If you’re interested in exploring tarot card meanings, you might find it helpful to reference a tarot wisdom cheat sheet. Below, we’ve compiled a collection of free resources to help you deepen your understanding of these divinatory tools.
The Fool
The Fool is the first card in the major arcana of the tarot deck, and is often associated with new beginnings, adventure, and taking risks. In many decks, the Fool appears as a carefree young person carrying a bag and walking toward the edge of a cliff. This card can represent the potential for growth and change, as well as the need to take calculated risks in order to reach one’s goals.
The Magician
The Magician is associated with creative energy, productivity, and manifesting one’s desires. Often depicted as a figure who is able to manipulate the elements of the natural world, the Magician represents the power of the mind and the ability to transform one’s reality. This card can encourage individuals to tap into their inner resources in order to bring about positive change in their lives.
The High Priestess
The High Priestess is often associated with intuition, hidden knowledge, and introspection. In many decks, she appears as a figure seated between two pillars, often with a veil behind her. This card can represent the need to listen to one’s inner voice and explore one’s subconscious for answers and guidance. It may also indicate a need for secrecy and discretion in certain situations.
The Empress
The Empress is often associated with creativity, nurturing, and abundance. In many decks, she appears as a figure surrounded by nature and holding a scepter or other regal object. This card can represent the potential for growth and abundance in all aspects of life, including relationships, finances, and personal projects. It may also suggest a need to focus on self-care and nourishing one’s own inner resources.
The Emperor
The Emperor is often associated with authority, structure, and leadership. In many decks, he appears as a figure sitting on a throne and holding a scepter or other symbol of power. This card can represent the need to establish a sense of order and discipline in one’s life, as well as the potential for growth and success through strong leadership and a clear vision.
The Hierophant
The Hierophant is often associated with tradition, religion, and spiritual guidance. In many decks, he appears as a figure dressed in religious vestments and holding a scepter or other religious symbol. This card can represent the need to seek out spiritual guidance and connect with traditional wisdom and practices. It may also suggest a need to explore one’s own beliefs and consider alternative perspectives on spirituality.
The Lovers
The Lovers is often associated with romantic relationships, personal choices, and self-love. In many decks, it appears as a couple standing before an angel or divine figure. This card can represent the need to make choices that are aligned with one’s personal values and desires, as well as the potential for growth and connection through relationships with others. It may also suggest a need to cultivate self-love and self-acceptance in order to attract healthy and fulfilling relationships.
The Chariot
The Chariot is often associated with victory, willpower, and determination. In many decks, it appears as a figure riding a chariot pulled by two horses. This card can represent the need to stay focused and driven in order to achieve one’s goals, as well as the potential for success through hard work and perseverance. It may also suggest a need to balance determination with flexibility and adaptability in order to navigate challenges and obstacles.
The Strength
The Strength card is often associated with inner strength, courage, and compassion. In many decks, it appears as a figure holding a lion by the mane. This card can represent the need to cultivate inner strength and resilience in order to face challenges and overcome obstacles. It may also suggest a need to approach difficult situations with patience, compassion, and understanding.
The Hermit
The Hermit is often associated with solitude, introspection, and wisdom. In many decks, it appears as a figure holding a lantern and standing alone on a mountaintop. This card can represent the need to take time for introspection and reflection, as well as the potential for spiritual and emotional growth through solitude. It may also suggest a need to seek out wise counsel or guidance from others in order to gain clarity and perspective.
The Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is often associated with change, cycles, and the ups and downs of life. In many decks, it appears as a wheel with various symbols on it, often including four creatures in each corner. This card can represent the inevitability of change and the need to adapt to shifting circumstances. It may also suggest the potential for growth, fulfillment, and positive outcomes through perseverance and a willingness to take risks.
The Justice
The Justice card is often associated with fairness, balance, and harmony. In many decks, it appears as a figure holding a scale and a sword. This card can represent the need to seek fairness and justice in one’s life, as well as the potential for balance and harmony through right action and decision-making. It may also suggest a need to approach situations with careful consideration and a balanced perspective.
