Learn the Tarot – Online Flash Cards

Learn the meaning and symbolism of each of the 78 cards in the Minor and Major Arcana. Using this tool we hope you will learn the basics faster and get more comfortable with performing your own readings.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Cards

Pamela Coleman Smith’s tarot deck, often referred to as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, are a stunning blend of vivid imagery and profound symbolism that have captivated generations of tarot enthusiasts. The deck’s intricate illustrations are replete with esoteric symbols, drawn from various sources such as mythology, astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah. Through her artistry, she has created a timeless, evocative visual language that resonates with the human psyche, enabling tarot practitioners to glean intuitive insights and make meaningful connections.

One of the most striking aspects of the Smith tarot deck is the way they communicate complex, archetypal themes and concepts through their visual elements. For instance, in the Major Arcana, the Fool card signifies new beginnings and the potential for transformation, which is symbolized by the youth standing at the precipice of a cliff, ready to embark on a journey into the unknown.

By using such imagery, Smith invites the reader to contemplate the deeper aspects of life and to explore the transformative power of the tarot. Through the medium of her art, Pamela Coleman Smith has given the tarot a visual language that transcends time and culture, ensuring its enduring appeal and significance.

Enjoy!

Major Arcana Cards

The Major Arcana refers to 22 cards in the tarot that represent existential themes. Just as a deck of playing cards includes a Joker, the Major Arcana features a “zero card” that belongs nowhere and everywhere: the Fool. In fact, you can view the Major Arcana as the Fool’s journey through life—though real life rarely moves linearly through the sequence.

Fool

0. The Fool

Key Facts: Holds the power of your potential! Excellent energy for trying new things. Associated with the element air, zodiac sign Aquarius, and planet Uranus. Number zero shows openness and possibility. 

Meaning: Beginnings, courage, optimism, naivete, beginner’s mindset

Reversed: Recklessness, poor timing, resistance to the new, questioning, self-doubt

Magician

I. The Magician

Key Facts: Represents your unique vision and capabilities! Helpful for stepping into your personal power. Associated with the elements earth and air, zodiac signs Virgo and Gemini, and planet Mercury. Number one indicates initiation and power. 

Meaning: Making changes, determination, intentional action, skillfulness, influence

Reversed: Misuse of power, destruction, hidden or thwarted potential, mental struggle

High_Priestess

II. The High Priestess

Key Facts: Invites you to heed your intuition! Heightens your powers of perception. Associated with the element water, zodiac sign Cancer, and the Moon. Number two illustrates duality and the importance of balance. 

Meaning: Inner wisdom, perception, psychic powers, considering but not yet acting 

Reversed: Disconnect from intuition, fear of change or other people, withdrawal, secrecy, duplicity

Empress

III. The Empress

Key Facts: Reveals the power of a nurturing environment! Fosters your creative energy. Associated with the element earth and planet Venus. No specific sign but could represent Taurus or a female Aries. Number three suggests expansion.

Meaning: Creativity, abundance, sensual pleasure, loving care, kinship

Reversed: Self-indulgence, suppression of desire, futility, dependence, infertility

emperor

IV. The Emperor

Key Facts: Relates to the value of structure! Brings forth your leadership skills and helps you make difficult decisions. Associated with the element fire and planet Mars. Significator for the zodiac sign Aries. Number four offers stability.

Meaning: Leadership, systems of power, rules and norms, foundations, protection

Reversed: Abuse of power, oppression, ineffective leadership, inflexibility, fragility

Hierophant

V. The Hierophant

Key Facts: Relays the wisdom of tradition! Helpful for finding trusted authorities and tried-and-true methods. Associated with the element earth and planet Venus. Significator for the zodiac sign Taurus. Number five indicates change.

Meaning: Traditional values, cultural institutions, religious education, social pressure, gatekeeping

Reversed: Nonconformity, liberation, open-mindedness, self-trust, corruption

lovers

VI. The Lovers

Key Facts: Stands for your personal values! Useful for making choices in alignment with your authentic self. Associated with the element air and planet Mercury. Significator for the zodiac sign Gemini. Number six means harmony.

Meaning: Personal values, choice, honest communication, relationships

Reversed: Not living according to values, relationship disparity, distraction, focus on self

Chariot

VII. The Chariot

Key Facts: Supports dedicated action! Reassures you that your hard work will lead to success. Associated with the element water and the Moon. Significator for the zodiac sign Cancer. Number seven shows turning points.

