3D tarot card picture titled Tarot Meaning of Cards

Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

There are 22 major arcana cards and below is the major arcana tarot card meaning list, Use it to learn the tarot card meanings and learn how to read tarot. Also check out all of our Free Tarot Readings! 

The 22 cards in the major arcana reflect a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, representing significant life events and spiritual lessons.

Each card tells a story and represents archetypal energies and universal themes that guide us through various stages of life.

The cards reflect the journey of the soul, from innocence and naivety (The Fool) to spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment (The World).

They offer guidance, insights, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.  

rws tarot 00 fool

00. The Fool Tarot Card Meaning

• The Fool card represents new beginnings, optimism, trust, leap of faith, curiosity, openness to adventure. He reminds us to embrace childlike wonder about life’s boundless possibilities.

• When The Fool appears in a reading it suggests a time of entering unfamiliar territory and bold new chapters with eagerness about what is possible. Fresh optimist energy arrives.

• Key themes include: new beginnings, unlimited potential, wonder, living in the present, embarking on adventure, innocence about consequences ahead, learning life lessons through direct experience.

• Often The Fool reflects moments where we must start initiations with little prior experience but great hope and spirit. We shouldn’t fear failure but rather leap forward into boundless possibility this amazing life offers.

the fool tarot card meaning infographic

• Negatively, it can represent being overly naive, reckless behaviors without consideration of outcomes down the line. But mostly it symbolizes unbridled optimism about what lies ahead.

• The Fool reminds us that when starting anything new – whether endeavors, relationships or creating differently, we should embrace that childlike curiosity and awe allowing spontaneity rather than overthinking or fear to limit possibility. 

So in many readings, the Fool card signifies incredible optimism and eagerness to enter unfamiliar territory without assumption about what we think we already know. New awaiting!

Learn more about the Fool Tarot Card Meaning

Birth Card Calculator The Magician tarot card depicting a figure at a table with elemental symbols. The Magician holds a wand, pointing both upwards and downwards. Symbolic objects like cups, pentacles, swords, and wands surround the table against a backdrop of earth and sky."

1. The Magician Tarot Card Meaning

• The Magician represents manifestation, action, power, skill, resourcefulness, creativity, confidence. He is the conduit between the spiritual and earthly realms.

• When The Magician appears in a reading, it suggests a time to act decisively towards manifesting goals. You have all the knowledge, tools and skills needed for success in the endeavor.

• Key themes of this card include: action, skill, power, creativity, manifestation abilities, using all resources available, confidence in handling what arises, talents and capabilities efficiently employed. 

• Often the appearance of the Magician reflects a moment when we must recognize the vast potential within ourselves to skillfully handle what we encounter and manifest wonderful outcomes through effort and grit.

• Negatively, it can manifest as manipulation of people or situations for ego motives rather than higher good.

However mostly it symbolizes the incredible gifts we hold to create the reality we desire by communicating skillfully between realms.

• The Magician arrives reminding us of all the inner talents and magic we have available if we take focused action towards our aspirations now by bridging our gifts from the divine with the human experience.

So in many readings, The Magician signifies incredible skill, talent and potential being activated to manifest wonderful outcomes through conscious, empowered action that bridges the spiritual gifts and human experience.

Learn more Magician Tarot Card Meanings

For Tarot Card Birth Calculator The High Priestess tarot card featuring a seated figure with a scroll and crescent moon. Dressed in a blue robe, she sits between pillars at the entrance to a temple. A veil of pomegranates creates a mysterious background

2. The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning

The High Priestess represents intuition, mystery, consciousness, sacred knowledge, inner wisdom, and trust in the unknown.

She connects to divine guidance through the subconscious mind.

When The High Priestess appears in a reading it suggests a time to seek out information from within using extrasensory perception.

Quiet your conscious thoughts to better “hear” intuitive truths speaking softly.

Key themes of this card include: intuition, inner knowing, mystery, unconscious realms, stillness, esoteric knowledge, sacred teachings kept secret until ready, and understanding life’s paradoxes by surrendering ego.

The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning Cheat Sheet Infographic

Often the appearance of The High Priestess reflects a need to retreat from the rational external world in order to explore the subconscious and draw out transformative insights for spiritual growth. 

Negatively, it can manifest as keeping secrets, distancing from emotions or being overly self-contained, mysterious and unforthcoming with others.

Balance is optimal.

Upright most often, the High Priestess implores us to honor the mindful tranquility necessary to hear our profound inner voice of Higher Self and tap into infinite universal consciousness.

So in many readings The High Priestess arrives when we must step back from the tangible and open to the mystical unseen spirit world which offers sacred intuitive truths we might otherwise overlook.

Learn more about The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning

The Empress Tarot Card from the RWS tarot Deck

3. The Empress Tarot Card Meaning

The Empress represents femininity, beauty, nature, abundance, sensuality, nurturing, creativity, fertility and motherly power.

She is the life-giving feminine complement to the masculine Emperor.

When The Empress appears in a reading it suggests a time to embrace your feminine essence and creative gifts then nurture self and others with great generosity and self-care.

Key themes of this card include: feminine power, beauty, nature, fertility, sexuality, caring for others, cultivating creativity, modeling self-love, growth, prosperity, abundance.  

Often the appearance of The Empress reflects increased charm, admiration by others and professional or personal successes stemming from positive self-regard and creative action.

Negatively, it can manifest as vanity, excessive pride in oneself, or smothering gestures towards others. Used wisely, the loving Empress generously gives while upholding healthy boundaries.

When empowered positively, she thoughtfully nurtures relationships, expresses her authentic truth creatively, and passionately taps into her own divine feminine wisdom.

So in many readings The Empress signals a powerful time to channel one’s inner goddess through artistic outlets, selfless caregiving, cherishing bonds, and ushering in prosperity by celebrating your own unique beauty and talents.

Learn more about the The Empress Tarot Card.

"The Emperor tarot card portrays a commanding figure seated on a throne with ram's heads. Holding an orb and scepter, the Emperor exudes authority. The background showcases a mountainous landscape, symbolizing stability and strength."

4. The Emperor Tarot Card Meaning

The Emperor represents leadership, authority, structure, rules, stability, protection, reason over emotion.

As the patriarchal counterpart to The Empress, he focuses energy on establishing order and strategy in the material realm.

When The Emperor appears in a reading it suggests there is a need for strong leadership skills, decisive control, structural order, dependable logic and authority to create a healthy and prosperous system for all involved parties. 

Key themes of this card include: leadership, authority, control, rules & structure, logic over feelings, protection through order, stability via strategy, commanding respect.

Often the card signifies that now is a constructive time to step confidently into your power and fulfill leadership duties – whether parenthood, mentorship roles, or leading a team through clear planning and respectful control mechanisms.

Negatively, it can reflect rigidity, domineering tendencies and placing too much weight on logic over emotional intelligence and the human aspects of any situation. Moderate softer skills matter too.

Upright most, Emperor energy gets things accomplished soundly. Reversed can suggest abuse of power, resistance to healthy boundaries or overly masculine traits – like disconnected logic or aggression over empathy.

So in many readings, The Emperor signals rises in status from confidently leading others towards prosperity and security by outlining effective overarching plans.

The Hierophant tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A symbolic representation of wisdom and spiritual guidance, featuring a figure in ceremonial robes holding a staff. The scene includes religious elements, pillars, and followers seeking wisdom.

