Complete Guide to Tarot Card Meanings

A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). Each card carries unique symbolism and meaning, contributing to the rich tapestry of tarot interpretation.

The Major Arcana cards represent significant life themes, spiritual lessons, and archetypal experiences. These cards carry more weight in readings and often point to important developments or karmic influences. The Minor Arcana cards reflect day-to-day events, temporary influences, and practical matters, providing detail and context to Major Arcana themes.

The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: Wands (representing creativity, passion, and action), Cups (emotions, relationships, and intuition), Swords (intellect, conflict, and communication), and Pentacles (material world, work, and finances). Each suit contains 14 cards: Ace through Ten, plus four Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).

The Major Arcana begins with The Fool (0), symbolizing new beginnings, innocence, and spontaneous leaps of faith. The Fool represents the start of a journey, embracing the unknown with trust and optimism. This card encourages taking risks and approaching life with an open heart and mind.

The Magician (I) manifests willpower, resourcefulness, and the ability to transform ideas into reality. This card reminds us that we possess the tools and power to shape our destinies. The High Priestess (II) represents intuition, mystery, and inner knowledge, urging us to trust our instincts and explore hidden truths.

The Empress (III) embodies fertility, abundance, and nurturing energy, symbolizing creativity in all forms. The Emperor (IV) represents structure, authority, and stability, providing the foundation upon which to build. The Hierophant (V) signifies tradition, spiritual wisdom, and conventional learning.

The Lovers (VI) speaks to choices, relationships, and harmony of values. The Chariot (VII) represents willpower, determination, and moving forward through focus. Strength (VIII) reminds us of inner courage, patience, and compassion rather than force. The Hermit (IX) signifies introspection, inner guidance, and the search for truth.

Wheel of Fortune (X) represents cycles, destiny, and turning points. Justice (XI) embodies fairness, truth, and cause and effect. The Hanged Man (XII) speaks to surrender, new perspectives, and sacrifice for greater understanding.

Death (XIII) symbolizes transformation, endings, and rebirth—not physical death but profound change. Temperance (XIV) represents balance, moderation, and patience. The Devil (XV) signifies attachment, materialism, and shadow work. The Tower (XVI) brings sudden change, revelation, and the collapse of false structures.

The Star (XVII) offers hope, inspiration, and renewal after difficulty. The Moon (XVIII) represents illusion, intuition, and the unconscious mind. The Sun (XIX) brings joy, success, and clarity. Judgment (XX) signifies awakening, rebirth, and inner calling. Finally, The World (XXI) represents completion, accomplishment, and wholeness.

The suit of Wands corresponds to the element of Fire, representing passion, creativity, inspiration, and action. Wands cards address our spiritual energy, ambitions, and the drive to pursue our goals. They reflect how we express ourselves and take initiative in the world.

Ace of Wands symbolizes new creative beginnings and spark of inspiration. The Two through Ten of Wands explore themes of personal power, planning, collaboration, conflict, triumph, and responsibility. For example, the Six of Wands represents victory and recognition, while the Nine of Wands speaks to resilience and persistence despite challenges.

The Court Cards of Wands represent different expressions of creative fire energy. The Page of Wands embodies enthusiastic exploration and new ideas. The Knight of Wands represents action, adventure, and impulsiveness. The Queen of Wands expresses confidence, warmth, and leadership. The King of Wands signifies visionary leadership and creative mastery.

The suit of Cups corresponds to the element of Water, representing emotions, relationships, intuition, and the subconscious. Cups cards explore our feelings, connections with others, and emotional responses to life events. They reveal the state of our hearts and our capacity for love and empathy.

Ace of Cups represents new emotional beginnings and overflowing love. The Cups suit takes us through emotional journeys—from the connection and harmony of the Two and Three, to disappointment and withdrawal in the Five, to emotional fulfillment in the Ten. The Six of Cups speaks to nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocent love.

The Court Cards of Cups represent emotional maturity and relationship approaches. The Page of Cups signifies creative intuition and emotional messages. The Knight of Cups represents romantic quests following the heart. The Queen of Cups embodies compassion, emotional depth, and intuition. The King of Cups signifies emotional balance and wise diplomacy.

The suit of Swords corresponds to the element of Air, representing intellect, communication, conflict, and decision-making. Swords cards explore mental clarity, truth, challenges, and the power of thought. They reveal how we process information, communicate, and navigate difficulties through reason.

Ace of Swords symbolizes mental clarity and breakthrough ideas. The Swords suit often presents challenges—the Three represents heartbreak, the Five signifies betrayal or defeat, the Ten symbolizes painful endings. However, these cards also offer wisdom and growth through difficulties. The Six of Swords represents transition toward calmer waters.

The Court Cards of Swords represent different approaches to intellect and communication. The Page of Swords embodies curiosity and mental vigilance. The Knight of Swords represents ambitious action and quick thinking. The Queen of Swords signifies direct communication and independent judgment. The King of Swords embodies intellectual authority and fair decision-making.

The suit of Pentacles corresponds to the element of Earth, representing material concerns, work, finances, health, and physical reality. Pentacles cards explore our relationship with the material world, including money, career, home, and physical well-being.

Ace of Pentacles symbolizes new financial or career opportunities. The Pentacles suit examines practical matters—skill development in the Three, generosity in the Six, hard work in the Eight, and completion and reward in the Ten. The Four of Pentacles warns against hoarding or fear of loss, while the Nine of Pentacles represents abundance and self-sufficiency.

The Court Cards of Pentacles represent different relationships with material resources. The Page of Pentacles signifies practical learning and new financial ventures. The Knight of Pentacles represents methodical progress and reliability. The Queen of Pentacles embodies nurturing abundance and practical care. The King of Pentacles signifies material mastery and prosperity.

Understanding individual card meanings is just the beginning. In actual readings, cards interact with each other, their positions within spreads, and the specific question or situation. A card's meaning can shift depending on surrounding cards, the question asked, and the reader's intuition.

When learning tarot, practice with simple spreads first, like the Three Card spread for past, present, and future. Pay attention to how card meanings relate to your question. Notice patterns—multiple cards from the same suit might emphasize that suit's energy, while many Major Arcana cards suggest significant life themes at play.

Remember that tarot is ultimately a tool for introspection and guidance. While card meanings provide a foundation, your intuition and personal connection to the cards deepen your readings over time. Our AI tarot reader can help you explore card meanings and their relevance to your specific questions.