Meaning: Willpower, action, self-control, victory, respect 

Reversed: Lacking direction, obstacles, poor choices, passivity or lack of motivation

Strength

VIII. Strength

Key Facts: Offers the tools for resilience! Meditate on this card when you want to know how to approach a challenging situation. Associated with the element fire and the Sun. Significator for the zodiac sign Leo. Number eight refers to necessary processes.

Meaning: Vitality, compassion, influence, enduring hardship

Reversed: Losing energy, cruelty, stubbornness, reactivity

Hermit

IX. The Hermit

Key Facts: Indicates a time for internal reflection! Helps you accept wisdom within yourself or from your teachers. Associated with the element earth and planet Mercury. Significator for the zodiac sign Virgo. Number nine emphasizes release as a cycle nears completion.

Meaning: Solitude, giving or receiving wisdom

Reversed: Isolation, childishness, ignoring sound advice

Wheel of fortune

X. Wheel of Fortune

Key Facts: Reminds you that good fortune is coming! Provides courage to seize an opportunity or face misfortune. Associated with the element fire, planet Jupiter, and fixed zodiac signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius). Number ten completes a cycle.

Meaning: Destiny, luck, karma, chances

Reversed: Setbacks, resisting the truth of a situation, breaking toxic patterns

Justice

XI. Justice

Key Facts: Asks you to take accountability for your actions! Supports the revelation of truth and fair treatment of everyone. Associated with the element air, planet Venus, and root number two (duality and balance). Significator for the zodiac sign Libra. 

Meaning: Fairness, equality, accountability, consequence

Reversed: Prejudice, privilege, lack of awareness, a moral wrong

Hanged man

XII. The Hanged Man

Key Facts: Appears when there is wisdom in waiting and observing! Helps develop your spiritual awareness while action is paused. Associated with the element water, zodiac sign Pisces, planet Neptune, and root number three (expansion).

Meaning: Suspension, sacrifice, discernment, enlightenment

Reversed: Mistreatment, self-aggrandizement, martyrdom, needlessly delaying action

Death

XIII. Death

Key Facts: Prepares you for transformation! Strengthens your ability to release all that’s holding you back from the person you’re becoming. Associated with the element water, planets Pluto and Mars, and root number four (stability). Significator for the zodiac sign Scorpio.

Meaning: Transitions, finding closure, reminders of mortality

Reversed: Drawn-out ending, feeling stuck, resisting change

Temperance

XIV. Temperance

Key Facts: Reveals the healing power of finding the right balance! Helps you find the appropriate response to any scenario. Associated with the element fire, planet Jupiter, and root number five (change). Significator for the zodiac sign Sagittarius.

Meaning: Insight, adaptability, balance, healing knowledge, attunement

Reversed: Excesses or deficiencies, reassessing your needs

Devil

XV. The Devil

Key Facts: Challenges the necessity of your attachments! Beneficial for making empowered choices rather than mindless ones. Associated with the element earth, planet Saturn, and root number six (harmony). Significator for the zodiac sign Capricorn.

Meaning: Social taboos, shadow work, self-limiting beliefs

Reversed: Freedom, release, detachment, abrupt ending, loss

Tower

XVI. The Tower

Key Facts: Foretells impending liberation! Valuable for finding truth when you lose your foundation. Associated with the element fire, planet Mars, and root number seven (turning points). No specific zodiac sign, but Scorpio or Aries energy may be helpful.

Meaning: Unexpected disruption, chaos, revelation, paradigm shift 

Reversed: Clinging to the old, tyranny, fearfulness

Star

XVII. The Star

Key Facts: Brings hope after uncertain times! Supports feelings of connectedness to yourself, others, and the universe. Associated with the element air, planet Uranus, and root number eight (necessary processes). Significator for the zodiac sign Aquarius.

Meaning: Spiritual nourishment, positivity, calm, peace, inspiration

Reversed: Ailments, pain, hopelessness, working to restore self-trust

Moon

XVIII. The Moon

Key Facts: Carries messages from your unconscious mind! Good for dream work, as it helps you receive concealed information.  Associated with the element water, planets Neptune and Jupiter, and root number nine (cycle nearing completion). Significator for the zodiac sign Pisces.

Meaning: Inner discovery, instincts, artistic expression, self-integration

Reversed: Self-deception, confusion, misunderstandings, caution against acting

Sun

XIX. The Sun

Key Facts: Fills your life with joy after you’ve worked to achieve a goal! Encourages you to take pride in yourself and share your gifts with the world. Associated with the element fire, the Sun, and root number ten (completion).

