Below you will find a list with the meanings of all 78 Tarot cards and a short video description for each card. These are again divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
Under each image, you will find short notes about the upright and reversed Tarot card meanings.
With a click on the corresponding image, you get a detailed description of the Tarot card with the areas of general meaning, love, health and much more.
The Major Arcana
A Tarot deck contains 56 cards assigned to the Minor Arcana and 22 cards to the Major Arcana. The numbering of the latter begins with zero for the Fool and ends with 21 for the World. The Major Arcana are also considered trumps or trump cards in the Tarot.
Originally, the word “arcana” meant deep-lying secret. Early scholars understood it to mean the secrets of the mind and nature. These secrets are often encoded in our subconscious. The Tarot cards are the key to unlocking these secrets and making them meaningful to our lives.
The Major Arcana are special in this sense, because in them the various aspects of human action, thinking and feeling are essentially reflected.
The cards of the Major Arcana symbolically represent the journey of each person from birth to death.
Or the spiritual or moral development from the child, the first awareness of the self, to the adult who has found inner peace and fulfillment (see the “Fool’s Journey” later in this chapter).
Our life’s path is not always straight and complaint-free, as we often wish, but has many ups and downs, some shortcuts, or winding paths. In the end, however, the circle closes and we arrive back at the starting point of our journey.
The Major Arcana Tarot card meanings can help us to master our cycle well and point out opportunities and barriers. The cards not only reveal unconscious secrets but also show us how our own behavior affects our lives, both positively and negatively.
Learn more about the Major Arcana!
0 The Fool
Keywords
Upright: Free, Beginning, Childlike, Spontaneous
Reversed: Impulsive, Risky, Naive, Cocky
1 The Magician
Keywords
Upright: Power, Attentive, Drive, Concentration
Reversed: Overeagerness, Hesitation, Planless, Manipulation
2 The High Priestess
Keywords
Upright: Unconscious, Passive, Intuition, Mysterious
Reversed: Dreamy, Withdrawal, Material, Secretive
3 The Empress
Keywords
Upright: Fullness, Feminine, Nature, Sensual
Reversed: Dependent, Envious, Cold, Blocked
4 The Emperor
Keywords
Upright: Authority, Masculine, Structure, Rule-conscious
Reversed: Inflexible, Control, Unbridled, Dominance
5 The Hierophant
Keywords
Upright: Education, Faith, Conform, Tradition
Reversed: Rebel, Lonely, Individual, Freedom
6 The Lovers
Keywords
Upright: Love, Loyalty, Relationships, Values
Reversed: Egoism, Impetuous, Unattached, Vice
7 The Chariot
Keywords
Upright: Success, Courage, Devotion, Control
Reversed: Aimless, Arrogance, Compulsion, Insecure
8 The Strength
Keywords
Upright: Power, Courage, Influence, Merciful
Reversed: Powerless, Doubt, Failure, Crudeness
9 The Hermit
Keywords
Upright: Seeking, Lonely, Silent, Teacher
Reversed: Aimless, Isolation, Turning away, Disappointment
10 The Wheel of Fortune
Keywords
Upright: Chance, Fate, Turn, Change
Reversed: Misfortune, Rigidity, Impotence, Outbreak
11 The Justice
Keywords
Upright: Responsibility, Fairness, Truth, Causality
Reversed: One-sided, Injustice, Lie, Betrayal
12 The Hanged Man
Keywords
Upright: Pause, Let go, Abandonment, Reversal
Reversed: Delayed, Resistance, Stalling, Crisis
13 The Death
Keywords
Upright: End, Transition, Change, Acceptance
Reversed: Fear, Loss, Rigidity, Erasure
14 The Temperance
Keywords
Upright: Balance, Health, Harmony, Peace
Reversed: Imbalance, Exhaustion, Disturbance, Excess
15 The Devil
Keywords
Upright: Materialism, Sin, Dependence, Will
Reversed: Superstition, Detachment, Doubt, Distance
16 The Tower
Keywords
Upright: Redemption, Chaos, Change, Awakening
Reversed: Compulsion, Fear, Destruction, Rigidity
17 The Star
Keywords
Upright: Faith, Hope, Happiness, Serenity
Reversed: Misbelief, Separation, Despair, Confused
18 The Moon
Keywords
Upright: Fear, Illusion, Imagination, Premonition
Reversed: Courage, Clarity, Peace, Suppression
19 The Sun
Keywords
Upright: Enlightenment, Vital, Success, Positive
Reversed: Exuberance, Depressed, Tired, Confused
20 The Judgement
Keywords
Upright: Awakened, Redemption, Decision, Inner call
Reversed: Criticism, Guilt, Doubt, Ignorance
21 The World
Keywords
Upright: Integration, Completion, Journey, Unity
Reversed: Delay, Dispersed, Rigidity, Isolation
Minor Arcana: Suit of Cups
The Suit of Cups Tarot cards connect with one’s emotional world, characterized by compassion, self-love and passion.
