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
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 |
(More
on Reversed Tarot Card Meanings)
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