Tarot Card Meanings
Arcana
Arcana, sought after by medieval alchemists, represents the mysteries and principles governing the universe. These cards follow a storyline that narrates a spiritual journey from the Fool's innocent miracles to the unity and realization of the World. In other words, these cards tell the story of human evolution from spiritual growth to enlightenment and individuation.
Therefore, as we follow the journey of the Fool, we can begin to see the similarities between our own life stages and the stages depicted in the cards, each card holding specific meanings and meditative concepts. Since they form the foundation of the Tarot deck, sometimes readings can be conducted using only the Major Arcana.
Upright Keyword : Beginnings Freedom Innocence Creativity Adventure Idealism Spontaneity
Reversed Keyword : Recklessness Carelessness Distraction Immaturity Foolishness Gullibility Stagnation Sluggishness
Upright Keyword : Willpower Desire Resourcefulness Skills Ability Focus Performance
Reversed Keyword : Manipulation Cunning Trickery Wasted talent Delusion Deception
Upright Keyword : Subconscious Intuition Mystery Spirituality Higher power Inner voice
Reversed Keyword : Suppressed intuition Hidden motives Superficiality Confusion Cognitive dissonance
Upright Keyword : Sacred Feminine Sensuality Fertility Nurturing Creativity Beauty Abundance Nature
Reversed Keyword : Insecurity Domination Neglect Suffocation Lack of Growth Lack of Progress
Upright Keyword : Stability Structure Protection Authority Control Practicality Focus Discipline
Reversed Keyword : Tyranny Domination Inflexibility Stubbornness Lack of Discipline Rashness
Upright Keyword : Tradition Social groups Convention Conformity Education Knowledge Faith
Reversed Keyword : Rebellion Non-conformity New methods Ignorance
Upright Keyword : Love Union Partnership Relationships Choices Romance Balance Unity
Reversed Keyword : Disunity Imbalance Conflict Detachment Poor choices Indecision
Upright Keyword : Efficiency Seizing Opportunities Success Ambition Determination Willpower Control Self-discipline Focus
Reversed Keyword : Loss of Control Accidents Failure Lack of Direction Lack of Control Stubbornness Aggression Obstacles
Upright Keyword : Courage Bravery Confidence Compassion Self-assurance Inner strength
Reversed Keyword : Self-doubt Weakness Low confidence Inadequacy Timidity Stubbornness
Upright Keyword : Self-reflection Introspection Contemplation Withdrawal Solitude Self-discovery
Reversed Keyword : Loneliness Isolation Seclusion Antisocial behavior Rejection Reintegration into society
Upright Keyword : Change Cycles Destiny Pivotal moments Luck Fortune Unexpected events
Reversed Keyword : Bad luck Lack of control Fixating on control uUnwelcome changes Delays
Upright Keyword : Justice Fairness Consequences Responsibility Law Truth Honesty Integrity cause and effect
Reversed Keyword : Injustice Retaliation Dishonesty Corruption Insincerity Unfairness Evasion of responsibility
Upright Keyword : Sacrifice Waiting Uncertainty Lack of direction Perspective Contemplation
Reversed Keyword : Procrastination Apathy Stagnation Avoidance of sacrifice Indecision Indifference
Upright Keyword : Transformation Endings Change Transition Letting Go Release
Reversed Keyword : Fear of Change Repeating Negative Patterns Resisting Change Stagnation Decay
Upright Keyword : Balance Peace Patience Moderation Calmness Serenity Harmony Tranquility
Reversed Keyword : Imbalance Excess Extremes Discord Recklessness Haste
Upright Keyword : Oppression Addiction Obsession Dependency Excess Powerlessness Limitation
Reversed Keyword : Independence Freedom Revelation Release Regaining Power Regaining Control
Upright Keyword : Disaster Destruction Upheaval Trauma Sudden Change Chaos
Reversed Keyword : Avoiding Disaster Narrow Escape Averted Disaster Calm Before the Storm
Upright Keyword : Hope Inspiration Positivity Faith Renewal Healing Rejuvenation
Reversed Keyword : Despair Hopelessness Negativity Lack of Faith Discouragement
Upright Keyword : Illusion Intuition Uncertainty Confusion Complexity Secrets Unconscious
Reversed Keyword : Fear Deception Anxiety Misunderstanding Clarity Understanding
Upright Keyword : Happiness Success Optimism Vitality Joy Confidence Fulfillment Truth
Reversed Keyword : Blocked Happiness Overenthusiasm Pessimism Unrealistic Expectations Arrogance
Upright Keyword : Self-Evaluation Awakening Renewal Purpose Reflection Reckoning
Reversed Keyword : Self-Doubt Lack of Self-Awareness Failure to Learn Lessons Self-Loathing
Upright Keyword : Completion Achievement Fulfillment Sense of Belonging Wholeness Harmony
Reversed Keyword : Lack of Closure Lack of Achievement Feeling Incomplete Emptiness
Wands
Associated with the element of fire, the suit of Wands represents passion, inspiration, and willpower. Users of Wands infuse raw energy, as it is through them that the cycle of creation begins. Since they can bring energy into any situation, they are also linked to action, ambition, and planning. At their worst, they can indicate situations filled with recklessness and lack of direction. As you journey through the Wands, you will encounter these themes repeatedly.
