Tarot Card Meanings: A Complete Guide to All 78 Cards

What is a Tarot Deck?

Tarot is not just a deck of illustrated cards, but a complex system of symbols that reflects the entirety of human experience. Its roots trace back to 15th-century Italy, where the cards were initially used for games similar to bridge. It was only later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, that occultists discovered deep esoteric connections within them and transformed them into a tool for divination and meditation. Today, Tarot is more popular than ever, serving as a psychological mirror for our inner processes.

A standard deck consists of exactly 78 cards, divided into two main groups. The first is the Major Arcana, comprising 22 cards that represent life's major lessons and spiritual stages. The second group is the Minor Arcana, made up of 56 cards, which focus on daily events, emotions, and practical matters. The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each corresponding to one of the natural elements: Wands (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), and Pentacles (Earth).

The most recognizable and widely used deck in the world is the Rider-Waite-Smith, first published in 1909. It changed the history of Tarot by adding detailed illustrations to each Minor Arcana card, making interpretation much more intuitive. Before this, the numbered cards looked like ordinary playing cards. The majority of modern learning is based on this system, as Pamela Colman Smith's symbolism is rich with archetypal imagery.

It is important to understand that Tarot is not "magic" in the popular sense of the word and is not used for blind fortune-telling. It is a tool for reflection that helps you see a situation from a different angle and make an informed decision. At Vrachka.eu, we believe that the cards are a bridge between the conscious and the subconscious. If you want to feel their energy immediately, you can get your first online Tarot reading on our site completely free of charge.

The Major Arcana: 22 Cards of the Soul's Journey

The Major Arcana represents the backbone of the Tarot deck and describes the journey of the human soul from innocence to complete enlightenment. This process is often called "The Fool's Journey." Each card here is an important milestone that requires attention and awareness. When many Major Arcana cards appear in a reading, it is a sign that you are going through a period of significant changes that will leave a lasting imprint on your life.

The first phase of this journey is connected to the external world and the construction of the ego. It all begins with The Fool, who symbolizes new beginnings, pure faith, and the readiness to leap into the unknown without fear. Immediately following is The Magician, showing us that we possess all the necessary tools to manifest our will in reality. The High Priestess teaches us to listen to our intuition and guard the secrets of the subconscious. The nurturing care and abundance of nature are embodied in The Empress, while The Emperor establishes structure, order, and paternal authority. Social norms and traditional knowledge are represented by The Hierophant, and we make our first important personal choices through The Lovers. This stage concludes with The Chariot, which is a symbol of triumph, will, and the ability to control opposing forces.

The second phase takes us into the inner world and moral values. Here, Strength reminds us that true power comes from patience and mastering our inner instincts. The Hermit invites us to solitude and the search for truth deep within ourselves, far from the noise of the crowd. When The Wheel of Fortune appears, we understand that life is a cycle of ups and downs over which we have no complete control. Justice requires objectivity from us and taking responsibility for our past actions. Sometimes we need to look at the world from a different perspective, which is the lesson of The Hanged Man, requiring sacrifice or a pause. Radical change and the end of outdated structures come with the Death card, which is actually a gateway to a new beginning. This cycle is balanced by Temperance, which teaches us patience, alchemy, and finding the middle path.

The third and final phase is the most intense, as it involves cosmic forces and ultimate liberation. The Devil confronts us with our shadows, addictions, and material chains that prevent us from being free. When these chains become unbearable, The Tower intervenes, shattering illusions through a sudden and often painful shock. After the storm, however, comes hope with The Star, bringing healing and inspiration under the sky of infinite possibilities. The path continues through the uncertainty and illusions of The Moon, where we must trust our instincts in the darkness. Joy, success, and complete clarity return with The Sun, which illuminates every corner of our lives. The penultimate stage is Judgement, calling us to reflection and spiritual awakening. Finally, the journey concludes with The World, symbolizing complete harmony, fulfillment, and the successful achievement of goals.

The Suit of Wands: The Element of Fire

The Suit of Wands is governed by the element of Fire and reflects our primal life force. It is associated with inspiration, career, ambition, and the creative energy that drives us forward. When Wands dominate a reading, it is a sign of action, enthusiasm, and readiness for adventure. This suit does not deal with feelings or logic, but with the pure will to change and self-expression.

The beginning of any new project starts with the Ace of Wands, which carries the spark of a brilliant idea and immense potential for growth. Next is the Two of Wands, where we are already planning our next steps and looking towards the horizon with confidence. With the Three of Wands, we see the first results of our efforts and prepare for expansion. Stability and celebrating success in a home setting are the themes of the Four of Wands, one of the most positive cards in the deck. Conflicts and competition appear in the Five of Wands, forcing us to defend our position among others. The Six of Wands brings us deserved recognition and public triumph for our achievements. Defending one's principles against external pressure is at the core of the Seven of Wands.

