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Tarot Cards for Beginners

Tarot is an absolutely fascinating world of archetypes and mythologies. It consists of a deck of 78 cards created in the 1440s in Italy, perhaps drawing on older versions of playing cards from Egypt and China.

Through the images depicted on the cards, we go on a journey from The Fool to The World in the 22 Major Arcana cards, which deal with life’s biggest themes and lessons, and gain actionable wisdom, insight, and medicine through each of the 10 numbered “pip” cards and 4 Court Cards in the 4 suits - Wands (Fire), Cups (Water), Swords (Air), Pentacles (Earth), for a total of 56 Minor Arcana cards.

The true messages of each card will be different for everyone depending on the context of the situation, the question asked, where in the spread the cards fall, the cards surrounding it, and your own intuition. Over time, you will begin to formulate your own Tarot dictionary.

However, the basic keywords for each card is a good place to start. Some of my favourite books include: Ultimate Guide To Tarot, Modern Tarot, Holistic Tarot, and Tarot And Astrology. Of course, I have also created my own in the Tarot Guidebook For Heightened Intuition!

Read on for a brief list of all the 78 cards of the Rider Waite Smith deck in order including their keywords, and reversals, to act as a starting point on your path:

Reading Tarot Cards

The classic Smith Rider Waite Tarot deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909 is the most well-known and used Tarot deck in the world, it acts as the basis for most other Tarot card decks and teachings in existence, thus it is an excellent place to begin. Once you are comfortable with this imagery and have formulated your own meanings, you can move on to other Tarot decks (such as the popular Wild Unknown Tarot Deck).

To reiterate, Tarot is not uniform- it bends and shifts to the perspective of the Tarot reader, what’s true for you will not hold true for someone else, and all views are beautiful and valid, so it is greatly recommended to gather as much information as you can on the cards and then form your own relationship with them.

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Reversed Tarot Cards

As for reversals, some people choose to read them, others don’t. The choice is up to you. Some take their meaning to be almost inverted, but often I find it is more nuanced than that. I personally believe them to be a combination of “opposite” meanings as well as sometimes simply signifying the end of a cycle and that you are coming out of the lesson of the card.

Other times it can indicated that you are resisting the lessons or change represented by the card or that it is something you need to internalise more deeply. Often, upright cards can mean that the energy is being directed outwards and reversed cards show that this energy is being directed inwards (or that you are being called to integrate and embody this message more deeply within yourself).

It can be all of these, a combination of them, or none of them and what you personally take them to mean instead. As you can see, much like the practice of Tarot itself, reading reversals is very multi-faceted! Listen to your intuition for which is true in the moment.

A quick word of advice when learning the Tarot- don’t be discouraged or too steadfast in memorising the classic Tarot card meanings that others have set forth for you, take everything with a pinch of salt and look for your own meaning within them. Sit with them, meditate with them, journal on them. Pull a card a day and see how it resonates with you or muse upon the theme. This will allow you to absorb their messages more fully while having more concrete practical benefits in your day-to-day life.

Also, there are no bad cards- each of them are here to illuminate a different aspect of the human psyche and cycle of life. For example, if you pull the Five of Pentacles which classically indicates a financial setback or spiritual poverty, do not be afraid that this will befall you. Tarot cannot concretely predict the future.

Rather, look at it in the context of the question you are asking and engage yourself in some honest introspection- is there a part of your life in which you feel your needs are not being met? How does this relate to the situation at hand- perhaps you have been withholding from your true potential in some regard?

Take part in an open and curious exploration to your current situation and state of being and see where the card may be showing up for you in your life. Over time, your intuition will drastically increase and you will naturally pick up on the messages the cards are trying to tell you in an instant.

Each of the cards is multi-faceted, there are many varying meanings for them and the one that resonates most at the time for you will depend on your personal disposition, current situation, the position it has fallen in, and the surrounding cards in the Tarot spreads. They each have more “keywords” than are listed here because they each tell a complete story that then becomes woven together as you do Tarot readings and your practice grows.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

0 - The Fool (new beginnings)

KEYWORDS: Youthful energy, fresh starts, new beginnings, naïveté, start of a cycle

Ruled by the planet Uranus (check out our Astrology Guidebook for more information), it corresponds with the Air element. Within the Major Arcana, we are said to be going on “The Fool’s journey”. Our hero bravely launches themselves into the world, small worldly possessions in toe and loyal companion by their side. Their face is uplifted to the spiritually energetic sun and doesn’t appear to have a care in the world. Their clothing is flamboyant and they hold a white rose for purity.

