When we connect and open ourselves to the divine via Tarot, we allow in messages, insight, predictions, and understandings of our world and our lives. These messages come from a place of love and support, and are intended to direct us on a path that will serve our highest good.
The twenty-two cards that make up the Major Arcana are our spiritual and karmic lessons: The big events in our lives. The forty Minor Arcana cards represent day-to-day events and temporary situations. The court cards can represent either characteristics of ourselves or other people.
Jump to the Minor Arcana | Court Cards
The Major Arcana
The Fool: The first card of the major arcana and the main character of the Fool’s Journey, this is a message of new beginnings, often following a choice. When it shows up in a reading, it’s indicative of a powerful new beginning or outlook. The advice with this card is to move forward with an open and optimistic mindset.
The Magician: The Magician is a powerful manifester and creator. The card appears in your life when you are on the right path to build your dreams from the tools at your disposal. The biggest key you need is the ability to believe in what you can do.
The High Priestess: The message of the High Priestess is to trust your intuition and the knowledge that comes from within you. Pull back the hidden curtains of your psyche and explore what secrets have been hidden from view.
The Empress: The Empress appears in a reading to indicate a time of nurturing, growth, and abundance. It comes as a reminder to embrace the power of your femininity, and to trust in the natural process of growth.
The Emperor: The Emperor is a natural leader. Grounded, kind, and quiet, the Emperor leads with peace and confidence. When this card appears in a reading, it’s indicative of success in business and personal pursuits and comes as a reminder to ground and trust in yourself. The Emperor is the first card in the zodiac and is associated with fiery, headstrong Aries.
The Hierophant: The Hierophant is a natural teacher, symbolic of academic studies and religious institutions. The Hierophant appears to tell you to look outside of yourself for the answers and support that you think. Trust in your own critical thinking abilities when deciphering what outside messages are accurate for you, but be open to learning, teaching, and being guided by others who care. The Hierophant is associated with pragmatic, kind Taurus energy.
The Lovers: There is a duality of interest to this card. When it appears, as the name suggests, absolute love is possible, but it will likely come with a choice. What choices do you need to make in order to choose what best uplifts your heart? The zodiac of The Lovers is flexible, airy Gemini.
The Chariot: When things are seemingly conflicted, the Chariot appears in a spread to give confidence that you can indeed push forward in the direction you desire while juggling the opposing forces in your life. It may take dedication, strength, and hard work, but you can have the best of both worlds. The Chariot is associated with tough yet empathetic Cancer.
Strength: Powerful strength can come not by force, but through a strict tenderness and bravery. When this card appears, it’s a message to allow fear to dissolve, face the darkness with kindness, and trust in the power of being gentle and humane with others. Strength is associated with the bold, yet sensitive Leo.
The Hermit: When the Hermit appears in your life, it’s a sign to retreat within yourself and away from others to find the answers that your soul is seeking. You hold a powerful, guiding light within you. Meditate, go for long walks, journal, and ask the questions that your soul is burning to speak. The answers can be found in the silence. The Hermit is associated with resourceful, clever Virgo.
The Wheel of Fortune: What comes up must come down. The Wheel of Fortune is all about retaining equilibrium in life, and serves as a reminder that things are constantly changing and evolving, and yet there are repetitions and patterns within each journey. When the Wheel of Fortune appears in a reading, it’s a sign to keep forging forward, that things still have the potential to change, and to trust in the movement and lessons ahead of you. It’s also a reminder of free will, and your own power to change your course of action if you desire. Whatever action you take, the lessons you need to learn will still appear.
Justice: This is a card of finding balance, finding the truth of a situation, and weighing all sides carefully in order for justice and truth to prevail. There is a karmic quality to this card, as it’s a reminder that the type of energy you put out, is what will be returned to you. Justice is associated with balanced, peace-seeking Libra.