Upright Keyword : Inspiration Creative Spark New Initiative New Passion Enthusiasm Vitality
Reversed Keyword : Delays Obstacles Lack of Passion Lack of Energy Hesitation Creative Block
Upright Keyword : Planning First Steps Making Decisions Leaving Comfort Taking Risks
Reversed Keyword : Poor Planning Over-Analysis Inaction Cautious Avoiding Risk
Upright Keyword : Motivation Confidence Expansion Growth Vision Foresight
Reversed Keyword : Limitations Restrictions Lack of Progress Obstacles Delays Frustration
Upright Keyword : Community Family Celebration Gathering Stability Sense of Belonging
Reversed Keyword : Lack of Support Instability Feeling Unwelcome Transience Lack of Roots Family Conflict
Upright Keyword : Conflict Competition Arguments Aggression Tension Rivals Inner Conflict
Reversed Keyword : End of Conflict Cooperation Agreement Truce Harmony Peace Avoiding Conflict
Upright Keyword : Success Victory Triumph Reward Recognition Praise Acclaim Pride
Reversed Keyword : Failure Lack of Recognition No Reward Lack of Achievement
Upright Keyword : Defend Yourself Stand Up for Yourself Protect Yourself Protect Territory
Reversed Keyword : Giving Up Admitting Defeat Yielding Lack of Confidence Surrender
Upright Keyword : Movement Speed Progress Quick Decisions Sudden Changes Excitement
Reversed Keyword : Waiting Slowdown Confusion Delays Loss of Momentum Haste Unpreparedness
Upright Keyword : Last Stand Persistence Perseverance Resilience Nearing Success Fatigue
Reversed Keyword : Stubbornness Rigidity Defensiveness Refusal to Compromise Giving Up
Upright Keyword : Burden Responsibility Obligation Pressure Duty Exhaustion Struggle
Reversed Keyword : Unable to Let Go Taking on Too Much Collapse
Upright Keyword : Adventure Excitement Fresh Ideas Cheerful Energetic Fearless Outgoing
Reversed Keyword : Hasty Impatient Lack of Ideas Tantrums Lazy Boredom Unreliable Distracted
Upright Keyword : Brave Energetic Charming Heroic Rebellious Hot-Tempered Free-Spirited
Reversed Keyword : Arrogant Reckless Impatient Lack of Self-Control Passive Unstable Domineering
Upright Keyword : Confident Enthusiastic Determined Sociable Charismatic Lively Optimistic
Reversed Keyword : Demanding Vengeful Insecure Jealous Selfish Moody Bullying
Upright Keyword : Leadership Vision Big Picture Control Bold Decisions Daring Optimism
Reversed Keyword : Domineering Overbearing Tyrant Malicious Powerless Ineffective Weak Leader
Pentacles
Pentacles are the suit of all things worldly and material. While we immediately associate Pentacles with financial matters, we can also understand them as relating to security, stability, nature, health, and prosperity. Pentacles correspond to the element of earth. When we see Pentacles in tarot readings, they are usually connected to your long-term future, career, generosity, your home, business investments, and your sensuality. On the negative side, Pentacles can represent greed, jealousy, miserliness, and ruthless ambition.
