Tarot Card Meanings
New to tarot? The 22 Major Arcana chart life's great themes, the turning points, the lessons, the archetypes you grow through. The 56 Minor Arcana, split across the four suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles, fill in the everyday texture: your drive, your feelings, your thoughts, your work. Pick any card below for its upright and reversed meaning, plus what it says about love and career.
Major Arcana
22 cards · the archetypes of the journey
The FoolThe leap before you can see the ground — new beginnings, innocence, and trust in the open road.The MagicianOne hand to the sky, one to the earth — you already have every tool you need to make it real.The High PriestessThe veil between the two pillars — intuition, mystery, and the knowing that arrives without proof.The EmpressAbundance made flesh — fertility, sensual pleasure, creativity, and the warmth of the natural world.The EmperorStructure, authority, and the steady hand that builds something to last — the architect of order.The HierophantTradition, shared belief, and the wisdom passed down — the teacher, the institution, the established way.The LoversUnion and the choice that defines you — love, alignment of values, and the crossroads of the heart.The ChariotTwo sphinxes, one will — victory through control, determination, and refusing to be pulled apart.StrengthA woman gently closing a lion's jaws — courage, compassion, and the quiet power of inner control.The HermitA lantern on a mountaintop — solitude, soul-searching, and the inner light that guides the way.Wheel of FortuneThe turning wheel — fate, cycles, and the lucky break that arrives when the moment comes round.JusticeSword in one hand, scales in the other — truth, fairness, cause and effect, and accountability.The Hanged ManSuspended upside down by choice — surrender, new perspective, and the wisdom of letting go.DeathAn ending that clears the ground — transformation, release, and the new life that follows a close.TemperanceAn angel pouring between two cups — balance, patience, moderation, and the art of the middle way.The DevilLoosely chained figures who could free themselves — bondage, temptation, and the prisons we choose.The TowerLightning striking a crown from a tower — sudden upheaval, revelation, and the fall that frees you.The StarA woman pouring water beneath a brilliant sky — hope, healing, renewal, and serene faith restored.The MoonA path between two towers under a full moon — illusion, intuition, dreams, and the unknown.The SunA child on a white horse under a radiant sun — joy, success, vitality, and pure golden clarity.JudgementAn angel's trumpet calling figures to rise — awakening, reckoning, and a profound second chance.The WorldA dancer within a laurel wreath — completion, fulfilment, and the joyful close of a whole cycle.
Suit of Wands
14 cards · element of Fire
Ace of WandsA hand offering a sprouting branch — the first spark of inspiration, drive, and creative fire.Two of WandsA figure holding the world, gazing past the horizon — planning, vision, and the choice to expand.Three of WandsWatching ships sail out to sea — expansion, foresight, and plans set confidently in motion.Four of WandsA garlanded canopy and figures celebrating — joy, homecoming, harmony, and milestones reached.Five of WandsFive figures clashing with staffs — conflict, competition, and the chaos of clashing energies.Six of WandsA rider crowned with laurel amid a cheering crowd — victory, recognition, and public success.Seven of WandsA figure on high ground defending against many staffs — standing your ground and holding your position.Eight of WandsEight staffs flying through open sky — swift movement, momentum, and rapid developments.Nine of WandsA weary, bandaged figure gripping a staff — resilience, persistence, and one last push.Ten of WandsA figure bent under ten heavy staffs — burden, responsibility, and carrying too much alone.Page of WandsA young messenger gazing up at a budding staff — curiosity, enthusiasm, and the call to explore.Knight of WandsA knight charging on a rearing horse — bold action, adventure, passion, and impulsive fire.Queen of WandsA confident queen with a sunflower and a black cat — warmth, charisma, and radiant self-assurance.King of WandsA visionary king on a throne of salamanders — leadership, vision, and bold, charismatic command.
Suit of Cups
14 cards · element of Water
Ace of CupsA hand offering an overflowing chalice — new love, emotional opening, and the heart filling up.Two of CupsTwo figures sharing cups in a vow — partnership, mutual love, and a meeting of hearts.Three of CupsThree friends raising cups in a dance — friendship, celebration, and joyful community.Four of CupsA figure ignoring an offered cup — apathy, contemplation, and missing what's in front of you.Five of CupsA cloaked figure mourning spilled cups — grief, loss, and the two cups still standing behind.Six of CupsA child handing flowers to another — nostalgia, innocence, sweet memories, and reunion.Seven of CupsSeven cups of visions floating in cloud — choices, fantasy, illusion, and wishful thinking.Eight of CupsA figure walking away from stacked cups under a moon — leaving, seeking, and the brave departure.Nine of CupsA satisfied figure before a row of cups — contentment, wishes fulfilled, and emotional satisfaction.Ten of CupsA family beneath a rainbow of cups — lasting happiness, harmony, and emotional fulfilment.Page of CupsA dreamy youth greeting a fish in a cup — imagination, sensitivity, and sweet emotional messages.Knight of CupsA romantic knight bearing a cup — charm, idealism, and the pursuit of love and beauty.Queen of CupsA compassionate queen gazing into an ornate cup — empathy, intuition, and deep emotional wisdom.King of CupsA calm king on a throne amid turbulent seas — emotional balance, compassion, and steady wisdom.