5. The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning

The Hierophant represents traditions, institutions, rules, beliefs, conformity, morality and seeking spiritual guidance. It focuses energy on established social structures, order and religious customs.

When The Hierophant appears, it signifies a need to follow rules, go by the book, abide by advice or counsel of a trusted mentor/teacher, or seek external belief systems for guidance. 


Key themes include: tradition, conformity, institutions, morality, ethics, teachers/mentors, guidance, religious figures and following established spiritual instructions without resistance or trying to reinvent the wheel.


The Hierophant often appears when you feel uncertain and must turn to a trusted system, source of wisdom or set of beliefs to find order again. You avoid veering from what is tried and true for answers.


Negatively, it can signify rigid conventional thinking or following outdated modes of being. But it mainly encourages you not to disregard what institutions, mentors and faith traditions offer presently.

The card asks you to tap into the benefits of structures and shared customs – as they provide community and belonging through cohesive codes of conduct that keep groups functioning healthily together.  

So in many readings, The Hierophant reflects a return to what is traditional, customary or upheld by established institutions and mentors to provide stability and moral guidance during times of questioning or spiritual need.

man and women standing beneath an archway adorned with fruits and foliage, symbolizing abundance. An angel hovers above, signifying divine guidance. The figures express a connection, with intertwined hands or an embrace.

6. The Lovers Tarot Card Meaning

The Lovers represents relationships, connections, sexuality, choices, union, alignment of values, and profound bonds. It focuses energy on matters of close relationships and love.

When The Lovers appears it signals matters related to relationships, harmony, alliances, sexuality and important bonding experiences surface now.

There is a need for meaningful connections.  

Key themes include: love, sexuality, relationships, choice between options, companionship needs, passions, desires, misalignments revealed, re-evaluating bonds.

The Lovers often shows up when an important choice about values or a significant relationship presents itself.

Pick with care, some options align deeply while others divide.

There can also be a sense of fresh vitality, excitement and optimism when it arrives. Past disconnections may fade as something more promising bonds you with another. 

The card asks you to consider what truly matters most to commit to longer term versus short lived infatuation. Find sacred union.

So in many readings, The Lovers represents critical relationship decisions, bonding experiences, sexuality and the need for human connection on intimate levels.

"The Chariot tarot card depicts a triumphant figure in a chariot pulled by two sphinxes, symbolizing controlled opposing forces. The figure holds a wand or scepter, signifying willpower and determination. The chariot is under a starry canopy, suggesting cosmic guidance."

7. The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning

The Chariot represents direction, control, willpower, success, movement. It signifies forward momentum towards victory and overcoming opposing forces along the way.

When The Chariot appears in a reading, it indicates a time to assert yourself boldly and use determination to achieve desired ends. Victory lies ahead through direct action.

Key themes of this card include: control, willpower, success, determination, forward action, rising above challenges, struggles and opposing forces, and ultimately winning through confidence and skill.

Often the card encourages you to embrace the warrior spirit within – harnessing the opposing forces represented by the black and white sphinxes. Use opposing tension productively. 

Negatively, The Chariot sometimes indicates moments where there is too much ego-driven force and not enough heart guiding the chariot. Over-control and aggression often backfire.

Upright it signals the skills to take the reins and steer your chariot to triumph. Reversed can suggest lack of direction currently or setbacks if overly aggressive rather than strategically assertive.

In many readings, The Chariot activates leadership ability to skillfully navigate life’s opposing tensions and arrive successfully at your goal through determination, yet balanced control.

"The Strength tarot card features a figure, often a woman, gently holding open the jaws of a lion, symbolizing inner strength and courage. The figure exudes a calm and compassionate demeanor, showcasing strength through gentleness. Floral elements in the background represent the blossoming of inner power."

8. Strength Tarot Card Meaning

Strength represents inner resolve, courage, patience, control, compassion.

It appears when you must find your moral courage and grounded center during times of adversity, fear, or anger. 

When the Strength card appears, it is a sign to stand firm in your own integrity by responding calmly and rationally rather than giving in to the lower urges of fear, doubt or desire.

Meet challenges from a place of inner resolve.

Key Strength themes include: fortitude, discipline, perseverance, overcoming anger/fear, self-mastery and control, choosing compassion over righteousness indignation. 

The Strength card reflects transcending external influences, criticism or difficult people attempting to pull you off your center.

Meet them with patience and firm boundaries instead.  

This card sometimes suggests physical vitality, health and stamina as well.

But more so it activates your ability to diplomatically rise above conflict, self-doubt and turbulent feelings or events trying to throw you off balance.  

In summary, Strength activates the higher qualities of human potential, those that demonstrate maturity, confidence, steadiness and a strong moral center when under duress.

"The Hermit tarot card features a cloaked figure on a mountaintop holding a lantern, symbolizing inner guidance. The staff and mountainous terrain suggest a journey of solitude and introspection. The background is dark, emphasizing the glow of the lantern."

9. The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

The Hermit represents solitude, reflection, search for truth, inner guidance, soul-searching, and deep understanding.

It often appears when you need enlightenment or a new perspective.

When The Hermit appears, it signals a time of retreat and inner work is ahead. You withdraw from the noisy outer world to reconnect with inner wisdom, purpose and stillness.  

Key themes of this card include: need for seclusion, less socializing, being alone with thoughts, meditation, finding life direction, understanding deeper truths, soul work, and illuminating new spiritual heights.

The Hermit reflects that there are times we need sanctuary from crowded energy and perspectives so our own voice can be heard more clearly beyond the distractions.

Insights arise in the silence.

Time alone fuels clarity about values, direction, relationships, desires, and spiritual connections that may get overlooked during busier periods.

Contemplate and recharge.

The Hermit represents periodically withdrawing to nourish your soul, so you can ultimately return to daily life with renewed passion and purpose to share.

In many readings, The Hermit suggests a timely period of inner work and solitude which grants the reflective space to grow wisdom and discover motivating insights that bring new meaning.

"The Wheel of Fortune tarot card features a large turning wheel with ascending and descending figures. Symbolic creatures like the sphinx and serpent represent cycles of life. The wheel is divided into sections depicting various stages, and the figure at the top holds a sword or wand, symbolizing control over destiny."

10. Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune represents the cycles of change, ups and downs, destiny, unexpected events, transitions, and pivotal turning points.

When the Wheel appears, it signals that change is not only inevitable, but happening soon.

Fated events or luck shift life in a new direction.

Key themes include: change, cycles, fate, destiny, fortune, unpredictable events, ups and downs of life, endings & new beginnings, breaking cycles, and pivotal transitions.

The Wheel reflects that you are not necessarily in full control – there are outside forces and fated events guiding your path too. Expect the unexpected more now.

This card asks you to adapt to changes arising, rather than resist the impermanence of life. What’s meant to happen will unfold.

Flow with the punches.

If currently on top, enjoy it, but don’t cling when the inevitable wheel turn ushers in a downswing. And if bottoming out, know brighter days inevitably return!

So in many readings, the Wheel of Fortune marks pivotal junctures that churn consequences, unexpected blessings or progress, and destines new phases of life.

"The Justice tarot card features a figure, often a woman, seated between two pillars, wearing a red robe and holding a sword and scales. The scales represent balance and fairness, while the sword signifies discernment and impartiality. The figure wears a blindfold, emphasizing the objective nature of justice. The background includes a purple cloth draped between the two pillars."

11. Justice Tarot Card Meaning

Justice represents fairness, truth, ethics, cause and effect, accountability, and rational decisions. After chaos or imbalance, harmony is restored.

