The Meanings of the Tarot Cards

The Major Arcana

The Fool

Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness.
Reverse:
A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice

The Magician


Upright:
Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of hand
Reverse:
Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination

The High Priestess


Upright:
Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacher.
Reverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness

The Empress


Upright:
Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolution
Reverse: Vacillation, inaction, lack on concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity

The Emperor


Upright:
Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable person.
Reverse:
Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength

The Hierophant


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.

The Lovers


Upright:
Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affair.
Reverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy

The Chariot


Upright:
Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeance. Reverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment

Strength


Upright:
Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virility.
Reverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power

The Hermit


Upright:
Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a loner.
Reverse:
Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity.

The Wheel of Fortune


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.

Justice


Upright:
Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate person.
Reverse:
Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse

The Hanged Man


Upright:
Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirth .
Reverse:
Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice.

Death


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

Temperance


Upright:
Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidence.
Reverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience

The Devil


Upright:
Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person.
Reverse:
Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment

The Tower


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

The Star


Upright:
Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balance.
Reverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance

The Moon


Upright:
Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing.
Reverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone

The Sun


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

Judgment

or

Rejuvenation


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

The World


Upright:
Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success, fulfillment, triumph, eternal life.
Reverse:
Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment.

 The Minor Arcana

Wands

Usually predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory.

Ace of wands


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.

Two of Wands


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

Three of Wands


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

Four of Wands


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.

Five of Wands


Upright:
Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courage.
Reversed:
Harmony, new opportunities, generosity.

Six of Wands


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.

Seven of Wands


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.

Eight of Wands


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.

Nine of Wands


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

Ten of Wands

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.

Page of Wands


Upright:
Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great enthusiasm, a messenger.
Reversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad news to come.

Knight of Wands


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.

Queen of Wands


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.

King of Wands


Upright:
A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leader.
Reversed:
Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels

Cups

Usually predict love, happiness, fertility, and beauty.

Ace of Cups


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

Two of Cups


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

Three of Cups


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.

Four of Cups


Upright:
Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come from others.
Reverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, action

Five of Cups


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

Six of Cups


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.

Seven of Cups


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

Eight of Cups


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

Nine of Cups


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

Ten of Cups


Upright:
A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happiness Reverse: A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their parents, waste.

Page of Cups


Upright:
Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, news.
Reverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination

Knight of Cups


Upright:
Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional matter.
Reverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person

Queen of Cups


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

King of Cups


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.

Swords

Usually predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune

Ace of Swords


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

Two of Swords


Upright:
Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of direction.
Reverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulous

Three of Swords


Upright:
Affections may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated, possible civil war.
Reverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss

Four of Swords


Upright:
Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the "active life"
Reverse:
Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes

Five of Swords

Upright: Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victory.
Reverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings

Six of Swords


Upright:
A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevail.
Reverse:
Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or difficulties

Seven of Swords


Upright:
An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failure.
Reverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned

Eight of Swords


Upright:
Restricted action, indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a prisoner.
Reverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedom

Nine of Swords


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

Ten of Swords


Upright:
Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tears.
Reverse:
Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better health

Page of Swords


Upright:
Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting message.
Reverse: A cunning person, an imposture, ill health, unexpected events.

Knight of Swords


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.

Queen of Swords


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

King of Swords


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

Pentacles

Usually predict money, industry, and material gain

Ace of Pentacles


Upright:
A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of happiness or pleasure.
Reverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everything

Two of Pentacles


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

Three of Pentacles


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

Four of Pentacles


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.

Five of Pentacles


Upright:
Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due to spiritual impoverishment.
Reverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interest

Six of Pentacles


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

Seven of Pentacles


Upright:
Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, reevaluations.
Reverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be unprofitable

Eight of Pentacles


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

Nine of Pentacles


Upright:
Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumb.
Reverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, caution

Ten of Pentacles


Upright:
Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquired.
Reverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness

Page of Pentacles


Upright:
Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, learning new ideas/opinions.
Reverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing ideas/opinions, bad news

Knight of Pentacles


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

Queen of Pentacles


Upright:
Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well, melancholy.
Reverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a very creative person

King of Pentacles


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