The rapid development of events and important news are symbolized by the Eight of Wands, which often indicates movement and travel. When we are tired but determined to see things through, the Nine of Wands appears, a sign of resilience and last defense. Overload and heavy responsibilities are described in the Ten of Wands, urging us to delegate our tasks. The court cards begin with the Page of Wands, who is a messenger of news and a symbol of youthful enthusiasm. The Knight of Wands embodies impulsiveness, passion, and the courage to rush into action. A strong, independent, and charismatic woman is represented by the Queen of Wands, while the King of Wands is the natural leader who inspires others with his vision.

The Suit of Cups: The Element of Water

Cups are associated with the element of Water and govern the world of emotions, the subconscious, love, and human relationships. This suit helps us understand how we feel and how we connect with others on a deep soul level. Water can be both a calm spring and a turbulent ocean, so Cups encompass the full spectrum from joy to deep sorrow. They teach us compassion, intuition, and acceptance of our own vulnerability.

A new emotional beginning and overflowing love are symbolized by the Ace of Cups, a card of pure joy. Mutual attraction and harmony in partnerships are found in the Two of Cups, often indicating a new relationship. Sharing happiness with friends and the community is the theme of the Three of Cups, a card of celebration. Sometimes we fall into apathy and miss opportunities, which is the lesson of the Four of Cups. Grief over loss and focusing on the negative are represented in the Five of Cups, reminding us that not all is lost. Nostalgia and fond memories of the past return with the Six of Cups, bringing innocence to the present. Illusions and the difficult choice between many fantasies are at the core of the Seven of Cups.

Seeking deeper meaning and voluntarily leaving a situation that no longer satisfies us is the path of the Eight of Cups. The fulfillment of desires and personal satisfaction are found in the Nine of Cups, known as the "wish card." Complete family happiness and emotional closure are illustrated in the Ten of Cups. Creative inspiration and gentle messages come through the Page of Cups, who teaches us emotional openness. The Knight of Cups is the romantic dreamer who brings proposals and follows his heart. Empathy and deep intuition are embodied in the Queen of Cups, the guardian of emotional balance. Finally, the King of Cups shows mastery over emotions and the ability to remain calm even in the greatest storms.

The Suit of Swords: The Element of Air

Swords are associated with the element of Air and represent intellect, mind, logic, and communication. This suit is often considered the most challenging in Tarot because it reflects our inner conflicts, fears, and painful truths. The sword is a double-edged tool – it can cut through illusions and bring clarity, but it can also wound. When Swords predominate, the focus is on thinking, decision-making, and dealing with the challenges of everyday life.

Clarity of thought and a new intellectual breakthrough are symbolized by the Ace of Swords, bringing victory through truth. Indecision and being blocked between two equally difficult choices are the themes of the Two of Swords. Emotional pain, separation, and heartbreak are vividly depicted in the Three of Swords. The need for rest, meditation, and recovery of strength after a battle is the lesson of the Four of Swords. Conflicts where there are no true winners and the bitterness of loss are encountered in the Five of Swords. Transitioning to calmer waters and leaving the past behind is the path of the Six of Swords. Cunning, strategy, and sometimes deception are key to the Seven of Swords.

A feeling of being trapped and self-imposed limitations are illustrated in the Eight of Swords, where our mind holds us prisoner. Anxiety, nightmares, and sleepless nights are the heavy messages of the Nine of Swords. Complete defeat and the end of a difficult cycle are symbolized by the Ten of Swords, indicating that from here on, things can only get better. Wit and curiosity are characteristic of the Page of Swords, who is always seeking truth. The Knight of Swords is direct, fast, and often uncompromising in pursuit of his ideas. Intellectual independence and objective judgment are the qualities of the Queen of Swords. Finally, the King of Swords represents supreme authority, logic, and ethical leadership.

The Suit of Pentacles: The Element of Earth

Pentacles correspond to the element of Earth and focus on the material side of life. They govern finances, work, health, property, and everything we can touch and measure. This suit teaches us practicality, patience, and perseverance in building a secure future. Pentacles do not seek quick results but strive for long-term stability and prosperity through hard work and attention to detail.

A new financial opportunity or the beginning of a stable project is symbolized by the Ace of Pentacles. Balancing two tasks and flexibility in daily life are the themes of the Two of Pentacles. Teamwork, mastery, and recognition for professional skills are found in the Three of Pentacles. Fear of loss and excessive clinging to possessions are described in the Four of Pentacles. Financial difficulties and a feeling of abandonment are the lessons of the Five of Pentacles, urging us to seek help. Generosity, charity, and the fair exchange of resources are at the core of the Six of Pentacles. Patiently awaiting the harvest and assessing progress made so far are seen in the Seven of Pentacles.