Suit of Swords
14 cards · element of Air
Ace of SwordsA hand raising a crowned sword — breakthrough, mental clarity, truth, and a decisive new idea.Two of SwordsA blindfolded figure holding two crossed swords — stalemate, hard choices, and avoided decisions.Three of SwordsA heart pierced by three swords under rain — heartbreak, grief, and painful truth.Four of SwordsA figure resting in repose on a tomb — rest, recovery, contemplation, and healing stillness.Five of SwordsA smirking figure gathering swords as others walk away — hollow victory, conflict, and discord.Six of SwordsA ferry crossing calmer water toward a far shore — transition, moving on, and gradual healing.Seven of SwordsA figure sneaking away with stolen swords — deception, strategy, stealth, and getting away with it.Eight of SwordsA bound, blindfolded figure among swords — feeling trapped, helpless, and self-imposed limitation.Nine of SwordsA figure waking in anguish, nine swords on the wall — anxiety, nightmares, and mental anguish.Ten of SwordsA figure face-down beneath ten swords as dawn breaks — rock bottom, painful endings, and release.Page of SwordsAn alert youth raising a sword against the wind — curiosity, vigilance, and a sharp, restless mind.Knight of SwordsA knight charging headlong with raised sword — ambition, drive, and fast, fearless intellect.Queen of SwordsA clear-eyed queen with upright sword — independence, sharp perception, and honest clarity.King of SwordsAn authoritative king with upright sword — intellect, authority, truth, and fair judgement.
Suit of Pentacles
14 cards · element of Earth
Ace of PentaclesA hand offering a golden coin over a garden — new opportunity, prosperity, and solid beginnings.Two of PentaclesA figure juggling two coins in an infinity loop — balance, adaptability, and managing it all.Three of PentaclesA craftsman consulting with two others in a cathedral — teamwork, skill, and collaborative mastery.Four of PentaclesA figure clutching coins tightly — security, control, saving, and holding on too hard.Five of PentaclesTwo figures in the snow outside a lit window — hardship, want, and help that's nearer than it seems.Six of PentaclesA merchant weighing scales as he gives to the needy — generosity, giving and receiving, and balance.Seven of PentaclesA farmer pausing to assess his growing crop — patience, long-term effort, and waiting for the harvest.Eight of PentaclesA craftsman diligently carving pentacles — dedication, mastery, and the patient honing of skill.Nine of PentaclesAn elegant figure in a lush vineyard with a falcon — self-sufficiency, abundance, and earned luxury.Ten of PentaclesGenerations gathered at a family estate — lasting wealth, legacy, family, and deep security.Page of PentaclesA studious youth contemplating a single coin — ambition, study, and a promising new opportunity.Knight of PentaclesA steady knight on a still horse holding a coin — reliability, hard work, and patient persistence.Queen of PentaclesA nurturing queen amid lush abundance — practicality, warmth, and grounded, resourceful care.King of PentaclesA prosperous king amid vines and gold — wealth, security, leadership, and grounded mastery.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Major and Minor Arcana?
The Major Arcana is the set of 22 cards that chart life's bigger themes and turning points, from The Fool to The World. The 56 Minor Arcana cards are split into four suits and speak to the everyday, your drive, feelings, thoughts, and work. When a Major Arcana card appears, it usually points to a larger lesson; the Minor Arcana fills in the daily texture.
How many tarot cards are in a deck?
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) each with cards numbered Ace through Ten plus four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
How do you read a tarot card?
Start with the card's core themes, then read it in light of your question and the cards around it. The same card can lean differently depending on whether it sits in a position about the past, the present, or a possible outcome. Reading is less about memorizing fixed definitions and more about noticing which meaning resonates with the situation in front of you.
What do reversed tarot cards mean?
A reversed card (one that appears upside down) is often read as a softened, blocked, or inward version of its upright meaning. It can suggest the card's energy is delayed, internalized, or still working itself out. Many readers skip reversals entirely and read every card upright; both approaches are valid, so use whichever feels clearer to you.
Can tarot predict the future?
Tarot is best understood as a tool for reflection rather than a forecast. The cards don't fix what happens next; they offer a prompt to think more honestly about where you are, what's influencing you, and what choices are open. Any 'future' a reading points to is a possibility shaped by the path you're on, not a fixed outcome.
Weekly cosmic weather for your people
One short email every Monday: what the week's sky holds for you and the people you love.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