When Justice appears, it often signals matters of truth and fairness coming to light.

Legal situations may surface, or the need for an objective decision about a dispute.

Key themes include: karma, taking responsibility, consequences of choices, integrity, rebalancing, contracts/commitments, causes set into motion, and tallying debts or rewards – then rectifying imbalances.

The Justice card reflects either receiving your earned due after diligent effort, or taking ownership of responsibility where you may have caused harm through words, deeds or even complacency. 

Justice reminds us that for every action, there is an equal reaction down the line.

Review how your decisions impact others beyond yourself.

Cultivate integrity.

If justice is denied presently, have patience that truth surfaces in due time.

Stay committed to ethics and causality churns a resolution.

In many readings, the Justice card represents fair outcomes, honesty in communications, admitting when one is wrong, and shouldering duty for past decisions or agreements made.

The Hanged Man tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A figure suspended by one foot from a tree, forming a triangle with the other leg. Symbolizing surrender, sacrifice, and a different perspective, the card conveys a sense of calm introspection and spiritual growth.

12. The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning

The Hanged Man represents pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives, and personal sacrifice for growth.

After a period of uncertainty and confusion, insights arise.

When The Hanged Man appears in a reading, it indicates you may feel suspended in time, stuck or uncertain about life’s direction.

You let go of control and take new vantage points.

Key themes include: limbo, waiting, uncertainty, stalled plans, feeling constrained, seeing from new angles, cultivating patience, transitions, and spiritual surrender for internal growth.

Often the card asks you to shift your attitude during apparent stuckness in life.

Seeing it as a purposeful pause meant for inner renewal, not endless frustration over delays. 

The Hanged Man encourages you to detach, reverse perspective, meditate on insights emerging and develop more intuitive abilities and faith to navigate challenging in-between periods.

When life is on hold or simply unclear, tap into patience and wisdom inside.

Unexpected blessings in consciousness and understanding take shape which later fuels your next chapter of productivity.

In general, The Hanged Man symbolizes limbo periods that nurture new insights and self-mastery once ego steps aside as plans and control mechanisms stall out for awhile.

The Death card features a skeletal figure in armor, mounted on a white horse. The figure holds a black flag adorned with a white rose, symbolizing purity and transformation. Before the horse, there are figures of varying ages and statuses, signifying the universality of death. The scene represents an inevitable and transformative change rather than a literal demise.

13. Death Tarot Card Meaning

The Death card rarely represents actual physical death. Instead it signifies deep transformation, transition, or dramatic change in some area of your life. Think metamorphosis.

When Death appears it often reflects that a significant ending or loss is happening so that something new can begin. Out with the old, in with the new.

Key themes include: endings, deep change, transformation, transition, releasing what no longer serves you, moving into a new chapter of life, mourning what’s passed.

You must clear away old habits, relationships, roles, identities, or mindsets that limit future happiness and growth to make room for rebirth ahead.

This process is often painful but necessary.

The Death card asks you to accept what cannot continue and trust that post-transition a renewed more authentic life phase awaits further down the road.

Symbolically Death arrives when winter sets in before the first shoots of spring eventually emerge.

The cycle of life, death and rebirth continues eternally.

In summary, Death rarely predicts physical death. More commonly it signals necessary deep endings and transition that make space for promising transformation ahead.

The Temperance tarot card depicts an angel pouring liquid between two cups, standing with one foot in water and the other on land. Wings and a halo adorn the angel, and a path leads to a mountain in the background, symbolizing balance and harmony.

14. Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

Temperance represents balance, moderation, patience, purpose, blending opposites, and finding middle ground. After chaos or excess, it brings stabilization.

When Temperance appears in a reading, it is often a sign to exercise more flexibility, patience and level-headedness to achieve greater harmony in your life interests and relationships.

Key themes include: moderation, compromising wisely, adapting skillfully, practicing temperance & restraint, integrating disparate parts of self or a whole, finding purpose from the ups/downs, and achieving symmetry between opposites.

Often Temperance reflects a need to patiently integrate conflicting elements in your psyche or life with equilibrium. Blend the best of multiple worlds or people.

In many readings, Temperance speaks of tactfully balancing numerous elements and exercising more patience, adaptability and sense of meaning or purpose.

It’s time for stabilization and integration to occur.

The Devil tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A captivating figure with bat-like wings and horns, holding chains that bind two figures at its feet. Symbolizing temptation, captivity, and recognition of self-imposed limitations, the card explores themes of material desires.

15. The Devil Tarot Card Meaning

The Devil represents materialism, vice, addiction, restriction, powerlessness, lack of willpower, shadow impulses, and giving in to temptation or toxic patterns.  

When The Devil appears, it suggests you may feel chained or trapped by something that seems out of your control.

Addictions, money issues, sexuality, and dependencies can all fall under the influence of this card.

The Devil can also reflect a state of ignorance, apathy, or denial about issues.

You may avoid taking responsibility for your role in negative situations or patterns.

Shifting blame frequently stems from this card as well.

Common themes include: obsessions, giving away power, rebellion, coupling with toxicity, lack of boundaries, excessive behaviors, and being attached to things that don’t serve your higher good.

The Devil asks you to reflect on what you use to numb emotions, trap yourself, or avoid growth.

Then do the inner work to cut ties with these harmful bonds so you can reclaim your personal power.

In many readings, The Devil calls attention to patterns, addictions, temptations, ignorance or unhealthy attachments trapping the psyche.

Seeing them clearly is the critical first step toward breaking free and reclaiming creative control over the mind/body again.

The Tower tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A tall tower struck by lightning, its crown erupting in flames. Symbolizing sudden revelation and transformative upheaval, the card depicts falling figures and debris amidst a chaotic scene.

16. The Tower Tarot Card Meaning

The Tower represents sudden change, upheaval, destruction, chaos, revelation, and realizing the truth. It is one of the most intense and disruptive cards in the deck.

When The Tower appears it signals a time of extreme transformation is at hand, usually beyond your control.

Major upheaval that destroys old patterns makes way for new beginnings after a tumultuous transition.

Key themes include: disruption from outside forces, foundation rocked, structures dismantled, shocking revelation of truth, plans overturned, catastrophe creating change, and no more secrets as everything becomes exposed.

The intensity of this card brings things that weren’t working to a climax so they implode and are torn down. Out of the ashes, renewed clarity about your path emerges in time.

The Tower card carries a lot of nervous intensity because it represents our fears about the “ground falling from beneath our feet”.

Yet this destruction makes room for beneficial rebuilding in the long run.

In summary, The Tower always signals unavoidable disruption and dismantling in areas where you’ve held false beliefs or built on shaky foundations.

It is painful in the moment but allows for therapeutic rebuilding and reinvention further down the road.

The Star tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A serene figure pouring water from two jugs, illuminated by seven large stars and surrounded by smaller twinkling stars. Symbolizing hope, divine guidance, and a balance between the spiritual and material realms, the card exudes tranquility.

17. The Star Tarot Card Meaning

The Star card represents hope, faith, purpose, renewal, and inspiration. After turmoil, it brings a sense of peace and healing.

When The Star appears, it suggests a period of light after darkness.

You are guided toward a sense of meaning or spiritual connection after difficulty.

Key themes of this card include optimism, faith, reawakening, inspiration, serenity, generosity, calm, and supporting others. It has a gentle, soulful presence.