Dedication to work and continuous improvement of skills are the themes of the Eight of Pentacles. Self-sufficiency, luxury, and enjoying the fruits of one's labor are illustrated in the Nine of Pentacles. Inheritance, family traditions, and long-term financial security are symbolized by the Ten of Pentacles. Learning, new practical ideas, and the ambition of a startup are characteristic of the Page of Pentacles. The Knight of Pentacles is the most methodical and reliable of all knights, moving slowly but surely towards his goal. Practicality, care, and abundance are embodied in the Queen of Pentacles. Finally, the King of Pentacles is a symbol of immense success, business acumen, and material mastery.

How to Read Tarot Cards: 5 Basic Steps

Starting with Tarot can seem daunting due to the vast amount of information, but the process is actually very intuitive. The first and most important step is to choose a deck that speaks to you visually. It's not mandatory for someone to gift it to you – you can buy it yourself and spend time with it, examining each card to create an energetic connection. The better you know the images, the easier it will be for you to interpret them in the context of your life.

The second step is to formulate the question correctly. Avoid questions that require only passive waiting, such as "When will I get married?". Instead, ask "What can I do to attract a suitable partner?". A clear and open-ended question allows the cards to show you the path, rather than just giving you a fixed date. The third step is the choice of spread. For beginners, it's best to start with drawing one card or the classic three-card spread (Past, Present, Future) before moving on to the complex "Celtic Cross."

The fourth step involves the actual interpretation, where you need to consider whether the card is in an upright or reversed position. Don't rush to look in a book immediately; first, see what emotions the image evokes in you. The fifth and final step is to trust your intuition. The cards are just tools, and true knowledge comes from your inner voice. Beginners can practice these steps for free in the Tarot section of Vrachka.eu, where our AI helps with initial interpretations.

• 1. Choose a deck and create a connection with it by daily examining the cards.
• 2. Formulate a clear and constructive question focused on your development.
• 3. Select a spread appropriate to the complexity of your situation.
• 4. Interpret the cards, combining traditional meaning with their position.
• 5. Always conclude with an inner feeling and an intuitive check of the answer.

Upright and Reversed Positions: Why They Matter

Many beginners worry when they see a card upside down, thinking it portends bad luck. In Tarot, however, a reversed position rarely means the opposite of the upright meaning. Rather, it indicates that the card's energy is blocked, delayed, or needs to be experienced internally rather than externally. It guides you to look deeper within yourself, rather than seeking causes in your surroundings.

For example, an upright Ace of Wands is a clear sign of a new project and external action. If it appears reversed, however, it may mean you have the idea but lack motivation, or the timing is not right to start. Another example is The Lovers – in an upright position, the card speaks of harmony and choice, while reversed, it can signal internal imbalance or the need for self-discovery before committing to another person. Using reversed cards adds an extra layer of depth to any reading.

Tarot for "Yes or No" Questions

The "Yes or No" method is one of the quickest ways to get guidance when faced with a dilemma. In this approach, each card in the deck is classified as positive, negative, or neutral. Cards like The Sun, The World, and The Nine of Cups are a definite "Yes," while The Tower, The Ten of Swords, or The Three of Swords usually carry a "No" answer. However, it is important not to rely solely on the blunt answer but to understand why the cards are telling you exactly that.

If you receive a neutral card like the Four of Swords, it means the answer is not yet clear, or the situation requires more time for reflection. This method works best for specific, everyday questions that do not require deep psychological analysis. For your convenience, at Vrachka.eu, we have created a special Tarot Yes/No function that automatically calculates the energy of the drawn card and gives you an instant answer to your question.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards are in a standard Tarot deck?

A standard Tarot deck contains 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Minor Arcana is divided into 4 suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) of 14 cards each.

Can you read Tarot for yourself?

Yes, reading Tarot for yourself is an excellent practice for self-discovery. It is important to approach it with an open mind and record your interpretations. Many experienced Tarot readers practice daily self-readings with a "Card of the Day."

Do I need a special deck for beginners?

The Rider-Waite-Smith is the recommended deck for beginners because the imagery is intuitive, and most textbooks are based on it. Alternatives like Tarot de Marseille and Thoth Tarot have different symbolism.

Is it dangerous to read Tarot cards?

No, Tarot cards are simply a tool for reflection and self-discovery. They do not predict the future but help you realize different perspectives. Approach yourself and the people you read for with respect and responsibility.

What does a "reversed card" mean in Tarot?

A reversed card is one that appears upside down. It does not mean "bad" – rather, it indicates a blocked, delayed, or internal version of the card's energy. Not all Tarot readers work with reversed cards.