Tarot isn’t just a deck of cards; it’s a mirror to your soul, a whisper from the universe, and a trusted guide through life’s twists and turns. For centuries, seekers have turned to Tarot for insight, reflection, and spiritual wisdom. But to truly unlock the power of the cards, you need to know their language.
Unlocking the Mysteries: Tarot Card Meanings Explained
Tarot has captivated seekers of the mystical for centuries.
Tarot isn’t just cards with pictures: it’s a living, breathing guide to your inner world and the unseen threads that shape your life. It reflects what’s hidden, reveals what’s possible, and speaks the truths your soul already knows. Whether you’re laying your first spread or refining your craft, understanding the meaning behind each Tarot card is the key to unlocking its full power.
What Is the Tarot?
At its heart, Tarot is a spiritual system; a mirror that reflects your inner world and the energies around you. Each tarot card carries symbolism and storylines that help you tap into your intuition. A standard Tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
Understanding Tarot meanings helps you read not just the cards, but the energy behind your question. It’s less about fortune-telling and more about aligning with your higher self.
What Do Tarot Cards Mean?
Each card in the Tarot deck represents a symbolic story, energy, or lesson.
Here’s your complete list of Tarot card meanings: your trusted guide through the seen and unseen.
The Major Arcana cards illuminate your soul’s journey, highlighting major life themes, spiritual lessons, and transformative moments that shape who you are becoming.
The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, brings the magic down to earth. These cards reflect your everyday experiences, including your emotions, thoughts, relationships, challenges, and choices. They illustrate how the bigger picture unfolds in your day-to-day life.
Together, the Major and Minor Arcana offer a complete map of the human experience. Whether you’re seeking clarity, confirmation, or a nudge from the universe, this guide is here to help you read the signs, trust your intuition, and walk your path with confidence.
Life can throw us off balance. Sometimes, all it takes is a heartfelt reading to guide you back to yourself—and the clarity your soul craves.
Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings
These cards reflect powerful forces and significant life lessons. When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it usually signals an important moment in your soul’s journey. The Major Arcana cards possess immense power and convey powerful messages. Each card in this section represents a different archetype or life theme.
- The Fool (0) – New beginnings, innocence, adventure, risk-taking
- The Magician (1) – Manifestation, resourcefulness, power, inspired action
- The High Priestess (2) – Intuition, mystery, inner knowledge, subconscious
- The Empress (3) – Nurturing, abundance, fertility, creativity
- The Emperor (4) – Authority, structure, control, father figure
- The Hierophant (5) – Tradition, spiritual guidance, education, conformity
- The Lovers (6) – Relationships, choices, alignment, love
- The Chariot (7) – Willpower, determination, control, victory
- Strength (8) – Courage, inner strength, patience, resilience
- The Hermit (9) – Solitude, introspection, guidance, inner wisdom
- Wheel of Fortune (10) – Cycles, destiny, change, luck
- Justice (11) – Fairness, truth, law, accountability
- The Hanged Man (12) – Surrender, new perspective, letting go
- Death (13) – Transformation, endings, release, rebirth
- Temperance (14) – Balance, moderation, harmony, healing
- The Devil (15) – Bondage, addiction, temptation, shadow self
- The Tower (16) – Sudden change, upheaval, revelation
- The Star (17) – Hope, renewal, inspiration, spiritual clarity
- The Moon (18) – Illusion, intuition, fear, the unknown
- The Sun (19) – Joy, success, clarity, vitality
- Judgement (20) – Reflection, awakening, purpose, rebirth
- The World (21) – Completion, fulfillment, accomplishment, wholeness
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Minor Arcana Tarot Card Meanings (56 Cards)
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits—Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles—each with ten numbered cards (Ace through 10) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). These cards represent everyday situations and emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual states.
