Major Arcana (22 cards)
From 0, the Fool, to 21, the World. They stand for life’s big themes and turning points.
The FoolFreedom, Beginnings
The MagicianCreation, Willpower
The High PriestessIntuition, Wisdom
The EmpressAbundance, Nurturing
The EmperorStability, Responsibility
The HierophantTrust, Tradition
The LoversChoice, Harmony
The ChariotProgress, Victory
StrengthCourage, Patience
The HermitReflection, Searching
Wheel of FortuneTurning point, Good luck
JusticeFairness, Balance
The Hanged ManTrial, Patience
DeathEnding and rebirth, Change
TemperanceHarmony, Moderation
The DevilTemptation, Attachment
The TowerSudden change, Collapse
The StarHope, Inspiration
The MoonAnxiety, Uncertainty
The SunSuccess, Joy
JudgementRevival, Awakening
The WorldCompletion, AchievementWands (Fire · 14 cards)
The suit of passion, action, work and creativity: Ace to Ten, plus the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Ace of WandsA spark of passion, Creativity
Two of WandsPlanning, Ambition
Three of WandsExpansion, Foresight
Four of WandsStability, Celebration
Five of WandsCompetition, Clashing opinions
Six of WandsVictory, Praise
Seven of WandsDefence, The upper hand
Eight of WandsRapid progress, Speed
Nine of WandsVigilance, Endurance
Ten of WandsBurden, Too much responsibility
Page of WandsCuriosity, Good news
Knight of WandsDrive, Passion
Queen of WandsConfidence, Charm
King of WandsLeadership, VisionCups (Water · 14 cards)
The suit of feelings, love and relationships: Ace to Ten, plus the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Ace of CupsNew love, Overflowing feelings
Two of CupsMutual love, Partnership
Three of CupsCelebration, Friendship
Four of CupsApathy, Discontent
Five of CupsLoss, Regret
Six of CupsNostalgia, Innocence
Seven of CupsDaydreams, Confusion
Eight of CupsWalking away, A change of direction
Nine of CupsWishes come true, Satisfaction
Ten of CupsHappy family, Happiness
Page of CupsSincere feelings, Sensitivity
Knight of CupsRomance, An invitation
Queen of CupsCompassion, Empathy
King of CupsGenerosity, ToleranceSwords (Air · 14 cards)
The suit of thought, words, decisions and conflict: Ace to Ten, plus the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Ace of SwordsDecision, Breakthrough
Two of SwordsBalance, Holding back
Three of SwordsHeartache, Sorrow
Four of SwordsRest, Retreat
Five of SwordsDefeat, Conflict
Six of SwordsTransition, Improvement
Seven of SwordsStrategy, Cunning
Eight of SwordsRestriction, Feeling trapped
Nine of SwordsAnxiety, Nightmares
Ten of SwordsAn ending, Rock bottom
Page of SwordsVigilance, Curiosity
Knight of SwordsSpeed, Charging ahead
Queen of SwordsIntelligence, Independence
King of SwordsReason, AuthorityPentacles (Earth · 14 cards)
The suit of money, material things, health and everyday reality: Ace to Ten, plus the Page, Knight, Queen and King.
Ace of PentaclesThe start of prosperity, Practical gain
Two of PentaclesFlexibility, Juggling
Three of PentaclesSkill, Cooperation
Four of PentaclesPossession, Stability
Five of PentaclesHardship, Isolation
Six of PentaclesGenerosity, Charity
Seven of PentaclesWaiting for growth, Assessment
Eight of PentaclesPractice, Diligence
Nine of PentaclesIndependence, Abundance
Ten of PentaclesProsperity, Family
Page of PentaclesDiligence, Learning
Knight of PentaclesSteadiness, Responsibility
Queen of PentaclesNurturing, Practicality
King of PentaclesSuccess, WealthAbout this encyclopedia
The order and names of the cards follow the Rider–Waite deck (also called the Waite–Smith deck). The meanings draw on the Waite and Marseille traditions and on readings shared by leading English and Japanese guidebooks; where traditions disagree, the text says so. The card pictures are originals, painted after the hand-painted tarot decks of fifteenth-century Milan.
Unlike the eto, the Four Pillars or Sanmeigaku, which read the nature you were born with from your date of birth, tarot reads the present moment from cards drawn on the spot. Try using your birth chart for your inborn nature, and tarot for hints about what is on your mind right now.