The Cups Tarot cards represent the element of water. Therefore, they represent one’s emotions, which can be as gentle as a trickle or as powerful as a tidal wave. At the same time, the Cups cards show us how our relationships with other people are.
They give us an insight into the emotional world of our counterpart and thus help us to understand him even better.
As Minor Arcana cards, they show the current emotional state we are in at the moment. Thus, they have the most impact on your daily life and help you to overcome the hurdles of everyday life.
The Suit of Cups Tarot cards are an expression of our subconscious and help us to a deeper understanding of our own feelings.
The messages of the Cups can be as superficial as a puddle or as profound as the ocean. Receive them with an open mind and you will realize their true meaning.
In addition, the Cups Tarot cards are associated with the zodiac signs of water, Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces. People born under these signs are especially receptive to the messages of the Cups.
For them, the Cups have a greater impact on their daily lives than on other zodiac signs.
Ace of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Love, Passion, Intuition, Intimate
Reversed: Cold, Self-absorbed, Rational, Permissive
Two of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Connection, Attraction, Partner, Love
Reversed: Narcissist, Abandonment, Strife, Doubt
Three of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Friends, Creativity, Community, Celebration
Reversed: Lonelyness, Excessive, Independent, Withdrawal
Four of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Apathetic, Immersed, Self-viewing, Ignorant
Reversed: Compassionate, Active, Connected, Optimist
Five of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Disappointment, Mistake, Regret, Pessimism
Reversed: Forgiveness, Triumph, Positive, Awakening
Six of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Innocence, Childlike, Kind-hearted, Joyfulness
Reversed: Guilty, Hostile, Deceitful, Copious
Seven of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Decision, Illusion, Desire, Alternative
Reversed: Excess, Escape, Structure, Balance
Eight of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Powerless, Seeking, Disappointment, Escape
Reversed: Endurance, Aimless, Dogged, Vitality
Nine of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Fulfillment, Satisfaction, Pleasure, Gratitude
Reversed: Regret, Abundance, Frustration, Materialistic
Ten of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Joy, Family, Peace, Harmony
Reversed: chaos, sadness, loneliness, strife
Page of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Creative, Emotional, Curiosity, Intuition
Reversed: Rigid, Cold, Doubt, Exuberance
Knight of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Creativity, Romance, Beauty, Charm
Reversed: Jealousy, Moody, Daydreaming, Unrealistic
Queen of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Merciful, Caring, Spiritual, Intuitive
Reversed: Self-absorbed, Dependent, Careless, Sober
King of Cups
Keywords
Upright: Wisdom, Calm, Tolerant, Diplomatic
Reversed: Moody, Cold, Agitated, Manipulative
Minor Arcana: Suit of Swords
The Suit of Swords Tarot cards symbolize the human mind in all its facets and our consciousness. Man as a rational being can use his mind to make the right decisions in life.
The Swords Tarot cards often describe a decision-making process we are currently facing. Instead of letting your first impulse guide you, you should make your choice based on rational considerations. Your own feelings can get in the way.