The Fool card asks you for you, too, to unabashedly be in the world. If you have a project in mind or feel like you are starting a new phase of life, this card is your trusty “YES” for the go-ahead on all things fresh and exciting.

REVERSED: Foolish, jumping in before looking, getting ahead of yourself.

1 - The Magician (manifestation)

KEYWORDS: Creation, manifestation, capability

Ruled by Mercury (and Gemini and Virgo by default), the Magician is often said to represent the Earth element (or sometimes Air). They have a floating lemniscate above their head, symbol of the power of infinite creation, and a representation of all the suits on the table in front of them, symbolising their capability to create and mould reality with the elements at their disposal. Their wand points to the heavens and finger to the earth (or underworld)- as above, so below; as within, so without; as the Universe, so the soul.

When you pull the Magician you are being reminded that you are an infinitely capable being. Create your reality.

REVERSED: Misalignment, confusion, destruction

2 - The High Priestess (intuition)

KEYWORDS: Intuition, instinct, inner knowing, subconscious, ancient wisdom

Ruled by the Moon (and Cancer by default), it represents the Water Element. The High Priestess embodies our innate wisdom and intuition. The figure’s dress practically transforms into water at the end of their gown, reinforcing their oneness with its transmutability and power. Their crown shows three phases of the Moon, waxing, full, and waning, reflecting the so-called three stages of womanhood- maiden, mother, crone, and the equal power in each.

With this card, your internal wellspring of knowledge is sacred, listen to it.

REVERSED: Blocked intuition, lack of self-trust, hesitation

3 - The Empress (nurturing)

KEYWORDS: Mothering, nurturance, nourishment, abundance, creation

Ruled by Venus (and Taurus and Libra by default), The Empress is an embodiment of the Earth element. It is our mother-like presence, whether internal or external, our ability to nourish ourselves truly and deeply. It is everything fertile, whether that be a literal pregnancy or the conception of a project, its creative power is strong and the capacity to nurture it successfully to completion even stronger. It knows that self-care and indulging in the finer things in life, whatever makes your soul sing, is sacred and worth protecting.

When this card shows up for you, ask yourself where needs to be re-parented?

REVERSED: Lack of self-care, need to slow down and be present

4 - The Emperor (leadership)

KEYWORDS: Authority, power, leadership, confidence, determination

This is the first Tarot card to be directly ruled by a Zodiac Sign, Aries (which is also the first Sign in the Astrological cycle). This makes it a Fire Element. The Emperor, counterpart to The Empress after we have learned to properly take care of ourselves, asks us to boldly take up space in the world and shine our light, speak our truth, and lead the way on our path fiercely.

When The Emperor shows up it can be an invitation to step into bold leadership and unapologetically steer your ship.

REVERSED: Overbearing, overpowering, headstrong, dictatorial

5 - The Hierophant (teachings)

KEYWORDS: Beliefs, spirituality, doctrine, teachings, guidance, counsel

This is Taurus’ card and so is symbolic of the Earth Element. The Hierophant teaches us to be our own spiritual wisdom keepers and share our knowledge with others. It asks to make sure where you are getting your beliefs, thoughts, opinions, ideas, feelings, and any other teachings from is in alignment with your values; opening up to counsel while not giving away your personal power. Only you know what is best for you and what your truth is. Perhaps you are being called to explore your spirituality more or teach others about your ways.

REVERSED: Dogma, questioning beliefs, lack of faith, spiritual bypassing

6 - The Lovers (duality)

KEYWORDS: Relationships, connection, partnership, duality

This is Gemini’s card and representative of the Air Element. The Lovers can be indicative of a new relationship or deepening existing one, but always with the intention of embracing and integrating the inherent duality present in everyone, you are yours before you are anyone else’s and you are always whole. No one can “complete” you, the person you are looking for is you, you’ll find the one when you realise that you are the one. The most important relationship you will ever have in life is first and foremost the one you have with yourself, and from this will stem everything else.

