Tarot Card Meanings
Tarot card meanings for all 78 cards, in one list. Pick a card to see its picture, how it is read upright and reversed, and whether it is a yes or a no.
How many tarot cards are there?
A tarot deck has 78 cards. There are 22 major arcana cards, from The Fool to The World, and 56 minor arcana cards in four suits of 14: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each suit runs from the Ace to the Ten, followed by the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
The pictures here are from the 1909 Rider-Waite-Smith deck, drawn by Pamela Colman Smith. It is the deck most modern tarot is based on, and it is in the public domain. The meanings are the ones most readers share. Tarot is for reflection and fun: a card does not predict anything.
Major Arcana 22 cards
The 22 major arcana cards, numbered 0 to XXI, are the big themes of the deck: beginnings, change, endings and the turning points between them.
The FoolA fresh start and a leap of faith.
The MagicianYou have what you need. Use it.
The High PriestessTrust what you already sense.
The EmpressGrowth, comfort and plenty.
The EmperorStructure, order and a steady hand.
The HierophantTradition, teachers and shared rules.
The LoversA real connection, and a choice.
The ChariotWillpower carries you forward.
StrengthQuiet courage and patience.
The HermitStep back and look inward.
Wheel of FortuneThings are turning. Luck shifts.
JusticeFairness, truth and consequences.
The Hanged ManPause, and see it another way.
DeathAn ending that clears the ground.
TemperanceBalance, and the right mix.
The DevilA habit or tie that holds you.
The TowerA sudden shake-up.
The StarHope and calm after the storm.
The MoonNot everything is clear yet.
The SunJoy, warmth and success.
JudgementA wake-up call and a second chance.
The WorldCompletion. A full circle.Wands 14 cards
Wands are the suit of fire: energy, ambition, work you care about and the drive to get things moving.
Ace of WandsA spark of new energy.
Two of WandsPlanning the next move.
Three of WandsLooking ahead as plans take off.
Four of WandsCelebration and a happy home.
Five of WandsFriction and competing voices.
Six of WandsRecognition and a win.
Seven of WandsStanding your ground.
Eight of WandsFast movement and news.
Nine of WandsTired, but still standing.
Ten of WandsCarrying too much.
Page of WandsCuriosity and a new idea.
Knight of WandsBold action, maybe hasty.
Queen of WandsWarmth and confidence.
King of WandsVision and leadership.Cups 14 cards
Cups are the suit of water: feelings, love, friendship and intuition.
Ace of CupsA new feeling begins.
Two of CupsPartnership and mutual care.
Three of CupsFriends and celebration.
Four of CupsBoredom, and a missed offer.
Five of CupsLoss, but not everything is gone.
Six of CupsNostalgia and kindness.
Seven of CupsMany options, some illusions.
Eight of CupsWalking away to find more.
Nine of CupsA wish fulfilled.
Ten of CupsHappiness at home.
Page of CupsA sweet surprise or message.
Knight of CupsA romantic offer arrives.
Queen of CupsCompassion and intuition.
King of CupsCalm, steady feelings.Swords 14 cards
Swords are the suit of air: thought, truth, words and conflict.
Ace of SwordsClarity and a clean cut.
Two of SwordsA stalemate and a hard choice.
Three of SwordsHeartache and hard truths.
Four of SwordsRest and recovery.
Five of SwordsA win that costs too much.
Six of SwordsMoving on to calmer water.
Seven of SwordsStrategy, or something sneaky.
Eight of SwordsFeeling stuck. Often by thoughts.
Nine of SwordsWorry and sleepless nights.
Ten of SwordsA painful ending. The worst has passed.
Page of SwordsAlert, curious and watchful.
Knight of SwordsCharging ahead at full speed.
Queen of SwordsClear sight and honest words.
King of SwordsAuthority of the mind.Pentacles 14 cards
Pentacles are the suit of earth: money, work, home, health and the things you can touch.
Ace of PentaclesA new chance to build something.
Two of PentaclesJuggling priorities.
Three of PentaclesTeamwork and skilled work.
Four of PentaclesHolding on tightly.
Five of PentaclesHard times and feeling left out.
Six of PentaclesGiving and receiving.
Seven of PentaclesPatience while things grow.
Eight of PentaclesSteady practice and craft.
Nine of PentaclesComfort you have earned.
Ten of PentaclesLasting security and family.
Page of PentaclesEager to learn and build.
Knight of PentaclesSlow, reliable progress.
Queen of PentaclesCare, comfort and practicality.
King of PentaclesSuccess and abundance.Draw a card yourself
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