You should rather use your head to make the best decision for you in the long run. Often, there is no clear right or wrong judgment in such a consideration. Rather, look at the short- and long-term consequences of our possible actions to choose the best alternative for us.
The Suit of Swords symbolizes incoming messages or news that directly affect us. At the same time, they can be expressions of conflicts that we must face. That may involve a constructive conversation at eye level or an argument that is conducted with sharp blades.
As Minor Arcana cards, the Suit Swords relates to our everyday lives and give us clues on how best to deal with them. The swords are associated with the zodiac signs of the air, Libra, Aquarius and Gemini.
People born under these signs are especially receptive to the messages of the swords. For them, the Swords Tarot cards have a greater impact on their daily lives than other zodiac signs.
Ace of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Power, Truth, Justice, Mental Strength
Reversed: Hesitant, Doubtful, Partisan, Wavering
Two of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Avoidance, Consideration, Stagnation, Blockage
Reversed: Clear-sighted, Open, Active, Positive
Three of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Pain, Sadness, Heartache, Grief
Reversed: Relief, Forgiveness, Love, Optimism
Four of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Meditation, Calmness, Replenishment, Distance
Reversed: Restless, Active, Celebration, Frustration
Five of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Discord, Egoist, Malice, Conflict
Reversed: Forgiveness, Integer, Harmony, Dialogue
Six of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Journey, Recovery, Grief, Change
Reversed: Rigidity, Restlessness, Hope, Excitement
Seven of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Escape, Strategy, Stealing, Deception
Reversed: Secret, Loyalty, Lonely, Responsibility
Eight of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Powerless, Confused, Confined, Self-doubt
Reversed: Open, Freedom, New Vision, Strength
Nine of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Worry, Guilt, Agony, Fear
Reversed: Secret, Balance, Solve Fear, Brave
Ten of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Sacrifice, Martyrdom, Crisis, Betrayal
Reversed: Resilience, Recovery, Opportunity, Satisfaction
Page of Swords
Keywords
Upright: New ideas, Truth, Curiosity, Knowledge
Reversed: Deception, Arbitrariness, Pomposity, Haste
Knight of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Ambitious, Clever, Authority, Success-oriented
Reversed: Impulsive, Arrogant, Burnout, Restless
Queen of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Intelligent, Experienced, Independent, Communicative
Reversed: Cold, Arrogant, Influential, Impulsive
King of Swords
Keywords
Upright: Ethical, Analytical, Leader, Just
Reversed: Pedantic, Abusive of Power, Ruthless, Arrogant
Minor Arcana: Suit of Pentacles
The Suit of Pentacles Tarot cards symbolize external aspects of our lives such as wealth, health and profession. They represent the earth element and show how grounded we are in our daily lives.
In addition to material aspects, the quality and quantity of our social relationships are also important. The degree of rootedness in our environment shows whether we stand firmly in life or topple over at the first storm.
The Pentacles Tarot cards also stand for planning and preparing your important life goals for the long term. If you sow your ideas now, you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your seeds in a few years.
Likewise, the Suit of Pentacles signals that you should pursue your goals with a lot of dedication and willingness to work. Often your efforts will pay off much later. Therefore, patience and foresight are also important virtues associated with the Pentacles Tarot cards.
As Minor Arcana cards, the Suit of Pentacles relates to our daily lives and gives us advice on how best to deal with them. The Pentacles Tarot cards are associated with the zodiac signs of the earth, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
People born under these signs are especially receptive to the messages of the Pentacles. For them, the Pentacles have a greater impact on their daily lives than other zodiac signs.
