Tarot Cards
The Deck
Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards without suits.Cards from The Magician to The World are numbered in the numerals from I to XXI, while The Fool is the only unnumbered card, sometimes placed at the beginning of the deck as 0, or at the end as XXII.
Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits of 14 cards each; ten numbered cards and four court cards. The court cards are the King, Queen, Knight and Page/Jack, in each of the four tarot suits. The traditional tarot suits are swords, wands, coins and cups.Tarot Meanings
Major Arcana- The Magician: When the Magician appears in a spread, it points to the talents, capabilities and resources at the querent's disposal to succeed. The message is to tap into one's full potential rather than holding back, especially when there is a need to transform something.
Upright card: Determined, Resourceful, Strong powerful man, Dexterity, Skilled.
Reversed card: Deceit, Lack of energy, Communication blocks, Confusion, Ill intentions - The High Priestess: High Priestess is a card of mystery, stillness and passivity. This card suggests that it is time to retreat and reflect upon the situation and trust your inner instincts to guide you through it. Things around you are not what they appear to be right now.
Upright card: Spiritual insight, Hidden talents, Intuition, Things yet to be revealed, Mystery.
Reversed card: Secrets, Information withheld, Lack of personal harmony. - The Empress: The Empress is traditionally associated with maternal influence, it is the card if you are hoping to start a family. She can represent the creation of life, romance, art, or new business.
Upright card: Pregnancy, Nuturing, Abundance, Maternal care, A new opportunity, Stability.
Reversed card: Financial issues, Stagnation, Domestic problems, Unwanted pregnancy. - The Emperor: This card is suggestive of stability and security in life. You are on top of things and everything in under your control. It is your hard work, discipline and self control that have bought you this far. It means that you are in charge of your life now setting up your own rules and boundaries.
Upright card: Law and order, Power, Leadership, Father figure, Promotion, Authority.
Reversed card: Loss of authority, Immaturity, Control freak, Lack of discipline, Manipulative friends. - The Hierophant: Hierophant stands for tradition and convention. It can represent marriage in an arranged setup. It can also mean a teacher or counsellor who will help in learning / education of the querent.
Upright card: Seeking counsel or advice, Marriage, Tradition, Religion, Learning, Spiritual guidance, Education.
Reversed card: Breakdown, Rejection of family values, Abuse of position, Poor counsel. - The Lovers: The Lovers represent relationships and choices. Its appearance in a spread indicates some decision about an existing relationship, a temptation of the heart, or a choice of potential partners. Often an aspect of the querent's life will have to be sacrificed; a bachelor(ette)'s lifestyle may be sacrificed and a relationship gained (or vice versa), or one potential partner may be chosen while another is turned down. Whatever the choice, it should not be made lightly, as the ramifications will be lasting.
Upright card: Falling in love, Commitment, Choices, Being at a crossroads, Partnerships.
Reversed card: Separation, Infidelity, Relationship issues, Broken relationship. - The Chariot: The Chariot is a card about overcoming conflicts and moving forward in a positive direction. One needs to keep going on and through sheer hard work and commitment he will be victorious.
Upright card: Overcoming obstacles, Will power, Drive, A journey, Confidence, Ambition.
Reversed card: Scattered energy, Lack of direction, Self doubt. - Strength: Strength predicts the triumphant conclusion to a major life problem, situation or temptation through strength of character. It is a very happy card if you are fighting illness or recovering from injury.
Upright card: Virility, Inner strength, Potency, Vitality, Confidence, Self-belief, Enjoying power.
Reversed card: Hedonism, Self-doubt, Lacking courage, Lack of self-control, Vanity. - The Hermit: The Hermit suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention inwards and looking for answers within. You are in need of a period of inner reflection, away from the current demands of your position.
Upright card: Soul-searching, Introspection, Solitude, Withdrawn from society, Meditation, Self-reflection.
Reversed card: Misfit, Withdrawing from loved ones, Exile, Sadness, Loneliness. - Wheel of Fortune: A common aspect to most interpretations of this card within a reading is to introduce an element of change in the querent's life, such change being in station, position or fortune: such as the rich becoming poor, or the poor becoming rich.
