This page lists the meaning of every card in the tarot deck: the 22 Major Arcana and the 56 Minor Arcana, with the key upright and reversed meanings and a quick yes or no answer for each. Use it as a cheat sheet while you read, or as a map of the deck while you learn.
Keywords are a starting point, not the whole story. Each card name links to its full page, with the meaning in love, career and money, as feelings and as advice, plus the symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith image. If you are completely new, start with how to read tarot cards. For what every card means in love, see love tarot card meanings.
Jump to a group of cards:
How the Tarot Deck Is Organised
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards in two parts. The Major Arcana are 22 numbered cards, from The Fool (0) to The World (XXI). They describe the big themes of a life: turning points, lessons and forces that are larger than a single day.
The Minor Arcana are 56 cards in four suits of 14: Ace to Ten, then the four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen and King). They describe everyday events, choices and people. Each suit belongs to an element and an area of life:
- Wands (Fire): energy, ambition, creativity and action.
- Cups (Water): feelings, love, relationships and intuition.
- Swords (Air): thoughts, words, conflict and truth.
- Pentacles (Earth): money, work, the body and the home.
The court cards can stand for people or for ways of behaving, which makes them the hardest cards for many beginners. Tarot court cards explained covers all sixteen.
Major Arcana Card Meanings
The 22 Major Arcana cards follow the Fool’s journey from innocence to completion. When several turn up in one reading, the situation matters more than it may seem. More on the group as a whole: the Major Arcana.
| Card and yes or no | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool Yes | new beginnings, innocence, adventure, a leap of faith | recklessness, naivety, fear of the unknown, hesitation |
| The Magician Yes | manifestation, willpower, resourcefulness, skill | manipulation, wasted potential, scattered energy, self-doubt |
| The High Priestess Maybe | intuition, mystery, inner wisdom, the subconscious | ignored intuition, disconnection, secrets, hidden agendas |
| The Empress Yes | abundance, creativity, nurturing, fertility | creative block, burnout, over-giving, smothering |
| The Emperor Yes | authority, structure, stability, leadership | control, rigidity, abuse of power, lack of discipline |
| The Hierophant Yes | tradition, spiritual wisdom, mentorship, institutions | rebellion, unconventional paths, dogma, questioning authority |
| The Lovers Yes | love and union, meaningful choices, harmony, values alignment | disharmony, misalignment, temptation, avoided decisions |
| The Chariot Yes | determination, willpower, victory, self-control | loss of direction, scattered energy, self-doubt, aggression |
| Strength Yes | inner strength, courage, compassion, self-control | self-doubt, fear, emotional overwhelm, impulsiveness |
| The Hermit Maybe | solitude, introspection, inner wisdom, soul-searching | isolation, loneliness, avoidance, feeling lost |
| Wheel of Fortune Yes | change, cycles, luck, turning points | bad timing, setbacks, resisting change, repeating patterns |
| Justice Yes | fairness, truth, accountability, cause and effect | injustice, dishonesty, avoiding responsibility, bias |
| The Hanged Man Maybe | surrender, pause, new perspective, letting go | stalling, resistance, impatience, indecision |
| Death No | transformation, endings, letting go, closure | resisting change, fear of endings, stagnation, clinging to the past |
| Temperance Yes | balance, moderation, patience, harmony | imbalance, excess, impatience, burnout |
| The Devil No | temptation, unhealthy attachment, control, the shadow self | breaking free, release, reclaiming power, facing the shadow |
| The Tower No | sudden change, upheaval, revelation, collapse | avoiding change, delayed upheaval, slow collapse, inner shift |
| The Star Yes | hope, healing, renewal, inspiration | discouragement, loss of faith, disconnection, burnout |
| The Moon Maybe | illusion, intuition, uncertainty, dreams | clarity returning, truth revealed, releasing fear, confusion |
| The Sun Yes | joy, success, clarity, vitality | delayed success, self-doubt, clouded joy, overconfidence |
| Judgement Yes | awakening, renewal, inner calling, reckoning | self-doubt, harsh self-judgement, ignoring the call, regret |
| The World Yes | completion, fulfilment, achievement, wholeness | unfinished business, delays, lack of closure, falling at the last hurdle |
Suit of Wands Meanings
Wands are the fire suit: drive, passion, creative projects and the courage to start. Many Wands in a reading point to movement and fast change. More on the suit: the suit of Wands.