The Star often appears when you are rebuilding self-confidence, finding inspiration/purpose again after setbacks, discovering hope or sharing gifts with others.

It reflects a time to connect with your own wisdom, intuition and inner light so you can illuminate the way ahead for yourself and others. Follow inspiration.

The Star reminds us to have faith things will work out how they should. Let inner peace guide you rather than anxiety/fear.

There is meaning waiting to be embraced.

I

n many readings, the Star is a welcome sign of healing, inspiration and faith after difficulty.

It illuminates the positives to orient the way forward after an unclear period.

Renewal becomes possible.

The Moon tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A surreal scene featuring a full moon, a crustacean emerging from water, and guardian dogs. The symbolism includes intuitive exploration, subconscious influences, and a winding path into the unknown.

18. The Moon Tarot Card Meaning

The Moon often represents illusion, fears, anxiety, intuition, uncertainty, dreams, and the unconscious.

As the natural counterpart to The Sun, it introduces complexity.

When The Moon appears upright, it suggests your inner world dreams, creativity, emotions, and intuition, feel amplified right now. Uncertainty around a situation may also surface.

Key themes when upright include tapping into intuition, working with dreams and symbols while managing strong emotions.

Seeing beyond illusions, releasing fear, developing creativity, nocturnal activities, uncertainty and being at a crossroads with choices ahead.

The Moon reflects it is time to connect with your private world away from outer distractions.

Trust in your intuition may help guide next steps forward during this reflective period.

Sometimes The Moon can represent confusion, anxieties, emotional triggers or fretting over decisions ahead since the way forward is not totally illuminated yet.

The Sun tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A radiant sun in a blue sky, a joyful child riding a white horse, and sunflowers in the background. Symbolizing happiness, warmth, and the promise of a bright future, the card conveys a sense of innocence and exuberance.

19. The Sun Tarot Card Meaning

The Sun represents vitality, energy, and positivity. This card brings a very upbeat, joyful energy to a reading.

When The Sun appears, it is usually indicating a time of happiness, success, and fulfillment in your life. Things are aligned in your favor.

Key themes of The Sun include enthusiasm, creative expression, success, celebration, joy, optimism, clarity, and vitality. It’s one of the best cards in the deck!

Often The Sun reflects a time of confidence, achievements, and positive connections with others. Relationships may be harmonious. 

Negatively, it can sometimes reflect blind optimism or lacking humility/objectivity about a situation.

Usually it signifies positivity.

The Sun encourages you to express your authentic self without fear or hesitation.

It supports creativity, play, and tapping into your inner childlike wonder.

In summary, The Sun is about aligning with your vitality and true spirit.

When it shows up in a reading, get ready to embrace renewal, success, joyful connections, creativity, confidence and positive energy.

It’s generally an uplifting card forecasting happiness and self-expression.

The Judgment tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A scene depicting figures rising from graves in response to an angel's trumpet call. Symbolizing spiritual awakening and rebirth, the card conveys a powerful moment of self-reflection and judgment.

20. Judgement Tarot Card Meaning

Judgment represents a major life transition or awakening that is unfolding.

You are on the threshold of important change.

You may be undergoing a shift in perspective, spiritual revelation, or calling to fulfill your true purpose.

Deep self-reflection often precedes this card.

Judgment suggests a time of self-evaluation and reviewing the past. You may question what is working and not working in your life now.

By shedding limiting beliefs and old habits, you make room for growth and renewal.

You see things in a new light.

Forgiveness, compassion, acceptance, and starting fresh become important.

You answer your inner calling.

There’s a sense you cannot go back, only move ahead changed.

You feel ready to make inspired choices.

Confidence grows as you trust your inner wisdom.

In many readings, the Judgment card signals a major change or shift is on the horizon.

It’s a wake-up call to grow into a new version of yourself.

With self-reflection and reviewing the past, you feel prepared to move forward and embrace renewal.

The World tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A majestic figure in a triumphant pose, surrounded by a wreath, with mystical creatures in each corner. Symbolizing completion and unity, the card features cosmic elements and the integration of diverse experiences.

21. The World Tarot Card Meaning

The World represents completion, achievement, and fulfillment.

It suggests that a major cycle in your life has come full circle.

After going through challenges and lessons on your journey, you have reached a state of inner harmony and wholeness.

Key themes of this card include accomplishment, closure, integration, success, reaching your goals, and finding inner peace.

When The World appears in a reading, you may be feeling satisfied and whole emotionally/spiritually.

It’s a time to celebrate how far you’ve come.

You are in alignment between your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual states. Everything seems to be coming together for you.

Negatively, the card can suggest you are resisting closure or feel anxious about the future after achieving your goal.

An opportunity for deeper fulfillment may arise once you fully integrate the lessons from your past cycle of life.

In summary, The World tarot card generally represents the successful completion of a chapter, cycle or long-term goal.

It is a card of achievement, fulfillment and feeling centered and whole.

It encourages you to reflect on closure while also anticipating what new doors may open.

Minor Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

The Minor Arcana cards in a tarot deck represent the day-to-day experiences and events in our lives.

Each suit (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands) corresponds to a different element and theme, and the numbered cards (Ace through 10) represent various stages and developments within those themes.

The Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) represent specific personality traits or individuals who may come into play in a situation.

When interpreting the Minor Arcana cards, it’s important to consider the elements, numbers, and imagery on the cards to understand their meanings.

Cups represent emotions and relationships.

Pentacles represent material aspects and resources.

Swords represent thoughts and conflicts.

Wands represent action and creativity.

The numbers on the cards also carry significance, with each number offering different energies and lessons.

Overall, the Minor Arcana cards provide insight into the everyday aspects of our lives and can help guide us through both minor and major decisions. 

Suit of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Suit of Wands represents the realm of creativity, passion, inspiration, and willpower.

The 14 cards in this suit deal with spiritual and creative energy, ambition, growth, and the primal self.

Wands represent the fire within us that initiates action and movement.

This suit is tied to our life force, spirituality, creativity, and intuition.

Wands encourage us to find purpose and joy.

The beginning of the suit focuses on primal energy and impulse.

As we move through the 10 numbered cards, the suit reflects increasing drive and complexity.

The four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King of Wands) represent different creative archetypes and levels of mastery.

A predominance of Wands in a reading suggests needing to take inspired action, embrace your vision, and stay motivated despite challenges.

Wands remind us that creativity brings fulfillment when inspired from within.

This suit provides the burning spark to ignite change in our lives.

Tarot Card Meanings King of Wands

King of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Wands represents leadership, boldness, vision, entrepreneurship.

He has qualities of being charismatic, driven, passionate, decisive and ambitious.

There is a sense of confidence and courage.

When the King of Wands appears in a reading, it reflects a time to tap into strong leadership skills, daring, determination, drive and vibrancy to reach your aspirations.

The King of Wands reflects assuming visionary leadership through self-assured action, passion and spirited determination.

Where there is vibrant energetic will, there is assured success soon.

Queen of Wands

Queen of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Queen of Wands represents creativity, boldness, inspiration, determination.

She is a vibrant, courageous leader who motivates others through her visionary thinking and charm.

When the Queen of Wands card appears, it reflects a time to be fiery, focused, charismatic and daring in pursuing your goals and dreams.

Let your inspiration fuel progress. 

The Queen of Wands reflects embracing courage, creativity and self-confidence.