Upright card: Changes, Opportunity, Luck, Destiny, Winning, Chance.
Reversed card: Mishap, Unforeseen setback, Bad luck, Misfortune, Disappointment. - Justice: The Justice card indicates that the fairest decision will be made. Justice is the sword that cuts through a situation, and will not be swayed by outer beauty when deciding what is fair and just.
Upright card: Fairness, Justice, Cause and effect, Balance and equilibrium, Responsibilty.
Reversed card: Lack of accountability, Unfair treatment, Dishonesty, Legal flaws, Imbalance. - The Hanged Man: The Hanged Man is the card that suggests ultimate surrender, sacrifice, or being suspended in time.
Upright card: Letting go, Breaking old patterns, Circumspection, Suspension, Metamorphosis.
Reversed card: Missing an opportunity, Inability to change, Egotism. - Death: Unlikely that this card actually represents a physical death. Typically it implies an end, possibly of a relationship or interest, and therefore implies an increased sense of self-awareness.
Upright card: Endings, Severe illness, Profound change, Letting go of attachments, Failure, Mortality.
Reversed card: Living unaware, Depression, Long terminal illness, Resistance to change, Delayed endings. - Temperance: This card indicates that you should learn to bring about balance, patience and moderation in your life. You should take the middle road, avoiding extremes and maintain a sense of calm.
Upright card: Connecting with your guides, Balance, Moderation, Harmony, Alchemy, Looking for divine intervention.
Reversed card: Disharmony, Imbalance, Onset of illness, Lack of patience. - The Devil: It represents being seduced by the material world and physical pleasures. Also living in fear, domination and bondage, being caged by an overabundance of luxury, discretion should be used in personal and business matters.
Upright card: Temptation, Unhealthy relationships, Enslavement, Materialism, Bondage, Fear, Feeling trapped.
Reversed card: Freedom from restraints, Breaking from addictions, Divorce. - The Tower: The Tower is commonly interpreted as meaning danger, crisis, destruction, and liberation. It is associated with sudden unforseen change.
Upright card: Unexpected change, Renovation, Catastrophe, Destruction, Accident or damage.
Reversed card: Obstacles, Volatile situation, Losses, Illness. - The Star: When the Star card appears, you are likely to find yourself feeling inspired. It brings renewed hope and faith and a sense that you are truly blessed by the universe at this time.
Upright card: Good health, Opportunities, Spirituality, Astronomy, Inspiration, Hope
Reversed card: Despair, Missed opportunities, Disappointments, Illness. - The Moon: The Moon is a card of illusion and deception, and therefore often suggests a time when something is not as it appears to be. Perhaps a misunderstanding on your part, or a truth you cannot admit to yourself.
Upright card: Difficult period, Insecurity, Mental confusion, Deception, Hidden things, Fear.
Reversed card: Unhappiness, Release of fear, Insomnia, Unusual dreams, Mysteries unveiled. - The Sun: The card portends good fortune, happiness, joy and harmony. It represents the universe coming together and agreeing with your path and aiding forward movement into something greater.
Upright card: Joy, Enlightment, Material happiness, Marriage, Success, Vitality.
Reversed card: False impressions, Lack of clarity, Low Vitality, Sadness. - Judgement: This card is referred to as a time of resurrection and awakening, a time when a period of our life comes to an absolute end making way for dynamic new beginnings.
Upright card: Decision making, Transition, Renewal, Redemption, Awakening, Reincarnation.
Reversed card: Stagnation, Self-doubt, Poor logic, Poor or hasty judgement. - The World: The World represents an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning with the fool. It is an indicator of a major and inexorable change, of tectonic breadth.
Upright card: Successful conclusions, Possibilities, Fulfillment, Achievement.
Reversed card: Delayed success, Lack of completion, Stagnation, Failed plans. - and The Fool: The Fool represents new beginnings, having faith in the future, being inexperienced, not knowing what to expect, having beginner's luck, improvisation and believing in the universe.
Upright card: Beginnings, Spontaneity, Originality, Innocence, Leap of faith.