The Hanged Man: The Hanged Man appears in your life when it is time to slow down and view things from different perspectives. There is something important that must be looked at from a different point of view in order for full understanding. Once this knowledge is complete you’ll be able to fall from your stagnant position and hit the ground running.
Death: This is a message of pure, beautiful, and necessary transformation. Like the phoenix who dies in an eruption of fire only to emerge from its ashes, transformation burns away that which is no longer serving you in order to emerge fresh and new. Death is associated, with mysterious, thoughtful Scorpio.
Temperance: Temperance is a card of balance and patience. Only time can provide the understanding necessary to create pure alchemy. Temperance is more than simply understanding how things can blend and balance: it is the process of embodying that unintuitive balance of light and dark, good and bad, persona and shadow. Temperance is associated with explorative, duality-seeking Sagittarius.
The Devil: The Devil is the calling card for Shadow Work. When The Devil appears, it’s a message of releasing the bonds held by yourself or others, and diving into your shadow self in order to unearth hidden treasures. The Devil is associated with earthy, successful Capricorn.
The Tower: The Tower appears when structures and beliefs built from a once-sturdy foundation begin to crumble. It’s a sign that something great and formerly solid is no longer serving you, and will soon topple from your life. The less you resist, the easier the transition.
The Star: The Star appears as a reassuring, guiding light after a period of strive. This card appears as a message to rest as long as you need, for there will be guidance at the ready when you are ready to move forward. The Star is associated with humanitarian, talented Aquarius.
The Moon: The Moon appears to urge you to use your intuition. It’s a reminder that things aren’t always what they seem, and the same view looks different under moonlight than during the day. Not everything may be revealed to you when the Moon appears, so rely on your intuition instead of jumping to conclusions. The Moon is associated with dreamy, artsy Pisces.
The Sun: The Sun is a card of pure joy and celebration. When this card appears, open up yourself up to the sunshine, fill yourself with gratitude, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be.
Judgement: Judgement is a message of following your higher calling. It appears to guide you on the path that will best honor your soul, even if things don’t always make sense. Trust in the call.
The World: The World is a card of completion. It represents a beautiful end of a cycle. You are now wiser and more prepared than you ever thought possible. A new cycle is approaching, enjoy the success of how far you have come.
Which Major Arcana Archetype are you? Take the Quiz.
Jump to the Major Arcana | Court Cards
The Minor Arcana
The Wands: The Suit of Fire, Passion, and Creativity
Ace of Wands: This signifies the start of a new passion or adventure. It’s the first spark of an idea that has the potential for great success.
Two of Wands: This appears when you are ready to take those initial steps toward a project or passion that you’ve been exploring. This is a message of preparation and planning.
Three of Wands: This card signifies that you have put in the work and studies in a subject you’re passionate about. Now is a good time to take a pause and determine where you want to take things. Gaze out at the potential before you and set sail when you are ready.
Four of Wands: This card appears as a reassurance of success and a reminder to celebrate. Others have your back and are excited to cheer you on and provide support. Take some time to rejoice in your accomplishments.
Five of Wands: This message appears when you are feeling push back and resistance with your pursuits. This is a reminder to reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing and to push forward with confidence.
Six of Wands: This is a message of victory and success! This card appears to remind you that your resilience and determination has paid off, and your venture will be success.
Seven of Wands: With more recognition and experience comes more pushback and questioning of your worth. This card appears when you have to hold strong to your beliefs in order to protect how far you’ve come from the bitter eyes of others.
Eight of Wands: This card appears to signify swift movement. Hang on tight to your dreams and wishes and move forward with confidence.
Nine of Wands: This card appears to remind you that you are more resilient than you realize, and that you hold the inner strength needed to continue to push forward.
Ten of Wands: This card appears when you have put much effort into building something, and have dedication much time and resources to retaining the structure of what you’ve been working on. Now is the time to release some of that work to others so you can continue to grow and evolve.
The Cups: The Suit of Water, Emotions, Relationships, and Intuition
Ace of Cups: This card appears to signify the start of a new relationship, friendship, or emotion pursuit or project.
