What Do The Tarot Cards Mean?

There is a rich and beautiful history behind the meanings of the individual cards in a tarot deck. The Major Arcana is the story of an individual’s spiritual awakening. The Minor Arcana offers insight into the day-to-day events we all face on life’s journey. All of the cards “mean” many things based on history, the illustrations, and the reader’s own intuition. When reading introspectively, I focus on distilling each card down to the central emotion it invokes, often by creating vivid scenarios. For example, “relief” is a common emotion we’ve all experienced, but it’s much more visceral to think of “the feeling you get when you turn around and don’t see you child standing next to you anymore, only to discover them hiding nearby.” And while still “relief,” it’s a very different thing to think of “when you race through the airport to catch a connecting flight and get to the gate right before the door is set to close.” Each person would benefit from coming up with their own shorthand to explain and remember the meanings of the cards, but I am happy to share my own here as a general guide.

The Major Arcana

The Fool

First time behind the wheel, alone, after getting your driver's license. Excited and a little reckless.

The Magician

Whipping up a delicious meal from odds and ends in the fridge after a long day. Use what you got!

High Priestess

When you absolutely KNOW someone is hiding something from you. Sit back and trust yourself.

Empress

Look good, get a raise at work, and flowers at home. Everything she looks at, turns to gold.

The Lovers

Marrying young and dying minutes apart in old age, holding hands. "I choose you. Today and every day."

The Hermit

Sifting through old family photos to choose pictures for a memorial service. Deep, solo soul searching.

The Hanged Man

Getting locked out of the house and catching an awesome sunset. A new perspective.

The Devil

Texting an ex at 2 a.m. when you know it's a bad idea. Temptation; co-dependence.

Moon

Hearing rustling coming from the bushes next to you at night. Mystery; premonitions.

The World

The exact moment an Olympic gold medalist crosses the finish line. Completion; accomplishment.

Emperor

Commanding an entire meeting, without ever raising your voice. The Top Dog of the deck.

The Chariot

In position at the starting line, ready for the green light. You've trained hard and are ready to win.

Wheel of Fortune

The game show contestant watching the wheel spin. Fortune or disaster? It's out of your hands!

Death

Caterpillar to butterfly. No going back to the old, but the new is beautiful! Transformation.

Tower

Walking in on your best friends making fun of you behind your back. Shattered illusions.

Sun

Running through the sprinklers on a hot day with an ice cream cone. No worries; pure joy.

The Hierophant

Rolls up his sleeves and walks you through something tough, step-by-step. Wise teacher.

Strength

Correcting a cashier who forgot to charge you for something. Mastery over lower instincts.

Justice

The teacher who gives you an F for turning in your paper 1 minute late. Rules are rules.

Temperance

A sweet, creamy frozen drink with a salted rim and an umbrella. Perfect balance.

Star

Walking out of the spa after a massage, facial, mani and pedi. Rejuvenation.

Judgement

Realizing you were absolutely 100% wrong about something and apologizing. Redemption.

The Minor Arcana

Ace of Pentacles

An investor gives you a blank check for your business idea. Time to make it happen!

King of Pentacles

You've built an empire from the ground up and enjoy the finer things in life. Wealth; leadership.

Queen of Pentacles

She's got snacks, a first aid kit, the coziest blankets and solid advice. Nurturing.

Knight of Pentacles

The friend who will help you move and set up your retirement account. Hard-working; reliable.

Page of Pentacles

Eager to learn and overdressed for the first day of work. All he needs now is experience.

Ace of Wands

When you get a great idea all of a sudden and know exactly how to make it work. Lightbulb moment.

King of Wands

Rockstar holding a crowd mesmerized for hours with just his voice. Magnetic achiever.

Queen of Wands

A real life Auntie Mame - warm, magnetic, confident.

Knight of Wands

The friend who's half-way packed before you finish describing your dream trip. High energy, no plan.

Page of Wands

Coming up with your first business idea. Could make you rich or you could abandon it in a week, but you're full of excitement.

Ace of Swords

When you think of the perfect comeback during an argument. Sharp clarity.

King of Swords

A fair judge who only considers the evidence in making his decision. Analytical; direct.

Queen of Swords

The friend who loves you, but will cut off your head if you get bitten by a zombie. Clear boundaries.

Knight of Swords

The person who has a counterpoint for everything you say. Overzealous.

Page of Swords

The nosy neighbor who watches, listens and takes notes on everything. The Spy.

Ace of Cups

Exchanging I-love-you's for the first time. New feelings; love.

King of Cups

A farmer going on with his chores despite tornadoes whirling around him. Unshakeable.

Queen of Cups

The therapist that knows when you need a hug, need advice or need to vent. Emotionally intuitive.

Knight of Cups

The barefoot guy at the party, quoting poetry and strumming a guitar. Romantic; flighty.

Page of Cups

The little girl who draws hearts all over her math homework. A sensitive, creative soul.

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