Basic Tarot Card Meanings
The Major Arcana | |
| The Fool | Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness Reverse: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice |
| The Magician | Upright: Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of hand Reverse: Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination |
| The High Priestess | Upright: Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacher Reverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness |
| The Empress | Upright: Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolution Reverse: Vacillation, inaction, lack on concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity |
| The Emperor | Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable person Reverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength |
| The Hierophant | Upright: A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of society Reverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor or Upright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a sense of historical importance, inspiration Reverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence, vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy |
| The Lovers | Upright: Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affair Reverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy |
| The Chariot | Upright: Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeance Reverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment |
| Strength | Upright: Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virility Reverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power |
| The Hermit | Upright: Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a loner Reverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity |
| The Wheel of Fortune | Upright: Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected events, advancement, progress Reverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events |
| Justice | Upright: Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate person Reverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse |
| The Hanged Man | Upright: Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirth Reverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice |
| Death | Upright: Transformation, making way for the new, unexpected change, loss, failure, illness or death, bad luck Reverse: Stagnation, immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape, cheating death |
| Temperance | Upright: Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidence Reverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience |
| The Devil | Upright: Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person Reverse: Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment |
| The Tower | Upright: A sudden change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected events, disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or security Reverse: Following old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad situation, imprisonment |
| The Star | Upright: Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balance Reverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance |
| The Moon | Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing Reverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone |
| The Sun | Upright: Satisfaction, accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy marriage Reverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, canceled plans, broken engagement or marriage, a clouded future, a lack of friends |
| Judgment or Rejuvenation |
Upright: Awakening, renewal, a well lived life, better health, a quickened mind Reverse: Fear of death, failure, possible loss, ill health or Upright: Atonement, judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth, improvement, development, promotion, efforts are rewarded Reverse: Delay, disappointment, indecision, procrastination, theft, worry |
| The World | Upright: Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success, fulfillment, triumph, eternal life Reverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment |
The Minor Arcana | |
Wands |
Usually predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory. |
| Ace of wands | Upright: A creative beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey, an inheritance, a new career, a birth in the family Reversed: Selfishness may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new enterprise, a journey may be put off, a lack of determination |
| Two of Wands | Upright: A kind and generous person, an interest in science, patience, creative ability, courage, good things to come Reversed: Caution is advised against impatience, a possible domination by others |
| Three of Wands | Upright: A cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success brought by a good partnership, practical help may come from a successful person Reversed: A tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through carelessness, disappointment, caution against pride and arrogance |
| Four of Wands | Upright: The beauty of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace, celebration after labor, end of romance in marriage, happy holidays to come Reversed: Learning to appreciate the little things in life, beauty of nature, peace, harmony |
| Five of Wands | Upright: Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courage Reversed: Harmony, new opportunities, generosity |
| Six of Wands | Upright: Good news, victory, success after labor, helpful friends, leadership during journey Reversed: Rewards are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an insolent winner, pride in riches/success |
| Seven of Wands | Upright: The ability to "hold one's own" against adversaries, stiff competition in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon, victory, energy, courage Reversed: The threat will pass by, don't let others take advantage, caution against indecision, patience |
| Eight of Wands | Upright: A Goal is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find its mark, love of open air, gardens, meadows Reversed: Jealousy, violence, quarrels, domestic disputes, a force of courage or boldness is applied to suddenly |
| Nine of Wands | Upright: Preparedness, eventual victory, good health, strength in reserve, tendency to obstinacy Reversed: Unpreparedness, refusal to fight, weakness in character, ill health, bending over adversity |
| Ten of Wands | Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failure Reversed: Strength, energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of others, a clever person |
| Page of Wands | Upright: Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great enthusiasm, a messenger Reversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad news to come |
| Knight of Wands | Upright: An impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey, the coming or going of a matter is of much concern Reversed: Discord, work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion, the journey is delayed |
| Queen of Wands | Upright: A woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command, someone who is well liked or honorable Reversed: Strict, domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity |
| King of Wands | Upright: A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leader Reversed: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels |
Cups |
Usually predict love, happiness, fertility, and beauty. |
| Ace of Cups | Upright: The beginning of love, joy, beauty, or good health Reverse: Hesitancy to accept the things that come from the heart, love under a selfish grasp, egotism |
| Two of Cups | Upright: A new romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony, cooperation Reverse: A loss of balance in a relationship, a violent passion, love turning bad, a misunderstanding |