Meaning: Accomplishment, progress, celebration, prosperity

Reversed: Dissatisfaction, depreciation of value, unrealistic expectations

Judgement

XX. The Judgement

Key Facts: Awakens your soul! Helps you see what you couldn’t see before. Associated with the element fire or water, planet Pluto, and root number two (duality and balance).

Meaning: Spiritual awakening, life-changing decision, choosing a life of spiritual fulfillment, understanding your role in the collective

Reversed: Spiritual disconnection, doubting yourself, misinterpreting a situation

World

XXI. The World

Key Facts: Nourishes your sense of fulfillment! Invites you to follow your calling and reflect on what you’ve learned. Associated with all elements but especially earth, planet Saturn, and number three (expansion).

Meaning: Purpose, closure, radical acceptance, awareness and embodiment, journeying

Reversed: Delays, hesitation, denial, skepticism, ambiguity

The Minor Arcana

Whereas the Major Arcana reveals major themes, the Minor Arcana covers the details of our lives: our conflicts and accomplishments, supporters and detractors, goals and obstacles, and so on. Within the 56 cards of the Minor Arcana, there are four 14 card suits. Each suit is dedicated to a different element—fire, water, air, earth—that relates to a different area of life.

Suit of Wands

The suit of Wands corresponds with the element fire, which stands for inspiration, motivation, and willpower. In a tarot reading, this passionate suit often relates to creative projects and work. Wands might also represent fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), the season spring, and events happening within days.

The Wands, like all the suits, consist of ten numbered “pip” and four “court” cards. The Wand pip cards tell a story about connecting inspiration to action. Wand court cards may represent work or creative factors, opportunities, other people, or querents.

Ace of wands

Ace of Wands

Key Facts: Number one suggests newfound power. A spark.

Meaning: Opportunity, desire, new passion, an idea

Reversed: Distraction, lack of motivation or desire, procrastination

Two of Wands

Two of Wands

Key Facts: Number two illustrates duality and the importance of balance between risk and reward. A leaping flame.

Meaning: Aspirations, taking a necessary risk

Reversed: Lack of readiness, moving too quickly, fearing risk

Three of Wands

Three of Wands

Key Facts: Number three suggests expansion of fire energy. More action or growth is possible now. Adding fuel to the fire.

Meaning: Personal development, progress, growing a business

Reversed: Unforeseen issues, oversights

Four of Wands

Four of Wands

Key Facts: Number four offers stability and security. A warm hearth.

Meaning: Celebration, commitment

Reversed: Rite of passage, feeling connected with community

Five of Wands

Five of Wands

Key Facts: Number five means that change is necessary. Embers of a fire that requires tending.

Meaning: Disagreement, friendly competition, irreconcilable perspectives or desires

Reversed: Resolution, internal tension

Six of Wands

Six of Wands

Key Facts: Number six shows harmony between personal definitions of success and external acknowledgement. A bonfire surrounded by revelers.

Meaning: Accomplishments, public recognition, outward success

Reversed: Inner feelings of success, loss of public favor, unearned victory

Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands

Key Facts: Number seven shows a turning point for your work. Bearing the torch.

Meaning: Assertiveness, perseverance, exhausting competition, facing a challenge

Reversed: Submission, fatigue, surrender

Eight of Wands

Eight of Wands

Key Facts: Number eight refers to necessary creative processes. Dynamite. Fireworks. Watching a flame travel down a wick.

Meaning: Action happening fast, quick decision-making required

Reversed: Delays, fights, pausing action in order to reset

Nine of Wands

Nine of Wands

Key Facts: Number nine emphasizes release as a creative cycle nears completion. Sustaining a watchfire through the night.

Meaning: Defensiveness, protection

Reversed: Weariness, paranoia, need for help

Ten of Wands

Ten of Wands

Key Facts: Number ten indicates completion. A box of burnt matches.

Meaning: Burdens, burnout

Reversed: Release, finding a new tool or strategy, being accountable

Page of Wands

Page of Wands

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) or exhibits related personality traits. Possibly a student or starting a job. Also brings messages associated with their suit.

Meaning: News about a project; creative opportunity. Traits: exploratory, youthful, excitable.

Reversed: Unfavorable project news, creative blocks. Traits: Passive, uncertain, self-doubting.

Knight of Wands

Knight of Wands

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) or exhibits related personality traits. Knights are agents of change.