Ace of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Commitment, Creativity, Change
Reversed: Distraction, Procrastination, Impatience
Two of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Balance, Fun, Adaptation, Flexible
Reversed: Inner restlessness, Afflicted, Rigid, Disorganized
Three of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Competent, Planned, Teamwork, Learning
Reversed: Aimless, Hostile, Working Alone, Opposition
Four of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Control, Rigid, Security, Materialism
Reversed: Greed, Open, Spontaneous, Self-protection
Five of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Loss, Worry, Rejection, Poverty
Reversed: Wealth, Vitality, Community, Hope
Six of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Acceptance, Prosperity, Generous, Sharing
Reversed: Debt, Selfish, Lack, Hoarding
Seven of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Perseverance, Reward, Investment, Change
Reversed: Loss, Haste, Exhaustion, Short-Sightedness
Eight of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Zeal, Knowledge, Pedantic, Diligence
Reversed: Lack of ambition, Self-sacrificing, Perfectionism, Superficial
Nine of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Luxury, Discipline, Abundance, Independent
Reversed: Boredom, Ignorant, Immature, Driving
Ten of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Wealth, Influence, Tradition, Life Goals
Reversed: Greed, Poverty, Lonely, Disoriented
Page of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Confidence, Pragmatic, Thirst for Knowledge, Awakening
Reversed: Procrastination, Failure, Stagnation, Reflection
Knight of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Cautious, Realist, Diligent, Planned
Reversed: Boredom, Stubborn, Obsessed, Expended
Queen of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Caring, Big-hearted, Confident, Grounded
Reversed: Careless, Spiritual, Self-care, Reasonable
King of Pentacles
Keywords
Upright: Successful, Disciplined, Ambitious, Secure
Reversed: Stubborn, Obsessive, Fear of Loss, Dependent
Minor Arcana: Suit of Wands
The Suit of Wands Tarot cards symbolize your inner energetic processes and include creativity, devotion, passion and intuition.
They are associated with the element of fire, which in its original form can have both constructive and destructive effects on our daily lives. The Wands Tarot cards encompass the energy behind our actions. A blazing fire stands for devotion, while a small flame expresses restraint.
At the same time, the Wand Tarot cards keep you aware of the dynamics of your life. Often you have to adapt to new circumstances in your life and burn down old values or attitudes.
From their ashes, new ideas and structures arise again, which you can integrate into your life and self-concept. At the same time, the Suit of Wands is an expression of tense social relationships, both positive and negative.
As Minor Arcana cards, the Suit of Wands relates to your daily life and gives us hints on how best to deal with it. The Wands Tarot cards are associated with the zodiac signs of fire, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
People born under these signs are especially receptive to the messages of the Wands. For them, the Suit of Wands Tarot cards have a greater impact on their daily lives than other zodiac signs.
Ace of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Commitment, Creativity, Change, Opportunity
Reversed: Distraction, Procrastination, Impatience, Confusion
Two of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Steady, Foresight, Progress, Security
Reversed: Planned, Escape, Hasty, Fearful
Three of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Exploration, Leadership, Foresight, Expansion
Reversed: Ignorance, Inertia, Security, Restraint
Four of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Excitement, Freedom, Celebration, Arrival
Reversed: Transition, Tension, Imprisonment, Apathy
Five of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Tension, Conflict, Competition, Diversity
Reversed: Avoidance, Harmony, Balance, Cohesion
Six of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Union, Triumph, Recognition, Progress
Reversed: Setback, Disfavor, Exclusion, Selfishness
Seven of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Conflict, Steadfast, Surprised, Protection
Reversed: Giving up, Exhausted, Passive, Compromise
Eight of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Change, Reorientation, Action, Fast
Reversed: Stagnant, Chaos, Hasty, Delayed
Nine of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Endurance, Defense, Caution, Resilient
Reversed: Struggle, Paranoia, Overwhelmed, Tired
Ten of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Accomplishment, Responsibility, Burden, Expenditure
Reversed: Delegating, Carefree, Letting go, Relaxing
Page of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Creative, New beginning, Inspiration, Enthusiasm
Reversed: Rigid, Delay, Spiritual, Phlegmatic
Knight of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Impulsive, Adventure, Passion, Energy
Reversed: Hasty, Delay, Frustration, Restless
Queen of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Devoted, Caring, Compassionate, Self-confident
Reversed: Introverted, Detached, Insecure, Isolated
King of Wands
Keywords
Upright: Power, Inspiration, Leader, Bold
Reversed: Impulsive, Timid, Reckless, Demanding