Tarot cards are a popular divination tool used to gain insight into one’s past, present, and future. They are divided into two categories: major arcana and minor arcana. The major arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing major life events and spiritual lessons. These cards include the Fool, the Magician, the High Priestess, the Empress, the Emperor, the Hierophant, the Lovers, the Chariot, Strength, the Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, the Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, the Devil, the Tower, the Star, the Moon, the Sun, Judgment, and the World. These cards are often seen as more powerful and significant than the minor arcana cards.
On the other hand, the minor arcana has 56 cards divided into four suits representing day-to-day experiences. Those suits are cups, pentacles, swords, and wands. Each suit has 14 cards, including ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). These cards are often interpreted as representing specific aspects of life, such as emotions (cups), finances (pentacles), conflict (swords), and creativity (wands). When shuffled and laid out in various spreads, tarot cards can provide guidance and insight into different situations and questions.
Major Arcana
The Magician
The Magician card symbolises transformation, manifestation, and the power of the human spirit. It features an influential figure pointing one hand towards the heavens and the other towards the earth. Read more
The High Priestess
The High Priestess embodies intuition, mystery, and the subconscious mind. She sits between two pillars, representing the balance of opposing forces. Read more
The Empress
The Empress is a Tarot card representing fertility, nurturing, and abundance. This card signifies a period of prosperity, creativity, and nurturing relationships. Read more
The Hierophant
The Hierophant is a Tarot card representing tradition, spirituality, and guidance from a higher power. It is often depicted as a religious figure or a wise teacher. Read more
The Lovers
The Lovers card is one of the most significant cards in the Tarot deck. It is a symbol of love, passion, and choices, and it represents the ultimate union between two people. Read more
The Chariot
The Chariot represents determination, willpower, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It is depicted by a charioteer steering a pair of opposing forces. Read more
The Hermit
The Hermit is a Tarot card that represents introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. It depicts a wise figure holding a lantern, symbolising the search for inner truth and enlightenment. Read more
Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is a Tarot card that symbolises the cyclical nature of life and the unpredictability of fate. It depicts a wheel with various symbols, representing the ever-turning wheel of life. Read more
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man is a Tarot card that represents the act of letting go, surrendering, and gaining a new perspective. Read more
Temperance
Temperance is a symbol of balance, harmony, and moderation. In tarot, this card portrays an angel pouring water between two cups, which represents the need to find equilibrium and blend opposing forces. Read more
Cups
Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups is a card of new beginnings in emotions, love, and intuition. It represents the purest form of emotional energy, akin to a wellspring of feelings and love overflowing. Read more
Two of Cups
The Two of Cups is a Tarot card that represents a harmonious relationship and partnership. This card depicts a loving couple exchanging cups that symbolise mutual respect and emotional connection between two individuals. Read more
Three of Cups
The Three of Cups is a Tarot card that represents joy, celebration, and social gatherings. It often depicts three individuals raising their cups in a toast, symbolizing communal happiness and shared experiences. Read more
Four of Cups
The Four of Cups is a Tarot card that signifies contemplation, introspection, and a sense of being emotionally unfulfilled. This card suggests a need to reflect on your emotional state and the possibility that you may be overlooking the opportunities for happiness or connection that are right in front of you. Read more
Five of Cups
The Five of Cups is a Tarot card that symbolises disappointment, loss, and grief. The card often depicts a figure mourning over spilt cups while ignoring the upright cups behind them. Read more
Six of Cups
The Six of Cups is a Tarot card that evokes nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocence. This card often depicts a scene where one person offers flowers to another, symbolising a sweet and genuine exchange of kindness and sentiment. Read more
Seven of Cups
The Seven of Cups represents choices, fantasies, and daydreams. In this card, a figure contemplates a variety of options represented by floating cups, each containing a different image or desire. Read more
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups signifies the need to walk away from a situation or relationship that no longer serves your emotional well-being. This card reminds you that though leaving can be painful, it’s essential for personal growth and emotional fulfilment. Read more
Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups is a Tarot card, sometimes referred to as the “Wish Card” due to its representation of emotional satisfaction and contentment. The card features a person surrounded by nine cups, symbolising their emotional achievements. Read more
Ten of Cups
The Ten of Cups is one of the most positive cards in the Tarot deck, representing emotional harmony, family, and joyous relationships. It often depicts a happy family celebrating together under a rainbow, which symbolises the ultimate fulfilment of emotional bonds. Read more
Page of Cups
The Page of Cups is an intriguing Tarot card that represents youthful and imaginative emotions. This card often depicts a young person holding a cup with a fish popping out, signifying their emotional curiosity and creative potential. Read more
Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups is a card that speaks to the romantic and idealistic side of our nature. It represents the pursuit of emotional desires and dreams and often depicts a knight on a quest, holding a cup and dressed in a dreamy and chivalrous manner. Read more
Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups is a compassionate and intuitive figure, often associated with emotional wisdom and psychic abilities. She is depicted as a nurturing and empathetic woman with a cup in her hand, symbolising her deep emotional understanding. Read more
King of Cups
The Knight of Cups is a romantic and idealistic Tarot card that signifies a passionate pursuit of emotional desires and dreams. This card suggests a time of pursuing your heart’s desires with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. Read more
Pentacles
Ace of Pentacles
The Ace of Pentacles is a card of materialization, prosperity, and new opportunities in the realm of finances and the physical world. It represents the seed of material abundance and the potential for financial growth and stability. Read more
Two of Pentacles
The Two of Pentacles is a Tarot card that represents balance, adaptability, and managing multiple responsibilities. It symbolises the need to maintain equilibrium in various aspects of life. Read more
Three of Pentacles
The Three of Pentacles is a Tarot card that represents the power of teamwork, collaboration, and craftsmanship. It often depicts a group of people working together on a project, with a focus on attention to detail and mastery of skills. Read more
Four of Pentacles
The Four of Pentacles is a symbol of security, possessiveness and the need for control over material resources. In this card, we see a figure holding tightly onto four pentacles, representing a fear of loss or attachment to material wealth. Read more
Five of Pentacles
The Five of Pentacles is a Tarot card that often appears when you’re going through a tough period of financial struggle or feeling left out and isolated. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There is assistance available to you. Read more
Six of Pentacles
The Six of Pentacles represents generosity, charity, and the balance of giving and receiving. At its core, this card is all about acts of kindness and sharing resources with others. Read more
Seven of Pentacles
The Seven of Pentacles is a Tarot card that represents patience, assessment, and a period of waiting for the results of your efforts. Read more
Eight of Pentacles
The Eight of Pentacles represents dedication, craftsmanship, and mastery of skills. This card signifies a period of hard work. Read more
Nine of Pentacles
The Nine of Pentacles is a Tarot card that signifies independence, self-sufficiency, and the enjoyment of the fruits of your labour. Read more
Ten of Pentacles
The Ten of Pentacles is a symbol of wealth, family, and fulfilment. It represents a period of emotional and financial stability, where you can enjoy the comforts of home and the support of family. Read more
Page of Pentacles
The Page of Pentacles is a Tarot card that symbolises ambition, diligence, and the pursuit of knowledge or practical skills. It suggests a time of new opportunities for learning and self-improvement, particularly in the areas of finance or career. Read more
Knight of Pentacles
The Knight of Pentacles is a Tarot card that represents responsibility, reliability, and practicality. This card signifies a period of determined effort, where you are committed to your goals and are willing to work diligently to achieve them. Read more
Queen of Pentacles
The Queen of Pentacles signifies a time when you can provide for yourself and others with care and practicality. It encourages you to find balance in your home and work life, prioritise self-care, and appreciate the abundance that surrounds you. Read more
King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacles is a representation of financial stability, success, and mastery of the material world. It signifies a period of high financial success and a time when you can enjoy the rewards of your hard work. Read more
Swords
Ace of Swords
The Ace of Swords is a card of clarity, truth, and breakthroughs. It represents the power of the mind and the potential for a new level of understanding or insight. Read more
Two of Swords
The Two of Swords is a Tarot card that represents a crucial point in life where one must make difficult decisions. It symbolises the feeling of being at a crossroads or being stuck between two options. Read more
Three of Swords
The Three of Swords is a Tarot card that often represents heartache, sorrow, and emotional pain. It symbolizes a period of grief or emotional suffering, acknowledging the pain of a broken heart or the emotional wounds caused by a difficult situation. Read more
