The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings

Tarot cards have been used for centuries to gain insight and guidance into life's biggest questions. Whether you are just starting your journey into the world of tarot or are a seasoned reader, understanding the meanings behind each card is crucial for a successful and accurate reading. 

Let me share some tips for learning how to read tarot cards and their meanings.

What is Tarot?

Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards to gain insights into the past, present, and future. Each card in the deck has its own unique meaning, and the cards are often arranged in a spread or pattern to provide a more in-depth interpretation. The most popular tarot deck today is Rider-Waite but there has been thousands of different decks out there over the years.

Tarot can be used for self-discovery, decision-making, problem-solving, and spiritual growth, among other purposes. 

By connecting with their intuition and inner wisdom, tarot readers can gain valuable insights and guidance on various aspects of their life. Some Readers choose to read reversed cards or "reversals" and choose not to. It depends on the reader.

The Traditional Tarot deck Rider-Waite and decks based off this groups the cards into 2 sets. The Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana is made up of 22 cards and is the most important cards in the deck.

The Minor Arcana has 4 Suits of cards and each suit has its own theme and goes from 1 to 10 plus a page, knight, queen and king. So each suit has 14 cards total. 

 

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana is made up of 22 cards that represent the major themes and events in our lives. These cards are often interpreted as archetypes and can symbolize aspects of the self, relationships, and life path.

The Fool

The Fool card symbolizes new beginnings, taking risks, and embracing the unknown. This card can indicate that it is time to let go of old patterns and embrace a new path in life.

The Magician

The Magician card represents creativity, manifestation, and the ability to harness the power of the universe. This card can indicate that you have the power to bring your desires into reality through focused effort and intention.

The High Priestess

The High Priestess card represents intuition, mystery, and hidden knowledge. This card can indicate that it is time to trust your gut instincts and tap into your inner wisdom.

The Empress

The Empress card represents nurturing, abundance, and fertility. This card can indicate that you are in a period of growth and manifestation, and that it is important to take care of yourself and your needs.

The Emperor

The Emperor card represents authority, structure, and stability. This card can indicate that it is time to take control and create a strong foundation for your future.

card represents temptation, materialism, and the limitations of the physical world. This card can indicate that you are being held back by material desires and that it is time to break free from these shackles.

The Tower

The Tower card represents sudden change, upheaval, and chaos. This card can indicate that you are in a period of change and transformation, and that you should brace yourself for the unexpected.

The Star

The Star card represents hope, inspiration, and the power of the universe. This card can indicate that you are in a period of new beginnings, and that it is important to trust in your own abilities and the power of the universe.

The Moon

The Moon card represents subconscious fears, confusion, and illusions. This card can indicate that you are being misled by your own fears and illusions, and that it is time to face these challenges head-on.

The Sun

The Sun card represents joy, success, and fulfillment. This card can indicate that you are in a period of growth and success, and that it is important to celebrate your achievements and bask in the light of your own success.

The Judgement

The Judgement card represents self-reflection, accountability, and the power of judgement. This card can indicate that it is time to take responsibility for your own actions and make decisions that align with your values.

The World

The World card represents completion, fulfillment, and the cycle of life. This card can indicate that you have reached a point of completion and that it is time to celebrate your achievements and move on to new beginnings.

The Hierophant

The Hierophant card represents spirituality, tradition, and guidance. This card can indicate that it is time to connect with your spiritual beliefs and seek guidance from a higher power.

The Lovers

The Lovers card represents love, relationships, and the balance between the physical and spiritual world. This card can indicate that it is time to make a significant commitment, either to yourself or to another person.

The Chariot

The Chariot card represents determination, action, and overcoming obstacles. This card can indicate that you have the power to push through challenges and achieve your goals.

The Strength

The Strength card represents courage, inner strength, and the power of the heart. This card can indicate that you have the ability to overcome difficulties and find peace within yourself.

The Hermit

The Hermit card represents introspection, solitude, and the search for meaning. This card can indicate that it is time to withdraw from the world and focus on your inner self.

The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune card represents the cycles of life and the idea that everything is constantly changing. This card can indicate that you are in a period of change and transformation, and that you should embrace this natural flow.

The Justice

The Justice card represents fairness, balance, and the consequences of our actions. This card can indicate that it is time to take responsibility for your choices and make decisions that align with your values.

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man card represents sacrifice, patience, and letting go. This card can indicate that it is time to surrender control and let go of old patterns.

The Death

The Death card represents endings, transformation, and rebirth. This card can indicate that it is time to let go of the old and embrace new beginnings.

The Temperance

The Temperance card represents balance, moderation, and harmony. This card can indicate that it is time to find balance in your life and bring different aspects into harmony.

The Devil

The Devil card represents temptation, materialism, and the limitations of the physical world. This card can indicate that you are being held back by material desires and that it is time to break free from these shackles.

The Tower

The Tower card represents sudden change, upheaval, and chaos. This card can indicate that you are in a period of change and transformation, and that you should brace yourself for the unexpected.

