What is Tarot?
The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards used for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual insight. It consists of two parts: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). Each card holds specific meanings that can be interpreted in various contexts, such as life challenges, emotions, and personal growth.
Structure of the Tarot Deck
Major Arcana (22 Cards)
The Major Arcana represents significant life events, spiritual lessons, and archetypes.
- The Fool (0): Beginnings, spontaneity, potential.
- The Magician (I): Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.
- The High Priestess (II): Intuition, mystery, inner wisdom.
- The Empress (III): Nurturing, abundance, creativity.
- The Emperor (IV): Authority, structure, stability.
- The Hierophant (V): Tradition, spirituality, mentorship.
- The Lovers (VI): Relationships, choices, harmony.
- The Chariot (VII): Determination, control, victory.
- Strength (VIII): Courage, inner strength, compassion.
- The Hermit (IX): Introspection, guidance, solitude.
- Wheel of Fortune (X): Cycles, luck, destiny.
- Justice (XI): Truth, fairness, accountability.
- The Hanged Man (XII): Perspective, surrender, waiting.
- Death (XIII): Transformation, endings, rebirth.
- Temperance (XIV): Balance, moderation, healing.
- The Devil (XV): Temptation, bondage, materialism.
- The Tower (XVI): Sudden change, upheaval, revelation.
- The Star (XVII): Hope, inspiration, renewal.
- The Moon (XVIII): Illusion, intuition, uncertainty.
- The Sun (XIX): Joy, success, vitality.
- Judgement (XX): Reflection, awakening, accountability.
- The World (XXI): Completion, wholeness, achievement.
Minor Arcana (56 Cards)
The Minor Arcana represents day-to-day events and challenges. It is divided into four suits, each with 14 cards: Ace to 10, Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
Cups (Water Element): Emotions, relationships, creativity.
- Example: Ace of Cups - New emotional beginnings.
Pentacles (Earth Element): Material aspects, work, stability.
- Example: Ten of Pentacles - Wealth, legacy, family.
Swords (Air Element): Intellect, conflict, communication.
- Example: Three of Swords - Heartbreak, sorrow, loss.
Wands (Fire Element): Energy, passion, ambition.
- Example: Eight of Wands - Swift movement, progress.
General Overview of Card Meanings
- Upright Position: Represents the card's traditional meaning, reflecting growth, opportunities, and challenges.
- Reversed Position: Suggests delays, internal struggles, or blocked energy.
How to Use Tarot
Step 1: Preparing for a Reading
- Set an Intention: Focus on a specific question or general guidance.
- Shuffle the Cards: Clear the energy and connect with the deck.
Step 2: Spreads
Common layouts for readings:
- One-Card Pull: Quick insight into a situation.
- Three-Card Spread: Past, present, and future perspectives.
- Celtic Cross Spread: A 10-card spread for detailed analysis.
Step 3: Interpret the Cards
- Consider the symbolism, suit, and position.
- Reflect on how the cards relate to your question or situation.
Step 4: Record Your Reading
- Keep a journal to track insights and patterns over time.
Tips for Working with Tarot
- Trust Your Intuition: The imagery often holds personal meanings.
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the deck and meanings.
- Respect the Process: Use Tarot as a tool for guidance, not strict prediction.
The Major Arcana:
The Fool (0)
- Keywords: Beginnings, spontaneity, innocence.
- Upright Meaning: A fresh start, new opportunities, taking a leap of faith.
- Reversed Meaning: Recklessness, hesitation, fear of change.
The Magician (I)
- Keywords: Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.
- Upright Meaning: Taking action, using talents effectively.
- Reversed Meaning: Manipulation, misuse of power, procrastination.
The High Priestess (II)
- Keywords: Intuition, mystery, wisdom.
- Upright Meaning: Trusting your intuition, hidden knowledge.
- Reversed Meaning: Secrets withheld, ignoring intuition.
The Empress (III)
- Keywords: Nurturing, creativity, abundance.
