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Tarot Card Meanings: All 78 Cards

The tarot deck consists of 22 Major and 56 Minor Arcana. Choose a card to find out what it means upright and reversed, in love, at work and in a yes or no reading.

Major Arcana (22)

The 22 Major Arcana describe the stages of a person's path: from the Fool, who is just setting out, to the World, who closes the cycle. These cards speak of fateful events, inner change and lessons that alter a life. When many Major Arcana appear in a spread, the situation is about important turning points, not small matters.

Wands (14)

The suit of Wands belongs to the element of Fire and describes energy, inspiration, enterprise and passion. These cards show how you act, what you strive for and what lights you up. In spreads, Wands answer questions about career, projects, creativity and personal will.

Cups (14)

The suit of Cups belongs to the element of Water and speaks of emotions, love, friendship and the subconscious. These cards describe what you feel and how you build ties with others. In spreads, Cups stand for relationships, mood and creative inspiration.

Swords (14)

The suit of Swords corresponds to the element of Air and describes thoughts, words, truth and conflict. These cards show how you think and make decisions, and where tests and insight await you. In spreads, Swords speak of communication, disputes and clarity.

Pentacles (14)

The suit of Pentacles belongs to the element of Earth and describes money, work, health and everything material. These cards show what you rely on and what you build. In spreads, Pentacles stand for finances, career, daily life and lasting results.

Questions about tarot cards

How many cards are in a tarot deck?

A classic deck has 78 cards: the 22 Major Arcana describe big life themes, and the 56 Minor Arcana are split into four suits, Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, and describe everyday events.

Where should I start learning the cards?

Start with the Major Arcana: they are more expressive and easier to remember. Then move on to the suits, linking each to an element and an area of life: Wands for action, Cups for feelings, Swords for thoughts, Pentacles for money and work.

Do I need to memorise the card meanings?

Memorising is not required. It is more useful to look at the picture, form a first impression and compare it with the description. That way the meaning is remembered through the image.

How do I understand what a reversed card means?

A reversed position most often shows the same theme in a weakened, blocked or inward form. The page of each card says more about how to read the reversed positions.

What else to try