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man is often associated with surrender, sacrifice, and new perspectives. In many decks, it appears as a figure suspended by one foot. This card can represent the need to let go of attachment and control in order to gain new insights and perspectives. It may also suggest a need to embrace uncertainty and surrender to the flow of life in order to achieve peace and clarity.
The Death
The Death card is often associated with transformation, endings, and new beginnings. In many decks, it appears as a figure riding a white horse and carrying a flag with a black sun on it. This card can represent the inevitability of change and transformation, as well as the potential for growth and new beginnings through the process of letting go and releasing what is no longer needed. It may also suggest a need to trust in the natural cycles of life and the power of transformation.
The Temperance
The Temperance card is often associated with balance, harmony, and moderation. In many decks, it appears as a figure pouring water from one cup to another. This card can represent the need to find balance and harmony in one’s life, as well as the potential for growth and fulfillment through moderation and self-control. It may also suggest a need to embrace a holistic and integrative approach to life and wellbeing.
The Devil
The Devil card is often associated with temptation, materialism, and illusions. In many decks, it appears as a figure with horns and hooves, often holding chains or other symbols of bondage. This card can represent the need to be aware of one’s own attachment to material desires and unhealthy patterns of behavior. It may also suggest a need to break free from limiting beliefs and unconscious patterns in order to achieve greater freedom and independence.
The Tower
The Tower card is often associated with upheaval, chaos, and destruction. In many decks, it appears as a tower being struck by lightning or other calamity. This card can represent the need to face unexpected challenges and upheaval in order to grow and transform. It may also suggest a need to surrender to the natural rhythms of change and allow what is old and outdated to crumble away in order to make room for something new and more authentic.
The Star
The Star card is often associated with hope, inspiration, and renewal. In many decks, it appears as a figure pouring water into a pool or river, often surrounded by stars. This card can represent the potential for personal and collective growth and healing, as well as the need to cultivate hope and positive vision for the future. It may also suggest a need to stay connected to one’s own inner light and inspiration in order to stay motivated and focused on one’s goals.
The Moon
The Moon card is often associated with intuition, mystery, and the unconscious. In many decks, it appears as a moon shining over a landscape with water and animals. This card can represent the need to explore one’s own inner world and navigate the mysteries of life with a sense of curiosity and openness. It may also suggest a need to trust one’s own intuition and inner guidance in order to make wise decisions and stay on a path of growth and self-discovery.
The Sun
The Sun card is often associated with vitality, success, and happiness. In many decks, it appears as a bright sun shining over a joyful scene with children and animals. This card can represent the potential for growth and fulfillment in all areas of life, as well as the need to cultivate a positive attitude and sense of joy and appreciation. It may also suggest a need to embrace and enjoy the present moment in order to experience greater happiness and inner peace.
Judgment
The Judgment card is often associated with awakening, rebirth, and new beginnings. In many decks, it appears as a figure rising from a grave or casket, often accompanied by angelic figures. This card can represent the potential for healing and transformation through a process of self-reflection and letting go of what no longer serves us. It may also suggest a need to trust in one’s own intuition and inner wisdom in order to make important life choices and stay on a path of growth and evolution.
The World
The World card is often associated with completion, wholeness, and fulfillment. In many decks, it appears as a figure surrounded by a wreath or circle, often with four creatures in each corner. This card can represent the realization of one’s goals and dreams, as well as the feeling of being at home and at peace in one’s own skin. It may also suggest a need to cultivate a sense of unity and interconnectedness with others and all of creation.
There you have it - a brief overview of the tarot card meanings for the major arcana. While there is no one-size-fits-all interpretation for each card, these general guidelines can serve as a starting point for your own exploration and intuitive insights. Remember that the power of the tarot lies not in predicting the future, but in helping us to better understand ourselves and navigate the challenges and opportunities that come our way. Happy reading!
