Tarot Card Meanings: Quick Reference Guide

January 1, 2025

Welcome to the World of Tarot!

Your Essential Guide to Understanding the Tarot Card Meanings

Tarot is a powerful tool for self-discovery, reflection, and gaining insight into life’s journey. It’s a deck of 78 cards, each rich with symbolism and meaning, that can help you tap into your intuition, explore your inner landscape, and navigate the path ahead.

This cheat sheet is designed as a simplified guide for beginners, providing you with a quick reference to the basic meanings of each card. While it’s a great starting point, remember that the Tarot is a vast and complex system. We encourage you to continue your exploration beyond this guide, delving deeper into the rich symbolism and developing your own unique interpretations as you gain experience. There is no right or wrong way to interpret each card.

Understanding the Structure of the Tarot

The Tarot deck is divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

- The Major Arcana: These 22 cards represent the major life lessons, archetypal energies, and spiritual themes that we encounter on our journey. Think of them as the “big picture” cards, reflecting significant turning points, karmic influences, and the overarching narrative of your life. They are numbered from 0 (The Fool) to XXI (The World).

- The Minor Arcana: These 56 cards represent the day-to-day events, challenges, and experiences that shape our lives. They offer insights into our relationships, emotions, thoughts, and material circumstances. The Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits, each associated with a specific element and area of life:

- - Wands (Fire): Passion, creativity, action, willpower, and career.

- - Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, intuition, love, and connection.

- - Swords (Air): Intellect, challenges, communication, thoughts, and conflict.

- - Pentacles (Earth): Material world, abundance, security, finances, and the physical body.

Each suit contains numbered cards from Ace to Ten, as well as four Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These Court Cards often represent people in our lives or aspects of our own personalities. Pages are seen as messengers, students or beginnings. Knights are seen as action, drive and ambition. Queens are seen as nurturing, mature and masters of their domain. Kings are seen as the rulers, the leaders, and the stable, in control energy.

Your Journey Begins Now

The card meanings provided on the following pages offer a starting point for understanding the Tarot. As you work with the cards, trust your intuition, pay attention to the imagery, and allow the meanings to unfold organically. Each reading is a unique conversation between you and your higher self.

Enjoy your journey of exploration and discovery with the Tarot! The more you practice and connect to the cards the more you will see your abilities to read Tarot grow.

Tarot Card Keywords and Meanings

Your Quick Reference Guide:
Unlock the Meanings of All 78 Cards
Major and Minor Arcana on the following pages…

Major Arcana: Journey of the Soul

0 - The Fool

Keywords

Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, freedom, faith

Upright Meanings

New journey, trust your path, embrace the unknown.

Reversed Meanings

Recklessness, fear, holding back, bad choices, naivety.

I - The Magician

Keywords

Power, skill, manifestation, action, resourcefulness

Upright Meanings

Use your skills, manifest your desires, take action.

Reversed Meanings

Manipulation, lack of power, illusion, creative blocks, untapped potential.

II - The High Priestess

Keywords

Intuition, mystery, subconscious, wisdom, spirituality

Upright Meanings

Trust your intuition, seek inner wisdom, embrace mystery.

Reversed Meanings

Repressed intuition, secrets, hidden agendas, confusion, withdrawal.

III - The Empress

Keywords

Fertility, abundance, nurturing, nature, motherhood

Upright Meanings

Embrace abundance, nurture yourself and others.

Reversed Meanings

Neglect, creative blocks, smothering, lack, insecurity.

IV - The Emperor

Keywords

Structure, authority, control, leadership, fatherhood

Upright Meanings

Take control, establish order, be a leader.

Reversed Meanings

Tyranny, rigidity, lack of control, weak foundations, domination.

V - The Hierophant

Keywords

Tradition, guidance, spirituality, learning, conformity

Upright Meanings

Seek guidance, learn from tradition, embrace spirituality.

Reversed Meanings

Rebellion, nonconformity, challenging tradition, hypocrisy, bad advice.

VI - The Lovers

Keywords

Love, union, choices, harmony, relationships

Upright Meanings

Make choices from the heart, embrace love.

