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The Meanings of the Tarot Cards |
The Major Arcana
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The Fool
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Upright:
New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited
possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness.
Reverse: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty
choice
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The Magician
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Upright:
Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity,
sleight of hand
Reverse: Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination
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The High Priestess
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Upright:
Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of
patience, a teacher.
Reverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness,
shallowness
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The Empress
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Upright:
Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolution
Reverse: Vacillation, inaction, lack on concentration,
indecision, anxiety, infidelity
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The Emperor
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Upright:
Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership,
father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable person.
Reverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of
strength
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The Hierophant
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Upright:
A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of
society. Reverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor
OR
Upright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a
sense of historical importance, inspiration.
Reverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence,
vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy.
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The Lovers
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Upright:
Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a
meaningful relationship/affair.
Reverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love,
fickleness, untrustworthy
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The Chariot
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Upright:
Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil,
vengeance. Reverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute
loss, vanquishment
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Strength
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Upright:
Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism,
virility.
Reverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith,
abuse of power
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The Hermit
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Upright:
Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience,
withdrawal, annulment, a loner.
Reverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity.
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The Wheel of
Fortune
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Upright:
Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem,
unexpected events, advancement, progress.
Reverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad
fate, unexpected events.
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Justice
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Upright:
Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a
considerate person.
Reverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse
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The Hanged Man
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Upright:
Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice,
readjustment, improvement, rebirth .
Reverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless
sacrifice.
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Death
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Upright:
Transformation, making way for the new, unexpected change, loss,
failure, illness or death, bad luck.
Reverse: Stagnation, immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape,
cheating death
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Temperance
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Upright:
Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence,
confidence.
Reverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration,
impatience
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The Devil
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Upright:
Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure,
controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person.
Reverse: Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment
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The Tower
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Upright:
A sudden change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected
events, disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or security.
Reverse: Following old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad
situation, imprisonment
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The Star
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Upright:
Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure,
balance.
Reverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed,
bad luck, imbalance
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The Moon
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Upright:
Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace,
double-dealing.
Reverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done,
trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone
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The Sun
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Upright:
Satisfaction, accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy
marriage.
Reverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, canceled plans, broken
engagement or marriage, a clouded future, a lack of friends
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Judgment
or
Rejuvenation
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Upright:
Awakening, renewal, a well lived life, better health, a quickened mind.
Reverse: Fear of death, failure, possible loss, ill health
Upright:
Atonement, judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth,
improvement, development, promotion, efforts are rewarded.
Reverse: Delay, disappointment, indecision, procrastination,
theft, worry
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The World
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Upright:
Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success,
fulfillment, triumph, eternal life.
Reverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment.
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The
Minor Arcana
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Wands
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Usually predict
energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory.
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Ace of wands
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Upright:
A creative
beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey, an inheritance,
a new career, a birth in the family.
Reversed: Selfishness may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new
enterprise, a journey may be put off, a lack of determination.
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Two of Wands
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Upright:
A kind and generous person, an interest in science, patience, creative
ability, courage, good things to come.
Reversed: Caution is advised against impatience, a possible
domination by others
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Three of Wands
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Upright:
A cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success brought
by a good partnership, practical help may come from a successful person.
Reversed: A tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through
carelessness, disappointment, caution against pride and arrogance
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Four of Wands
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Upright:
The beauty of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace,
celebration after labor, end of romance in marriage, happy holidays to
come.
Reversed: Learning to appreciate the little things in life,
beauty of nature, peace, harmony.
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Five of Wands
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Upright:
Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courage.
Reversed: Harmony, new opportunities, generosity.
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Six of Wands
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Upright:
Good news, victory, success after labor, helpful friends, leadership
during journey.
Reversed: Rewards are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an
insolent winner, pride in riches/success.
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Seven of Wands
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Upright:
The ability to "hold one's own" against adversaries, stiff competition
in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon, victory,
energy, courage.
Reversed: The threat will pass by, don't let others take advantage,
caution against indecision, patience.
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Eight of Wands
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Upright:
A Goal is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find its
mark, love of open air, gardens, meadows.
Reversed: Jealousy, violence, quarrels, domestic disputes,
a force of courage or boldness is applied to suddenly.
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Nine of Wands
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Upright:
Preparedness, eventual victory, good health, strength in reserve,
tendency to obstinacy.
Reversed: Unpreparedness, refusal to fight, weakness in
character, ill health, bending over adversity
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Ten of Wands
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Upright:
An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete
failure.
Reversed: Strength, energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of
others, a clever person.
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Page of Wands
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Upright:
Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great enthusiasm, a
messenger.
Reversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad
news to come.
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Knight of Wands
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Upright:
An impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey, the
coming or going of a matter is of much concern.
Reversed: Discord, work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness,
suspicion, the journey is delayed.
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Queen of Wands
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Upright:
A woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command, someone
who is well liked or honorable. Reversed: Strict, domineering, a
jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity.
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King of Wands
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Upright:
A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leader.
Reversed: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice,
quarrels
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Cups
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Usually predict
love, happiness, fertility, and beauty.
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Ace of Cups
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Upright:
The beginning of love, joy, beauty, or good health.