Two of Cups: This card appears to represent the union of two: oftentimes a new romance, friendship, or soulmate connection.
Three of Cups: This is a message of joy and celebration with friends! When this card appears, it signifies support and connection with those you care deeply about.
Four of Cups: This card appears as a signifier of boredom, disappointment, or ennui. It comes as a reminder that it’s okay to feel all of the emotions of this disappointment, and urges you to trust that something else will take the place of what was once lost once you allow it to enter.
Five of Cups: This is a card of pure grief and sadness. Allow yourself to embrace these emotions in order to work through them. It often comes as a reassurance that although all seems lost, there is likely still hope to return to what once was.
Six of Cups: This is a card of nostalgia. It can be a message for you to reflect on your past, to do the inner child healing before continuing on, or even that a loved one from the past will be coming back into your life.
Seven of Cups: When this card appears, it indicated that there are an abundance of choices at your reach. Dream big, reflect on each possibility, find ways to blend and merge each dream, and choose with your heart and soul.
Eight of Cups: This card appears when it’s time to leave what is no longer serving you. Take the steps away from what has been causing you pain, and a pathway to something better will apear.
Nine of Cups: This is a card of wish fulfillment! Take stock of your wishes when this card appears, and be grateful for the potential of what is to come.
Ten of Cups: This is the “Happily Ever After” card. This card represents emotional and loving fulfillment after working hard to achieve what you desire.
The Swords: The Suit of Air, Intellect, and Truth
Ace of Swords: This card appears at the start of a new way of thinking, or the reveal of a new truth. It can appear after an arduous journey with your new approach to life.
Two of Swords: This card represents a difficult choice. Cut to the heart and truth of each matter in order to help you decide.
Three of Swords: This is a card of heartbreak and pain, often coming from the result of learning something that you were previously in the dark about. Allow yourself to fully feel into the pain in order to get through it so you’re stronger when you emerge.
Four of Swords: This is a message to not rush into anything yet. Take time to heal, reflect, and meditate before moving forward.
Five of Swords: This card appears when you’ve been trying something without success. It urges you to consider what isn’t working, and that hope is not yet lost if you consider a different way of approaching things.
Six of Swords: Let someone else take the reins for a bit. Take a journey—either physically or mentally—away from your troubles and strife and let someone else take over while you rest and recharge.
Seven of Swords: All may not be what it seems when this card appears. Consider your surroundings and who you have chosen to trust. Not everyone may have your best interests in mind when this card appears in your life.
Eight of Swords: This card represents entrapment and feeling as if there is no way out. There is a good chance you have put yourself in this situation, and so you hold the key of releasing yourself.
Nine of Swords: This is the card of nightmares and anxiety. This card appears as a light in the darkness to remind you that most of your fear is living in your head. Focus on the light in your life, and use that you guide you away from your nightmares.
Ten of Swords: This card appears when you have undergone pain and strife. It’s the end of a long, painful battle or journey. You can now rest and begin to heal so you’re ready for what’s next.
The Pentacles: The Suit of Earth, Finances, Stability, and Growth
Ace of Pentacles: This signifies a new idea, pursuit, or investment that has the potential to grow into magnificent things.
Two of Pentacles: This represents a balance of work and play. This card comes as a reminder that in order to be successful in life, a balance of discipline and freedom is needed.
Three of Pentacles: Build on what it is you have been working on. Rely on the support of others at this time.
Four of Pentacles: This card appears to signify a sense of security and wealth. You are or will be financially stable. Don’t cling too tight for fear of losing it: that will limit your potential.
Five of Pentacles: This card signifies a loss or detachment from security. This card reminds you that you are closer than you realize to help and comfort, you may need to seek it out on your own, or ask for help.
Six of Pentacles: This card appears as a reminder of the importance of giving and receiving. What you put out will be reciprocated. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your skills and assets.
