Understanding the meanings of your tarot cards involves exploring both the general symbolism and personal interpretations. Here is a clearer guide on how to interpret them:
Major Arcana
These cards represent significant life events or spiritual lessons.
- The Fool: New beginnings, taking a leap of faith, adventure.
- The Magician: Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.
- The High Priestess: Intuition, mystery, inner knowledge.
- The Empress: Fertility, abundance, nurturing.
- The Emperor: Authority, structure, control.
- The Hierophant: Tradition, conformity, spiritual wisdom.
- The Lovers: Relationships, choices, alignment.
- The Chariot: Determination, willpower, success.
- Strength: Inner strength, courage, patience.
- The Hermit: Introspection, solitude, wisdom.
- Wheel of Fortune: Change, cycles, fate.
- Justice: Fairness, truth, law.
- The Hanged Man: Surrender, letting go, new perspectives.
- Death: Transformation, endings, new beginnings.
- Temperance: Balance, moderation, patience.
- The Devil: Bondage, materialism, shadow self.
- The Tower: Upheaval, sudden change, revelation.
- The Star: Hope, inspiration, serenity.
- The Moon: Illusion, fear, subconscious.
- The Sun: Joy, success, positivity.
- Judgment: Reflection, reckoning, awakening.
- The World: Completion, accomplishment, travel.
Minor Arcana
These cards cover day-to-day events and challenges. They are divided into four suits:
Wands (Fire)
Focus on inspiration, spirituality, and determination.
– Ace of Wands: New opportunities, inspiration, potential.
– Two of Wands: Planning, decisions, progress.
– Three of Wands: Expansion, foresight, opportunity.
– Four of Wands: Celebration, harmony, homecoming.
– …
Cups (Water)
Associated with emotions, relationships, and connections.
– Ace of Cups: Love, compassion, overflowing emotions.
– Two of Cups: Partnership, unity, mutual attraction.
– Three of Cups: Friendship, community, happiness.
– Four of Cups: Apathy, contemplation, reevaluation.
– …
Swords (Air)
Represent thoughts, words, and actions.
– Ace of Swords: Clarity, truth, breakthroughs.
– Two of Swords: Indecision, stalemate, truce.
– Three of Swords: Heartbreak, grief, sorrow.
– Four of Swords: Rest, recovery, quiet contemplation.
– …
Pentacles (Earth)
Relate to material aspects, career, and finance.
– Ace of Pentacles: New financial opportunity, prosperity.
– Two of Pentacles: Balance, adaptability, time management.
– Three of Pentacles: Collaboration, teamwork, craftsmanship.
– Four of Pentacles: Security, conservation, control.
– …
Tips for Interpretation
- Intuition: Trust your gut feelings for a more personalized reading.
- Context: Consider the question or situation you’re addressing.
- Position: The card’s position in a spread can alter its meaning.
- Symbols: Pay attention to the imagery and symbols on each card.
- Practice: Regular practice can deepen your understanding and intuition.
Reading tarot is a blend of understanding traditional meanings and incorporating your personal insights. As you become more comfortable with the cards, you may find your interpretations evolving to better fit your experiences and intuition.