How can you accept all sides of yourself, including your “shadow side” and parts that want healing? We are in a constant state of flux, balancing Yin and Yang, The Lovers card reminds us of this. What you love in someone else is what you love about yourself, and likewise what you judge others for is what you judge yourself for. What do your triggers have to teach you?

REVERSED: Blind love, giving away of power, loss of self

7 - The Chariot (endurance)

KEYWORDS: Strength, perseverance, endurance, emotional stability

This is Cancer’s card (check out our post on Zodiac Signs for more information) and thus a Water Element card. The Chariot asks us to be emotionally brave and stable, and persevere with strength through what we are trying to endure, the end is almost in sight! It is a card of culminations and uphill battles coming to fruition. It is important to note that this card is called the Chariot, and not the Charioteer; the emphasis is on the vehicle. Are you going about things in the most effective way? Are your sphinxes pointing in the same direction? Is there a layer to shed?

In the classic Pamela Colman Smith rendition, the chariot appears to be made of concrete, not the most efficient mode of transportation. Like its crab counterpart, we can ask ourselves if we’ve outgrown a layer we need to shed.

REVERSED: Giving up, lack of endurance, ineffective momentum, stagnation

8 - Strength (courage)

KEYWORDS: Strength, courage, bravery, vulnerability, valour

This is Leo’s card and so representative of the Fire Element. As we can see in the usual picture of Strength, this is not brute force, but rather the deep inner strength we each possess, the one that is not loud and shouting, but soft and confident. This figure, too, has the infinity symbol above their head (like The Magician), symbolic of their eternal courage, our internal fountain of bravery knows no limits. As they are gently opening the lion’s mouth, we can see that it is in moments of tender vulnerability when we are in fact strongest. They are not dressed in fighting amour, nor charging ahead, but quietly composed, steadfast in the knowledge of their capabilities.

Where is your inner voice roaring when it could perhaps be more confident as a whisper?

REVERSED: Aggression, forcing, hotheaded, brute force, bulldozing

9 - The Hermit (introspection)

KEYWORDS: Introspection, reflection, solace, insight, wisdom, retreat

This is Virgo’s card and representative of the Earth Element. The Hermit is a card of deep and reverent introspection and self-reflection. It asks us to step away from the noise of the world and retreat to our inner world to hear what our soul is saying. It is only through moments of stillness that we can gain enough time for our internal wisdom to speak. Where will your shining star guide you, what is it illuminating?

If you pull this card it is an invitation for some sacred time alone to explore yourself, the answers you are seeking are within. Call upon your wise self for guidance.

REVERSED: Loneliness, lost, solitude, navel gazing, busyness, idleness, superficiality

10 - Wheel of Fortune (change)

KEYWORDS: Change, motion, development, growth

The Wheel of Fortune is ruled by Jupiter (and Sagittarius and Pisces by default), representing the Fire Element. The Wheel of Fortune depicts the ever-turning cycles of life, one moment we are on top, the next we are at the bottom, nothing is forever and everything holds its place, none are better or worse than the other- they each hold their own lessons and medicine.

Generally, as Jupiter is a positive Planet, it signals things changing for the better, but it is still a reminder to enjoy the present moment as best you can, remaining aware of the impermanent nature of everything.

KEYWORDS: Resistance to change, fatalism, pessimism, rigidity

11 - Justice (equity)

KEYWORDS: Justice, equality, equity, fairness, righteousness, morals, ethics

This is Libra’s card and reflective of the Air Element (it is also a “master number”, numerology is extremely important in the Tarot, click through to read more about The Link Between Numerology and Tarot). The Justice card, as the name suggests, relates to all things judicial, moral, and ethical, dealing with things of fairness, rightness, and equality. It can be an indicator to check in with your own prejudices or a symbol of your righteous integrity.

When it shows up for us, Justice can be a symbol that everything is working out just as should be, even if it doesn’t feel that way or we don’t like it.