Knight of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

Knight of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

Here is a brief overview of the meaning of the Knight of Wands tarot card:

The Knight of Wands tarot card represents energy, passion, inspiration, and action. This card often shows up when there is a need to take bold action or make a move toward a goal or vision. The Knight of Wands has a fiery, daring energy and brings news of travel, adventure or a quest of some kind that requires bravery and confidence.

The Knight of Wands encourages you to be bold and pursue your dreams and passions without hesitation. This card signals a time for adventure, for taking risks and seeking out new challenges and opportunities. Even if you feel afraid at times, the Knight gives you the courage and self-assurance to take the first step.

So in any reading, the Knight of Wands often appears when it is time to seize your vision and make it real through confidence, action and a fearless spirit.

Page of Wands

Page of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Page of Wands represents creativity, exploration, discovery and learning.

This card often shows up when there is a need for new ideas, inspiration and approaches.

Additionally, it can signify kids or young people, students, messages and good news.

The Page of Wands often appears when you need to tap into your creative spark and approach your goals or challenges with curiosity, passion and inspiration.

This card encourages you to connect to what really lights you up inside, pursue interests that make you excited.

Learn new things, and stay open-minded to new ideas or ways of thinking/doing things.

The essence of the Page is about keeping your inner “fire” for life kindled with wonder, inspiration and enthusiasm.

It reminds us to nurture our passions and stay excited about the possibilities ahead.

Ten of Wands Tarot Card Meaning From RWS Deck

Ten of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Ten of Wands typically represents the weight of responsibility, hard work and burden.

This card often comes up when someone has taken on too many obligations and is struggling under an overwhelming workload or duties.

The essence of the Ten of Wands is that responsibilities and obligations have become truly burdensome.

This card can signify being driven to the point of exhaustion in an effort to meet all your commitments.

While this card indicates a heavy burden, it also conveys that the finish line is close by.

It is a matter of summoning the energy and grit to give one final push towards completion.

Delegation and assistance from others is likely needed as well.

When the Ten of Wands shows up, evaluate your workload and obligations to determine what can be shed or shared with others.

This is a clear sign to check in with your bandwidth and make self-care a priority as you move things forward to the final phase.

Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meaning From the RWS Tarot Deck

Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Nine of Wands represents resilience, courage and persistence in the face of adversity.

This card often comes up when someone is feeling weary yet continues to stand their ground despite the challenges they face.

The essence of the Nine of Wands is the willpower to keep going even when exhausted and battle-worn.

The figure in the Rider-Waite imagery stands bravely in front of the eight wands he has already conquered, ready to overcome one final challenge.

While this card signifies weariness, there is also great strength cultivated through adversity.

The Nine of Wands encourages you to stand firm in who you are and what you have built, while signaling that you are close to completing this “test of endurance”.

When this card appears, know that persistence now will prepare you greatly for the future.

You have the inner fortitude to withstand any remaining obstacles.

Maintain courage and keep defending what is yours.

Eight of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

Eight of Wands tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Wands generally represents swift action and progress.

This card often comes up when there is rapid advancement on goals, travel plans, projects or activity in general.

The essence of the Eight of Wands is speed, swift change and exciting movement toward passions or objectives.

This card indicates things picking up tremendous pace, often unexpectedly.

It suggests barely being able to keep up with the flurry of events happening in your life.

While the busyness may feel chaotic at times, the Eight of Wands ultimately represents good momentum.

It’s a sign to act decisively, stay flexible and embrace a period of productive, exhilarating activity.

In any reading, the Eight of Wands indicates that brisk shifts and action-oriented progress are coming your way across multiple facets of life.

Stay nimble and alert to react quickly amid this wild energy. Fast-paced breakthroughs lie ahead!

rider waite smith tarot cards 6

Seven of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Seven of Wands typically represents standing your ground, defensive action and maintaining a position against opposition or challenge.

This card often comes up when you need to stand up for yourself and guard against threats or competition.

The essence of the Seven of Wands is having the conviction and bravery to stand firm and fight for your place or beliefs, even when threatened or questioned by others.

There is often a need to establish barriers and boundaries.

While it indicates struggle, this card also reminds you of the internal resources you have developed from past “battles”.

The skills and wisdom gained will help you overcome current adversities or competitors as well.

In any reading, the Seven of Wands is a sign of the inner power and perseverance required to hold your position steady amid turmoil.

By standing your ground you inspire and assert yourself as a leader in some way.

six of wands card from the RWS tarot card Deck

Six of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Six of Wands is typically associated with victory, success and public recognition of achievements and efforts.

This card often shows up when you have successfully completed a challenge, goal or endeavor and are receiving the rewards and acclaim for it.

The essence of the Six of Wands is triumph, victory and praise for accomplishments.

The character in the Rider-Wait imagery on this card wears a laurel wreath and returns from battle to a crowd celebrating his heroic achievements and leadership.

While it is well-deserved, this card encourages humility and shares the success with those who supported you to avoid arrogance.

It is a confirmation to continue on the current path of aspiration and leadership.

So in any reading, the Six of Wands often shows up when you have gone through the trials and can now enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Relish this time of hard-won victory as you continue to build on this momentum.

Five men holding wands, engaged in a friendly but competitive struggle, symbolizing competition, conflict, and the need to work together harmoniously to overcome challenges.

Five of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Wands typically represents conflict, competition, tension or rivalry.

This card often shows up when there are challenges from competing interests or disagreement within a group.

The essence of the Five of Wands depicts the struggle that comes when multiple agendas compete for priority.

While it looks heated and chaotic, the rivalry can help determine what or who prevails.

While uncomfortable, this card signals an opportunity to learn how to better cooperate, compromise and even leverage healthy opposition to strengthen your position.

It reminds you to hold your ground while avoiding escalation.

In any reading, the Five of Wands cautions against conflict but suggests you can gain skill in finding resolution.

With an open, growth mindset, this turmoil can actually help prepare you for future tense situations and in clarifying your leadership abilities.

A man and a woman holding flowers, celebrating amidst a group of people, with a castle in the background, symbolizing celebration, harmony, and achievements, and signifying joy, stability, and the completion of a significant milestone.

Four of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Wands often represents celebration, harmony and reward after completion of a significant endeavor or milestone.

The essence of the Four of Wands depicts a joyous scene after an undertaking has been fulfilled and comrades can celebrate together.

There is often a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie within a group.

While signifying completion of an important achievement, this card also represents pause to honor efforts before beginning the next endeavor.

It reflects establishment of security earned through dedicated work and alignment.

Overall the Four of Wands encourages fully embracing and appreciating milestone moments in life’s journey when they arise.

Take time to celebrate with those who shared the efforts with you.

A person stands on a hill, looking out over the ocean, holding onto three wands. Ships are visible in the distance. The scene symbolizes anticipation, planning, and the beginning stages of a journey or project.

Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Wands generally centers around expansion, foresight, and taking initial steps toward a goal.

After doing the groundwork, this card suggests things are now starting to progress.

The essence of the Three of Wands is forward momentum and optimism as a period of active building toward a goal gets underway.

It often confirms that intentions backed by early initiative and vision will pave the wave for ongoing expansion and success.

This card suggests a pivotal crossroads to stake a claim toward your aspirations with preparedness, smart choices and collaborative leadership.

Have hope and courage to embark!

Three indicates positive teamwork and an ability to delegate responsibilities effectively while also dividing the rewards.

This card suggests confidence that invested efforts will lead to long term success. Maintaining a bold vision for the future and refusing to limit yourself is critical at this stage

Learn more about the Three Of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

A man stands on a battlement, holding a globe and a wand, looking into the distance. The image symbolizes vision, planning, and the potential for new opportunities and ventures.

