Guide
Tarot Card Meanings: A Guide to All 78 Cards
By Seraphina
A tarot deck has 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana split into four suits. The meanings below follow the widely used Rider–Waite–Smith tradition. They describe symbolism, not fixed predictions. A card's meaning shifts with the question, its position in a spread and the cards around it, and your own reading of the image matters.
The Major Arcana
These 22 cards describe big life themes and turning points. When many appear in one reading, the matter tends to feel significant.
- 0 · The Fool
- UprightNew beginnings, trust, a leap into the unknown.
- ReversedRecklessness, hesitation, fear of starting.
- I · The Magician
- UprightSkill, focus, using what you already have.
- ReversedScattered energy, manipulation, untapped talent.
- II · The High Priestess
- UprightIntuition, inner knowing, what is hidden.
- ReversedIgnoring your instincts, secrets, confusion.
- III · The Empress
- UprightAbundance, nurture, creativity, comfort.
- ReversedNeglecting yourself, dependence, creative block.
- IV · The Emperor
- UprightStructure, authority, stability, boundaries.
- ReversedRigidity, control, lack of discipline.
- V · The Hierophant
- UprightTradition, teaching, shared beliefs, mentors.
- ReversedQuestioning rules, rebellion, your own path.
- VI · The Lovers
- UprightLove, union, an important choice based on values.
- ReversedImbalance, misalignment, a hard decision avoided.
- VII · The Chariot
- UprightWillpower, direction, moving forward.
- ReversedLost direction, pulling in two ways.
- VIII · Strength
- UprightCourage, patience, gentle inner strength.
- ReversedSelf-doubt, low energy, losing your temper.
- IX · The Hermit
- UprightSolitude, reflection, looking inward.
- ReversedIsolation, loneliness, avoiding reflection.
- X · Wheel of Fortune
- UprightCycles, change, turning points.
- ReversedResisting change, a stuck or unlucky stretch.
- XI · Justice
- UprightFairness, truth, cause and effect.
- ReversedUnfairness, avoiding accountability.
- XII · The Hanged Man
- UprightPause, surrender, seeing things differently.
- ReversedStalling, needless sacrifice, impatience.
- XIII · Death
- UprightEndings, transformation, clearing space. Rarely literal.
- ReversedResisting an ending, stagnation.
- XIV · Temperance
- UprightBalance, moderation, patience, blending.
- ReversedExcess, imbalance, haste.
- XV · The Devil
- UprightAttachment, temptation, unhealthy patterns.
- ReversedBreaking free, release, facing a habit.
- XVI · The Tower
- UprightSudden upheaval, truth revealed, collapse of the false.
- ReversedAvoiding disaster, fear of change.
- XVII · The Star
- UprightHope, healing, renewal, calm after a storm.
- ReversedDiscouragement, lost faith.
- XVIII · The Moon
- UprightUncertainty, dreams, illusion, the subconscious.
- ReversedClarity returning, fears released.
- XIX · The Sun
- UprightJoy, success, warmth, vitality.
- ReversedTemporary sadness, dimmed optimism.
- XX · Judgement
- UprightAwakening, reckoning, a calling.
- ReversedSelf-doubt, ignoring the call.
- XXI · The World
- UprightCompletion, wholeness, a cycle fulfilled.
- ReversedUnfinished business, lack of closure.
The Minor Arcana: four suits
The 56 Minor Arcana cards cover everyday situations. Each suit has a subject; each number adds a stage of that story.
Wands
Fire
Energy, passion, ambition, creativity and action.
Cups
Water
Emotions, love, relationships and intuition.
Swords
Air
Thought, truth, conflict, decisions and communication.
Pentacles
Earth
Money, work, the body, home and material security.
The Suit of Wands
- Ace of Wands
- UprightInspiration, a spark, a new venture.
- ReversedDelays, low motivation, a false start.
- Two of Wands
- UprightPlanning, future vision, deciding where to go.
