The Complete Tarot Cards List: Meanings and Descriptions for Each Card

Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Tarot CardsThe 22 Major Arcana Cards: Life's Big Lessons1. The Fool2. The Magician3. The High Priestess4. The Empress5. The Emperor6. The Hierophant7. The Lovers8. The Chariot9. Strength10. The Hermit11. Wheel of Fortune12. Justice13. The Hanged Man14. Death15. Temperance16. The Devil17. The Tower18. The Star19. The Moon20. The Sun21. Judgement22. The World

Need a tarot cards list? This article provides a complete list of tarot cards with brief descriptions of their meanings. Perfect for quickly understanding each card in the Major and Minor Arcana.

Key Takeaways

Tarot cards are categorized into Major Arcana, which reflect significant life themes and spiritual lessons, and Minor Arcana, which address daily experiences and practical concerns. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing pivotal life events and personal growth, while the Minor Arcana comprises 56 cards divided into four suits, focusing on willpower, emotions, intellect, and material matters. Using tarot cards effectively involves understanding their meanings, starting with daily card pulls, and practicing meditation to enhance intuitive interpretations.

Understanding Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that reflect significant life events, providing insights into overarching themes and spiritual lessons. Each Major Arcana card is a powerful symbol, representing life’s karmic and spiritual journey. These cards are often seen as the backbone of a tarot deck, offering deep, transformative insights during a tarot reading with tarots.

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards.

These tarot decks are divided into four suits: court cards, Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

Each suit corresponds to different aspects of daily life, such as creativity, emotions, intellect, and material concerns.

The Minor Arcana cards highlight the trials and tribulations we encounter on a day-to-day basis, providing guidance and clarity on more immediate concerns. Together, the Major and Minor Arcana create a complete picture of the human experience, making tarot a comprehensive tool for self-reflection and spiritual guidance.

The 22 Major Arcana Cards: Life's Big Lessons

The Major Arcana is a collection of 22 cards that form the foundation of the tarot deck. These cards represent major life themes and spiritual lessons, offering deep insights into our karmic journeys and the significant events that shape our lives. Each Major Arcana card holds a unique message, guiding us through the various stages of personal and spiritual development.

Often viewed as the heart of the tarot deck, these major arcana cards provide the big picture and emphasize the spiritual guidance that directs us towards growth and enlightenment. From The Fool’s journey of new beginnings to The World’s message of completion, the Major Arcana encapsulates the profound experiences that define our existence.

Let’s delve into the meanings of each Major Arcana card and discover the wisdom they hold.

1. The Fool

The Fool tarot card symbolizes new beginnings, innocence, and spontaneity. Depicted as a young person stepping off a cliff, The Fool embodies the essence of a fresh start, encouraging us to embrace the unknown with a sense of wonder and adventure.

This first card of the Major Arcana marks the start of the fool’s journey, reminding us that every new beginning holds infinite possibilities.

2. The Magician

The Magician represents manifestation and personal power. Illustrated with a figure holding tools symbolizing the elements, the card signifies the ability to turn ideas into reality through focused action and resourcefulness.

The Magician encourages us to harness our inner power and take control of our own way of destiny.

3. The High Priestess

The High Priestess symbolizes intuition, and the high priestess represents intuition and inner wisdom. She embodies an element of mystery as well. Depicted as a serene figure between two pillars, the card encourages individuals to trust their inner voice and explore their subconscious.

The High Priestess reminds us that sometimes the answers we seek lie within, urging us to delve into hidden truths and spiritual lessons.

4. The Empress

The Empress represents nurturing and abundance. She is also a symbol of fertility. Set in a lush garden, she illustrates her connection to nature and growth. The Empress embodies the nurturing aspect of femininity, emphasizing the importance of creativity and caring for others.

5. The Emperor

The Emperor tarot card symbolizes authority, structure, and stability. Depicted as a ruler on a throne, The Emperor emphasizes control, leadership, and the establishment of order.

This card encourages us to embrace our inner leader and create a solid foundation in our lives.

6. The Hierophant

The Hierophant represents tradition and conventional wisdom. Additionally, it embodies spiritual guidance. Representing legacy through adherence to established norms, The Hierophant derives wisdom from spiritual practices and emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and traditional interpretations.