Four of Swords
The Four of Swords is a Tarot card that represents rest and recovery. It signifies the need to retreat from the busyness of life, find inner peace, and recover from mental or physical exhaustion. Read more
Five of Swords
The Five of Swords is a Tarot card that represents conflict, defeat, and the aftermath of a struggle. It symbolises a situation where one side has won at the expense of others. Read more
Six of Swords
The Six of Swords is a Tarot card that represents transition and moving forward. I signifies a period of moving away from troubles towards a more stable and peaceful future. Read more
Seven of Swords
The Seven of Swords represents deception, stealth, and strategies for self-preservation. It hints at a situation where someone may not be entirely honest or may have hidden agendas. Read more
Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords is a tarot card that represents restriction, self-imposed limitations, and feeling trapped in a difficult situation. It suggests that you may be limiting yourself through negative thoughts or beliefs. Read more
Nine of Swords
The Nine of Swords is a Tarot card that represents anxiety, worry, and sleepless nights. If you draw this card, it is a sign that you are going through a period of mental distress. Read more
Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords is a Tarot card that often signifies a painful ending or betrayal. However, it also symbolises the ending of a challenging situation. Read more
Page of Swords
The Page of Swords is a Tarot card that represents curiosity, intellect, and youthful energy. This card indicates a time of mental curiosity, seeking knowledge, and embracing your inner student. Read more
Knight of Swords
The Knight of Swords is known for its association with action, assertiveness, and swift decision-making. This Tarot card signifies a period when you are driven to take quick action and assert your opinions with confidence. Read more
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords is often associated with mental understanding, clear communication, and analytical thinking. It represents cutting through confusion with logic and reason. Read more
Wands
Ace of Wands
The Ace of Wands is a card of inspiration, new beginnings, and creative energy. It represents the spark of a new idea or project that ignites your passion and enthusiasm. This card signifies the potential for creative growth and the initiation of a journey filled with determination and drive. Read more
Two of Wands
The Two of Wands is a Tarot card that symbolises planning, vision, and decision-making for the future. It signifies a time for contemplation, exploration, and bold choices to pursue your long-term goals and aspirations. Read more
Three of Wands
The Three of Wands is a Tarot card that represents expansion, foresight, and exploration. This card signifies a time when your initial efforts are starting to show promise, and you are considering broader horizons for growth. Read more
Four of Wands
The Four of Wands is an uplifting Tarot card that represents celebration, harmony, and a sense of accomplishment. This card signifies a period of stability and happiness, often related to a significant event such as a wedding, homecoming, or achievement of a personal milestone. Read more
Five of Wands
The Five of Wands is a Tarot card that represents competition, conflict, and challenges within a group or team. This card signifies a period of tension and rivalry, where differing opinions or agendas can create conflict. Read more
Six of Wands
The Six of Wands is a Tarot card that signifies victory, recognition, and public acclaim. It is a reminder that your efforts and accomplishments are being acknowledged and rewarded. Read more
Seven of Wands
The Seven of Wands is a Tarot card that symbolises courage, determination, and standing your ground. This card is a reminder that there will be times in your life when you have to assert your position, protect your beliefs, or defend your territory. Read more
Eight of Wands
The Eight of Wands represents swift action, change, and progress. It signifies a time when things are happening quickly. Read more
Nine of Wands
The Nine of Wands is a Tarot card that signifies resilience, determination, and a sense of inner strength. This card is a reminder that even when you feel weary from past challenges, you have the strength to keep going. Read more
Ten of Wands
The Ten of Wands is a Tarot card that symbolises the burden of excessive obligations. It represents the weight of responsibilities and the challenges they bring. Read more
Page of Wands
The Page of Wands is a Tarot card that represents youthful energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm. This card suggests a time of new experiences, creative inspiration, and an eagerness to explore the world. Read more
Knight of Wands
The Knight of Wands is a Tarot card that embodies adventure, impulsivity, and risk-taking. This card encourages you to passionately pursue your passions, take calculated risks, and chase your dreams. Read more
Queen of Wands
The Queen of Wands is a powerful archetypal figure that often represents leadership, creativity, and passion in Tarot. She is a dynamic and nurturing figure who encourages you to harness your inner fire, exude confidence, and lead with charisma. Read more