- ReversedFear of the unknown, poor planning.
- Three of Wands
- UprightExpansion, foresight, early progress.
- ReversedSetbacks, frustration with slow results.
- Four of Wands
- UprightCelebration, home, community, a milestone.
- ReversedTension at home, a celebration postponed.
- Five of Wands
- UprightCompetition, friction, clashing ideas.
- ReversedAvoiding conflict, tension easing.
- Six of Wands
- UprightVictory, recognition, public success.
- ReversedSelf-doubt, a fall from favour.
- Seven of Wands
- UprightStanding your ground, defending a position.
- ReversedFeeling overwhelmed, giving up the fight.
- Eight of Wands
- UprightSpeed, momentum, news arriving.
- ReversedDelays, rushing, things stalling.
- Nine of Wands
- UprightResilience, persistence, the last stretch.
- ReversedExhaustion, defensiveness, near giving up.
- Ten of Wands
- UprightBurden, responsibility, carrying too much.
- ReversedPutting a load down, delegating.
- Page of Wands
- UprightEnthusiasm, exploration, exciting news.
- ReversedRestlessness, ideas without follow-through.
- Knight of Wands
- UprightAdventure, passion, bold action.
- ReversedImpulsiveness, haste, scattered energy.
- Queen of Wands
- UprightConfidence, warmth, determination.
- ReversedJealousy, insecurity, burnout.
- King of Wands
- UprightVision, leadership, taking charge.
- ReversedArrogance, impatience, overreach.
The Suit of Cups
- Ace of Cups
- UprightNew love, emotional opening, compassion.
- ReversedEmotional blocks, holding feelings in.
- Two of Cups
- UprightPartnership, mutual attraction, connection.
- ReversedImbalance, a rift between two people.
- Three of Cups
- UprightFriendship, celebration, community.
- ReversedOverindulgence, gossip, feeling left out.
- Four of Cups
- UprightApathy, contemplation, missing an offer.
- ReversedNew interest, accepting what is offered.
- Five of Cups
- UprightLoss, regret, grieving what is gone.
- ReversedAcceptance, moving on, forgiveness.
- Six of Cups
- UprightNostalgia, childhood, innocence, old ties.
- ReversedStuck in the past, ready to move forward.
- Seven of Cups
- UprightChoices, daydreams, many options.
- ReversedClarity, making a choice, cutting illusion.
- Eight of Cups
- UprightWalking away, seeking something deeper.
- ReversedFear of leaving, drifting, returning.
- Nine of Cups
- UprightContentment, a wish fulfilled, satisfaction.
- ReversedDissatisfaction, smugness, hollow wishes.
- Ten of Cups
- UprightHarmony, family, lasting happiness.
- ReversedDisconnection at home, unmet ideals.
- Page of Cups
- UprightCreative or emotional messages, curiosity.
- ReversedEmotional immaturity, creative block.
- Knight of Cups
- UprightRomance, charm, following the heart.
- ReversedMoodiness, unrealistic promises.
- Queen of Cups
- UprightCompassion, intuition, emotional care.
- ReversedOver-giving, emotional overwhelm.
- King of Cups
- UprightEmotional balance, calm, diplomacy.
- ReversedSuppressed feelings, manipulation, moodiness.
The Suit of Swords
- Ace of Swords
- UprightClarity, truth, a breakthrough idea.
- ReversedConfusion, misinformation, harsh words.
- Two of Swords
- UprightStalemate, a hard choice, avoidance.
- ReversedIndecision lifting, information overload.
- Three of Swords
- UprightHeartbreak, grief, painful truth.
- ReversedHealing, release, forgiveness.
- Four of Swords
- UprightRest, recovery, contemplation.
- ReversedRestlessness, burnout, returning to activity.
- Five of Swords
- UprightConflict, winning at a cost, defeat.
- ReversedReconciliation, letting go of a fight.
- Six of Swords
- UprightTransition, moving on, calmer waters.