Reversed Meanings

Imbalance, disharmony, bad choices, infidelity, separation.

VII - The Chariot

Keywords

Willpower, victory, determination, action, control

Upright Meanings

Move forward with determination, overcome obstacles.

Reversed Meanings

Lack of direction, loss of control, aggression, scattered energy.

VIII - Strength

Keywords

Inner strength, courage, compassion, control, patience

Upright Meanings

Be courageous, show compassion, tame your inner beast.

Reversed Meanings

Weakness, self-doubt, lack of control, giving up, force.

IX - The Hermit

Keywords

Introspection, solitude, wisdom, guidance, searching

Upright Meanings

Seek inner wisdom, reflect, find your own way.

Reversed Meanings

Loneliness, isolation, withdrawal, lost, confusion.

X - Wheel of Fortune

Keywords

Destiny, cycles, change, luck, turning point

Upright Meanings

Embrace change, trust the cycles of life.

Reversed Meanings

Bad luck, resisting change, delays, setbacks, upheaval.

XI - Justice

Keywords

Fairness, balance, truth, law, responsibility

Upright Meanings

Seek justice, act with integrity, be accountable.

Reversed Meanings

Injustice, imbalance, dishonesty, legal issues, unfairness.

XII - The Hanged Man

Keywords

Surrender, letting go, sacrifice, perspective, new view

Upright Meanings

Release control, gain new perspective, pause.

Reversed Meanings

Stalling, stagnation, unwillingness to change, fear of sacrifice, indecision.

XIII - Death

Keywords

Transformation, endings, new beginnings, change, release

Upright Meanings

Embrace change, let go of the past.

Reversed Meanings

Resistance to change, fear of endings, decay, stagnation.

XIV - Temperance

Keywords

Balance, moderation, harmony, patience, purpose

Upright Meanings

Find balance, practice moderation, be patient.

Reversed Meanings

Imbalance, excess, lack of harmony, impatience, conflict.

XV - The Devil

Keywords

Bondage, materialism, temptation, shadow self, addiction

Upright Meanings

Face your shadow, break free from limitations.

Reversed Meanings

Freedom, release, reclaiming power, overcoming addiction.

XVI - The Tower

Keywords

Upheaval, chaos, sudden change, revelation, awakening

Upright Meanings

Embrace radical change, rebuild on new foundations.

Reversed Meanings

Avoidance of change, fear of upheaval, clinging to the old.

XVII - The Star

Keywords

Hope, inspiration, faith, healing, renewal

Upright Meanings

Have faith, find hope, embrace healing.

Reversed Meanings

Despair, lack of faith, feeling lost, discouragement.

VIII - The Moon

Keywords

Illusion, intuition, subconscious, dreams, emotions

Upright Meanings

Trust your intuition, explore your subconscious.

Reversed Meanings

Confusion, fear, repressed emotions, deception, misunderstanding.

XIX - The Sun

Keywords

Joy, success, vitality, clarity, happiness

Upright Meanings

Embrace joy, celebrate success, shine brightly.

Reversed Meanings

Sadness, lack of clarity, blocked energy, negativity.

XX - Judgement

Keywords

Awakening, rebirth, absolution, calling, reckoning

Upright Meanings

Answer your calling, embrace a new chapter.

Reversed Meanings

Self-doubt, fear of change, ignoring the call, denial.

XXI - The World

Keywords

Completion, wholeness, integration, travel, fulfillment

Upright Meanings

Celebrate completion, embrace wholeness, new beginnings.

Reversed Meanings

Incompletion, lack of closure, delays, emptiness.

Minor Arcana: Suit of Wands - Passion, Creativity, Action

01 - Ace of Wands

Keywords

Inspiration, new beginnings, creation, potential, passion

Upright Meanings

A spark of creativity, new passion, exciting start.

Reversed Meanings

Delays, lack of motivation, creative blocks, wasted potential.

02 - Two of Wands

Keywords

Planning, decisions, discovery, travel, preparation

Upright Meanings

Make plans for the future, consider your options.

Reversed Meanings

Indecision, lack of planning, fear of unknown, cancelled plans.