The Star

The Star card represents hope, inspiration, and the power of the universe. This card can indicate that you are in a period of new beginnings, and that it is important to trust in your own abilities and the power of the universe.

The Moon

The Moon card represents subconscious fears, confusion, and illusions. This card can indicate that you are being misled by your own fears and illusions, and that it is time to face these challenges head-on.

The Sun

The Sun card represents joy, success, and fulfillment. This card can indicate that you are in a period of growth and success, and that it is important to celebrate your achievements and bask in the light of your own success.

The Judgement

The Judgement card represents self-reflection, accountability, and the power of judgement. This card can indicate that it is time to take responsibility for your own actions and make decisions that align with your values.

The World

The World card represents completion, fulfilment, and the cycle of life. This card can indicate that you have reached a point of completion and that it is time to celebrate your achievements and move on to new beginnings.

 

The Minor Arcana

The Cups suit: Exploring emotions, relationships, and intuition

The Cups suit of the tarot represents emotions, relationships, and intuition. It is associated with the element of water and is often considered the most intuitive and feeling-based suit in the deck.

The Cups cards are considered the "heart" of the tarot, symbolizing our deepest desires, passions, and emotional states. The following are the cards in the Cups suit, along with their general meanings:

1. The Ace of Cups: New beginnings, emotional fulfillment, and love.
2. The Two of Cups: A harmonious relationship, balance, and partnership.
3. The Three of Cups: Celebration, joy, and fulfillment in relationships.
4. The Four of Cups: Emotional detachment, boredom, and a search for fulfillment.
5. The Five of Cups: Loss, disappointment, and grief.
6. The Six of Cups: Nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocence.
7. The Seven of Cups: Too many choices, indecision, and illusion.
8. The Eight of Cups: Moving on, searching for fulfillment, and leaving behind what no longer serves.
9. The Nine of Cups: Happiness, contentment, and satisfaction.
10. The Ten of Cups: A harmonious family life, love, and emotional fulfillment.
11. The Page of Cups: Creativity, imagination, and emotional sensitivity.
12. The Knight of Cups: Romance, creative expression, and following one's heart.
13. The Queen of Cups: Emotional intelligence, compassion, and nurturing.
14. The King of Cups: Emotional stability, mastery over one's feelings, and leadership in relationships.

The Wands suit: Creating Inspiration, creativity, and communication

The Wands suit of the tarot represents inspiration, creativity, and communication. It is associated with the element of fire and is often considered the most energetic and enthusiastic suit in the deck.

The Wands cards symbolize our drive, passion, and motivation. They reflect our inner fire and inspire us to take action and make things happen. The following are the cards in the Wands suit, along with their general meanings:

1. The Ace of Wands: New beginnings, creativity, and excitement.
2. The Two of Wands: Planning, exploration, and adventure.
3. The Three of Wands: Expansion, growth, and exploring new opportunities.
4. The Four of Wands: Celebrations, achievements, and stability.
5. The Five of Wands: Competition, conflict, and challenges.
6. The Six of Wands: Success, recognition, and triumph.
7. The Seven of Wands: Standing up for oneself, fighting for one's beliefs, and perseverance.
8. The Eight of Wands: Swift action, rapid progress, and movement forward.
9. The Nine of Wands: Strength, resilience, and determination.
10. The Ten of Wands: Overburden, responsibilities, and a need for rest.
11. The Page of Wands: Enthusiasm, courage, and a thirst for adventure.
12. The Knight of Wands: Action, passion, and courage.
13. The Queen of Wands: Confidence, creativity, and leadership.
14. The King of Wands: Entrepreneurship, leadership, and a strong sense of self.

The Pentacles suit: Focusing on material and financial matters

The Pentacles suit of the tarot represents material and financial matters, stability, and practicality. It is associated with the element of earth and is often considered the most grounded and practical suit in the deck.

The Pentacles cards reflect our relationship with money, work, and our physical resources. They encourage us to focus on stability, security, and practicality in our lives. The following are the cards in the Pentacles suit, along with their general meanings:

1. The Ace of Pentacles: New opportunities, financial gain, and material abundance.
2. The Two of Pentacles: Balancing responsibilities, finding stability, and managing resources.
3. The Three of Pentacles: Collaboration, teamwork, and recognition for one's skills.
4. The Four of Pentacles: Possessiveness, hoarding, and a need for security.
5. The Five of Pentacles: Financial difficulties, poverty, and a lack of security.
6. The Six of Pentacles: Sharing resources, generosity, and giving back.
7. The Seven of Pentacles: Hard work, patience, and reaping the rewards of one's efforts.
8. The Eight of Pentacles: Skill development, mastering a craft, and focused hard work.
9. The Nine of Pentacles: Financial stability, independence, and self-sufficiency.
10. The Ten of Pentacles: Legacy, family, and long-term stability.
11. The Page of Pentacles: Studiousness, focus, and a love for learning.
12. The Knight of Pentacles: Practicality, determination, and persistence in pursuing one's goals.
13. The Queen of Pentacles: Nurturance, abundance, and a love for comfort and luxury.
14. The King of Pentacles: Financial stability, practicality, and leadership in financial matters.

