Tarot Cards Meaning
the Complete Guide

Tarot cards are a deck of cards traditionally used for divination and gaining insight into one’s life. Each deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards depict archetypal figures and represent significant life events and spiritual lessons. The Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) and convey everyday aspects of life. Tarot readings involve drawing and interpreting these cards to explore personal situations, emotions, relationships, and potential outcomes. The symbolism and imagery on the cards provide a framework for intuitive interpretation, allowing individuals to gain deeper understanding and guidance. While tarot cards can offer valuable insights, it’s important to approach them with an open mind and recognize that their interpretations are subjective and open to personal interpretation.

where does tarot cards come from

The origins of tarot cards are somewhat mysterious and debated among scholars. Tarot cards are believed to have emerged in Europe during the late 14th or early 15th century, initially as playing cards for various card games. The specific origins and influences that contributed to their development remain unclear. Some theories suggest connections to ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, or mystical traditions, while others point to influences from Italian and French cultures. Tarot cards gained prominence in the 18th century as tools for divination and esoteric practices. Over time, various occultists, philosophers, and mystics have contributed to the development and interpretation of tarot symbolism and meanings. Today, tarot cards are widely used around the world for personal reflection, spiritual exploration, and guidance-seeking purposes.

The deck of tarot cards holds a rich tapestry of symbolism and meaning. Comprising 78 cards, the deck is divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing a significant archetype or life lesson. These cards delve into profound themes such as love, growth, transformation, and spiritual awakening. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, consists of 56 cards grouped into four suits—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles—each associated with specific aspects of life, such as creativity, emotions, intellect, and material matters. The numerical value and imagery of each card provide further layers of interpretation. Whether exploring the depths of the Major Arcana or navigating the everyday aspects of the Minor Arcana, the tarot deck invites individuals to engage with its intricate symbolism and seek personal insights and guidance. It serves as a mirror for self-reflection, a tool for exploration, and a catalyst for intuitive wisdom.

The Major Arcana in tarot cards holds profound and significant meanings. Comprised of 22 cards, each one represents a powerful archetype or life lesson. These cards delve into the depths of human experience and offer insights into universal themes and spiritual growth. Each Major Arcana card carries its own unique symbolism and interpretation. From the Fool’s journey of new beginnings to the World’s completion and fulfillment, these cards depict the stages and challenges of life’s journey. The Major Arcana cards address important aspects of self-discovery, personal transformation, and the exploration of higher consciousness. They serve as guides, offering wisdom, lessons, and reflections on the human condition. Whether exploring the depths of the mysterious High Priestess or contemplating the transformative energy of Death, the Major Arcana Tarot cards provide a profound framework for introspection, understanding, and spiritual exploration.

Here are the 22 Major Arcana cards and their short meanings:

1. The Fool – New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity.
2. The Magician – Manifestation, personal power, creativity.
3. The High Priestess – Intuition, mystery, hidden knowledge.
4. The Empress – Nurturing, abundance, fertility.
5. The Emperor – Authority, structure, leadership.
6. The Hierophant – Tradition, spirituality, guidance.
7. The Lovers – Love, partnership, choices.
8. The Chariot – Determination, willpower, overcoming obstacles.
9. Strength – Inner strength, courage, resilience.
10. The Hermit – Soul-searching, introspection, solitude.
11. Wheel of Fortune – Destiny, cycles, change.
12. Justice – Fairness, balance, karmic consequences.
13. The Hanged Man – Surrender, letting go, new perspectives.
14. Death – Transformation, endings, rebirth.
15. Temperance – Balance, moderation, harmony.
16. The Devil – Temptation, bondage, materialism.
17. The Tower – Sudden change, upheaval, liberation.
18. The Star – Hope, inspiration, healing.
19. The Moon – Intuition, subconscious, illusions.
20. The Sun – Joy, vitality, success.
21. Judgment – Rebirth, awakening, self-reflection.
22. The World – Completion, fulfillment, wholeness.

These brief descriptions provide a glimpse into the core themes and energies associated with each Major Arcana card. However, it’s important to note that each card holds layers of symbolism and can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context of a reading.

The Minor Arcana in tarot cards consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. These cards represent the everyday aspects of life and address specific areas of human experience. The Wands suit embodies creativity, passion, and inspiration, reflecting the realms of action and ambition. The Cups suit delves into emotions, relationships, and the realm of the heart, offering insights into love, compassion, and intuition. The Swords suit encompasses the intellect, thoughts, and communication, shedding light on clarity, conflict, and decision-making. Lastly, the Pentacles suit focuses on material matters, abundance, and practicality, offering guidance on finances, work, and physical well-being. Each suit contains ten numbered cards representing various stages and energies, as well as four court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King—depicting different personality types or aspects. The Minor Arcana cards provide detailed snapshots of daily life, allowing for nuanced interpretations and practical guidance within specific areas of one’s existence.

the suite of Wands

1. Ace of Wands – New beginnings, inspiration, creative potential.
2. Two of Wands – Planning, making decisions, future possibilities.
3. Three of Wands – Expansion, progress, exploration.
4. Four of Wands – Celebration, harmony, happy home.
5. Five of Wands – Competition, conflicts, challenges.
6. Six of Wands – Victory, recognition, public acclaim.
7. Seven of Wands – Courage, standing up for oneself, resilience.
8. Eight of Wands – Swiftness, fast-paced changes, progress.
9. Nine of Wands – Perseverance, resilience, inner strength.
10. Ten of Wands – Burden, responsibility, feeling overwhelmed.
11. Page of Wands – Enthusiasm, exploration, new opportunities.
12. Knight of Wands – Energy, ambition, taking action.
13. Queen of Wands – Confidence, leadership, creativity.
14. King of Wands – Charisma, authority, vision.

