Your Complete Tarot Guide: What the 78 Cards Mean

Which decision keeps weighing on your mind—and what do you truly long for? Tarot cards can symbolize your thoughts and feelings, offering unexpected food for thought. But with 78 cards, it’s easy to lose track. Here, you’ll discover what each card means and how to turn its message into practical inspiration for everyday life.

Explore powerful images, quiet messages, and fresh perspectives on your questions.

Getting Started: Get to Know the Deck

The Rider-Waite Tarot has 78 cards. Start by looking at their images. Which ones speak to you?

Major Arcana: Recognize Life’s Big Themes

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards. They symbolize different stages of life. Look for overarching themes.

Minor Arcana: Take a Look at Everyday Life

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards. They reflect everyday patterns. Look for specific points of connection.

Four Suits: Connect Them to the Elements

Wands correspond to fire, and Cups to water. Swords represent air. Pentacles embody earth.

Court Cards: Reflect on the Roles You Play

Court cards can represent people. They can also stand for roles you play in life. What qualities do you recognize?

Your Interpretation: Tune In to Your Feelings

Tarot can reflect your subconscious. Notice your first thoughts. What feelings come up?

The Fool

This card symbolizes open-minded curiosity. Welcome a fresh start. What would you like to try?

The Magician

Your resources can help you make your vision a reality. Focus your energy. Use the skills you already have to pursue creative projects.

The High Priestess

Your inner voice deserves your attention. Listen closely. What wishes have you been ignoring?

The Empress

Sensuality and self-confidence take center stage. Believe in yourself more. Recognize your power to shape your life.

The Emperor

Authority calls for responsible use. Strengthen your ability to stand your ground. Take a structured, goal-oriented approach.

The Hierophant

Values and knowledge can guide you. Question your beliefs. What would you like to pass on?

The Lovers

Value your relationships with others. Examine your expectations. Stay true to your values when making decisions.

The Chariot

Determination gets things moving. Carefully weigh your options. Then trust your gut, too.

Justice

Your actions come with responsibility. Consider the possible consequences. What would be a fair decision for everyone involved?

The Hermit

Quiet makes room for reflection. Make time to be alone. Meditation can help you explore your thoughts.

The Wheel of Fortune

New possibilities are in focus. Stay alert and open. What opportunity would you like to take?

Strength

Inner balance goes hand in hand with strength. Remember what you’re capable of. Trust yourself.

The Hanged Man

A change in perspective can reveal new solutions. Look at a conflict differently. How does it look from the other person’s point of view?

Death

This card symbolizes change. Let go of what no longer serves you. That makes room for something new.

Temperance

Finding balance takes conscious attention. Give yourself credit for your successes. If things feel hectic, plan a break.

The Devil

Question the ties that hold you back. Take a look at your relationship with possessions, too. Where would you like more freedom?

The Tower

This card represents profound change. First, take a calm step back and observe. Then act with clarity and resolve.

The Star

Hope meets creative inspiration. Make room for new ideas. Discover what makes you who you are.

The Moon

Hidden feelings deserve your attention. Treat yourself with compassion. Accept the parts of yourself you can’t change, too.

The Sun

Joy and energy take center stage. Enjoy feeling at peace with yourself. What makes you shine?

Judgement

A decision calls for your attention. Take a mental step back. Consider it in the bigger picture.

The World

An ending opens the door to a new chapter. Honor the path you’ve taken so far. Trust your intuition.

Ace of Wands

New opportunities sometimes call for courage. Step outside your comfort zone. What opportunity would you like to seize?

Two of Wands

Growth calls for movement, not standing still. Accept change. Think about how you’d like to move forward.

Three of Wands

Looking ahead can help you reach your goals. Plan your next steps. Put your leadership skills to use.

Four of Wands

This card is about harmony and arriving at your destination. Enjoy what you’ve achieved. What would you like to celebrate?

Five of Wands

Tension calls for an open-minded perspective. Question your own prejudices. Treat others—and yourself—with understanding.

Six of Wands

Success recognizes the effort you’ve put in. Acknowledge how far you’ve come. Enjoy what your hard work has made possible.

Seven of Wands

Stay true to your beliefs. Avoid unnecessary competition. Put your energy to better use by focusing it where it counts.

Eight of Wands

Getting things moving can help you find a new direction. Ride that momentum. What have you been putting off?

Nine of Wands

Uncertainty can narrow your perspective. Remember how resilient you are. Pay attention to your own instincts.

Ten of Wands

Responsibilities can drain your limited energy. Manage it wisely. Keep your goal in sight.

Page of Wands

Curiosity awakens your sense of adventure. Welcome new experiences. Which possibility are you especially excited about?

Knight of Wands

Your drive can give you a powerful push. Harness your enthusiasm. Channel impulsive energy with intention.

King of Wands

Strong will supports ambitious plans. Seize the right opportunities. Focus your energy on your vision.