- Upright Meaning: Growth, fertility, care, creation.
- Reversed Meaning: Over-dependence, creative block, neglect.
The Emperor (IV)
- Keywords: Authority, structure, stability.
- Upright Meaning: Leadership, control, discipline.
- Reversed Meaning: Tyranny, lack of discipline, instability.
The Hierophant (V)
- Keywords: Tradition, spirituality, conformity.
- Upright Meaning: Following established rules, spiritual guidance.
- Reversed Meaning: Breaking free, nonconformity, personal beliefs.
The Lovers (VI)
- Keywords: Relationships, choices, harmony.
- Upright Meaning: Partnership, alignment of values, love.
- Reversed Meaning: Disharmony, imbalance, difficult choices.
The Chariot (VII)
- Keywords: Determination, control, victory.
- Upright Meaning: Willpower, success, overcoming obstacles.
- Reversed Meaning: Lack of direction, self-doubt, failure.
Strength (VIII)
- Keywords: Courage, patience, compassion.
- Upright Meaning: Inner strength, resilience, overcoming fears.
- Reversed Meaning: Self-doubt, weakness, lack of control.
The Hermit (IX)
- Keywords: Introspection, solitude, wisdom.
- Upright Meaning: Seeking guidance within, spiritual journey.
- Reversed Meaning: Isolation, withdrawal, avoiding reflection.
Wheel of Fortune (X)
- Keywords: Cycles, luck, destiny.
- Upright Meaning: Turning point, good fortune, karma.
- Reversed Meaning: Bad luck, resistance to change, setbacks.
Justice (XI)
- Keywords: Truth, fairness, accountability.
- Upright Meaning: Balance, honesty, consequences.
- Reversed Meaning: Injustice, dishonesty, imbalance.
The Hanged Man (XII)
- Keywords: Perspective, surrender, sacrifice.
- Upright Meaning: Letting go, new viewpoint, acceptance.
- Reversed Meaning: Resistance, stagnation, missed opportunities.
Death (XIII)
- Keywords: Transformation, endings, rebirth.
- Upright Meaning: New beginnings, letting go, major change.
- Reversed Meaning: Fear of change, clinging to the past, stagnation.
Temperance (XIV)
- Keywords: Balance, healing, moderation.
- Upright Meaning: Patience, harmony, blending opposites.
- Reversed Meaning: Excess, lack of balance, impatience.
The Devil (XV)
- Keywords: Bondage, temptation, materialism.
- Upright Meaning: Addictions, unhealthy attachments, feeling trapped.
- Reversed Meaning: Breaking free, detachment, overcoming fears.
The Tower (XVI)
- Keywords: Sudden change, upheaval, revelation.
- Upright Meaning: Major transformation, breaking down old structures.
- Reversed Meaning: Avoiding disaster, delaying inevitable change.
The Star (XVII)
- Keywords: Hope, inspiration, renewal.
- Upright Meaning: Faith, rejuvenation, optimism.
- Reversed Meaning: Loss of faith, discouragement, lack of direction.
The Moon (XVIII)
- Keywords: Illusion, intuition, uncertainty.
- Upright Meaning: Trust your instincts, unseen forces at play.
- Reversed Meaning: Clarity, confronting fears, secrets revealed.
The Sun (XIX)
- Keywords: Joy, success, vitality.
- Upright Meaning: Happiness, positivity, fulfillment.
- Reversed Meaning: Delays, temporary setbacks, overconfidence.
Judgement (XX)
- Keywords: Reflection, awakening, accountability.
- Upright Meaning: Rebirth, evaluation, new phase.
- Reversed Meaning: Self-doubt, avoidance, failure to learn lessons.
The World (XXI)
- Keywords: Completion, wholeness, achievement.
- Upright Meaning: Fulfillment, travel, reaching goals.
- Reversed Meaning: Delayed success, incomplete projects, stagnation.
