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.