Reverse: Hesitancy to accept the things that come from the heart,
love under a selfish grasp, egotism
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Two of Cups
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Upright:
A new romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony,
cooperation.
Reverse: A loss of balance in a relationship, a violent passion,
love turning bad, a misunderstanding
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Three of Cups
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Upright:
A good fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are
discovered, a sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitality.
Reverse: Pain, gossip, unknown talents remain hidden,
overindulgence.
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Four of Cups
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Upright:
Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come from
others.
Reverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions,
action
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Five of Cups
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Upright:
Sorrow, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment, vain
regret.
Reversed: Return of hope, new relationships are beginning, return
of a loved one, courage is summoned from within
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Six of Cups
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Upright:
A gift from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure brought
from the past, good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an admirer,
new opportunities.
Reverse: Living in the past, outworn friendships, disappointment.
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Seven of Cups
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Upright:
A long-worked imagination, unable to choose one's direction in life,
illusory success.
Reverse: A good use of determination, will-power, a definite path
will be chosen
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Eight of Cups
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Upright:
An abandonment of one's current path in life, disappointment in love,
misery and repining without cause, desire to leave one’s success for
something higher.
Reverse: Search for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love
interest
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Nine of Cups
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Upright:
An assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come true.
Reverse: A lack in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not
come true
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Ten of Cups
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Upright:
A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happiness
Reverse:
A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their
parents, waste.
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Page of Cups
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Upright:
Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, news.
Reverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination
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Knight of Cups
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Upright:
Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional
matter.
Reverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful
person
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Queen of Cups
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Upright:
Imagination out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving mother,
happiness, gentle, a good natured person.
Reverse: An over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure
and happiness may turn bitter
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King of Cups
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Upright:
A business man, a man of law, kindness, a considerate person, a
willingness to take on responsibility, and enjoyment of the arts or
sciences.
Reverse: A powerful man but a double-dealer, crafty, violent,
scandal.
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Swords
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Usually predict
aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune
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Ace of Swords
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Upright:
Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a valiant
leader may be born.
Reverse: Caution when trying to use power to gain an ending,
obstacles, tyranny
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Two of Swords
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Upright:
Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of
direction.
Reverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulous
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Three of Swords
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Upright:
Affections may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated, possible
civil war.
Reverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss
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Four of Swords
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Upright:
Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the
"active life"
Reverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes
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Five of Swords
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Upright:
Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victory.
Reverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory,
unfairness in dealings
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Six of Swords
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Upright:
A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevail.
Reverse: Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles
or difficulties
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Seven of Swords
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Upright:
An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible
failure.
Reverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen
items are returned
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Eight of Swords
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Upright:
Restricted action, indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a
prisoner.
Reverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedom
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Nine of Swords
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Upright:
Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one,
suspicion, cruelty, misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slander.
Reverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of
a loved one
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Ten of Swords
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Upright:
Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tears.
Reverse: Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better
health
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Page of Swords
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Upright:
Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting message.
Reverse: A cunning person, an imposture, ill health, unexpected
events.
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Knight of Swords
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Upright:
A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever
person, an unexpected coming or going of a matter.
Reverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person.
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Queen of Swords
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Upright:
A quick and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their sorrow.
Reverse: Cruelty due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful
person, narrow-mindedness, a gossip
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King of Swords
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Upright:
A judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship holder but often
overcautious, a wise counselor.
Reverse: Evil intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or
judgments may seem unfair
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Pentacles
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Usually predict
money, industry, and material gain
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Ace of Pentacles
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Upright:
A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of
happiness or pleasure.
Reverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everything
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Two of Pentacles
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Upright:
The ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained during
change, new projects may be difficult, expect a helpful message
Reverse: Difficulty with handling problems, expect a discouraging
message
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Three of Pentacles
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Upright:
Reward for skills or abilities, approval, success through effort.
Reverse: Quality in workmanship is neglected, good work is
expended due to a preoccupation with money, common place ideals or
ambitions
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Four of Pentacles
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Upright:
Love of power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or ungenerous
nature.
Reverse: Some earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or
delays in business affairs, a spendthrift.
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Five of Pentacles
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Upright:
Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due
to spiritual impoverishment.
Reverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interest
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Six of Pentacles
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Upright:
Sharing of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully theirs,
charity, gifts, philanthropy, three-fold.
Reverse: Bribes, unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy,
miserliness
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Seven of Pentacles
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Upright:
Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development,
reevaluations.
Reverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be
unprofitable
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Eight of Pentacles
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Upright:
Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill,
handiwork, small money gain.
Reverse: Skills are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work,
ambition is void
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Nine of Pentacles
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Upright:
Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumb.
Reverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, caution
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Ten of Pentacles
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Upright:
Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquired.
Reverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness
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Page of Pentacles
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Upright:
Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, learning new
ideas/opinions.
Reverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing
ideas/opinions, bad news
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Knight of
Pentacles
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Upright:
Trustworthy, a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of
responsibilities, an animal lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a
matter.
Reverse: Irresponsible, impatience, timidness, carelessness,
a standstill in affairs
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Queen of Pentacles
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Upright:
Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well,
melancholy.
Reverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust,
suspicion, not a very creative person
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King of Pentacles
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Upright:
A chief of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man,
solid, steadiness. Reverse: Materialistic, slow to anger, 'head
is on the ground", bribes
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