Tarot Suit of Cups: Emotions, Relationships, Intuition (Element: Water)
Ace of Cups – New love, emotional awakening, joy
Two of Cups – Partnership, connection, mutual attraction
Three of Cups – Celebration, friendship, community
Four of Cups – Apathy, reevaluation, missed opportunities
Five of Cups – Grief, loss, regret, focusing on the past
Six of Cups – Nostalgia, childhood, inner child, reconciliation
Seven of Cups – Choices, illusion, daydreaming, confusion
Eight of Cups – Walking away, emotional withdrawal, seeking deeper meaning
Nine of Cups – Satisfaction, emotional contentment, wish fulfillment
Ten of Cups – Harmony, lasting happiness, family, alignment
Court Cards – Cups
Page of Cups – Creative inspiration, messages, emotional beginnings
Knight of Cups – Romance, following the heart, idealism
Queen of Cups – Compassion, emotional intelligence, intuition
King of Cups – Emotional mastery, calm leadership, support
Tarot Suit of Wands: Passion, Energy, Creativity (Element: Fire)
Ace of Wands – New beginnings, inspiration, creative spark
Two of Wands – Planning, future vision, discovery
Three of Wands – Expansion, foresight, progress
Four of Wands – Celebration, home, stability, milestone
Five of Wands – Conflict, competition, disagreement
Six of Wands – Victory, public recognition, success
Seven of Wands – Perseverance, defense, standing your ground
Eight of Wands – Speed, movement, quick action
Nine of Wands – Resilience, boundaries, last stand
Ten of Wands – Burden, overload, responsibility
Court Cards – Wands
Page of Wands – Enthusiasm, new ventures, inspiration
Knight of Wands – Adventure, confidence, impulsiveness
Queen of Wands – Magnetism, determination, creativity
King of Wands – Visionary leadership, big-picture thinking, boldness
Love, health, abundance, and more
Tarot Suit of Swords: Intellect, Conflict, Communication (Element: Air)
Ace of Swords – Clarity, truth, new ideas, breakthroughs
Two of Swords – Indecision, blocked emotions, difficult choices
Three of Swords – Heartbreak, sorrow, betrayal
Four of Swords – Rest, recovery, reflection
Five of Swords – Conflict, tension, hollow victory
Six of Swords – Transition, moving forward, letting go
Seven of Swords – Deception, strategy, secrecy
Eight of Swords – Restriction, self-imposed limitations, fear
Nine of Swords – Anxiety, worry, sleepless nights
Ten of Swords – Painful endings, betrayal, collapse
Court Cards – Swords
Page of Swords – Curiosity, observation, mental energy
Knight of Swords – Bold action, ambition, speed
Queen of Swords – Clear thinking, truth, independence
King of Swords – Authority, intellect, ethical leadership
Suit of Pentacles: Work, Finances, Stability (Element: Earth)
Ace of Pentacles – New financial opportunity, prosperity, growth
Two of Pentacles – Balance, adaptability, time management
Three of Pentacles – Collaboration, craftsmanship, teamwork
Four of Pentacles – Control, holding on, fear of loss
Five of Pentacles – Poverty, hardship, isolation
Six of Pentacles – Generosity, giving and receiving, support
Seven of Pentacles – Patience, long-term view, assessment
Eight of Pentacles – Skill-building, apprenticeship, hard work
Nine of Pentacles – Independence, self-sufficiency, abundance
Ten of Pentacles – Legacy, family, long-term wealth
Court Cards – Pentacles
Page of Pentacles – Study, new opportunity, practical ideas
Knight of Pentacles – Reliability, hard work, steady progress
Queen of Pentacles – Nurturing, security, practical wisdom
King of Pentacles – Success, prosperity, financial leadership
How to Use This Tarot Guide
Use this guide as a trusted reference when learning or interpreting the cards. Whether you’re drawing one card a day or doing a full spread, these meanings can help you develop your own interpretations and confidence in your readings.
If you’re starting, focus on one suit or a Major Arcana card each week. Take notes, reflect on the card’s appearance, and explore how its meaning may evolve.
How To Read Tarot Cards Intuitively
Reading Tarot intuitively means moving beyond rote definitions and trusting the impressions, emotions, and imagery that arise when you see a card. Rather than reaching for a guidebook, you begin by observing what stands out: the colors, symbols, facial expressions, or even the card’s placement in a spread.