Two of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Two of Wands is often associated with planning, decision-making, discovery and progress in new directions.

This card shows up when there is a need to expand horizons and pursue goals more boldly and strategically.

The essence of this card is foresight, ambition and envisioning your path forward.

All that is possible for you to create or achieve.

It reflects a period of gaining broader perspective before strategically staking your next claim.

In many interpretations, the Two of Wands encourages you to thoughtfully prepare for journeys.

This card reminds you to blend planning with vision.

When the Two of Wands appears, it often signals a pivotal moment to survey your options, make key choices about your direction ahead and begin planting seeds for future success.

Ace of Wands Tarot card Meaning

Ace of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Ace of Wands generally represents new beginnings, inspiration, creativity, passion and original ideas.

This card often shows up when there is a spark of innovation, excitement or opportunity to start fresh in some area of life.

The essence of the Ace of Wands is about breakthroughs, birth of ambition, and harnessing inspiration to grow something new.

Drawing this card suggests Divine inspiration striking, suddenly igniting a spark within you – one that can blaze brightly if tended properly.

When this card appears, it often represents flashes of insight and creative potential coming your way.

It’s an auspicious sign to begin hatching plans, planting seeds and tapping into your wellspring of ideas to catalyze new beginnings.

Suit of Cups Tarot Cards Meanings

The Suit of Cups represents the emotional and intuitive realm of life.

The 14 cards in this suit deal with love, relationships, feelings, creativity, and spirituality.

Cups point to our inner world of dreams, imagination, desires, and the subtle, sensitive side of our nature.

Cups encourage us to tap into our heart’s wisdom, follow our intuition, and explore the full spectrum of human emotion.

The beginning of the suit deals with new feelings and possibilities in love.

As we move through the 10 numbered cards, the suit reflects a deepening and maturing of relationships and emotions.

The four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King of Cups) represent different personality types and their emotional dispositions.

A predominance of Cups in a tarot reading suggests the need for self-love, artistic expression, and care for relationships.

The Cups remind us to nurture our inner life even amidst outer turmoil.

Rider Waite Smith Tarot Card - King of Cups: A wise king by the water, holding a cup, symbolizing emotional stability, wisdom, and compassionate leadership.

King of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Cups represents mastery over the emotions.

He is a compassionate, caring, and composed individual who uses his emotional intelligence to make wise decisions.

As a court card, the King of Cups may represent a mature man who provides emotionally stable and thoughtful advice to others.

He is in control of his feelings.

When the King of Cups appears in a tarot reading, it often signals the need to remain calm and cool-headed even when faced with upsetting events or high tensions.

It is a card of emotional stability and diplomacy.

The King encourages us to be thoughtful and reflective rather than rash.

He provides solutions with care and consideration of how others will be impacted.

Negatively, the reversed King of Cups can suggest blocked or suppressed emotions, moodiness, or an unwillingness to listen to one’s heart and intuition.

In summary, the upright King of Cups represents mastery of emotions, compassion, diplomacy and an ability to manage difficult situations in a calm and caring manner.

He taps into his emotional intelligence for the benefit of others.

In the Queen of Cups Tarot card, a serene queen sits by the water on her throne, holding a cup. Her demeanor radiates emotional intuition and compassion, portraying a nurturing and empathetic presence.

Queen of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

In tarot, the Queen of Cups represents compassion, intuition, and emotional sensitivity.

She is often seen as the embodiment of the ideal mother or lover.

As a court card, the Queen of Cups may signify a woman in the querent’s life who is exceptionally loving, generous, and giving.

She follows her heart and instincts to nurture those around her.

The Queen has a deep well of emotions within her and is adept at forming strong bonds and reading others on an emotional level.

She is in touch with her innermost feelings.

When the Queen of Cups appears in a reading, it may suggest getting in touch with your compassionate side and listening to your intuition.

Pay attention to your dreams and insights.

Rider Waite Smith Tarot Card - Knight of Cups: A knight on horseback holds a cup, representing a quest for emotional fulfillment, romance, and the pursuit of dreams.

Knight of Cups tarot card Meaning

The Knight of Cups represents a romantic, charming, creative individual.

This knight is a messenger of love and positive emotion.

The card signifies following your heart, embracing romance and creativity.

It reflects idealism and imagination.

In readings, the Knight of Cups may represent a person or event that makes your heart flutter with joy, inspiration and emotion.

It encourages you to follow your passion.

Rider Waite Smith Tarot Card - Page of Cups: A young person holding a cup with a fish emerging, symbolizing new emotional experiences, intuition, and creative inspiration.

Page of Cups tarot card Meaning

The Page of Cups reflects a young, sensitive, dreamy person who is open-hearted and filled with imagination.

This card represents new feelings, flirtation, infatuation, and creative or artistic inspiration.

When the Page appears, it signifies good news regarding relationships or creativity.

It reflects playfulness, innocence, and being receptive to intuition and inner messages.

There is new potential waiting to unfold.

The Page encourages you to approach situations with childlike wonder and an open, trusting heart.

Follow your intuition.

Learn more about the Page of Cups tarot meaning.

tarot card meaning A happy family with children, standing together with arms outstretched. A rainbow arches over them, symbolizing joy, fulfillment, and harmony.

Ten of Cups tarot card Meaning

The Ten of Cups is one of the most positive cards in tarot!

Representing lasting happiness, joy and emotional fulfillment, particularly in family, relationships and home life.

This card reflects harmony, strong bonds, and a sense of belonging.

It signifies a time of blessings, achievement and satisfaction on an emotional level.

The 10 of Cups appears when you are aligned with your heart’s desires.

It represents dreams coming true, perfection in all relationships, and true emotional contentment.

Life feels full and rich.

Learn more about the Ten of Cups Tarot Card Meaning.

Tarot Card Meaning A figure sitting contentedly with crossed arms, surrounded by nine cups in a semicircle, symbolizing emotional fulfillment and satisfaction.

Nine of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Nine of Cups is known as the “wish card” and represents getting what you desire.

It signifies wish fulfillment, comfort, satisfaction, and emotional stability.

When this card appears, it indicates that your hopes and dreams will come to fruition in the near future.

It reflects abundance, pride, and self-acceptance.

The Nine of Cups encourages you to indulge and treat yourself.

Take pleasure in accomplishments and feel gratitude for all that you have.

A figure walking away from a stack of cups, symbolizing leaving behind something emotionally fulfilling but ultimately unfulfilling. The card represents a journey of self-discovery and seeking deeper meaning in life. Tarot Card Meaning

Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Cups represents walking away from something that no longer serves you in order to find deeper meaning.

This card signifies leaving behind emotionally limiting or unsatisfying situations.

It reflects disillusionment, necessary change, and the courage to move on.

Though accompanied by sadness, the Eight of Cups points towards a more fulfilling path ahead.

When this card appears, it’s time for a change of perspective.

Evaluate your goals and priorities.

Be willing to leave behind outgrown relationships, jobs, or mindsets.

Rider Waite Smith Tarot Card - Seven of Cups: A figure ponders choices in seven cups, each holding a different symbol. Symbolizing decision-making and the importance of thoughtful choices

Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Seven of Cups signifies having many options and possibilities available to you.

However, this card also cautions against wishful thinking and fantasy.

It represents confusion, distraction, and too much choice.

When this card appears, narrow your focus and evaluate all options rationally before making a decision.

