Tarot Cards and Their Meanings

The Major Arcana

There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana, each showing some aspect of the human experience. The cards of the Major Arcana are focused on three themes: the realm of the material world, the realm of the intuitive mind, and the realm of change.

Depending on which deck you're using, you may find that your cards are not in the order presented. Don't worry about that -- go by the meaning of the card, not by the numeric order. The illustrations on these pages depict cards from the Rider Waite deck, which is one of the most popular Tarot decks available today, and one typically used by new readers as a way to get to know the Tarot.

The Suit of Cups

The suit of Cups is associated with matters of relationships and emotions. As you may expect, it's also connected to the element of water, and subsequently, the direction of West. In some Tarot decks, you may find the Cups referred to as Goblets, Chalices, Cauldrons, or something else. It's where you'll find cards that relate to love and heartbreak, choices and decisions related to emotion, family situations, and anything else that connects to how we interact with the people in our lives.

When your reading is dominated by Cup cards, it can indicate that you're letting your emotions get the best of you, and that you could be overlooking logic and reason.

What Do the Sword Cards Mean?

The suit of Swords is associated with matters of conflict, both physical and moral. It's also connected to the element of air, and subsequently, the direction of East. This suit is where you'll find cards that relate to conflict and discord, moral choices and ethical quandaries. While some people see Swords as representative of conflict, they are much more complex than that. They also symbolize change, power, ambition, and action.

If you see a number of Sword cards appearing in a spread, watch for indications that the situation at hand is not necessarily dependent upon action and results. Instead, it may be resolved via analysis and appropriate response.

The Suit of Pentacles or Coins

In the Tarot, the suit of Pentacles (often portrayed as Coins) is associated with matters of security, stability and wealth. It's also connected to the element of earth, and subsequently, the direction of North. This suit is where you'll find cards that relate to job security, educational growth, investments, home, money and wealth.

This is the only one of the four suits that deals in tangibles - stuff and possessions that you can own and touch. Subsequently, if you see a lot of Pentacle or Coin cards in your layout, it can be a sign that issues related to material things are at the forefront of your mind. Often, financial concerns can color the way we see the other things in our lives, so keep an eye out for hints that money problems - or successes - may be influencing your situation.

The Suit of Wands

In the Tarot, the suit of Wands is associated with matters of intuition, wit, and thought processes. It's also connected to the element of fire, and subsequently, the direction of South. This suit is where you'll find cards that relate to creativity, communication with others, and physical activity.

When a bunch of Wand cards show up in your reading, it can often mean that creative solutions to your situation are out there - but you are going to have to search and seek them out! Think outside the box, combine the ideas from the other three suits that have appeared, and put them all together into a cohesive strategy. Maximize your individual creativity to reap the benefits.

Learn All About the Tarot

Ready to start learning even more about Tarot Cards? They've been a popular method of divination for centuries, and cards are available with artwork for just about any theme or interest. Here's your chance to find out how they work, what they mean, and the best way to lay them out.

More Divination Methods

There are many different methods of divination that you may choose to use in your magical practice, and it goes far beyond the use of Tarot cards. Some people opt to try many different types, but you may find that you’re more gifted in one method than others. Take a look at some of the different types of divination methods, and see which one - or more! - works best for you and your abilities. And remember, just like with any other skill set, practice makes perfect!