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Reversed card: Naivety, Poor judgement, Folly, Lack of direction, Stupidity, Chaos
Minor Arcana Suits
SwordsThe Suit of Swords Tarot cards deal with the mental level of consciousness that is centered around the mind and the intellect. Swords mirror the quality of mind present in your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.
Ace of Swords:Upright: Raw power, victory, break-throughs, mental clarity.
Reversed: Confusion, chaos, lack of clarity.
Upright: Indecision, choices, truce, stalemate, blocked emotions.
Reversed: Indecision, confusion, information overload.
Upright: Painful separation, sorrow heartbreak, grief, rejection.
Reversed: Releasing pain, optimism, forgiveness.
Upright: Contemplation, recuperation, passivity, relaxation, rest.
Reversed: Restlessness, burn-out, lack of progress.
Upright: Conflict, tension, loss, defeat, win at all costs, betrayal.
Reversed: Open to change, past resentment.
Upright: Regretful but necessary transition, rite of passage.
Reversed: Cannot move on, carrying baggage.
Upright: Betrayal, deception, getting away with something, stealth.
Reversed: Mental challenges, breaking free.
Upright: Isolation, self-imposed restriction, imprisonment.
Reversed: Open to new perspectives, release.
Upright: Depression, nightmares, intense anxiety, despair.
Reversed: Hopelessness, severe depression, torment/
Upright: Back-stabbed, defeat, crisis, betrayal, endings, loss.
Reversed: Recovery, regeneration, fear of ruin, inevitable end.
Upright: Talkative, curious, mentally restless, energetic.
Reversed: All talk and no action, haste, undelivered promises.
Upright: Opinionated, hasty, action-oriented, communicative.
Reversed: Scattered thought, disregard for consequences.
Upright: Quick thinker, organised, perceptive, independent.
Reversed: Overly-emotional, bitchy, cold-hearted.
Upright: Clear thinking, intellectual power, authority, truth.
Reversed: Manipulative, tyrannical, abusive.
The Suit of Wands Tarot card meanings are associated with primal energy, spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion, original thought and the seeds through which life springs forth.
Ace of Wands:Upright: Inspiration, power, creation, beginnings, potential.
Reversed: Delays, lack of motivation, weighed down.
Upright: Future planning, progress, decisions, discovery.
Reversed: Fear of unknown, lack of planning.
Upright: Preparation, foresight, enterprise, expansion.
Reversed: Lack of foresight, delays, obstacles to long-term goals.
Upright: Celebration, harmony, marriage, home, community.
Reversed: Breakdown in communication, transition.
Upright: Disagreement, competition, strife, tension, conflict/
Reversed: Conflict avoidance, increased focus on goals.
Upright: Public recognition, victory, progress, self-confidence.
Reversed: Egotism, disrepute, lack of confidence, fall from grace.
Upright: Challenge, competition, perseverance.
Reversed: Giving up, overwhelmed, overly protective.
Upright: Speed, action, air travel, movement, swift change.
Reversed: Delays, frustration, holding off.
Upright: Courage, persistence, test of faith, resilience.
Reversed: On edge, defensive, hesitant, paranoia.
Upright: Burden, responsibility, hard work, stress, achievement.
Reversed: Taking on too much, avoiding responsibility.
Upright: Enthusiasm, exploration, discovery, free spirit.
Reversed: Setbacks to new ideas, pessimism, lack of direction.
Upright: Energy, passion, lust, action, adventure, impulsiveness.
Reversed: Haste, scattered energy, delays, frustration.
Upright: Exuberance, warmth, vibrancy, determination.
Reversed: Shrinking violet, aggressive, demanding.
Upright: Natural-born leader, vision, entrepreneur, honour.
Reversed: Impulsiveness, haste, ruthless, high expectations.
The Suit of Pentacles Tarot cards deal with the physical or external level of consciousness and thus mirror the outer situations of your health, finances, work, and creativity. They have to do with what we make of our outer surroundings – how we create it, shape it, transform it and grow it. On a more esoteric level, Pentacles are associated with the ego, self-esteem and self-image.
Ace of Coins:Upright: Manifestation, new financial opportunity, prosperity.