REVERSED: Immoral, unjust, unfair, delusion

12 - The Hanged One (pause)

KEYWORDS: Wait, pause, liminality, inaction, delay, suspension, floating

This is ruled by Neptune, representing its liminal quality, and is by consequence a Water Element card. The Hanged One is a call to wait, pause, and let the unfoldings of life to naturally unfurl themselves without interference. Don’t force something to happen that doesn’t want to be, allow things to occur on their own in their own time. As the figure is hanging (placidly) upside down, it may also indicate a change in perspective or point of view. All will be revealed in due time, but for now, float easily in the waters of life’s tides.

The Hanged One can sometimes feel uncomfortable, we generally prefer things to be happening. But when it shows up for you you can trust that this liminal pause, delay, and sense of suspension is necessary. Float in the tides.

REVERSED: Skewed perception, resistance to slowing down, forcing the natural flow

13 - Death (transformation)

KEYWORDS: Change, transformation, transmutation, end of a cycle, rebirth

This is Scorpio’s card and so also representative of the Water Element. Death is a natural part of life, a necessary part of life. Without it, nothing fresh would be able to come through, in order for the new to be born, the old must first die. If you pull the Death card it can indicate that you are in a powerful transition period of metamorphosis and change, slowly shedding your skin to emerge refreshed and renewed, born again from the chrysalis a transformed being.

When it shows up for us in a reading, we can ask ourselves what are we ready to let go of?

REVERSED: Resisting change, stagnancy, clinging on

14 - Temperance (patience)

KEYWORDS: Temperance, moderation, patience, balance, harmonisation

This is Sagittarius’ card and so ruled by the Fire Element. Temperance is the card of Divine timing and patience, a lesson to consume everything in moderation, and to practice grace with yourself, others, life. Where can you soften your approach and ease into the effortless, mild capabilities of the angel on the card to seamlessly water-bend. How can you embrace your inner sanctuary of peace and trust in the natural process of things while holding onto a sense of serenity and tranquility, comfortable in not having it all at once? Is there somewhere your internal fire needs to be tamed or restrained in some way?

When Temperance shows up in a reading, it can suggest the potential for Divine guidance or assistance, if we ask for it. Or the need for calling upon balance between opposing forces, and patience in the process.

REVERSED: Forcing, impatience, resistance to natural flow, lack of faith

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15 - The Devil (obsession)

KEYWORDS: Materialism, obsessions, compulsions, addictions, vices, entrapment

This is Capricorn’s card and so an Earth Element. The Devil is representative of our Earthly vices, those things, habits or thought patterns we become obsessed with that don’t serve our best and highest good. It can also point to too much importance placed on material objects or things outside of ourselves, as well as downright addiction. The Devil card can show up when we are being our own worst enemy, when we need to let go and befriend our shadow.

What habits do you know are no good for you? Sometimes the Devil can also show places where we feel trapped with no way out. But just like the figures on the card, if we look closer we may see that we have more power to escape than we think.

REVERSED: Victim blaming, resistance to self-improvement, victim mentality

16 - The Tower (upheaval)

KEYWORDS: Chaos, destruction, upheaval, surprise, shock

This is ruled by Mars (and Aries and Scorpio by default) with a Fire Element disposition. The Tower represents the crumbling of false foundations, collapse of unstable beliefs, and the cataclysmic destruction of anything that was created on shaky ground. Sometimes this can relate to things that previously served us that have run their course, other times it is the seismic shifts of something that should have never been erected in the first place. Whatever it is, The Tower brings change.

This may also be a lesson we didn’t take heed in the past, which could have more naturally, but not necessarily less painfully (such as with Death), shifted in its own due time that we chose to ignore. What may have started as a whisper is now a rumbling thunder and clap of lightening that will force change upon us whether we want it or not. However, that’s not to say that The Tower has to be difficult, it may be something you were aware needed to evolve, or it could be a small but earth-shattering new belief!

REVERSED: Resistance to change, stubbornness, looking away from the obvious

17 - The Star (hope)

KEYWORDS: Hope, respite, replenishment, regeneration, faith, trust

Ahhh sweet release, after all those growing pains and the potential chaos of the previous cards, much like the quiet after a storm, we have the beautiful blessing of the Star of hope. This is Aquarius’ card, who is always looking to the future with faith and regeneration, and so also an Air Element card. Like a breath of fresh air, we can breathe easy in the breeze of The Star, safe in the knowledge that everything is as it should be and that we are on the right path and Divinely protected.