The Minor Arcana: Detailed Descriptions
The Minor Arcana consists of four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands, each associated with an element and domain of life. Each suit has 14 cards: Ace through 10, and the court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
Suit of Cups (Element: Water)
Represents emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity.
Ace of Cups
- Upright: New emotional beginnings, love, spiritual growth.
- Reversed: Emotional blockages, repressed feelings, lack of joy.
Two of Cups
- Upright: Partnership, mutual love, harmony.
- Reversed: Imbalance, separation, misunderstandings.
Three of Cups
- Upright: Celebration, friendship, community.
- Reversed: Overindulgence, gossip, isolation.
Four of Cups
- Upright: Apathy, contemplation, reevaluation.
- Reversed: New opportunities, focus, acceptance.
Five of Cups
- Upright: Loss, regret, mourning.
- Reversed: Acceptance, moving on, finding peace.
Six of Cups
- Upright: Nostalgia, innocence, kindness.
- Reversed: Stuck in the past, unrealistic expectations.
Seven of Cups
- Upright: Choices, illusions, imagination.
- Reversed: Clarity, focus, realistic goals.
Eight of Cups
- Upright: Walking away, seeking fulfillment, letting go.
- Reversed: Fear of change, emotional stagnation.
Nine of Cups
- Upright: Contentment, satisfaction, wishes fulfilled.
- Reversed: Overindulgence, unmet desires, superficial happiness.
Ten of Cups
- Upright: Happiness, harmony, family.
- Reversed: Discontent, disharmony, struggling relationships.
Page of Cups
- Upright: Creativity, new emotional experiences, curiosity.
- Reversed: Emotional immaturity, creative block, insecurity.
Knight of Cups
- Upright: Romantic, charming, idealistic pursuits.
- Reversed: Moodiness, unrealistic expectations, emotional instability.
Queen of Cups
- Upright: Compassion, nurturing, emotional insight.
- Reversed: Overemotional, insecurity, emotional manipulation.
King of Cups
- Upright: Emotional balance, wisdom, compassion.
- Reversed: Emotional coldness, manipulation, moodiness.
Suit of Pentacles (Element: Earth)
Represents material aspects, career, finances, and physical well-being.
Ace of Pentacles
- Upright: New financial opportunity, prosperity, potential.
- Reversed: Missed opportunities, financial instability.
Two of Pentacles
- Upright: Balance, adaptability, managing priorities.
- Reversed: Overwhelm, poor time management, imbalance.
Three of Pentacles
- Upright: Collaboration, skill-building, teamwork.
- Reversed: Lack of cooperation, mediocrity, poor execution.
Four of Pentacles
- Upright: Security, control, holding on tightly.
- Reversed: Greed, fear of loss, letting go.
Five of Pentacles
- Upright: Financial hardship, isolation, insecurity.
- Reversed: Recovery, improvement, hope.
Six of Pentacles
- Upright: Generosity, sharing wealth, charity.
- Reversed: Selfishness, strings attached, inequality.
Seven of Pentacles
- Upright: Patience, long-term planning, hard work.
- Reversed: Impatience, lack of reward, poor planning.
Eight of Pentacles
- Upright: Mastery, dedication, skill development.
- Reversed: Lack of focus, poor work ethic, shortcuts.
Nine of Pentacles
- Upright: Independence, luxury, self-sufficiency.
- Reversed: Financial instability, overindulgence, dependence.
Ten of Pentacles
- Upright: Legacy, inheritance, family stability.
- Reversed: Financial loss, family disputes, instability.
Page of Pentacles
- Upright: Ambition, learning, new opportunities.
- Reversed: Lack of progress, procrastination, immaturity.
Knight of Pentacles
- Upright: Hard work, reliability, dedication.
- Reversed: Laziness, stagnation, lack of ambition.
Queen of Pentacles
- Upright: Nurturing, practicality, financial security.
- Reversed: Work-life imbalance, selfishness, materialism.