Depicted as a religious figure offering blessings, The Hierophant guides individuals through life’s journey by highlighting the role of tradition and spiritual wisdom. This card calls us to seek a higher calling and embrace the lessons passed down through generations.

7. The Lovers

The Lovers card highlights the importance of love, harmony, and the choices that come with relationships. Representing the merging of dualities, this card encourages us to consider the emotional and romantic aspects of our lives and the significant decisions that shape our connections.

8. The Chariot

The Chariot card symbolizes determination and willpower. It also signifies victory. Depicted as a figure in a vehicle drawn by sphinxes, The Chariot symbolizes the drive to overcome obstacles and push forward with confidence.

This card suggests the ability to control opposing forces and pursue goals with unwavering focus. The Chariot is a powerful reminder that with determination and willpower, we can achieve our ambitions and navigate life’s challenges successfully.

9. Strength

The Strength tarot card symbolizes inner strength and courage. It also embodies patience. Depicted as a figure gently closing a lion’s mouth, Strength conveys that true power comes from gentle persistence and calm control.

This card teaches that overcoming obstacles often requires inner fortitude and compassion rather than brute force.

10. The Hermit

The Hermit card is depicted as a robed figure holding a lantern, symbolizing introspection, inner guidance, and solitude. This card encourages us to seek wisdom within and take time for self-reflection.

The Hermit reminds us that solitude can foster profound insights and support personal growth.

11. Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes cycles, destiny, and turning points in life. Depicted with various figures representing the interconnectedness of life’s experiences, this card emphasizes that life is a series of ups and downs.

The Wheel of Fortune reminds us to embrace change and recognize the role of fate in our journeys through fortune telling.

12. Justice

The Justice Tarot card symbolizes fairness and truth. It also signifies the concepts of cause and effect. Depicted with scales and a sword, Justice emphasizes the importance of balance and making crucial decisions with integrity.

This card appears typically when we need to make important choices or when karma is at work.

13. The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man tarot card represents surrender, letting go, and new perspectives. Visually characterized by a figure suspended upside down, this card invites us to look at situations from a fresh viewpoint and embrace the process of surrender.

The Hanged Man encourages a shift in perception and a willingness to see things differently.

14. Death

The Death Tarot card symbolizes transformation and endings. It also signifies new beginnings. While often seen as ominous, Death signifies the end of one phase and the start of another, highlighting the importance of letting go to welcome new opportunities.

15. Temperance

Temperance symbolizes balance, moderation, and harmony in all aspects of life. Depicted as an angel mixing waters between cups, the card encourages finding a middle ground and achieving equilibrium.

Temperance teaches the value of patience and the importance of blending opposites to create harmony.

16. The Devil

The Devil card signifies bondage and materialism, revealing feelings of being trapped or bound by material concerns. Depicted as a horned figure with chained individuals below, this card points to the struggle with material desires and the importance of recognizing personal chains.

The Devil urges us to confront and break free from our self-imposed limitations so we do not feel trapped.

17. The Tower

The Tower card signifies sudden upheaval, dramatic change, and revelation. The imagery of a lightning-struck tower with figures falling illustrates transformative events that pave the way for new beginnings and growth.

The Tower teaches that upheaval, while unsettling, can lead to necessary transformation and growth.

18. The Star

The Star tarot card means symbolizes hope and inspiration. It also signifies renewal. Depicted as a figure pouring water under a starlit sky, The Star embodies a sense of renewal, encouraging us to remain hopeful and find inspiration in our lives. Understanding tarot card meanings can enhance our interpretation of this card.

This card signifies optimism and guidance, card reminds us to look forward with a positive outlook.

19. The Moon

The Moon tarot card symbolizes intuition, illusion, and the subconscious. This card encourages us to trust our intuition, especially during moments of confusion or uncertainty.

The Moon urges us to explore the depths of our subconscious mind and uncover hidden truths.

20. The Sun

The Sun tarot card features a bright sun. It also shows a child riding a white horse, representing joy and success. This card signifies positivity, achievement, and the fulfillment of goals. The Sun brings messages of happiness and vitality, encouraging us to embrace joy and celebrate our accomplishments.