the suite of swords

1. Ace of Swords – Mental clarity, breakthroughs, new ideas.
2. Two of Swords – Indecision, stalemate, difficult choices.
3. Three of Swords – Heartbreak, sorrow, emotional pain.
4. Four of Swords – Rest, recuperation, contemplation.
5. Five of Swords – Conflict, loss, feeling defeated.
6. Six of Swords – Transition, moving on, finding solace.
7. Seven of Swords – Deception, trickery, stealth.
8. Eight of Swords – Restriction, feeling trapped, self-imposed limits.
9. Nine of Swords – Anxiety, worry, nightmares.
10. Ten of Swords – Endings, betrayal, rock bottom.
11. Page of Swords – Curiosity, intellect, new perspectives.
12. Knight of Swords – Ambition, assertiveness, swift action.
13. Queen of Swords – Clarity, independence, discernment.
14. King of Swords – Intellectual power, authority, logical thinking.

the suite of cups

1. Ace of Cups – New emotional beginnings, love, and deep emotional connection.
2. Two of Cups – Union, partnership, harmony in relationships.
3. Three of Cups – Celebration, joy, and friendship.
4. Four of Cups – Contemplation, introspection, and emotional apathy.
5. Five of Cups – Loss, grief, and disappointment.
6. Six of Cups – Nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocence.
7. Seven of Cups – Choices, illusions, and daydreaming.
8. Eight of Cups – Walking away, searching for deeper meaning, and personal growth.
9. Nine of Cups – Contentment, emotional satisfaction, and wishes fulfilled.
10. Ten of Cups – Emotional fulfillment, happiness, and harmonious family life.
11. Page of Cups – Creativity, intuition, and emotional exploration.
12. Knight of Cups – Romantic, imaginative, and idealistic energy.
13. Queen of Cups – Compassion, emotional nurturing, and empathy.
14. King of Cups – Emotional balance, wisdom, and emotional intelligence.

the suite of pentacles

1. Ace of Pentacles – New opportunities, prosperity, material beginnings.
2. Two of Pentacles – Balance, juggling priorities, adaptability.
3. Three of Pentacles – Collaboration, teamwork, mastery of a skill.
4. Four of Pentacles – Stability, possessiveness, financial security.
5. Five of Pentacles – Hardship, financial struggle, feeling excluded.
6. Six of Pentacles – Generosity, giving and receiving, charity.
7. Seven of Pentacles – Patience, investment, waiting for results.
8. Eight of Pentacles – Diligence, craftsmanship, skill development.
9. Nine of Pentacles – Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency.
10. Ten of Pentacles – Wealth, family legacy, long-term success.
11. Page of Pentacles – Ambition, practicality, new beginnings.
12. Knight of Pentacles – Responsibility, dedication, hard work.
13. Queen of Pentacles – Nurturing, practicality, abundance.
14. King of Pentacles – Financial stability, mastery, leadership.

Reading the meaning of tarot cards involves a combination of intuition, knowledge of symbolism, and personal interpretation. To read the meaning of tarot cards effectively, it’s important to develop a deep understanding of the individual cards, their symbolism, and the overall structure of the tarot deck. This can be achieved through study, practice, and exploration of different interpretations. When conducting a reading, it’s crucial to create a calm and focused environment, allowing your intuition to guide you as you select and interpret the cards. Each card’s imagery, numerology, suit, and position within the spread provide valuable clues to their meaning. It’s also helpful to connect with your own intuition and the energy of the person receiving the reading. While there are established traditional meanings for each card, it’s essential to trust your intuition and adapt the interpretations to the specific context and individual circumstances. Ultimately, reading tarot cards is a personal and intuitive process that combines knowledge, intuition, and empathy to provide meaningful insights and guidance.

example of tarot spread

An example of a tarot spread is the classic three-card spread. In this simple yet versatile spread, three cards are drawn and arranged in a horizontal line, each card representing a specific aspect or question. The first card typically represents the past, providing insights into past influences or events that have shaped the current situation. The second card represents the present, offering a snapshot of the current circumstances and energies at play. The third card represents the future or potential outcomes, giving a glimpse into what may unfold based on the current trajectory. This spread provides a concise overview of a situation, allowing for a focused and insightful reading. However, there are numerous other tarot spreads with different arrangements and purposes, ranging from single-card draws to more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross. The choice of spread depends on the specific questions or areas of exploration, providing a framework for the reader to delve deeper into the meanings and connections between the cards.

Creating a tarot spread involves a creative and intuitive process. Here are some steps to make your own tarot spread:

• Determine the purpose or theme of the reading.
• Identify the specific questions or areas you want to explore.
• Decide on the number of cards you want to use in the spread.
• Choose the arrangement or layout of the cards.
• Consider the positions of the cards and their relationship to the overall theme or question.
• Trust your intuition to assign meanings to each position.
• Use traditional associations or develop your own symbolism.
• Be open to flexibility and adaptability during the reading.
• Experiment with different spreads, modify existing ones, and personalize them based on your intentions and the querent’s needs.

By following these steps and embracing your intuitive guidance, you can create unique and meaningful tarot spreads that cater to your specific inquiries and provide insightful readings.