King of Pentacles
- Upright: Wealth, stability, leadership.
- Reversed: Greed, corruption, loss of control.
Suit of Swords (Element: Air)
Represents intellect, communication, conflict, truth, and decision-making.
Ace of Swords
- Upright: Mental clarity, breakthroughs, new ideas.
- Reversed: Confusion, lack of communication, misuse of power.
Two of Swords
- Upright: Indecision, stalemate, difficult choices.
- Reversed: Resolution, clarity, avoidance of decisions.
Three of Swords
- Upright: Heartbreak, sorrow, grief.
- Reversed: Healing, forgiveness, recovering from loss.
Four of Swords
- Upright: Rest, recovery, contemplation.
- Reversed: Burnout, restlessness, ignoring self-care.
Five of Swords
- Upright: Conflict, tension, hollow victory.
- Reversed: Reconciliation, resolution, learning from defeat.
Six of Swords
- Upright: Transition, moving on, leaving troubles behind.
- Reversed: Resistance to change, feeling stuck, unfinished business.
Seven of Swords
- Upright: Deception, strategy, cunning.
- Reversed: Truth revealed, accountability, poor planning.
Eight of Swords
- Upright: Feeling trapped, restricted, powerless.
- Reversed: Liberation, empowerment, breaking free.
Nine of Swords
- Upright: Anxiety, fear, sleepless nights.
- Reversed: Hope, recovery, overcoming fears.
Ten of Swords
- Upright: Endings, betrayal, painful conclusions.
- Reversed: Healing, recovery, lessons learned.
Page of Swords
- Upright: Curiosity, new ideas, mental agility.
- Reversed: Gossip, bluntness, overthinking.
Knight of Swords
- Upright: Ambition, focused action, determination.
- Reversed: Impulsiveness, recklessness, impatience.
Queen of Swords
- Upright: Independence, perceptiveness, honesty.
- Reversed: Coldness, cynicism, overly critical.
King of Swords
- Upright: Authority, intellect, ethical leadership.
- Reversed: Tyranny, manipulation, misuse of power.
Suit of Wands (Element: Fire)
Represents passion, energy, creativity, and action.
Ace of Wands
- Upright: Inspiration, new beginnings, creative spark.
- Reversed: Lack of direction, missed opportunities, burnout.
Two of Wands
- Upright: Planning, future vision, making decisions.
- Reversed: Fear of change, overanalyzing, limited options.
Three of Wands
- Upright: Expansion, progress, foresight.
- Reversed: Delays, lack of foresight, missed opportunities.
Four of Wands
- Upright: Celebration, harmony, homecoming.
- Reversed: Instability, lack of support, postponed celebrations.
Five of Wands
- Upright: Competition, conflict, rivalry.
- Reversed: Avoiding conflict, resolution, teamwork.
Six of Wands
- Upright: Victory, recognition, success.
- Reversed: Failure, lack of confidence, unmet expectations.
Seven of Wands
- Upright: Perseverance, standing your ground, defense.
- Reversed: Feeling overwhelmed, giving up, vulnerability.
Eight of Wands
- Upright: Swift action, progress, movement.
- Reversed: Delays, miscommunication, frustration.
Nine of Wands
- Upright: Resilience, persistence, boundaries.
- Reversed: Exhaustion, giving up, feeling overwhelmed.
Ten of Wands
- Upright: Burden, responsibility, hard work.
- Reversed: Delegation, release of burdens, lightening the load.
Page of Wands
- Upright: Enthusiasm, discovery, potential.
- Reversed: Lack of direction, procrastination, restlessness.
Knight of Wands
- Upright: Adventure, ambition, energy.
- Reversed: Impulsiveness, recklessness, haste.
Queen of Wands
- Upright: Confidence, vibrancy, determination.
- Reversed: Jealousy, introversion, self-doubt.
King of Wands
- Upright: Leadership, vision, boldness.
- Reversed: Ruthlessness, arrogance, impulsiveness.