The Swords suit: Examining thoughts, actions, and decision-making

The Swords suit of the tarot represents thoughts, actions, and decision-making. It is associated with the element of air and is often considered the most rational and analytical suit in the deck.

The Swords cards symbolize our intellect, our ability to think critically, and make decisions. They reflect our thoughts and mental processes, and challenge us to think deeply about our lives and the world around us. The following are the cards in the Swords suit, along with their general meanings:

1. The Ace of Swords: New beginnings, clarity, and mental strength.
2. The Two of Swords: Indecision, conflict, and a need for balance.
3. The Three of Swords: Heartbreak, loss, and emotional pain.
4. The Four of Swords: Rest, recovery, and contemplation.
5. The Five of Swords: Defeat, loss, and surrender.
6. The Six of Swords: Transition, moving forward, and healing.
7. The Seven of Swords: Deception, treachery, and cunning.
8. The Eight of Swords: Restriction, isolation, and feeling trapped.
9. The Nine of Swords: Fear, anxiety, and nightmares.
10. The Ten of Swords: Finality, ending, and extreme pain.
11. The Page of Swords: Curiosity, communication, and a desire for knowledge.
12. The Knight of Swords: Action, truth, and bravery.
13. The Queen of Swords: Intelligence, clarity, and independent thinking.
14. The King of Swords: Justice, power, and mastery over one's thoughts and emotions.

Interpreting Tarot Card Meanings

Interpreting tarot card meanings is both an art and a science, and requires a deep understanding of the symbolism and cultural context behind each card. While some card meanings are straightforward and easily understood, others may be open to interpretation based on the individual reader's own experiences and insights.

One of the most important factors to consider when interpreting tarot card meanings is the context of the reading. This means taking into account not just the individual card, but also the position of the card in the spread, the surrounding cards, and any other elements that may be present in the reading.

Another important factor to consider is the question or intention behind the reading. This means that the same card can have different interpretations depending on what the person is seeking to gain from the reading. For example, the same card may represent a positive outcome in one reading, but a negative outcome in another, depending on the context and intention behind the reading.

In addition to the context and intention of the reading, the interpretation of tarot card meanings is also influenced by the reader's own experiences, intuition, and knowledge of the tarot. It is important for readers to develop their own unique understanding of each card, and to continuously learn and grow their knowledge of the tarot.

Tarot Card Spreads

In addition to understanding the individual card meanings, it is also important to understand the different tarot card spreads that can be used for readings.

The Three-Card Spread

The Three-Card Spread is a simple and straightforward spread that can be used for a quick and easy reading. This spread involves laying out three cards, with each card representing the past, present, and future.

The Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross Spread is a more complex spread that involves laying out ten cards in a cross-like formation. This spread can provide a comprehensive overview of your life, covering topics such as relationships, career, and spiritual path.

The Past-Present-Future Spread

The Past-Present-Future Spread is a simple spread that involves laying out three cards, with each card representing the past, present, and future. This spread can provide a quick and easy reading on specific aspects of your life.

The Relationship Spread

The Relationship Spread is a spread that specifically focuses on relationships, both romantic and otherwise. This spread involves laying out seven cards, with each card representing different aspects of the relationship, such as communication, trust, and emotional connection.

In conclusion, understanding the meaning behind each tarot card, as well as the different spreads that can be used for readings, is crucial for a successful and accurate tarot reading. Whether you are just starting your journey into the world of tarot or are a seasoned reader, it is important to continue learning and growing your knowledge of the tarot.

Tips for a Successful Tarot Reading

Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful and accurate tarot reading:

1. Set your intention: Before beginning a tarot reading, it is important to set a clear intention for what you hope to gain from the reading. This can help you to focus your energy and attention, and ensure that you receive the most relevant and helpful information.

2. Focus your mind: Tarot readings require a clear and focused mind, so it is important to take some time to quiet your thoughts and center yourself before beginning the reading. This can help you to receive the most accurate and helpful information.

3. Trust your intuition: Tarot readings rely heavily on intuition and inner wisdom, so it is important to trust your instincts when interpreting the cards. If a particular card seems to have a different meaning for you than what is commonly accepted, trust your own interpretation.

4. Be open-minded: Tarot readings can often reveal unexpected insights and information, so it is important to be open-minded and willing to receive information that may challenge your beliefs or assumptions.

5. Keep a journal: Keeping a journal of your tarot readings can help you to track your progress, reflect on your insights, and build your knowledge of the tarot.

Enjoy Your Journey into Tarot 

Tarot is a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual development. Whether you are just beginning your journey into the world of tarot or are a seasoned reader, it is important to continuously learn and grow your knowledge of the tarot. With time, practice, and a deep understanding of the tarot, you can unlock the full potential of this amazing tool and gain valuable insights into your life and the world around you.

Read more tarot tips in my free spiritual training and psychic training blog which shares tips and tricks here!