Reversed: Lost opportunity, lack of planning and foresight.
Upright: Balance, adaptability, time management, prioritisation.
Reversed: Disorganisation, financial disarray.
Upright: Teamwork, initial fulfilment, collaboration, learning.
Reversed: Lack of teamwork, disregard for skills.
Upright: Control, stability, security, possession, conservatism.
Reversed: Greed, materialism, self-protection.
Upright: Isolation, insecurity, worry, financial loss, poverty.
Reversed: Recovery from financial loss, spiritual poverty.
Upright: Generosity, charity, giving, prosperity, sharing wealth.
Reversed: Debt, selfishness, one-sided charity.
Upright: Vision, perseverance, profit, reward, investment.
Reversed: Lack of long-term vision, limited success or reward.
Upright: Apprenticeship, education, quality, engagement.
Reversed: Perfectionism, lacking ambition or focus.
Upright: Gratitude, luxury, self-sufficiency, culmination.
Reversed: Over-investment in work, financial setbacks.
Upright: Wealth, inheritance, family, establishment, retirement.
Reversed: Financial failure, loneliness, loss.
Upright: Manifestation, financial opportunity, new job.
Reversed: Lack of progress and planning, short-term focus.
Upright: Efficiency, routine, conservatism, methodical.
Reversed: Laziness, boredom, feeling ‘stuck’.
Upright: Practical, homely, motherly, down-to-earth, security.
Reversed: Imbalance in work/ family commitments.
Upright: Security, control, power, discipline, abundance. Reversed: Authoritative, domineering, controlling.
The Suit of Cups Tarot cards deal with the emotional level of consciousness and are associated with love, feelings, relationships and connections.
Ace of Cups:Upright: Love, compassion, creativity, overwhelming emotion.
Reversed: Blocked or repressed emotions.
Upright: Unified love, partnership, attraction, relationships.
Reversed: Break-up, imbalance in a relationship, lack of harmony.
Upright: Celebration, friendship, creativity, community.
Reversed: An affair, “three’s a crowd”, stifled creativity.
Upright: Meditation, contemplation, apathy, re-evaluation.
Reversed: Boredom, missed opportunity, being aloof.
Upright: Loss, regret, disappointment, despair, bereavement.
Reversed: Moving on, acceptance, forgiveness.
Upright: Reunion, nostalgia, childhood memories, innocence.
Reversed: Stuck in the past, naivety, unrealistic.
Upright: Fantasy, illusion, wishful thinking, choices, imagination.
Reversed: Temptation, illusion, diversionary tactics.
Upright: Escapism, disappointment, abandonment, withdrawal.
Reversed: Hopelessness, aimless drifting, walking away.
Upright: Wishes fulfilled, comfort, happiness, satisfaction.
Reversed: Greed, dissatisfaction, materialism.
Upright: Harmony, marriage, happiness, alignment.
Reversed: Misalignment of values, broken home or marriage.]
Upright: A messenger, creative beginnings, synchronicity.
Reversed: Emotional immaturity, creative block.
Upright: Romance, charm, ‘Knight in shining armour’, imagination.
Reversed: Unrealistic, jealousy, moodiness.
Upright: Emotional security, calm, intuitive, compassionate.
Reversed: Emotional insecurity, co-dependency.
Upright: Emotional balance and control, generosity.
Reversed: Emotional manipulation, moodiness, volatility.
Significance
Used initial as part of card games which expanded outside of the regular deck of playing cards, developed by seers as a means of divination inside of circles either magical or theatrical. There is presently no written amalgamation of information on the rules of tarot games, or the cards divinical meanings. As such the use of tarot as playing cards has fallen out of practice, reserved for fortune tellers and carnival folk who pass the rules on from one generation to the next, the general public prefering to stick with the more sophisticated card games - using normal decks and suits.
There are those who follow the use of tarot for divination, seeking out seers who perform the art of card reading. Foolish and superstitious individuals who pay good coin to have a glimpse into their future. While there is some debate in the Magic Circles about the legitimacy of tarot readings, there is no denying that certain aspects of the readings do hold grains of truth.
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