Take this invitation to rest and reset, enjoying the honeyed nectar of the present moment.

REVERSED: Loss of hope, loss of faith, resistance to rest

18 - The Moon (illusion)

KEYWORDS: Intuition, illusion, confusion, secrets, mysteries, unknown

This is Pisces’ card, a Water Element. It deals with illusions and false ideas, as well as the hidden and unknown. Use your intuition to guide you through the night and illuminate any lingering things that are holding you back. Perhaps now, refreshed and regenerated, we are able to see some things more clearly in hindsight, however we are still under cover of night here. Thus the Moon can also point to a clouded judgement, foggy mind, or secrets that are yet to pass.

When the Moon shows up to us, it is an invitation to move through as if it were dark, when a stick could be a snake. Slowly, and harnessing both intuition and logic, knowing that both could be wrong! Getting comfortable in the obscurity and unknown, trusting the the sun will rise and confusion will dissipate.

REVERSED: Lack of intuition, inability to see clearly, resistant to unknown

19 - The Sun (success)

KEYWORDS: Victory, joy, achievement, success, illumination, vitality

This is, of course, ruled by the Sun (and Leo by default), representing the Fire Element. Like all the other cards in the Tarot, when you pull The Sun, it does not necessarily mean that your life is, or will be, full of vitality, vibrancy, abundance, and joy suddenly (although it certainly could do!); but rather it asks where can you look to find these things and appreciate them, revelling in the gratitude.

If you get The Sun card and your life is full of happiness and success then awesome! Hope for more of the same. However, if you pull it and you do not currently experience these things, it is a gentle reminder that brighter days are always coming and question of what can you see that you are surrounded with right now that makes you feel full? It can be as simple as a beautiful sunny day, a warm friend, a delicious cup of coffee that you can afford to treat yourself with. Abundance is all around us if we look.

REVERSED: Resisting joy, lack of vitality, inability to champion for oneself

20 - Judgement (reflection)

KEYWORDS: Discernment, impartial judgment, reflection, legacy, contemplation

This is Pluto’s card, the generational planet, representing the Water Element. As we approach the end of our major cycle in The Fool’s journey, we are tasked with looking back on our progress and taking stock of our change, trials and tribulations, all that we have learnt and expressed in the world, and the legacy that we leave behind in our wake.

Take an honest look and congratulate yourself on how far you’ve come (which is often further than we give ourselves credit for). Look to where you were a month ago, a year ago- how have you grown? What do you leave behind you and how have you affected those around you? It also asks us to completely own all aspects of ourselves and the part we played in every situation we have been in, good and bad. How did we get there, what would we do differently now?

REVERSED: Overly judgemental or critical of self and others, lack of judgement

21 - The World (completion)

KEYWORDS: End of a cycle, completion, satisfaction, culmination, fulfilment, lessons

This is Saturn’s card (and Capricorn and Aquarius’ by default), ruled by the Earth Element. We have finally come the end of the cycle. We can rejoice and appreciate our newfound wisdom, soaking up all the lessons we have learnt and gifts we have gained, ready to begin anew in the next cycle of life. Allow satisfaction to wash over you, thank your experiences for all they have taught you, and rest assured in this newfound growth.

When this card shows up for us in a reading, we can ask ourselves what has run its course and come to a natural ending. Where are we finished with a chapter in our lives and what major lessons have we learnt?

REVERSED: Resisting endings, inability to learn lessons, holding on

If the link between Astrology and Tarot interests you, read our post on Tarotscopes for more insight!

Or, if you’d like to channel Divine insight relative to a specific question you have, book yourself in for a personalised Tarot Reading with me and let’s access the wisdom they have to tell you!

THE MINOR ARCANA

The Minor Arcana generally represent the smaller, more mundane, but no less important, aspects of our lives. They show us what can be shifted and changed energetically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically if we want them to.

Each of them is also a sum of the whole, one part in a cycle of 10 (usually the Court Cards are taken to stand on their own), and so we can also look to their number in the cycle to determine some of their meaning (their Numerology).

