Tarot
Tarot: The 78 Cards of Destiny
A free encyclopaedia with the meaning, interpretation and practical advice for each of the 78 Tarot cards. Perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike.
What is Tarot?
Tarot is a system of 78 cards divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana (22 archetypes of human experience) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards organised into 4 elements). Each card carries ancient symbolism and a contemporary meaning that supports self-knowledge, personal growth and an understanding of life’s situations.
The meaning of the cards varies depending on their position in the spread -- upright or reversed -- and on the context of the question. Reading Tarot is not about "predicting the future", but a tool for introspection and a deeper understanding of the inner and outer world.
For beginners we recommend starting with the Major Arcana -- it represents the core life lessons and is easier to remember. Once you have mastered the 22 archetypes, move on to the four elements of the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana
22 archetypesFrom the Fool (0) to the World (XXI) -- the soul’s journey from innocence to enlightenment. The key archetypes of human experience.
The Minor Arcana
56 cards · 4 elements
Wands
Fire · 14 cardsThe element of action and transformation. The Wands cards represent intuition, inspiration and the power to bring our dreams to life. For questions about career, creativity and personal growth.
Cups
Water · 14 cardsThe element of feelings and the subconscious. The Cups speak of love, emotional maturity, intuition and spiritual connection. Ideal for questions about love, family and inner peace.
Swords
Air · 14 cardsThe element of the mind and communication. The Swords reveal truths, challenges and mental clarity. For questions that call for logic, decisions and resolving conflict.
Pentacles
Earth · 14 cardsThe element of the material world and stability. The Pentacles cover finances, health, work and physical well-being. For questions about money, career progress and long-term security.
Reading Spreads
SpreadsCeltic Cross, 3 cards, Love spread, Career and more.
Frequently asked questions about Tarot
Do I need a special deck to read?
No -- any standard 78-card Tarot deck works. The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) is the most popular for beginners because of its clear illustrations. More important than the deck is your connection to it -- choose the one whose imagery "speaks" to you.
How are reversed cards interpreted in Tarot?
A reversed card usually shows a blocked, delayed or inwardly directed version of the upright card’s meaning. It is not necessarily negative -- it can signal a need for introspection or a caution to pay attention to that area.
How long does it take to learn Tarot?
You can grasp the basics (Major Arcana + a simple spread) in 2-3 weeks with daily practice. Full command of all 78 cards, with the nuances of reversed positions and complex spreads, takes 6-12 months. Important: Tarot is learned through practice, not just reading.
What do the four elements mean in Tarot?
Wands (Fire) -- action, passion, career. Cups (Water) -- emotions, love, intuition. Swords (Air) -- thought, communication, conflict. Pentacles (Earth) -- money, health, the material world. Each element contains 14 cards: from Ace to Ten + Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Can I read Tarot for myself?
Yes! Self-reading is a wonderful practice for self-knowledge. The key is to ask clear questions, trust your first intuitive reaction and not fear the "negative" cards -- they point to areas for growth, not predictions.
How many cards are in a standard Tarot deck?
78 cards: 22 of the Major Arcana (numbered 0 to XXI) and 56 of the Minor Arcana (14 cards in each of the four suits -- Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles).
What is a spread in Tarot?
A spread defines the position and meaning of each card drawn. Popular spreads include: the "Card of the Day" (1 card), "Three Cards" (past-present-future), the "Celtic Cross" (10 cards for an in-depth analysis) and the "Love spread" for relationship questions.
Is personalised tarot reading accurate?
The personalised tarot reading on Vrachka.eu uses a random card draw and interpretation that blends traditional symbolism with personalised context. It is a tool for reflection and self-knowledge, not for predicting the future.
Your first one-card reading
Draw one card with the question “What should I pay attention to today?”. Before opening its meaning, write down three visible details.
For the Fool, begin with the bag, the step and the edge. “A beginning with an uncertain outcome” is one symbolic reading; it does not establish a specific future event. Progress from one card to a simple spread, then combinations.