Queen of Wands

Self-confidence strengthens your path. Trust your inner power. Pursue your goals with dedication.

Ace of Cups

Connection brings joy and gratitude. Appreciate the people around you and the natural world. Remember to show yourself some love, too.

Two of Cups

Relationships deserve your attention. Open yourself to new connections. Take another look at the people you already know, too.

Three of Cups

Community thrives on shared experiences. Share your joy. Make sure giving and receiving go both ways.

Four of Cups

Taking a step back can lead to greater self-understanding. Explore your goals. Just don’t lose touch with others.

Five of Cups

Disappointment can make change hard to face. Acknowledge your feelings. Look for positive possibilities, too.

Six of Cups

Carefree joy and imagination take center stage. Remember what it feels like to take things lightly. Enjoy some playful fun.

Seven of Cups

Too many wishes can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Examine your expectations. What do you truly want in the long run?

Eight of Cups

Constantly giving can drain your energy. Recognize your limits. Find fresh motivation to pursue your own goals.

Nine of Cups

Your achievements deserve to be appreciated. Enjoy your sense of contentment. What are you grateful for today?

Ten of Cups

Harmony brings self-confidence and relationships together. Enjoy this sense of balance. Trust yourself and others.

Page of Cups

Emotional openness can inspire creativity. Explore unfamiliar things. What new ideas might come from it?

Knight of Cups

Empathy deepens your understanding. Approach others with an open mind. Make more room for creative inspiration, too.

King of Cups

Emotion and reason come together. Trust your intuition. Try to meet the world around you with composure.

Queen of Cups

Your feelings deserve to be understood. Talk about how you feel. Listen just as attentively to others.

Ace of Swords

Mental clarity makes it easier to take action. Sort through your thoughts. What would you like to tackle?

Two of Swords

Putting off a decision can leave you stuck. Weigh your options. Face the question you’ve been avoiding.

Three of Swords

Heartache needs your attention. Give yourself a break. Gradually, you’ll be able to see things more clearly again.

Four of Swords

Rest creates space to reflect. Think about what you’ve been through. You might also want to meditate.

Five of Swords

Words can hurt others. Question snap judgments. Stay thoughtful, even when you disagree.

Six of Swords

Change calls for a new sense of direction. Give yourself time to adjust. What goals can help guide you?

Seven of Swords

Avoiding the issue is no substitute for facing it honestly. Question your motives. What are you avoiding right now?

Eight of Swords

Self-doubt can limit your options. Create a new structure. Have more confidence in your own abilities.

Nine of Swords

Racing thoughts call for a closer look. Question your fears. Which ones can you challenge?

Ten of Swords

A painful ending needs to be acknowledged. Honor your feelings. Gently, start looking for a new beginning.

Page of Swords

Curiosity sparks fresh ideas. Hold on to your sense of lightness. Look for practical ways to put your ideas into action.

Knight of Swords

First, get clear on what’s driving you. Then focus your ambition and pursue your goals steadily.

King of Swords

Analytical thinking can help you make clear decisions. Look at the situation carefully. What details might you have missed?

Queen of Swords

Your experiences can offer valuable guidance. Use your head. Make your own decisions instead of following others’ expectations.

Ace of Pentacles

Opportunities can open the door to many kinds of abundance. Appreciate the possibilities you already have. Remember that relationships matter, too.

Two of Pentacles

Balance sometimes calls for greater flexibility. Weigh your options. Stay open to new possibilities.

Three of Pentacles

Your skills are valuable resources. Put them to use. Approach new projects with a plan.

Four of Pentacles

Security shouldn’t be the only thing that matters. Question your need for control. What task could you hand over to someone else?

Five of Pentacles

Hardship can feel lonely. Acknowledge what you’ve been through. Turn your attention forward again.

Six of Pentacles

You don’t have to give money to be helpful. Give others your attention. Show gratitude for the support you’ve received.

Seven of Pentacles

Growth takes patience and persistence. Take a calm look at your tasks. Don’t get discouraged too soon.

Eight of Pentacles

Hard work supports your personal growth. Set yourself a challenge. Stick with it.

Nine of Pentacles

Pay attention to the abundance around you. Appreciate the opportunities you have. Take time to enjoy what you’ve already accomplished.

Ten of Pentacles

Wealth is about more than possessions. Appreciate your community. Recognize how mutual appreciation enriches your life.

Page of Pentacles

A thirst for knowledge opens up new perspectives. Put your skills to the test. What possibilities would you like to explore further?

Knight of Pentacles

Long-term goals need careful preparation. Plan your next steps. Be patient and persistent along the way.

King of Pentacles

Organization can support your ambitious projects. Work toward them with discipline. Remember to enjoy the process, too.

Queen of Pentacles

Practicality and care go hand in hand. Act thoughtfully. At the same time, nurture your connection with others.

Your Takeaway: Turn a Symbol into a Step

The 78 cards offer different perspectives. Choose an insight that resonates with you. Turn it into one small step in your everyday life.