Meaning: Creative change, necessary action, taking risks. Traits: Adventurous, competitive, impatient.

Reversed: Delays, wasted energy. Traits: Insecure, confused, uncertain.

Queen of Wands

Queen of Wands

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Queens indicate attainment and satisfaction.

Meaning: Creative fulfillment, work accomplishments, fostering creativity. Traits: Friendly, optimistic, warm, open. 

Reversed: Giving in, needing more assertive boundaries. Traits: Diffident, unprincipled, yielding.

King of Wands

King of Wands

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Kings relate to leadership styles.

Meaning: Inspired work and leading through inspiring others. Traits: Strong-willed, creatively accomplished, entrepreneurial. 

Reversed: Control, oppression. Traits: Intolerant, demanding, harsh.

Suit of Pentacles

The suit of Pentacles corresponds with the element earth, which stands for prosperity, practicality, and security. In a tarot reading, this grounded suit often relates to resources, career, and health. Pentacles might also represent earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), the season winter, and events happening within years.

The Pentacles, like all the suits, consist of ten numbered “pip” and four “court” cards. The Pentacle pip cards tell a story about our material circumstances and turns of fortune. Pentacle court cards may represent assets, opportunities, other people, or querents.

Ace of Pentacles

Ace of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number one suggests new investments. A planted seed.

Meaning: Financial opportunity, new venture

Reversed: Missed chance, financial loss, financial gain misaligned with values

Two of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number two illustrates the importance of balancing the allocation of limited resources, including your time and energy. Two plants competing for nutrients.

Meaning: Prioritizing, balancing

Reversed: Poor organization, energetic imbalance, over-commitment

Three of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number three expands resources. A well-established tree that provides a home to many creatures.

Meaning: Collaboration, mentorship, recognition

Reversed: Solitary or nontraditional work, need to seek support, lack of acknowledgement

Four of Pentacles

Four of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number four offers stability and security. Storing your crop in a root cellar.

Meaning: Conservation, greed, fear

Reversed: Honesty about financial situation (whether or more or less favorable than you feel)

Five of Pentacles

Five of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number five brings a change of fortune. Period of famine.

Meaning: Hardship, loneliness

Reversed: Social reintegration, belonging

Six of Pentacles

Six of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number six shows harmony in resource sharing within community. A food exchange.

Meaning: Generosity, charity, fair exchange

Reversed: Promoting or contributing to wealth disparity, hardship

Seven of Pentacles

Seven of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number seven shows a turning point. A blossoming plant that has outgrown its pot.

Meaning: Diligence, discipline, promotion

Reversed: Imposter syndrome, avoiding finances and budget

Eight of Pentacles

Eight of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number eight refers to necessary processes. Building a greenhouse, trellis, irrigation system, or any structure that supports sustainable plant growth. 

Meaning: Passion, improving a skill, apprenticeship

Reversed: Hyperfixation on details, working toward undesirable goal, stuck in career

Nine of Pentacles

Nine of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number nine emphasizes release as attainment grows closer. Strolling through your garden at dusk, enjoying its beauty.

Meaning: Self-sufficiency, refinement, ease

Reversed: Overidentification with monetary wealth, ennui, isolation

Ten of Pentacles

Ten of Pentacles

Key Facts: Number ten indicates completion. Growing a shady tree from a seedling to pass on to future generations.

Meaning: Abundance, prestige, security

Reversed: Familial estrangement, dark legacy

Page of Pentacles

Page of Pentacles

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) or exhibits related personality traits. Possibly about learning valuable skills. Also brings messages associated with their suit.

Meaning: Financial news, student role. Traits: Pragmatic, studious, fashionable.

Reversed: Unfavorable financial news, wasting opportunity. Traits: Irresponsible, capitalistic, superficial.

Knight of Pentacles

Knight of Pentacles

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) or exhibits related personality traits. Knights are agents of change.

Meaning: Commitment to a stable plan of action. Traits: Methodical, steady, conventional.

Reversed: Aversion to risk. Traits: Fearful, overly cautious, neglecting spirituality.

Queen of Pentacles

Queen of Pentacles

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Queens indicate attainment and satisfaction.

Meaning: Being a financial provider (or parent). Traits: Generous, prosperous, caring.

Reversed: Contributing to resource imbalances. Traits: Dependent, control-seeking, self-protective.

King of Pentacles

King of Pentacles

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Kings relate to leadership styles.

Meaning: Leading by providing material resources. Traits: Well-established, influential, supportive.