You ask yourself, “What does this card feel like?” and allow your inner knowing to speak. Intuitive reading is a partnership between you, the cards, and Spirit. It honors personal insight over textbook interpretation, making every reading unique and alive. The more you practice, the stronger your connection becomes, and over time, the cards feel like old friends whispering timely truths.
Deepen Your Tarot Journey
At 6th Sense Connection, we encourage intuitive reading over rigid rules. Use this guide as a foundation, but allow your spirit to speak freely through the cards. For deeper study, explore our classes, Oracle card decks, and the book
Divination 101: How to Read Tarot and Oracle Cards Intuitively
Divination 101: How to Read Oracle and Tarot Cards is more than just a manual—it’s a transformational tool for anyone who wants to understand Tarot card meanings beyond memorization intuitively.
This award-winning book teaches you how to move from relying on guidebooks to trusting your inner voice. Through simple exercises, reflective questions, and practical techniques, you’ll learn how to read each card with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re working with Tarot, Oracle cards, or a blend of both, Divination 101 helps unlock your natural psychic abilities so you can deliver powerful, meaningful readings that resonate deeply with yourself and others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tarot Card Meanings
Q1: What are Tarot card meanings, and why are they important?
Tarot card meanings are the symbolic interpretations assigned to each of the 78 cards in a Tarot deck. They are important because they serve as a guide to understanding the messages the cards are offering during a reading. Each card represents a specific energy, situation, or spiritual lesson that can provide clarity, insight, and direction.
Q2: How do I start learning Tarot cards?
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the structure of the Tarot: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards. Study each card’s imagery and traditional interpretations. Many readers begin by starting with one card a day to learn its meaning and observe how it manifests in their lives. Use a guidebook, like Divination 101, to support your intuitive learning.
Q3: Do Tarot card meanings change depending on the question or situation?
Yes. While each card has a core meaning, its interpretation can shift depending on the question asked, the surrounding cards in a spread, and the reader’s intuition. For example, the Death card might signal transformation in one reading and the end of a cycle in another.
Q4: What is the difference between Major and Minor Arcana cards?
Major Arcana cards deal with larger life themes and spiritual milestones, while Minor Arcana card meanings relate to day-to-day experiences and emotions. When a Major Arcana appears, it usually signals a more significant message in the reading.
Q5: What does it mean if the same Tarot card keeps appearing in different readings?
Recurring cards are a strong signal from your intuition or the universe. It usually means there is an important lesson or message you haven’t fully acknowledged or integrated yet. Review that card’s meaning and reflect on where it applies in your life.
Q6: Are reversed Tarot card meanings different from upright meanings?
Reversed cards (cards that appear upside down) often indicate a blocked or opposite aspect of the upright meaning, but not always. Some readers use reversals, while others do not. For example, the upright Strength card may suggest inner resilience, while the reversed card could point to self-doubt.
Q7: Can I trust intuitive interpretations over traditional Tarot card meanings?
Absolutely. While it’s essential to understand traditional meanings, the Tarot is a tool for intuitive connection. Over time, you’ll develop your own understanding of what certain cards mean to you. Trust your instincts and personal insights.
Q8: Is there a difference in Tarot card meanings between different decks?
Yes, some decks follow different systems, such as Rider-Waite, Thoth, or Marseille. Other authors may have a different take on the meanings. It’s best to choose a deck that resonates with you and study its specific imagery.
Q9: How can I remember all the Tarot meanings?
Take your time. Start with the Major Arcana, then learn the suits one at a time. Journaling your readings, using flashcards, or working with a trusted guidebook can help reinforce your learning. Repetition and reflection are key.
Q10: Can Tarot cards predict the future?
Tarot is more about guidance than fixed prediction. The cards reflect the energy of the present moment and potential outcomes. While they can show likely paths, you always have free will to change direction.
Final Thoughts
Tarot is more than a deck; it’s a sacred bridge between you and the universe. As you deepen your connection to the cards, the Tarot card meanings will unfold in ways both mystical and practical. You’ll gain insights not just about the world around you, but about your inner landscape. Are you ready to hear what the tarot wants to tell you intuitively?
Until next time, love, light, and happy Tarot Readings
Anne-Marie
