversed Meaning
- Corrupt boss, bribery, ruthless pursuit of wealth
- Stingy, greedy, indulgent
- Obsessed with status
- Mismanages resources and finances
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about tarot cards and readings:
Can Tarot Tell the Future?
Tarot does not necessarily predict concrete future events. Instead, it reveals upcoming influences, energies and trends that can alter the course of the future. The future is never set in stone. The tarot provides guidance to steer readers towards the most fruitful path ahead.
What Is The Difference Between Major Arcana Cards and Minor Arcana Cards?
The Major Arcana represents universal archetypes, lessons and energies. When these cards appear they reveal significant themes affecting the querent. The Minor Arcana deals with day-to-day situations and influences. These suit cards reflect more mundane concerns and activities.
Do I Have To Be Gifted My First Tarot Deck?
There is no rule saying your first deck must be a gift. However, many tarot readers consider buying your own deck bad luck. It’s seen as better to have a deck gifted or handed down to you. But plenty of readers buy their own decks when starting out with no ill effects.
How Do I Shuffle Tarot Cards?
It’s best to shuffle tarot cards frequently during a reading. Shuffling infuses the deck with the energy of the querent. The cards are shuffled until the reader feels sufficiently attuned. Common shuffling methods include overhand shuffling, the riffle shuffle or spreading the cards out before restacking.
What is The Most Powerful Tarot Card?
Some of the most influential and impactful cards in any spread tend to be the Major Arcana cards, especially cards like The Tower, Death, The Moon. Judgement and The World. These cards reveal major shifts, endings, turmoil and new phases that profoundly alter one’s life path.
Key takeaways
- Tarot cards originated in medieval Italy before evolving over centuries into the 78 card decks used today. The Major and Minor Arcana make up the two main components.
- Learning tarot requires studying each card’s meaning, practicing spreads and tapping into your intuition. Begin with simple 3-card spreads to interpret past, present and future influences.
- The Major Arcana represents significant themes and events in someone’s life journey. The Minor Here are some additional key takeaways about tarot cards:
- The four suits in the Minor Arcana correspond to the four elements: Wands are fire, Cups are water, Swords are air, and Pentacles are earth.
- Reversed cards can have slightly different meanings than upright cards. Reversals often suggest blocks or resistance in the area of life represented.
- How the querent relates to the imagery on a card is just as important as the textbook meaning. Intuition matters in tarot interpretation.
- Tarot spreads can be as simple or complex as the reader wishes. Celtic Cross, 3 card, horoscope, and relationship spreads are most popular.
- Learning the astrological and numerological significance behind cards can add extra dimension to readings.
- Keep detailed tarot journals to track readings. Notice patterns in card meanings for yourself and certain querents.
- Finding the tarot deck whose imagery and symbolism resonates most strongly with you is key to accurate interpretation.
- Ethical tarot readers avoid making dire negative predictions. The future reveals itself slowly and positively if we heed the tarot’s guidance.
- Skeptics claims tarot only works because of the Forer effect or confirmation bias. But millions worldwide consider tarot a valid divination tool.
Conclusion
Tarot cards are a powerful tool for self-discovery, guidance, and insight. They offer a unique way to tap into our intuition and explore the energies at play in our lives. By understanding the meanings of each card and practicing with different spreads, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Whether you believe in their mystical powers or not, tarot cards have stood the test of time as a popular and effective method of divination. So why not pick up a deck and give it a try? Who knows, you may uncover some hidden truths and unlock new perspectives on life.
