Tarot Card Meanings: Complete Guide to All 78 Cards (Upright & Reversed)
Learn the meaning of every tarot card, upright and reversed, with this complete beginner-friendly guide to the Major and Minor Arcana.
A tarot deck contains 78 cards split into two groups: the Major Arcana (22 cards representing major life themes) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards representing everyday events and emotions, divided into four suits). Understanding what each card means, both upright and reversed, is the foundation of learning to read tarot.
This guide walks through every card so you can start reading with confidence.
The Major Arcana (22 Cards)
The Major Arcana represents life’s big lessons, spiritual growth, and major turning points.
| Card | Upright Meaning | Reversed Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool | New beginnings, spontaneity, faith | Recklessness, hesitancy, poor judgment |
| The Magician | Manifestation, resourcefulness | Manipulation, untapped potential |
| The High Priestess | Intuition, mystery, inner voice | Secrets, disconnection from intuition |
| The Empress | Abundance, nurturing, fertility | Neglect, creative block |
| The Emperor | Authority, structure, stability | Domination, rigidity |
| The Hierophant | Tradition, conformity, guidance | Rebellion, unconventionality |
| The Lovers | Love, harmony, choices | Disharmony, imbalance |
| The Chariot | Willpower, determination, victory | Lack of control, aggression |
| Strength | Courage, patience, compassion | Self-doubt, weakness |
| The Hermit | Introspection, solitude, guidance | Isolation, withdrawal |
| Wheel of Fortune | Change, cycles, fate | Bad luck, resistance to change |
| Justice | Fairness, truth, cause and effect | Unfairness, dishonesty |
| The Hanged Man | Surrender, new perspective | Stalling, resistance |
| Death | Endings, transformation | Fear of change, stagnation |
| Temperance | Balance, moderation, patience | Imbalance, excess |
| The Devil | Bondage, addiction, materialism | Breaking free, release |
| The Tower | Sudden change, upheaval | Avoiding disaster, fear of change |
| The Star | Hope, inspiration, renewal | Despair, disconnection |
| The Moon | Illusion, fear, subconscious | Confusion, release of fear |
| The Sun | Joy, success, vitality | Temporary sadness, delays |
| Judgement | Reflection, reckoning, awakening | Self-doubt, refusal of self-evaluation |
| The World | Completion, fulfillment, wholeness | Incompletion, lack of closure |
The Minor Arcana (56 Cards)
The Minor Arcana is split into four suits, each connected to a different area of life:
- Wands Passion, creativity, career, and ambition
- Cups Emotions, relationships, and intuition
- Swords Thoughts, communication, and conflict
- Pentacles Money, work, and material matters
Wands (Fire, Career & Passion)
Ace of Wands (new inspiration), Two of Wands (planning), Three of Wands (expansion), Four of Wands (celebration), Five of Wands (conflict), Six of Wands (victory), Seven of Wands (defense), Eight of Wands (fast movement), Nine of Wands (resilience), Ten of Wands (burden), Page of Wands (enthusiasm), Knight of Wands (impulsiveness), Queen of Wands (confidence), King of Wands (visionary leadership)
Cups (Water, Emotions & Relationships)
Ace of Cups (new love), Two of Cups (partnership), Three of Cups (friendship), Four of Cups (apathy), Five of Cups (regret), Six of Cups (nostalgia), Seven of Cups (choices), Eight of Cups (walking away), Nine of Cups (satisfaction), Ten of Cups (harmony), Page of Cups (emotional openness), Knight of Cups (romance), Queen of Cups (compassion), King of Cups (emotional balance)
Swords (Air, Thoughts & Conflict)
Ace of Swords (clarity), Two of Swords (indecision), Three of Swords (heartbreak), Four of Swords (rest), Five of Swords (conflict), Six of Swords (transition), Seven of Swords (deception), Eight of Swords (restriction), Nine of Swords (anxiety), Ten of Swords (painful endings), Page of Swords (curiosity), Knight of Swords (ambition), Queen of Swords (independence), King of Swords (intellectual authority)
Pentacles (Earth, Money & Career)
Ace of Pentacles (new opportunity), Two of Pentacles (balance), Three of Pentacles (teamwork), Four of Pentacles (security), Five of Pentacles (hardship), Six of Pentacles (generosity), Seven of Pentacles (patience), Eight of Pentacles (mastery), Nine of Pentacles (abundance), Ten of Pentacles (legacy), Page of Pentacles (opportunity), Knight of Pentacles (reliability), Queen of Pentacles (practicality), King of Pentacles (financial success)
How to Do a Simple 3-Card Spread
A great way to start practicing is with a Past-Present-Future spread:
- Shuffle the deck while focusing on your question.
- Draw three cards and lay them left to right.
- Card 1 = Past influences, Card 2 = Present situation, Card 3 = Likely outcome.
- Interpret each card individually, then look for a connecting story between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Major and Minor Arcana?
The Major Arcana represents significant life lessons and spiritual themes, while the Minor Arcana reflects everyday situations, emotions, and challenges.
Do reversed cards always mean something negative?
Not necessarily. A reversed card often signals a blocked, delayed, or internalized version of the upright meaning rather than something purely bad.
Do I need to memorize all 78 cards to start reading tarot?
No. Many readers start with simple keyword associations and a reference guide, gradually building intuition and memory through regular practice.
Can I read tarot for myself?
Yes, though many practitioners find it easier to stay objective when reading for others, since self-readings can be influenced by personal bias.