03 - Three of Wands

Keywords

Expansion, foresight, progress, overseas, growth

Upright Meanings

Your plans are taking shape, look ahead.

Reversed Meanings

Obstacles, delays, lack of progress, failed plans.

04 – Four of Wands

Keywords

Celebration, joy, harmony, community, homecoming

Upright Meanings

Celebrate milestones, enjoy stability and support.

Reversed Meanings

Instability, lack of support, conflict, delayed celebration.

05 - Five of Wands

Keywords

Conflict, competition, disagreement, tension, struggle

Upright Meanings

Embrace healthy competition, navigate disagreements.

Reversed Meanings

Avoidance of conflict, suppressing competition, internal conflict.

06 – Six of Wands

Keywords

Victory, success, recognition, public, praise

Upright Meanings

Celebrate your achievements, enjoy recognition.

Reversed Meanings

Delay in recognition, self-doubt, egotism, failure.

07 – Seven of Wands

Keywords

Challenge, perseverance, defense, protection, standing your ground

Upright Meanings

Stand your ground, defend your position.

Reversed Meanings

Giving up, yielding to pressure, exhaustion, defeat.

08 – Eight of Wands

Keywords

Speed, action, movement, travel, quick decisions

Upright Meanings

Things are moving quickly, embrace the momentum.

Reversed Meanings

Delays, slowing down, resisting change, scattered energy.

09 – Nine of Wands

Keywords

Resilience, courage, persistence, test of faith, boundaries

Upright Meanings

You're almost there, keep going, don't give up.

Reversed Meanings

Exhaustion, giving up, overwhelmed, defensive, paranoia.

10 – Ten of Wands

Keywords

Burden, responsibility, stress, obligation, completion

Upright Meanings

You're carrying a heavy load, delegate, release.

Reversed Meanings

Burnout, inability to cope, collapse, refusing help.

PA – Page of Wands

Keywords

Enthusiasm, exploration, free spirit, new ideas, discovery

Upright Meanings

Be open to new ideas, embrace your enthusiasm.

Reversed Meanings

Immaturity, lack of direction, hesitancy, creative blocks.

KN – Knight of Wands

Keywords

Energy, passion, adventure, impulsiveness, action

Upright Meanings

Take bold action, pursue your passions.

Reversed Meanings

Impulsiveness, recklessness, scattered energy, frustration, delays.

QU – Queen of Wands

Keywords

Confidence, warmth, creativity, determination, leadership

Upright Meanings

Lead with confidence and passion, be creative.

Reversed Meanings

Jealousy, insecurity, demanding, aggression, selfishness.

KI – King of Wands

Keywords

Vision, leadership, authority, big picture, taking charge

Upright Meanings

Be a visionary leader, take control of your destiny. Ruthlessness, impulsiveness, arrogance, high-handed, domineering.

Reversed Meanings

Ruthlessness, impulsiveness, arrogance, high-handed, domineering.

Minor Arcana: Suit of Cups - Emotions, Relationships, Intuition

01 - Ace of Cups

Keywords

Love, new beginnings, emotions, intuition, compassion

Upright Meanings

New love, emotional awakening, follow your heart.

Reversed Meanings

Repressed emotions, blocked creativity, emotional loss, sadness.

02 – Two of Cups

Keywords

Unity, partnership, connection, love, attraction

Upright Meanings

New love, emotional awakening, follow your heart.

Reversed Meanings

Repressed emotions, blocked creativity, emotional loss, sadness.

03 – Three of Cups

Keywords

Celebration, friendship, community, joy, collaboration

Upright Meanings

Celebrate with loved ones, enjoy your community.

Reversed Meanings

Gossip, isolation, overindulgence, scandal, "three's a crowd".

04 – Four of Cups

Keywords

Apathy, contemplation, re-evaluation, boredom, withdrawal

Upright Meanings

Reflect on your feelings, consider your options.

Reversed Meanings

Missed opportunities, despair, depression, detachment, boredom.

05 – Five of Cups

Keywords

Loss, grief, disappointment, sadness, regret

Upright Meanings

Acknowledge your loss, grieve, and move on.