Upright Keyword : New opportunities Resources Abundance Prosperity Security Stability Manifestation
Reversed Keyword : Missed opportunities Scarcity Lack Instability Miserliness Poor investment
Upright Keyword : Balancing resources Adaptability Resourcefulness Flexibility Prioritization Multitasking Fun-oriented Win-win
Reversed Keyword : Imbalance Disorganization Overwhelmed Messy Chaos Overextension
Upright Keyword : Teamwork Shared goals Collaboration Apprenticeship Hard work Focus
Reversed Keyword : Lack of cohesion Lack of teamwork Indifference Lack of motivation Conflict Self-interest Competition
Upright Keyword : Possessiveness Insecurity Hoarding Stinginess Stability Security Savings Materialism Wealth Frugality Boundaries Guarding
Reversed Keyword : Generosity Giving Spending Openness Financial insecurity Reckless spending
Upright Keyword : Hardship Loss Isolation Feeling Abandoned Adversity Struggle Unemployment Estrangement Shame
Reversed Keyword : Positive change Recovery from loss Overcoming adversity Forgiveness Feeling welcomed
Upright Keyword : Generosity Charity Community Material Help Support Sharing Giving and Receiving Gratitude
Reversed Keyword : Power Dynamics Abuse of Generosity Selfishness Inequality Extortion
Upright Keyword : Harvest Rewards Results Growth Progress Perseverance Patience Planning
Reversed Keyword : Unfinished Work Procrastination Low Effort Wasted Resources Lack of Growth Frustration Impatience Lack of Reward
Upright Keyword : Skills Talent Craftsmanship Quality High Standards Expertise Mastery Commitment Dedication Achievement
Reversed Keyword : Lack of Quality Hasty Work Poor Reputation Lack of Motivation Mediocrity Laziness Low Skills Dead End
Upright Keyword : Rewarding Efforts Success Achievement Independence Leisure Material Security Self-Sufficiency
Reversed Keyword : Guarded Overspending Material Instability Recklessness Superficiality
Upright Keyword : Inheritance Roots Family Ancestry Legacy Windfall Foundation Privilege Affluence Stability Tradition
Reversed Keyword : Family Disputes Bankruptcy Debt Fleeting Success Financial Conflict Instability Breaking Tradition
Upright Keyword : Ambitious Diligent Goal-oriented Planner Consistent Star Student Studious Grounded Loyal Faithful Dependable
Reversed Keyword : Foolish Immature Irresponsible Lazy Poor Grades Procrastination Missed Opportunities Bad Prospects
Upright Keyword : Practical Reliable Efficient Steadfast Slow but Steady Diligent Loyal Patient Conservative
Reversed Keyword : Workaholic Lazy Dull Boring No Initiative Cheap Irresponsible Gambler Risky Investments
Upright Keyword : Generous Caring Nurturing Homely Good Business Sense Practical Comfort Warmth Sensible Luxury
Reversed Keyword : Selfish Untidy Jealous Insecure Greedy Materialistic Gold Digger Intolerant Self-centered Envious
Upright Keyword : Abundance Prosperity Security Ambitious Safe Kind Patriarchal Protective Merchant Provider Sensual Reliable
Reversed Keyword : Greedy Materialistic Wasteful Chauvinistic Poor Financial Decisions Gambler Exploitative Possessive
Cups
The suit of Cups governs all things related to emotions, the unconscious, creativity, and intuition. They often speak about relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, as well as a person's imagination and inner world. They are associated with the element of water. At their worst, the suit of Cups is plagued by uncontrolled feelings, fantasy, and a disconnection from one's inner voice.
Upright Keyword : Love New Feelings Emotional Awakening Creativity Spirituality Intuition
Reversed Keyword : Apathy Emptiness Emotional Loss Blocked Creativity Feeling Unloved Melancholy
Upright Keyword : Unity Partnership Attraction Connection Close Bonds Unified Effort Mutual Respect
Reversed Keyword : Separation Rejection Division Imbalance Tension Poor Communication Withdrawal
Upright Keyword : Friendship Community Gatherings Celebrations Group Activities Social Events
Reversed Keyword : Gossip Scandal Excess Isolation Loneliness Imbalanced Social Life
Upright Keyword : Apathy Contemplation Feeling Disconnected Melancholy Boredom Indifference Discontent
Reversed Keyword : Clarity Awareness Acceptance Choosing Happiness Depression Negativity
Upright Keyword : Loss Grief Disappointment Sadness Mourning Dissatisfaction Regret
Reversed Keyword : Acceptance Moving On Finding Peace Contentment Seeing the Positive
Upright Keyword : Nostalgia Memories Familiarity Healing Comfort Sentimentality Pleasure