The Seven of Cups reflects temptation, dreams, and imagination, but reminds you not to lose sight of reality.

Don’t simply go for what looks best on the surface.

Rider Waite Smith Tarot Card - Six of Cups: Two children in a heartwarming scene, one offering a cup of flowers to the other, symbolizing innocence, joy, and fond memories.

Six of Cups Meaning

The Six of Cups represents innocence, nostalgia, childhood memories, and reconnecting with the past.

This card reflects warmth, happiness, and comfort.

When the Six of Cups appears, it indicates a peaceful and pleasant time is ahead.

You may reminisce about positive memories and experiences from your past.

It also signifies a second chance in relationships or an opportunity to recapture a childlike sense of trust, delight, and enjoyment in simple things.

Tarot card meaning A figure standing in front of three spilled cups, symbolizing loss and regret. There are two cups standing upright behind the figure, suggesting that not all is lost. The card encourages acknowledging feelings of loss but also recognizing the positives that remain.

Five of Cups Meaning

The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, disappointment, and disillusionment.

This card signifies focusing too much on what has been lost rather than looking to the future.

When it appears in a reading, the Five of Cups cautions against seeing only the negative in a situation.

There may still be positivity available if you shift perspective.

It suggests feeling regret or mourning a setback, breakup, or other challenging situation.

However, there are still reasons for hope if you can acknowledge them.

The Four of Cups tarot card depicts a brooding young man sitting with his arms crossed ignoring the chalice being offered to him by a hand extending from a cloud. Three upright chalices are at his feet while a river flows behind him.

Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Cups signifies boredom, discontentment, and emotional apathy.

This card reflects taking things for granted rather than appreciating what you have.

When it appears, the Four of Cups indicates a need to reevaluate your situation from a place of gratitude.

New opportunities may be available if you shift perspective.

It represents stagnation and missed opportunities.

You may feel uninspired and let opportunities pass you by.

The card encourages you to open your eyes to new possibilities around you.

Three women joyfully raising their cups in celebration

Three of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Cups represents celebration, friendship, creativity, and collaborations.

This card signifies joy, festivity, and socializing.

When the Three of Cups appears, it reflects teamwork, community, and reason for optimism.

It encourages you to share your ideas and join together with like-minded others.

The Three of Cups indicates a time of playfulness, gatherings, and happily coming together with loved ones.

It marks milestones, parties, and other social causes for celebration.

Meaning of Tarot 2 of cups An illustration of the Two of Cups Tarot card, featuring a man and a woman standing facing each other, holding a cup each and exchanging a heartfelt gaze. A Caduceus symbol floats above them, representing harmony and balanced partnerships.

Two of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Two of Cups signifies a strong, deep connection with another person.

This card reflects love, partnership, mutual attraction, and the beginning of a meaningful relationship.

When it appears, the Two of Cups represents balanced and reciprocal relationships.

It indicates unity through perfect understanding of another’s needs and desires.

This card marks the start of a romance, business partnership, or friendship centered around love, trust, and shared values.

The Two of Cups points toward greater closeness and intimacy.

An illustration of the Ace of Cups Tarot card, featuring a hand emerging from a cloud holding a golden cup overflowing with water. A dove descends, bringing a white wafer to the cup. Water spills over the edges, symbolizing abundance and emotional fulfillment.

Ace of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Ace of Cups represents new feelings, emotional renewal, and the start of a new relationship.

This card signifies abundance, joy, and being open to giving and receiving love.

It reflects beginnings in spirituality, intuition, and creativity.

The Ace of Cups indicates a period of happiness, fulfillment, and being in flow with your feelings.

When it appears, embrace new opportunities for growth.

It marks a positive new emotional experience unfolding in your life.

An outpouring of feelings may renew your sense of purpose.

Suit of Swords Tarot Cards Meanings

The Suit of Swords represents the realm of the mind, intellect, critical thinking, and communication.

The 14 cards in this suit deal with our mental state, attitudes, beliefs, and how we convey ideas.

Swords represent the application of reason, logic, and willpower to overcome challenges.

This suit points to our conscious thought processes, need for clarity, and desires to speak truth.

Swords caution against rigidity of thinking. The beginning of the suit focuses on intellectual force and justice.

As we move through the 10 numbered cards, the suit reflects increasing analytical complexity.

The four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King of Swords) represent different thinking styles and levels of mental mastery.

A predominance of Swords in a reading suggests the need for clear communication, directness, and greater mental focus amid confusion.

Swords urge us to cut through delusions and approach life rationally but also with compassion.

A mature man sits on a throne, holding a sword upright in one hand and gesturing with the other. He wears a blue robe and a crown, symbolizing intellect, authority, and power. The image represents clear thinking, intellectual strength, and the need to make decisions based on reason.

King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Swords represents intellect, reason, and authority.

He signifies logical analysis, rational thinking, and cool judgement.

This card reflects education, seriousness, and honesty.

The King can provide sound advice and counsel with sharp intellect.

However, he may also come across as authoritarian or stern.

In readings, the King of Swords indicates clarity of thought and intelligence applied to achieve goals and cut through confusion.

He takes a systematic, strategic approach.

Queen of Swords Tarot Card - Regal woman on a throne holding a sword with a composed expression. Symbolizes intellect, clear communication, and authority,

Queen of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Queen of Swords represents perceptiveness, wit, and independent thinking.

She signifies intellect, quick-mindedness, and direct communication style.

This card reflects wisdom, truth, and clear boundaries.

The Queen is insightful and able to focus on priorities.

However, she can also turn cold, harsh, or manipulative when threatened.

When the Queen appears, it signals the need for honest analysis and quick action.

It suggests clearing away what is unnecessary to sharpen your mind.

Knight of Swords Tarot Card - Dynamic figure on a charging horse, sword aloft, symbolizing courage, swift decision-making, and a quest for truth.

Knight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Knight of Swords is action-oriented with immense focus and determination.

This card signifies intellect used aggressively and at times impulsively.

It reflects ambition, courage, and advocacy, but may also indicate verbal combativeness and hostility when opinions clash.

The Knight pursues goals forcefully and cuts to the core of matters.

In readings, this card indicates a time for strong action, change, and putting plans into motion.

It signifies cutting through delays and focusing intently on victory.

Page of Swords Tarot Card - Young figure holding a sword with a vigilant expression in a landscape of swirling clouds. Symbolizes intellectual pursuits, curiosity, and new ideas

Page of Swords Meaning Tarot Card Meaning

The Page of Swords represents curiosity, restlessness, and thirst for knowledge.

This card signifies an eager student, messenger, or explorer ready for intellectual challenges.

It reflects mental energy, wit, and the desire to master skills and absorb information.

But the Page can also get distracted, gossip, or be caught up in trivial details.

When it appears, the Page suggests opening your mind to new concepts and perspectives.

Welcome challenges to develop skills, but avoid harsh or immature communication.

ten of swords tarot card meaning A figure lies face down, with ten swords piercing their back. The sky is dark and ominous, but the sun is rising in the distance. The image symbolizes betrayal, loss, and the completion of a painful cycle, but also the potential for new beginnings and healing.

Ten of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Ten of Swords represents rock bottom, loss, betrayal, suffering and deep pain.

This is one of the most difficult cards, signaling an abrupt, shocking ending.

When this card appears, it cautions against despair and reminds you this too shall pass.

While it may feel like the end, you will recover and rise again.

It is darkest before the dawn.

The Ten of Swords indicates hitting a low point but having no choice but to surrender and accept the situation.