Reversed: Too comfortable in the position of power. Traits: Complacent, listless, stunted.

Suit of Swords

The suit of Swords corresponds with the element air, which stands for intellect, communication, and ideas. In a tarot reading, this head-dominant suit often relates to purpose and conflicts in beliefs. Swords might also represent air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), the season fall, and events happening within weeks.

The Swords, like all the suits, consist of ten numbered “pip” and four “court” cards. The Sword pip cards tell a story about finding purpose and advocating for beliefs. Sword court cards may represent conflicts, messages, other people, or querents.

Ace of Swords

Ace of Swords

Key Facts: Number one suggests a calling or newfound power. Pulling the sword from the stone.

Meaning: Ideals, purpose, motivation

Reversed: Confusion, lack of control, disturbances

Two of Swords

Two of Swords

Key Facts: Number two illustrates duality and the importance of balancing perspectives when considering outcomes. Choosing the right weapon or tool for the battle.

Meaning: Making a difficult decision, impasse, considering pros and cons

Reversed: Inability to make the choice, overwhelm, settlement after long period of time

Three of Swords

Three of Swords

Key Facts: Number three increases ideation and perseveration. Pierced through the heart.

Meaning: Loss, grief, hurt, heartbreak

Reversed: Possibility of reconciliation, hurting the self

Four of Swords

Four of Swords

Key Facts: Number four offers stability and security. Weapons in an armory, awaiting use.

Meaning: Rest, strategizing but not yet acting, recuperation 

Reversed: Convalescence, watchfulness

Five of Swords

Five of Swords

Key Facts: Number five shows change within larger conflict. Losing or winning a battle, though the war is ongoing.

Meaning: Altercations, consequences, defeat or unfulfilling victory, cruelty 

Reversed: Remorsefulness, admitting wrongdoing, apologies

Six of Swords

Six of Swords

Key Facts: Number six shows harmony between beliefs and actions. Stowing your weapons for a long journey.

Meaning: Departure, sacrifice, releasing what holds you back

Reversed: Craving escape or change, needing closure

Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords

Key Facts: Number seven shows a turning point for power dynamics. Stealing from someone in the night. A Trojan horse.

Meaning: Power imbalance, taking advantage of someone vulnerable, resourcefulness, deception

Reversed: Bringing truth to light, giving or receiving reparations, restoring balance

Eight of Swords

Eight of Swords

Key Facts: Number eight refers to necessary processes on the path to empowerment. Guarded prison of one’s mind.

Meaning: Entrapment, self-limitation

Reversed: Freedom, self-compassion, openness

Nine of Swords

Nine of Swords

Key Facts: Number nine emphasizes release as an emotional pattern nears completion. The injury is worse in the imagination.

Meaning: Anxiety, mental struggle, nightmares

Reversed: Mental healing, deep trauma recognition and recovery

Ten of Swords

Ten of Swords

Key Facts: Number ten indicates completion of a power cycle. Brutus and other political rivals stabbing Julius Caesar.

Meaning: Finality, closure, exhaustion, betrayal

Reversed: Making a comeback, rebirth

Page of Swords

Page of Swords

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or exhibits related personality traits. Possibly a new public commitment. Also brings messages associated with their suit.

Meaning: Rumors, internet exchanges, public opinion. Traits: Ambitious, resourceful, communicative. 

Reversed: Harmful gossip, libel, choosing the wrong words. Traits: Hypocritical, faltering, ashamed.

Knight of Swords

Knight of Swords

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or exhibits related personality traits. Knights are agents of change.

Meaning: Taking principled action. Traits: Quick, focused, forceful.

Reversed: Extreme change that threatens collective safety. Traits: Hostile, aggressive, ineffective.

Queen of Swords

Queen of Swords

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Queens indicate attainment and satisfaction.

Meaning: Effective decision-making and communication. Traits: Intelligent, confident, judicious.

Reversed: Focus on status. Traits: Elitist, uncharitable, self-serving, fragile.

King of Swords

King of Swords

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Kings relate to leadership styles.

Meaning: Leading through fair judgment. Enforcing the rules. Traits: Analytical, wise, strict.

Reversed: Unjust or outdated ideas or norms. Traits: Inflexible, ignorant, abusive, vindictive.

Suit of Cups

The suit of Cups corresponds with the element water, which stands for emotions, love, and healing. In a tarot reading, this heart-forward suit often relates to relationships. Cups might also represent water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces), the season summer, and events happening within months.