The Astrological Elements are also important and point to the area of life we are dealing with. For example, although all Aces represent a new beginning, fresh start, and invitation, what kind of beginning it is initiating will depend upon the suit.

The Wands are represented by the Element of Fire. This deals with all inspiration, creativity, energy, enthusiasm, spirituality, divine insight, and action.

The Cups are the Element of Water. This represents all of our emotions, feelings, wants, needs, desires, and relationships.

The Swords are the Air Element. This is related to the realm of the mind, thoughts, opinions, ideas, planning, strategy, clarity, focus, determination.

The Pentacles are represented by the Earth Element. This deals with all earthly matters, material possessions, values, rituals, practices, habits, routines, career, finances, money, and magic.

Just by using the Numerological and Elemental aspect of the Minor Arcana suits alone, you can begin to form preliminary conclusions on the cards (in fact, this is the solely intuitive approach recommended by the author of the Everyday Tarot Mini Deck)! As the purpose of this post is just to list Tarot in order, for the sake of conciseness I will simply include the main keywords for the Minor Arcana below, if you would like to learn more about each of them, check out our Beginner’s Tarot Guidebook For Heightened Intuition.

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THE MINOR ARCANA

WANDS (Fire)
Ace
New beginnings, start of projects, creative insight
Two
Decisions, travel, planning
Three
Progress, expansion, looking to the future
Four
Stability, harmony, happiness, family
Five
Disagreements, bickering, opposing views
Six
Victory, success, achievement
Seven
Perseverance, holding your ground
Eight
Action, movement, fast-pace
Nine
Recuperate, defence, resilience
Ten
Burdens, over-pressured, hard work
Page
News, exploration, excitement, freedom
Knight
Energy, passion, fearlessness
Queen
Exuberance, confidence, independence, joy
King
Leadership, vision, charisma

CUPS (Water)
Ace
New relationships, compassion, creativity
Two
Partnerships, unity, connection
Three
Joy, celebration, community
Four
Apathy, boredom, contemplation
Five
Grief, loss, disappointment, pity, appreciation
Six
Childhood, nostalgia, happiness, innocence
Seven
Choice, confusion, decisions, illusions
Eight
Moving on, growth, new pursuits
Nine
Satisfaction, accomplishment, contentment
Ten
Joy, security, contentment, belonging
Page
New creative opportunities, growing emotions or intuition
Knight
Emotionally perseverant, steadfast, romance, idealism
Queen
Intuitive, emotionally stable and open, compassionate
King
Steadfast, diplomatic, emotionally balanced

SWORDS (Air)
Ace
New insight, start of projects
Two
Decisions, intuition vs logic
Three
Heartache, pain
Four
Rest, regeneration, contemplation
Five
Defeat, conflict, competition
Six
Moving on, travel, change
Seven -
Deceit, lies, self-betrayal
Eight
Mental prison, victim mentality
Nine
Anxiety, worry, mind traps
Ten
Destruction, rock bottom, new beginnings
Page
Quick insight, curiosity, restlessness
Knight
Assertive, fast-paced, forceful
Queen
Wit, composure, strategic, direct
King
Detached, level-headed, disciplined

PENTACLES (Earth)
Ace
New monetary incomes, prosperity
Two
Balance, juggling, priorities
Three
Teamwork, craftsmanship, collaboration
Four
Holding on, lack mentality
Five
Financial loss, spiritual poverty
Six
Generosity, charity, exchange
Seven
Fruition, patience
Eight
Craftsmanship, diligence, talent
Nine
Luxury, indulgence, independence, success
Ten
Legacy, family, contentment, fulfilment
Page
New financial opportunities, skill development
Knight
Hard work, responsibility, slow progress, efficiency
Queen
Financial stability, nurturing, practical, grounded
King
Abundant, wealthy, secure, prosperous

So that’s the complete list of the Tarot cards along with their keywords and some descriptions, I hope it’s useful for you! I’d love to know how you get on with your Tarot journey in the comments section below :)

If you’re interesting in learning more about this fascinating world, don’t forget to get our Tarot Meaning Guidebook for deeper insight with a 10% welcome discount for all new email subscribers!

To learn more deeply about the world of Tarot, enrol in my Intuitive Tarot Course!