| Card and yes or no | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| Ace of Wands Yes | inspiration, new beginnings, passion, creativity | creative block, delays, lack of direction, burnout |
| Two of Wands Yes | planning, future vision, decisions, personal power | indecision, fear of change, playing it safe, delayed plans |
| Three of Wands Yes | progress, expansion, foresight, opportunity | delays, frustration, playing small, lack of support |
| Four of Wands Yes | celebration, harmony, home, reunion | delayed celebrations, feeling unwelcome, instability at home, tension |
| Five of Wands Maybe | conflict, competition, tension, disagreement | avoiding conflict, inner struggle, tension easing, suppressed anger |
| Six of Wands Yes | victory, recognition, success, confidence | lack of recognition, self-doubt, ego, a fall from grace |
| Seven of Wands Yes | standing your ground, perseverance, courage, defence | overwhelm, giving up, defensiveness, self-doubt |
| Eight of Wands Yes | momentum, swift action, progress, communication | delays, miscommunication, rushing, frustration |
| Nine of Wands Yes | resilience, perseverance, boundaries, stamina | exhaustion, defensiveness, giving up too soon, paranoia |
| Ten of Wands No | burden, responsibility, overwhelm, hard work | letting go, delegating, burnout, martyrdom |
| Page of Wands Yes | inspiration, enthusiasm, exploration, good news | blocked enthusiasm, fear of failure, restlessness, lack of direction |
| Knight of Wands Yes | action, ambition, passion, adventure | recklessness, impatience, hot temper, burnout |
| Queen of Wands Yes | confidence, charisma, independence, creativity | self-doubt, jealousy, burnout, insecurity |
| King of Wands Yes | leadership, vision, passion, entrepreneurship | arrogance, impatience, controlling behaviour, lack of direction |
Suit of Cups Meanings
Cups are the water suit: emotions, love, friendship and the inner life. Many Cups in a reading put feelings and relationships at the centre. More on the suit: the suit of Cups.
| Card and yes or no | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| Ace of Cups Yes | new love, emotional beginnings, compassion, creativity | blocked emotions, fear of intimacy, emptiness, creative block |
| Two of Cups Yes | union, partnership, mutual attraction, respect | imbalance, miscommunication, broken trust, separation |
| Three of Cups Yes | celebration, friendship, community, reunion | social tension, exclusion, gossip, overindulgence |
| Four of Cups Maybe | contemplation, apathy, boredom, re-evaluation | renewed interest, acceptance, fresh perspective, saying yes |
| Five of Cups No | loss, grief, regret, disappointment | acceptance, forgiveness, moving on, healing |
| Six of Cups Yes | nostalgia, childhood, happy memories, kindness | living in the past, rose-tinted memories, moving on, unresolved childhood issues |
| Seven of Cups Maybe | choices, illusion, fantasy, wishful thinking | clarity, decisiveness, reality check, commitment |
| Eight of Cups No | walking away, letting go, seeking deeper meaning, emotional detachment | fear of leaving, staying stuck, avoiding endings, aimless drifting |
| Nine of Cups Yes | wish fulfilment, contentment, satisfaction, emotional abundance | hollow success, overindulgence, smugness, unmet wishes |
| Ten of Cups Yes | happiness, harmony, emotional fulfilment, family | family tension, broken harmony, unrealistic ideals, disconnection |
| Page of Cups Yes | a heartfelt message, creative beginnings, intuition, inner child | emotional immaturity, creative block, ignoring intuition, escapism |
| Knight of Cups Yes | romance, invitations and offers, charm, following your heart | moodiness, unrealistic ideals, empty promises, hot and cold behaviour |
| Queen of Cups Yes | compassion, intuition, emotional wisdom, empathy | emotional overwhelm, poor boundaries, over-giving, moodiness |
| King of Cups Yes | emotional balance, wisdom, diplomacy, compassion | emotional suppression, manipulation, moodiness, coldness |
Suit of Swords Meanings
Swords are the air suit: the mind, decisions, honesty and conflict. They include some of the hardest cards in the deck, and also the clearest thinking. More on the suit: the suit of Swords.
| Card and yes or no | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| Ace of Swords Yes | clarity, truth, breakthrough, new ideas | confusion, mental fog, miscommunication, hidden truth |
| Two of Swords Maybe | indecision, stalemate, difficult choices, avoidance | information overload, truth revealed, forced decisions, anxiety |
| Three of Swords No | heartbreak, sorrow, grief, emotional pain | healing, forgiveness, releasing grief, suppressed pain |
| Four of Swords Maybe | rest, recovery, reflection, retreat | burnout, restlessness, forced rest, resisting a break |
| Five of Swords No | conflict, ego, hollow victory, tension | reconciliation, walking away, regret, lingering resentment |
| Six of Swords Yes | transition, moving on, healing, calmer waters | resistance to change, emotional baggage, stuck in transition, unfinished business |
| Seven of Swords No | deception, strategy, secrecy, cleverness | truth revealed, coming clean, self-deception, getting caught |
| Eight of Swords No | feeling trapped, self-doubt, restriction, fear | release, new perspective, self-acceptance, taking back control |
| Nine of Swords No | anxiety, worry, sleepless nights, guilt | recovery, hope returning, reaching out, hidden distress |
| Ten of Swords No | painful ending, rock bottom, betrayal, defeat | recovery, survival, resisting an ending, rising again |
| Page of Swords Maybe | curiosity, new ideas, communication, vigilance | gossip, hasty words, scattered thinking, defensiveness |
| Knight of Swords Yes | ambition, fast action, determination, directness | recklessness, impatience, harsh words, scattered energy |
| Queen of Swords Yes | clarity, independence, honesty, direct communication | coldness, harsh judgement, bitterness, cutting words |
| King of Swords Yes | authority, truth, logic, clear thinking | manipulation, abuse of power, coldness, rigid thinking |
Suit of Pentacles Meanings
Pentacles are the earth suit: money, work, health, home and slow, steady growth. Many Pentacles in a reading point to practical matters. More on the suit: the suit of Pentacles.
