Meaning of Each Tarot Card
From LoveToKnow Horoscopes
The meaning of each tarot card is open to interpretation, depending on which deck you use, and the feeling you get from each card as you progress through a reading. Learn more about it right here.
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.
Learn More
Comments
Hi Q,
First, thanks for writing us here! Okay, here's what I see:
- 7 of pentacles: was there some issue with monetary funds in the past? Perhaps someone was working too much? Or maybe too much emphasis was placed on money?
- High Priestess: This is a good card and I'm going to assume that it represents you at the moment. A very intuitive card, but also a passive one- that's important because it means to let things come to you- don't chase it.
- Ace of Pentacles: There's that money again! Perhaps money is still an influence now?
- Two of Cups: That's curious because it's a "love" card but it fell in the obstacle position. Hmm, is it possible that the relationship was stopping either one of you from pursuing your goals or fulfilling your dreams in some way?
- Seven of Wands: This is a tough one because this card represents going after what you want- fighting for it. However, the Priestess is an opposing card to this one. Is there any way to fight for what you want in a way that is not directed towards him? I know it's kind of a strange question, but I'm just trying to give you some thoughts about the card.
- Page of Wands: This represents learning and usually learning about creativity. Something, some kind of wish wants to get out. Doing something creative may be the best way to deal with this situation.
I hope this helps a bit, and thanks again for the question!
-- Contributed by: Jacqueline DautajI am learning tarot reading, and I came across this horseshoe spread which is nice and simple to find out the outcome of a relationship but the problem is I am not quite understand the meanings of the decks that I drew. I hope you could help me interpret? I really appreciate it. My question is if my ex-boyfriend and I will be together (married)? And I drew: 1)past influences-seven of pentacles, 2)the present-the high priestess, 3)hidden influences-ace of pentacles, 4)obstacles-two of cups, 5)outside influences-four of wands, 6)the best course of action-seven of wands, 7)the outcome-page of wands.
-- Contributed by: QHi lovers,
You're right- it really depends on the surrounding cards. Thanks for sharing with us here!
-- Contributed by: Jacqueline Dautaj
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