Reversed Meanings

Acceptance, moving on, forgiveness, finding peace.

06 – Six of Cups

Keywords

Nostalgia, memories, healing, innocence, reunion

Upright Meanings

Embrace happy memories, reconnect with your past.

Reversed Meanings

Clinging to the past, unrealistic expectations, disappointment.

07 – Seven of Cups

Keywords

Choices, illusions, opportunities, decisions, wishful thinking

Upright Meanings

Explore your options, make a choice, be realistic.

Reversed Meanings

Confusion, lack of clarity, temptation, overwhelmed, procrastination.

08 – Eight of Cups

Keywords

Walking away, letting go, searching, withdrawal, abandonment

Upright Meanings

Move on from what no longer serves you.

Reversed Meanings

Fear of change, staying in a bad situation, aimlessness.

09 – Nine of Cups

Keywords

Wishes fulfilled, satisfaction, happiness, contentment, gratitude

Upright Meanings

Your wishes are coming true, enjoy your happiness.

Reversed Meanings

Dissatisfaction, greed, materialism, unfulfilled wishes.

10 – Ten of Cups

Keywords

Happiness, harmony, fulfillment, family, alignment

Upright Meanings

Experience emotional fulfillment, love, and joy.

Reversed Meanings

Broken home, disharmony, neglect, misalignment.

PA – Page of Cups

Keywords

Creativity, intuition, sensitivity, messenger, emotions

Upright Meanings

Embrace your creativity, trust your intuition.

Reversed Meanings

Emotional immaturity, insecurity, creative blocks, moodiness.

KN – Knight of Cups

Keywords

Romance, charm, idealism, imagination, following your heart

Upright Meanings

Follow your heart, embrace romance and beauty.

Reversed Meanings

Unrealistic expectations, jealousy, moodiness, disappointment.

QU – Queen of Cups

Keywords

Compassion, empathy, intuition, emotional intelligence, love

Upright Meanings

Be compassionate, trust your intuitive wisdom.

Reversed Meanings

Emotional manipulation, insecurity, martyrdom, co-dependency.

KI – King of Cups

Keywords

Wisdom, diplomacy, emotional control, balance, compassion

Upright Meanings

Lead with compassion and understanding, be balanced.

Reversed Meanings

Emotional manipulation, moodiness, volatility, repression.

Minor Arcana: Suit of Swords - Intellect, Challenges, Communication

01 - Ace of Swords

Keywords

Breakthrough, clarity, new ideas, truth, focus

Upright Meanings

A new idea, clarity, a breakthrough in thinking.

Reversed Meanings

Confusion, miscommunication, hostility, mental fog, destruction.

02 – Two of Swords

Keywords

Difficult choices, stalemate, impasse, avoidance, indecision

Upright Meanings

You're at a crossroads, weigh your options carefully.

Reversed Meanings

Indecision, anxiety, confusion, information overload, no right choice.

03 – Three of Swords

Keywords

Heartbreak, pain, grief, separation, betrayal

Upright Meanings

Acknowledge your pain, heal from heartbreak.

Reversed Meanings

Healing, forgiveness, moving on, recovery, optimism.

04 – Four of Swords

Keywords

Rest, recovery, contemplation, peace, meditation

Upright Meanings

Restlessness, burnout, stress, lack of progress, stagnation.

Reversed Meanings

Confusion, miscommunication, hostility, mental fog, destruction.

05 – Five of Swords

Keywords

Conflict, disagreement, betrayal, loss, defeat

Upright Meanings

Choose your battles wisely, not all are worth fighting.

Reversed Meanings

Reconciliation, resolution, forgiveness, moving past conflict.

06 – Six of Swords

Keywords

Transition, moving on, healing, travel, leaving baggage behind

Upright Meanings

Move towards calmer waters, leave the past behind.

Reversed Meanings

Resistance to change, emotional baggage, stuck in the past.

07 – Seven of Swords

Keywords

Deception, theft, betrayal, strategy, sneaking

Upright Meanings

Be mindful of deception, protect yourself and your assets.

