Meaning of Each Tarot Card

The Meaning of each Tarot Card

The following are the most general interpretations of the meaning of each tarot card in the Major Arcana, as well as the general meaning of the suits in the Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana

The Fool

The Fool (0) represents innocence and unbridled enthusiasm. It might also refer to a new beginning, but it's sometimes viewed as a warning against behaving uncautiously or irresponsibly in an upcoming venture.

When reversed, that unbridled enthusiasm is lost, and the card comes to symbolize insecurity and indecision.

The Magician

The Magician (I) is multi-talented and has the power to put that talent to good use. This card can signal unbelievable changes to come, but it can also be interpreted as a warning that someone is going to try to fool you. For these reasons you must always view the Magician in light of the other cards surrounding him.

When reversed, it could be a sign of being too manipulative and/or using your skills for dark purposes.

The High Priestess

This card (II) represents the feminine psyche as well as wisdom, and can be a call to use your powers of intuition.

When reserved, the Priestess may symbolize talents or skills going to waste.

The Empress

The Empress (III) represents the entire life cycle, from fertility and birth through death and the life beyond. She is often recognized as the wise woman.

When reversed, the card could signal infertility, or the lack of fully looking out for yourself.

The Emperor

The Emperor (IV) is a symbol of masculine authority and worldliness. This card often signifies a need to take things into your own hands in order to produce results.

When reversed, this card can signify a weak character and abuse of authority.

The Pope

The Pope (V) represents a need for ordered spirituality. It expresses the virtues of goodness and forgiveness, as well as humility.

When reversed, this card may signal that you've fallen into a rut, with no room for open minded thoughts or opinions.

The Lovers

The Lovers (VI) signal some sort of romantic alignment, and sometimes a coming change in your romantic situation.

When reversed, this can may imply the end of a current relationship, or a failure to adjust to challenges.

The Chariot

The Chariot (VII) often signals a struggle that lies ahead, and the need to persevere through it. Alternatively, it could also signal an upcoming journey.

When reversed, the card can signal a failure or inability to conquer your fears.

Strength

The Strength card (VIII) signals the need to draw on your own inner strength and compassion.

When reversed, this card may reveal not being true to your values or abusing your authority.

The Hermit

The Hermit (IX) classically expresses a need for solitude and reflection.

When reversed, this card may reveal feelings of alienation and suspicion.

The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune (X) is a symbol of changing fate and a need to take action to ensure your destiny. You must examine this card in context with the cards surrounding it.

When reversed, this card simply implies unexpected events that could have an affect on the outcome of a particular situation.

Justice

Justice (XI) literally expresses balance in all things. Think of it in connection with cosmic Karma. The energy you put into the world will come back to you.

When reversed, this card can signal impending legal problems and general unfairness.

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man (XII) signals a need to sacrifice in order to achieve what you want. It can also signal a need to re-evaluate your situation.

When reversed, the card may signal a refusal to accept reality.

Death

Death (XIII), despite its obvious interpretation, actually only signals a life altering change that you'll have no control over.

When reversed, this card signals fighting inevitable change.

Temperance

Temperance (XIV) represents moderation and self-control, living in balanced harmony.

When reversed, this card may signal that you're unbalanced and stuck living in the past.

The Devil

The Devil (XV) card has several meanings. It can signal an addiction, but it can also pertain to bad influences in your life. In some circumstances, the devil signifies a need to cut loose and enjoy yourself for a change.

When reversed, the card may signal repressed feelings. This card must be interpreted in within the context of the cards around it.

The Tower

The Tower (XVI) is a harbinger of unexpected, and sometimes cataclysmic change, typically caused of your own accord. This card holds the same meaning no matter how it is positioned.

The Star

The Star (XVII) signals rejuvenation and opportunity. It speaks to the connection between heaven and earth.

When reversed, it can be a sign of disappointment and unfulfilled dreams.

The Moon

Feminine in nature, the Moon (XVIII) warns you not to fall prey to deceptions.

When reversed, it can be a sign that you are using bad judgement and repressing your intuition.

The Sun

The Sun (XIX) signifies general satisfaction with all aspects of life. It may hint at an upcoming trip.

When reversed, it can be a sign of unhappiness in any given arena.

Judgement

Judgement (XX) signals it's time to take stock of your life and reassess your future path.

When reversed, it can be a sign of stagnation and unwillingness to face the facts.

The World

The World (XXI) represent the completion of a cycle, the fruit of all your efforts.

When reversed, it may reveal an inability to follow through.

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana is comprised of four suits.

• Swords: Cards in this suit denote agitation and action.
• Cups: Cards in this suit predict emotional changes.
• Wands: This suit signifies creative thought and development.
• Coins/Pentacles: Cards in this suit pertain to physical comforts, career and money issues.