- ReversedResistance to change, unfinished business.
- Seven of Swords
- UprightStrategy, secrecy, getting away with something.
- ReversedComing clean, a plan exposed.
- Eight of Swords
- UprightFeeling trapped, self-imposed limits.
- ReversedRelease, new perspective, freedom.
- Nine of Swords
- UprightAnxiety, worry, sleepless nights.
- ReversedHope returning, fears easing.
- Ten of Swords
- UprightA painful ending, hitting bottom.
- ReversedRecovery, the worst is over.
- Page of Swords
- UprightCuriosity, new ideas, watchfulness.
- ReversedGossip, scattered thinking, all talk.
- Knight of Swords
- UprightAmbition, fast action, directness.
- ReversedRecklessness, tactlessness, burnout.
- Queen of Swords
- UprightClear boundaries, honesty, independence.
- ReversedColdness, bitterness, harsh judgement.
- King of Swords
- UprightIntellect, authority, fair judgement.
- ReversedMisused power, manipulation, rigidity.
The Suit of Pentacles
- Ace of Pentacles
- UprightA new financial or practical opportunity.
- ReversedA missed chance, poor planning.
- Two of Pentacles
- UprightJuggling priorities, adaptability.
- ReversedOverwhelm, disorganisation.
- Three of Pentacles
- UprightTeamwork, skill, building something together.
- ReversedPoor collaboration, lack of effort.
- Four of Pentacles
- UprightSaving, security, holding on.
- ReversedGreed, or learning to loosen your grip.
- Five of Pentacles
- UprightHardship, insecurity, feeling left out in the cold.
- ReversedRecovery, help arriving.
- Six of Pentacles
- UprightGenerosity, giving and receiving, fairness.
- ReversedStrings attached, one-sided giving.
- Seven of Pentacles
- UprightPatience, long-term investment, assessment.
- ReversedImpatience, effort without reward.
- Eight of Pentacles
- UprightCraft, diligence, steady practice.
- ReversedPerfectionism, lack of focus.
- Nine of Pentacles
- UprightIndependence, comfort, self-reliance.
- ReversedOverwork, financial dependence.
- Ten of Pentacles
- UprightLegacy, family wealth, long-term security.
- ReversedFamily disputes, instability.
- Page of Pentacles
- UprightStudy, ambition, a practical new start.
- ReversedProcrastination, lack of progress.
- Knight of Pentacles
- UprightHard work, routine, reliability.
- ReversedBoredom, stubbornness, stagnation.
- Queen of Pentacles
- UprightNurturing, practical care, a warm home.
- ReversedSelf-neglect, work-home imbalance.
- King of Pentacles
- UprightAbundance, security, steady leadership.
- ReversedMaterialism, stubborn control.
What the numbers mean
Combine a number with its suit. The Five of Cups, for example, reads as emotional loss; the Ten of Pentacles as lasting material security.
- Ace: A seed or new opportunity in the suit's area.
- Two: Balance, partnership or a choice.
- Three: Growth, collaboration, first results.
- Four: Stability, rest, or holding on too tightly.
- Five: Conflict, loss or challenge.
- Six: Harmony restored, generosity, moving on.
- Seven: Assessment, perseverance, testing.
- Eight: Movement, effort, mastery or restriction.
- Nine: Near completion, resilience, fulfilment or worry.
- Ten: Completion of the cycle, its full weight or reward.
The court cards
Court cards can describe a person in your life, a side of yourself, or an approach the situation calls for.
- Page: A student or messenger: curiosity, news, beginnings.
- Knight: Action and pursuit, sometimes to an extreme.
- Queen: Mature, inward mastery of the suit; nurturing.
- King: Outward mastery of the suit; leadership and control.
About reversed cards
Some readers use reversals; many do not. When used, a reversed card usually suggests the energy is blocked, delayed, turned inward or overdone, rather than the simple opposite of the upright meaning.
Keep exploring
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