Reversed Meanings

Confession, exposure, facing consequences, honesty.

08 – Eight of Swords

Keywords

Trapped, restricted, limited, powerless, victim mentality

Upright Meanings

You have more power than you think, break free.

Reversed Meanings

Freedom, release, taking control, new perspective.

09 – Nine of Swords

Keywords

Anxiety, worry, fear, nightmares, overthinking

Upright Meanings

Face your fears, seek support, find peace of mind.

Reversed Meanings

Despair, hopelessness, severe anxiety, insomnia, finding light.

10 – Ten of Swords

Keywords

Failure, ruin, betrayal, endings, pain

Upright Meanings

This too shall pass, a new beginning awaits, rock bottom.

Reversed Meanings

Recovery, survival, healing, getting back up again.

PA – Page of Swords

Keywords

Curiosity, mental agility, new ideas, learning, truth-seeking

Upright Meanings

Be curious, seek knowledge, communicate clearly.

Reversed Meanings

Gossip, immaturity, lies, lack of planning, cynicism.

KN – Knight of Swords

Keywords

Assertiveness, directness, ambition, action, courage

Upright Meanings

Be bold, take action, fight for what you believe in.

Reversed Meanings

Impulsiveness, aggression, conflict, arrogance, lack of direction.

QU – Queen of Swords

Keywords

Independence, clarity, honesty, intelligence, directness

Upright Meanings

Be honest, communicate clearly, use your intellect.

Reversed Meanings

Coldness, bitterness, manipulation, cruelty, deceit.

KI – King of Swords

Keywords

Authority, truth, ethics, law, power

Upright Meanings

Lead with integrity, seek justice, be fair.

Reversed Meanings

Tyranny, abuse of power, manipulation, coldness, injustice.

Minor Arcana: Suit of Pentacles - Material World, Abundance, Security

01 - Ace of Pentacles

Keywords

New opportunity, prosperity, abundance, manifestation, new venture

Upright Meanings

A new financial or career opportunity, a fresh start.

Reversed Meanings

Missed opportunity, lack of planning, scarcity, instability.

02 – Two of Pentacles

Keywords

Balance, adaptability, time management, prioritization, flexibility

Upright Meanings

Juggle multiple priorities, maintain balance in your life.

Reversed Meanings

Imbalance, overwhelm, disorganization, financial strain.

03 – Three of Pentacles

Keywords

Teamwork, collaboration, learning, skills, growth

Upright Meanings

Work together, build your skills, achieve your goals.

Reversed Meanings

Lack of teamwork, poor workmanship, lack of growth, stagnation.

04 – Four of Pentacles

Keywords

Security, stability, saving, control, possessiveness

Upright Meanings

Be mindful of your resources, save for the future.

Reversed Meanings

Greed, materialism, stinginess, financial insecurity, loss.

05 – Five of Pentacles

Keywords

Hardship, poverty, lack, isolation, insecurity

Upright Meanings

You are not alone, seek support, have faith.

Reversed Meanings

Recovery, finding assistance, overcoming hardship, positive change.

06 – Six of Pentacles

Keywords

Generosity, charity, sharing, giving and receiving, gratitude

Upright Meanings

Give and receive with an open heart, be generous.

Reversed Meanings

Unpaid debts, stinginess, power imbalance, abuse of generosity.

07 – Seven of Pentacles

Keywords

Patience, investment, long-term, growth, rewards

Upright Meanings

Be patient, your efforts will pay off, long-term vision.

Reversed Meanings

Lack of vision, limited success, impatience, frustration, delays.

08 – Eight of Pentacles

Keywords

Skill, craftsmanship, dedication, quality, commitment

Upright Meanings

Focus on your craft, work hard, improve your skills.

Reversed Meanings

Workaholism, poor quality, lack of commitment, boredom.

09 – Nine of Pentacles

Keywords

Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency, independence, success

Upright Meanings

Enjoy the fruits of your labor, be independent.

Reversed Meanings

Financial problems, dependence, loneliness, reckless spending.

10 – Ten of Pentacles

Keywords

Wealth, inheritance, family, legacy, establishment

Upright Meanings

Enjoy financial security and family prosperity.