Seven of Pentacles: A seed of an idea that you have planted has grown in a significant and tangible way when this card appears. You have a choice to pick the fruit and step away with your earnings now, or continue to tend to your project or pursuit and see just how much greater it can grow.
Eight of Pentacles: This is a card of hard work and mastery. You hold the potential to become a master of what it is you are working on.
Nine of Pentacles: This is a card of beautiful contentment. This card represents a place of skill that comes so sweetly and naturally that it no longer feels like work, but something that aligns with your soul.
Ten of Pentacles: This is a card of security and fulfillment. It can represent a successful project, pursuit, or financial gains.
Jump to the Major Arcana | Minor Arcana
The Court Cards
The Court Cards can represent an aspect of yourself, or a significant person in your life.
Page of Wands: The Page of Wands represents a youthful spirit, eager to begin a journey of passion and adventure. This archetype is a planner. They are hesitant to begin before having everything perfectly lined up. Their excitement gives them focus.
Knight of Wands: The Knight of Wands is full of fire and passion. They have a plan in their mind and they’re not going to let anyone or anything get in their mind as they chase their dreams.
Queen of Wands: The Queen of Wands is an embodiment of passion and creativity. This archetype has spent so much time getting to where they are, and they can sometimes get lost in their own passionate vision of their life and the world. The Queen is talented and inspiring.
King of Wands: The King of Wands is a fiery leader. This archetype is so full of passion and light that they can’t help but inspire others to chase their own passions and adventures.
Page of Cups: The Page of Cups is a daydreamer and a poetic. They are in love with the idea of love, and excited for the limitless possibilities that life, love, and emotional experiences have to offer.
Knight of Cups: The Knight of Cups is a true romantic. They chase after love as if it will satiate their hunger for something they can’t describe. Fluid and watery, this Knight can easily veer off course if something else grasps their heart.
Queen of Cups: The Queen of Cups is an embodiment of love and mastery of emotions. This archetype is a gentle, intuitive soul, who seeks to emerge into emotions in order to become as complete and authentic as possible.
King of Cups: The King of Cups is a master and leader of emotions. This archetype understands that their emotions have the power to affect and potentially manipulate others, and so they reign in their emotions and intuition, and seek to teach others how to find control.
Page of Swords: The Page of Swords is a youthful, inquisitive soul, who seeks to find answers and truth in everything that catches their eye. They have many topics of interest and work to understand the meaning of things and situations by talking through them.
Knight of Swords: The Knight of Swords has put in the work and the effort of their skillset and is ready to go! A swift-moving character, this Knight is skillful and intelligent, and yet holds the potential for destruction and ignoring anything in their path.
Queen of Swords: The Queen of Swords has gone through heartbreak, strife, and many life lessons. Instead of tearing this archetype down, this pain has sculpted them into a hardened, wise, and insightful soul. They tend to be aloof, but hold a large amount of empathy and support for all.
King of Swords: The King of Swords has gone through battle and strife, and has chosen to become a leader because of this pain. Wisened and quiet, this archetype leads with intelligent skill and wise words, aware of the pain of the world around them, and yet optimistic for the future.
Page of Pentacles: The Page of Pentacles represents someone at the start of a journey. They have an idea or a wish, and they are optimistic as they tend to this small seed of potential, eagerly awaiting a garden to grow.
Knight of Pentacles: The Knight of Pentacles is a patient, pragmatic soul. They put in the hard work needed in order to make their dreams and ideas take flight, aware that results take time, patience, and focus.
Queen of Pentacles: The Queen of Pentacles is a nurturing homebody. This archetype has worked hard to built a loving and comfortable home and life. They hold the potential to become suffocating if they get too wrapped up in their own plans, but they also can be the harbinger of a place of refuge.
King of Pentacles: The King of Pentacles is a leader of finance and security. This archetype has seen the success of hard work and dedication and now seeks to teach others the ways that have worked well for them in the past.
Which Court Card Archetype are you? Take the Quiz.
