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.
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.
Reversed: Recklessness, poor timing, resistance to the new, questioning, self-doubt
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Reversed: Lacking direction, obstacles, poor choices, passivity or lack of motivation
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.
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.
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
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.
Reversed: Prejudice, privilege, lack of awareness, a moral wrong
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).
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
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.
Reversed: Excesses or deficiencies, reassessing your needs
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
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.
Reversed: Clinging to the old, tyranny, fearfulness
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.
Reversed: Ailments, pain, hopelessness, working to restore self-trust
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.
Reversed: Self-deception, confusion, misunderstandings, caution against acting
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).
Reversed: Dissatisfaction, depreciation of value, unrealistic expectations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Key Facts: Number eight refers to necessary creative processes. Dynamite. Fireworks. Watching a flame travel down a wick.
Reversed: Delays, fights, pausing action in order to reset
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
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
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.
Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) or exhibits related personality traits. Knights are agents of change.
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.
Reversed: Giving in, needing more assertive boundaries. Traits: Diffident, unprincipled, yielding.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Key Facts: Number five brings a change of fortune. Period of famine.
Meaning: Hardship, loneliness
Reversed: Social reintegration, belonging
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Key Facts: Represents a younger person who is an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) or exhibits related personality traits. Knights are agents of change.
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
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
Key Facts: Number one suggests new feelings and beginnings. Stepping into the river of your desire.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.