Reversed Meanings

Financial failure, family conflict, instability, debt, burden.

PA – Page of Pentacles

Keywords

Manifestation, skill development, new learning, financial opportunity

Upright Meanings

Explore new opportunities, be open to learning.

Reversed Meanings

Immaturity, procrastination, laziness, missed opportunity.

KN – Knight of Pentacles

Keywords

Responsibility, hard work, efficiency, routine, practicality

Upright Meanings

Be responsible, work hard, stay focused on your goals.

Reversed Meanings

Boredom, laziness, stagnation, lack of ambition, irresponsibility.

QU – Queen of Pentacles

Keywords

Nurturing, practical, abundance, security, homebody

Upright Meanings

Nurture yourself and others, create a comfortable home.

Reversed Meanings

Work-life imbalance, smothering, insecurity, greed, self-neglect.

KI – King of Pentacles

Keywords

Wealth, success, leadership, abundance, provider

Upright Meanings

Be a responsible leader, enjoy your success.

Reversed Meanings

Financial instability, greed, stubbornness, recklessness, exploitation.

Share the Post:

Discover Your Path. Manifest Your Dreams. Live Your Magick.

Tarot Card Meanings: Quick Reference Guide

Welcome to the World of Tarot!

Your Essential Guide to Understanding the Tarot Card Meanings

Understanding the Structure of the Tarot

Your Journey Begins Now

Download this post ...

Tarot Card Keywords and Meanings

Your Quick Reference Guide: Unlock the Meanings of All 78 Cards Major and Minor Arcana on the following pages…

Major Arcana: Journey of the Soul

0 - The Fool

Keywords

Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, freedom, faith

Upright Meanings

New journey, trust your path, embrace the unknown.

Reversed Meanings

Recklessness, fear, holding back, bad choices, naivety.

I - The Magician

Keywords

Power, skill, manifestation, action, resourcefulness

Upright Meanings

Use your skills, manifest your desires, take action.

Reversed Meanings

Manipulation, lack of power, illusion, creative blocks, untapped potential.

II - The High Priestess

Keywords

Intuition, mystery, subconscious, wisdom, spirituality

Upright Meanings

Trust your intuition, seek inner wisdom, embrace mystery.

Reversed Meanings

Repressed intuition, secrets, hidden agendas, confusion, withdrawal.

III - The Empress

Keywords

Fertility, abundance, nurturing, nature, motherhood

Upright Meanings

Embrace abundance, nurture yourself and others.

Reversed Meanings

Neglect, creative blocks, smothering, lack, insecurity.

IV - The Emperor

Keywords

Structure, authority, control, leadership, fatherhood

Upright Meanings

Take control, establish order, be a leader.

Reversed Meanings

Tyranny, rigidity, lack of control, weak foundations, domination.

V - The Hierophant

Keywords

Tradition, guidance, spirituality, learning, conformity

Upright Meanings

Seek guidance, learn from tradition, embrace spirituality.

Reversed Meanings

Rebellion, nonconformity, challenging tradition, hypocrisy, bad advice.

VI - The Lovers

Keywords

Love, union, choices, harmony, relationships

Upright Meanings

Make choices from the heart, embrace love.

Reversed Meanings

Imbalance, disharmony, bad choices, infidelity, separation.

VII - The Chariot

Keywords

Willpower, victory, determination, action, control

Upright Meanings

Move forward with determination, overcome obstacles.

Reversed Meanings

Lack of direction, loss of control, aggression, scattered energy.

VIII - Strength

Keywords

Inner strength, courage, compassion, control, patience

Upright Meanings

Be courageous, show compassion, tame your inner beast.

Reversed Meanings

Weakness, self-doubt, lack of control, giving up, force.

IX - The Hermit

Keywords

Introspection, solitude, wisdom, guidance, searching

Upright Meanings

Seek inner wisdom, reflect, find your own way.

Reversed Meanings

Loneliness, isolation, withdrawal, lost, confusion.

Your Quick Reference Guide:
Unlock the Meanings of All 78 Cards
Major and Minor Arcana on the following pages…