The Cups, like all the suits, consist of ten numbered “pip” and four “court” cards. The Cups pip cards tell a story about our emotional relationships with ourselves and others. Cup court cards may represent feelings, opportunities, other people, or querents.

Ace of Cups

Ace of Cups

Key Facts: Number one suggests new feelings and beginnings. Stepping into the river of your desire.

Meaning: Joy, love, abundance

Reversed: Emotional repression, shallow connections, rejection

Two of Cups

Two of Cups

Key Facts: Number two illustrates duality and the importance of balancing needs and desires. Two rivers flowing together.

Meaning: Mutual relationship, alignment with self and another

Reversed: Misunderstandings, distrust, prioritizing yourself

Three of Cups

Three of Cups

Key Facts: Number three suggests amplification of water energy. More intimacy is possible. Saying cheers with friends, cups full to the brims.

Meaning: Celebration, community

Reversed: Self-indulgence, feeling out of place, individuating from the group

Four of Cups

Four of Cups

Key Facts: Number four indicates emotional stability. Diving deep below the water’s surface to explore the lake bed.

Meaning: Retreat, soul-searching, apathy

Reversed: Reemergence, readiness to seek new connections

Five of Cups

Five of Cups

Key Facts: Number five brings change. A dried-up well. Water contamination. Period of drought.

Meaning: Loss, grief, self-blame, inability to let go

Reversed: Acceptance, self-forgiveness, restored hope in the future

Six of Cups

Six of Cups

Key Facts: Number six shows harmony within core relationships. Gently watering a garden.

Meaning: Nostalgia, healing, home

Reversed: Overly relying on community or relationships, childishness, anxious or avoidant attachment styles, family trauma

Seven of Cups

Seven of Cups

Key Facts: Number seven shows a turning point that requires an emotional choice. Forks in the river.

Meaning: Fantasy, possibility, temptation

Reversed: Decision, finding clarity, commitment to personal values

Eight of Cups

Eight of Cups

Key Facts: Number eight refers to necessary processes for attaining emotional fulfillment. Seeking a new sustainable water source. A natural aquifer. Snowmelt from a mountain.

Meaning: Spiritual journey, leaving

Reversed: Wandering, trying again despite instincts to depart, aimlessness

Nine of Cups

Nine of Cups

Key Facts: Number nine emphasizes release as an emotional pattern nears completion. A stunning waterfall when you least expect it.

Meaning: Wish fulfillment, simple pleasures

Reversed: Getting your wish but still feeling dissatisfied, greed

Ten of Cups

Ten of Cups

Key Facts: Number ten indicates completion. A self-sustaining ecosystem. Rainbows in the rain. Clear, flowing water somewhere nearby. A deep well.

Meaning: Deep fulfillment, contentment, community or family harmony

Reversed: Community strife or rift

Page of Cups

Page of Cups

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or exhibits related personality traits. Possibly a new love interest. Also brings messages associated with their suit.

Meaning: News about a personal relationship; developing artistic abilities. Traits: dreaming, intuitive, creative.

Reversed: Unfavorable relationship news, disconnect. Traits: Unrealistic, immature.

Knight of Cups

Knight of Cups

Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or exhibits related personality traits. Knights are agents of change.

Meaning: Change of heart, deeper understanding of self, authentic self-expression. Traits: Romantic, charming, imaginative.

Reversed: Discouragement, inability to act. Traits: Reactive, jealous, self-absorbed.

Queen of Cups

Queen of Cups

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Queens indicate attainment and satisfaction.

Meaning: A nurturing creative environment. Traits: Loving, validating, empathetic.

Reversed: Need for self-care. Traits: Codependent, manipulative or easily manipulated.

King of Cups

King of Cups

Key Facts: Represents a peer or older person who is a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or exhibits related personality traits. May have influence over querent. Kings relate to leadership styles.

Meaning: Leading through empathy; fatherhood or mediation. Traits: Kind, balanced, safe.

Reversed: Denial, repression of emotions. Traits: Distant, neglectful of self or others.

Images Credit: Rider–Waite Tarot

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Ersa Fay

Ersa Fay (they/them) is a traveling writer, mystical dancer, and tarot reader. You can often find Ersa in central Texas, but they have connections to places all over the world. With nearly 20 years of tarot experience, Ersa draws cards not to find definite answers but to uncover the questions that focus attention. Their tarot practice supports clarity and protection for your personal journey—for this reason, Ersa is inspired by the powerful beginner’s energy of the Fool in the tarot’s Major Arcana.