Reversed Keyword : Stuck in the Past Moving Forward Leaving Home Independence
Upright Keyword : Choices Searching for Purpose Illusion Fantasy Daydreaming Wishful Thinking Indecision
Reversed Keyword : Lack of Purpose Confusion Chaos Diversion Distraction Clarity Making a Choice
Upright Keyword : Abandonment Walking Away Letting Go Seeking Truth Leaving
Reversed Keyword : Stagnation Monotony Accepting Less Avoidance Fear of Change Stuck in a Bad Situation
Upright Keyword : Wishes Come True Satisfaction Fulfillment Success Achievement Recognition Happiness
Reversed Keyword : Unhappiness Lack of Fulfillment Disappointment Poor Performance Arrogance Snobbery
Upright Keyword : Happiness Homecoming Fulfillment Emotional Stability Security Family Harmony
Reversed Keyword : Unhappy Home Separation Family Conflict Disharmony Isolation
Upright Keyword : Idealistic Sensitive Dreamer Naive Innocent Inner Child Head in the Clouds
Reversed Keyword : Emotional Vulnerability Immaturity Ignoring Inner Child Escapism Insecurity
Upright Keyword : Idealist Charming Artistic Graceful Tactful Diplomatic Mediator Negotiator
Reversed Keyword : Disappointment Temper Tantrums Moody Confusion Avoiding Conflict Vanity
Upright Keyword : Compassion Warmth Kindness Intuition Healer Counselor Support
Reversed Keyword : Insecurity Overgiving Overly Sensitive Needy Vulnerable Dependent Martyrdom
Upright Keyword : Wise Diplomatic Balance between mind and heart Loyal Advisor Counselor
Reversed Keyword : Overwhelmed Anxious Apathetic Repressed Isolated Controlling Selfish
Swords
Swords are the suit of intellect, logic, truth, ambition, conflict, and communication. They correspond to the element of air. In readings, these cards focus on the abilities and power of the intellect, much like the double-edged sword they symbolize. This can be used for both good and evil, to help and to harm, and our greatest conflicts often stem from this delicate balance. At their worst, the suit of Swords can be abusive, harsh, and lacking in compassion.
Upright Keyword : Clarity Breakthrough New ideas Focus Vision Strength Focus Truth
Reversed Keyword : Confusion Poor communication Hostility Arguments Destruction Brutality
Upright Keyword : Stalemate Difficult choices Caught in the middle Denial Hidden information
Reversed Keyword : Indecision Hesitation Anxiety Information overload No right choice Truth revealed
Upright Keyword : Heartbreak Separation Grief Sorrow Sadness Distress Loss Trauma Tears
Reversed Keyword : Healing Forgiveness Recovery Reconciliation Repressed emotions
Upright Keyword : Rest Relaxation Peace Sanctuary Recuperation Self-protection Rejuvenation
Reversed Keyword : Recovery Awakening Re-entering the world Breaking isolation Restlessness Burnout
Upright Keyword : Arguments Disputes Aggression Bullying Intimidation Conflict Hostility Stress
Reversed Keyword : Reconciliation Resolution Compromise Retaliation Regret Remorse Reducing Losses
Upright Keyword : Moving on Leaving behind Transition Distance Learning from the past
Reversed Keyword : Stuck in the past Repeating mistakes Avoiding issues Feeling trapped
Upright Keyword : Deception Trickery Tactics Strategy Resourcefulness Stealth Cunning
Reversed Keyword : Confession Conscience Regret Malice Truth Revealed
Upright Keyword : Trapped Restricted Victimized Paralyzed Helpless Powerless Imprisoned
Reversed Keyword : Freedom Release Control Survivor Facing Fears Empowerment Surrender
Upright Keyword : Fear Anxiety Negativity Breakdown Despair Nightmares Isolation
Reversed Keyword : Recovery Coping Facing Life Seeking Help Shame Guilt Mental Health Issues
Upright Keyword : Destruction Failure Pain Collapse Exhaustion Dead End Victim Betrayal
Reversed Keyword : Survival Improvement Healing Lessons Learned Despair Relapse
Upright Keyword : Curious Witty Talkative Sociable Inspired Vigilant Alert Quick-thinking
Reversed Keyword : Scattered Cynical Sarcastic Gossip Insults Rude Lack of Planning
Upright Keyword : Confident Direct Impatient Intelligent Bold Focused Perfectionist Ambitious
Reversed Keyword : Rude Tactless Harsh Bullying Aggressive Malicious Ruthless Arrogant
Upright Keyword : Honest Independent Principled Fair Constructive Criticism Objective Insightful
Reversed Keyword : Pessimistic Malicious Manipulative Harsh Bitter Spiteful Cruel Deceptive Unforgiving
Upright Keyword : Rational Authoritative Disciplined Integrity Moral Serious High Standards Strict
Reversed Keyword : Irrational Dictatorial Oppressive Inhumane Controlling Ruthless Unforgiving Dishonest