Though devastating, enduring the loss allows the opportunity for renewal ahead.

nine of swords tarot card meaning A person sits up in bed, their head in their hands, surrounded by nine swords hanging on the wall. The image conveys a sense of anxiety, worry, and despair, symbolizing mental anguish and overwhelming stress.

Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Nine of Swords signifies anxiety, fear, despair and traumatic stress.

This card reflects rumination on past pains, worries about the future, and restless nights.

When the Nine appears, it indicates being deeply troubled by negative thoughts or nightmares.

However, most of the threats are in your own mind. Light will come again.

The card encourages you to talk about your worries and not suffer alone.

Expressing fears can help diffuse their power over you.

There are constructive ways to handle this.

A woman stands blindfolded and bound in a desolate landscape, surrounded by eight swords. The image symbolizes self-imposed restrictions, limiting beliefs, and feelings of being trapped or powerless.

Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Swords represents feeling restricted, confined, and powerless to change your situation.

You may feel trapped by limitations of your own making.

This card indicates an unwillingness or inability to see a way out of current challenges.

Self-imposed barriers, negative thought patterns, and a victim mentality restrict you.

The Eight encourages a shift of perspective.

Gain greater clarity and free yourself by acknowledging and addressing what holds you back from action.

Seven of Swords Tarot Card: A figure moves cautiously with five swords, leaving two behind in the ground. Reflects a theme of strategy and careful planning, with a quiet landscape and distant mountains evoking a sense of mystery.

Seven of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Seven of Swords represents deception, trickery, scheming, and attempted sneak attacks.

This card signifies getting away with something or trying to avoid consequences.

When it appears, it cautions against unethical, two-faced, or risky behavior.

Things may not be as they seem.

Watch for people’s hidden agendas and secret motivations.

The card reminds you karma has a way of catching up in the end.

Dishonesty and shortcuts ultimately backfire.

Take the high road.

Six of Swords Tarot Card Yes or No Tarot. A figure in a boat ferries passengers across calm waters. The image symbolizes a journey from turmoil to peace, indicating a period of transition and moving towards a more positive future.

Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Six of Swords depicts a necessary transition, rite of passage, or journey away from turmoil toward greater peace and healing.

This card signifies the need to work through emotional pain or sadness and find renewal.

While difficult, acquiring perspective allows personal growth.

When it appears, the card represents an opportunity to leave behind negative attachments and thought patterns that no longer serve you.

Smooth sailing lies ahead.

Five of Swords Tarot Card: A figure stands holding three swords victoriously, as two defeated opponents walk away. Stormy clouds and a windblown tree in the background convey conflict and the aftermath of a challenging situation.

Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Swords represents conflict, verbal attacks, tension, and aggression.

This card signifies winning at all costs, bullying, and lack of remorse.

When it appears, it cautions about unnecessary roughness or the abuse of power.

Emotional violence may bring a shallow victory but true respect is lost.

The Five of Swords encourages you to choose your battles wisely and handle disputes with empathy and ethics.

Avoid spitefulness and kicking someone when they are down.

A figure lies on a tomb, as if in a state of rest or contemplation. Three swords hang on the wall above, and one is beneath the figure. The image symbolizes a period of rest, recovery, and contemplation after a period of strife, indicating the need to recharge and gain clarity before moving forward.

Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Swords represents rest, restoration, contemplation and recovery after a time of challenge.

It signifies retreat, meditation, and reflection.

This card encourages respite from daily activities to regain clarity and a sense of meaning.

Take time for self-care away from the demands of life.

Quiet your mind.

When the Four appears, mindfully pause and focus inward to deepen self-knowledge and inner peace.

Allow body, mind and spirit to rejuvenate.

A heart is pierced by three swords, with storm clouds in the background. The image symbolizes heartbreak, pain, and sorrow, indicating a period of grief or emotional upheaval.

Three of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, emotional pain, sorrow and grief.

This card signifies loss, separation, betrayal, rejection and sadness.

When it appears, it acknowledges the inevitability of heartache in life.

The intensity of hurt won’t last forever.

Accept and express your feelings to begin healing.

The Three encourages forgiveness, moving on from what cannot be changed, and using the experience to grow in wisdom.

Sunshine often follows stormy weather.

Two of Swords Tarot Card: A blindfolded woman sits by the water, cradling two crossed swords. Reflects the challenge of decision-making, with a serene sea and crescent moon in the background symbolizing emotional depth and intuition

Two of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Two of Swords represents indecision, stalemate, and the need for truce during conflict.

This card signifies carefully weighing options when at an impasse.

It reflects closed off or rigid thinking.

Greater balance and flexibility is needed to find a productive way forward.

An impartial compromise can be found.

When this card appears, avoid blanket judgments.

Remove your blindfold, meet on neutral ground, and have an open discussion to reach middle ground.

Ace of Swords Tarot Card: A single, upright sword rises from a cloud, surrounded by a wreath of white roses against a clear blue sky. Symbolizes clarity, truth, and the onset of intellectual power

Ace of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Ace of Swords represents intellectual clarity, breakthroughs, and a new direction.

This card signifies using logic, reason, and willpower to overcome confusion.

It reflects mental focus, strength, truth, and the courage to make difficult decisions to move forward.

The Ace of Swords provides insight to cut through lies or misinformation.

When it appears, it signals it is time for bold action.

Cut ties with whatever limits your thought and speech.

Think and speak your mind with conviction.

Free Printable Tarot Cards Meanings

tarot cheat sheet free tarot card meaning download

References

References for tarot card meanings:

  1. The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910) – One of the most influential books on tarot, written by the co-creator of the Rider-Waite deck. Provides detailed interpretations of each card’s meaning. https://sacred-texts.com/tarot/pkt/index.htm
  2. The Tarot by S.L. MacGregor Mathers (1888) – An early guide to tarot card meanings
  3. https://sacred-texts.com/tarot/mathers/index.htm
  4. The Tarot of the Bohemians by Papus (1896) – Explores the origins of tarot and the mystical meanings of the cards as understood by French occultists of the era. https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/public/gdcmassbookdig/tarotofbohemians00papu_0/tarotofbohemians00papu_0.pdf
  5. The illustrated key to the tarot : the veil of divination De Laurence, L. W. (Lauron William), 1868-Chicago, IL : de Laurence, Scott & Co., 1916. A https://lccn.loc.gov/tmp96025791
  6. The Game of Tarot: From Ferrara to Salt Lake City – Hardcover – A more modern academic overview of tarot history and meaning. Dummett was a philosopher and historian. https://www.abebooks.com/9780715610145/Game-Tarot-Ferrara-Salt-Lake-0715610147/plp
  7. Seventy-eight degrees of wisdom by Rachel Pollack (1980) – A seminal guide to tarot meanings and personal growth through meditation on the cards.  Mythos Center Books (Frontenac, MN, U.S.A.)
  8. Meditations on the Tarot by Anonymous (1985) – A Christian Hermeticist perspective on tarot philosophy and deep symbolic meaning in the cards. https://ia803401.us.archive.org/0/items/meditations-on-the-tarot/Meditations%20on%20the%20Tarot.pdf
  9. Holistic Tarot by Benebell Wen (2015) – Blends an academic and spiritual perspective on tarot meanings and uses. https://benebellwen.com/about-the-book/
  10. Artificial Intelligence from Google Gemini Advanced https://gemini.google.com/app
  11. Artificial Intelligence from Claude AI https://claude.ai/

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