| Three of Cups | Upright: A good fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are discovered, a sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitality Reverse: Pain, gossip, unknown talents remain hidden, overindulgence |
| Four of Cups | Upright: Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come from others Reverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, action |
| Five of Cups | Upright: Sorrow, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment, vain regret Reversed: Return of hope, new relationships are beginning, return of a loved one, courage is summoned from within |
| Six of Cups | Upright: A gift from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure brought from the past, good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an admirer, new opportunities Reverse: Living in the past, outworn friendships, disappointment |
| Seven of Cups | Upright: A long-worked imagination, unable to choose one's direction in life, illusory success Reverse: A good use of determination, will-power, a definite path will be chosen |
| Eight of Cups | Upright: An abandonment of one's current path in life, disappointment in love, misery and repining without cause, desire to leave on'e success for something higher Reverse: Search for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love interest |
| Nine of Cups | Upright: An assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come true Reverse: A lack in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not come true |
| Ten of Cups | Upright: A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happiness Reverse: A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their parents, waste |
| Page of Cups | Upright: Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, news Reverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination |
| Knight of Cups | Upright: Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional matter Reverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person |
| Queen of Cups | Upright: Imagination out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving mother, happiness, gentle, a good natured person Reverse: An over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure and happiness may turn bitter |
| King of Cups | Upright: A business man, a man of law, kindness, a considerate person, a willingness to take on responsibility, and enjoyment of the arts or sciences Reverse: A powerful man but a double-dealer, crafty, violent, scandal |
Swords |
Usually predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune |
| Ace of Swords | Upright: Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a valiant leader may be born Reverse: Caution when trying to use power to gain an ending, obstacles, tyranny |
| Two of Swords | Upright: Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of direction Reverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulous |
| Three of Swords | Upright: Affections may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated, possible civil war Reverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss |
| Four of Swords | Upright: Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the "active life" Reverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes |
| Five of Swords | Upright: Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victory Reverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings |
| Six of Swords | Upright: A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevail Reverse: Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or difficulties |
| Seven of Swords | Upright: An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failure Reverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned |
| Eight of Swords | Upright: Restricted action, indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a prisoner Reverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedom |
| Nine of Swords | Upright: Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one, suspicion, cruelty, misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slander Reverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of a loved one |
| Ten of Swords | Upright: Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tears Reverse: Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better health |
| Page of Swords | Upright: Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting message Reverse: A cunning person, an imposture, ill health, unexpected events |
| Knight of Swords | Upright: A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever person, an unexpected coming or going of a matter Reverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person |
| Queen of Swords | Upright: A quick and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their sorrow Reverse: Cruelty due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful person, narrowmindedness, a gossip |
| King of Swords | Upright: A judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship holder but often overcautious, a wise counselor Reverse: Evil intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or judgments may seem unfair |
Pentacles |
Usually predict money, industry, and material gain |
| Ace of Pentacles | Upright: A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of happiness or pleasure Reverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everything |
| Two of Pentacles | Upright: The ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained during change, new projects may be difficult, expect a helpful message Reverse: Difficulty with handling problems, expect a discouraging message |
| Three of Pentacles | Upright: Reward for skills or abilities, approval, success through effort Reverse: Quality in workmanship is neglected, good work is expended due to a preoccupation with money, common place ideals or ambitions |
| Four of Pentacles | Upright: Love of power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or ungenerous nature Reverse: Some earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or delays in business affairs, a spendthrift. |
| Five of Pentacles | Upright: Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due to spiritual impoverishment Reverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interest |
| Six of Pentacles | Upright: Sharing of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully theirs, charity, gifts, philanthropy, three-fold Reverse: Bribes, unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy, miserliness |
| Seven of Pentacles | Upright: Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, reevaluations Reverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be unprofitable |
| Eight of Pentacles | Upright: Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill, handiwork, small money gain Reverse: Skills are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work, ambition is void |
| Nine of Pentacles | Upright: Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumb Reverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, caution |
| Ten of Pentacles | Upright: Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquired Reverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness |
| Page of Pentacles | Upright: Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, learning new ideas/opinions Reverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing ideas/opinions, bad news |
| Knight of Pentacles | Upright: Trustworthy, a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of responsibilities, an animal lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a matter Reverse: Irresponsible, impatience, timidness, carelessness, a standstill in affairs |
| Queen of Pentacles | Upright: Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well, melancholy Reverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a very creative person |
| King of Pentacles | Upright: A chief of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man, solid, steadiness Reverse: Materialistic, slow to anger, 'head is on the ground", bribes |