| Card and yes or no | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| Ace of Pentacles Yes | new opportunity, prosperity, manifestation, stability | missed chance, delays, poor planning, financial worry |
| Two of Pentacles Maybe | balance, juggling priorities, adaptability, time management | overwhelm, overcommitment, disorganisation, financial strain |
| Three of Pentacles Yes | teamwork, collaboration, skill development, planning | poor teamwork, miscommunication, lack of planning, feeling undervalued |
| Four of Pentacles Maybe | security, control, saving, possessiveness | letting go, greed, fear of loss, overspending |
| Five of Pentacles No | hardship, financial loss, isolation, insecurity | recovery, accepting help, rebuilding, renewed hope |
| Six of Pentacles Yes | generosity, giving and receiving, charity, fairness | one-sided giving, strings attached, debt, power imbalance |
| Seven of Pentacles Maybe | patience, long-term vision, investment, assessment | impatience, wasted effort, poor returns, frustration |
| Eight of Pentacles Yes | hard work, skill-building, dedication, craftsmanship | cutting corners, lack of focus, boredom, perfectionism |
| Nine of Pentacles Yes | independence, self-sufficiency, well-earned abundance, quiet luxury | over-dependence, hollow success, overworking, financial insecurity |
| Ten of Pentacles Yes | legacy, family, inheritance, long-term security | family conflict, money disputes, financial loss, broken traditions |
| Page of Pentacles Yes | ambition, study, new opportunity, grounded beginnings | procrastination, lack of focus, missed opportunity, unrealistic plans |
| Knight of Pentacles Yes | hard work, dedication, responsibility, routine | stagnation, boredom, stubbornness, procrastination |
| Queen of Pentacles Yes | nurturing, practicality, abundance, home life | overextending, self-neglect, financial stress, smothering |
| King of Pentacles Yes | wealth, leadership, security, discipline | greed, materialism, control, poor financial judgement |
How to Use This List
- Read the whole spread before the details. Count the Major Arcana, notice which suit dominates and look for repeated numbers before you read any one card.
- Let the position shape the keyword. “Endings” means something different in a past position than in an advice position. The spread guides on the Spreads page explain each position.
- Read cards in pairs. Neighbouring cards change each other. Tarot card combinations shows how.
- Learn a card a day. Draw one with the card of the day, read its full page and see how it fits the day you have.
Reading Reversed Cards
A reversed card (one that lands upside down) usually shows the same energy blocked, delayed, turned inward or overdone. Reversals are optional: many readers use them, many do not, and both approaches are valid. If you leave them out, read the “reversed” column as the shadow side the card can show upright in a difficult position.
Tarot Card Meanings: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are in a tarot deck?
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana are split into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles) of 14 cards each: Ace to Ten plus the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
What is the difference between the Major and Minor Arcana?
The Major Arcana describe the big themes and turning points of a life, while the Minor Arcana describe day-to-day events, choices and people. A reading full of Major Arcana cards suggests a significant moment; a reading of mostly Minor cards suggests the situation is more in your own hands.
Do I need to memorise all 78 tarot card meanings?
No. Most readers learn the structure first (the four suits, the numbers and the court ranks) and then the cards one by one through use. Keeping a list like this nearby while you read is normal, and the meanings stick faster when you connect them to real questions.
What does it mean when a tarot card is reversed?
A reversed card usually shows the upright meaning blocked, delayed, turned inward or taken too far. It is rarely the simple opposite. Reading reversals is optional, so choose one approach and use it consistently.
Which tarot cards are the most positive?
The Sun, The Star, The World, the Ten of Cups and the Nine of Cups are usually read as the most hopeful cards. The Tower, the Ten of Swords, the Three of Swords and the Nine of Swords are the most challenging. No card is purely good or bad: the question and the cards around it always matter.
Want to put the meanings to work? Ask a question with the yes or no tarot reading, try a free three-card reading, or find your own cards with the tarot birth card calculator.