21. Judgement

The Judgement card represents awakening and renewal. Depicted with figures rising from graves at the sound of a trumpet, Judgement signifies rebirth and a call to reflect on one’s life and choices for renewal.

This card encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of spiritual guidance.

22. The World

The World Tarot card signifies completion and accomplishment. Depicted as a dancing figure within a wreath, The World symbolizes success and the fulfillment of goals. This card represents the end of a journey and the achievement of one’s aspirations, encouraging us to recognize our accomplishments and celebrate our milestones.

The Minor Arcana Cards: Daily Experiences

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that reflect daily trials and tribulations.

Organized into four suits:

Wands, which correspond to creativity Cups, which correspond to emotions Swords, which correspond to intellect Pentacles, which correspond to material concerns

Each suit provides insights into everyday experiences and the challenges we face in our daily lives.

Each suit of the Minor Arcana offers a unique perspective on life’s various aspects:

Wands symbolize willpower and creativity Cups represent emotions and relationships Swords embody intellect and challenges Pentacles focus on material concerns and financial stability

Together, the Minor Arcana cards offer a comprehensive view of the human experience, addressing both the mundane and the profound.

1. Suit of Wands

The Suit of Wands is associated with the fire element and symbolizes willpower, creativity, and passion. This suit often represents the spark of inspiration and the drive to pursue new ventures. The Fool, for example, represents a free spirit ready for adventure, embodying the essence of new beginnings.

Various cards within the suit highlight different aspects of this energy. The Page of Wands brings exciting opportunities and creative inspiration, while the Five of Wands suggests facing challenges with assertion and standing your ground. The Six of Wands represents triumph and recognition, emphasizing the rewards of perseverance and determination.

2. Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands symbolizes inspiration. It also signifies new creative beginnings. This card signifies the onset of new ideas and the potential for growth, encouraging us to embrace our creative energy and pursue our passions with enthusiasm.

3. Two of Wands

The Two of Wands symbolizes planning and future possibilities. This card signifies strategic planning and the potential for future ventures, encouraging us to consider our long-term goals and make plans to achieve them.

4. Three of Wands

The Three of Wands symbolizes expansion and foresight. This card encourages us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and consider the broader implications of our actions, emphasizing the importance of vision and planning for future growth.

5. Suit of Cups

The Suit of Cups represents emotions and relationships, aligning with the water element. This suit delves into the emotional aspects of our lives, exploring themes of love, compassion, and emotional intelligence. The Empress embodies the nurturing aspect of femininity, linked to themes of abundance and creativity.

Various cards within the suit highlight different facets of emotional experiences. The Queen of Cups represents emotional intelligence and intuition, urging individuals to trust their feelings and nurture with compassion. The Knight of Cups symbolizes romance and charm, highlighting the emotional aspect of relationships.

The Five of Cups provides a reminder to acknowledge losses while recognizing what remains, reinforcing the importance of emotional resilience.

6. Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups represents new emotional beginnings. It is also a symbol of spiritual love. This card signifies the onset of new emotional experiences and spiritual connections, encouraging us to open our hearts and embrace new opportunities for love and emotional growth.

7. Two of Cups

The Two of Cups Tarot card represents partnership and mutual attraction. This card embodies the idea of partnerships and emotional bonds, encouraging us to form meaningful connections and nurture our relationships.

8. Three of Cups

The Three of Cups celebrates friendship and communal joy. This card represents friendship and celebration, highlighting the importance of social connections and shared happiness.

9. Suit of Swords

The Suit of Swords represents logic, truth, and the challenges of life, encouraging critical thinking and conflict resolution. This suit delves into the mental aspects of our lives, addressing themes of intellect, clarity, and the difficulties we face. The Ten of Swords represents painful endings and hitting rock bottom, reflecting the challenges we encounter.

Various cards within the suit highlight different mental challenges. The Nine of Swords symbolizes anxiety and worry, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity and facing fears. The Eight of Swords represents restriction and imprisonment, often indicating the barriers we face during transitions.

The Six of Swords signifies transition and moving forward from troubled waters, highlighting the journey towards seeking clarity and mental clarity, and freedom.

10. Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords represents a powerful start in terms of mental clarity. This card symbolizes breakthrough ideas, suggesting a time for clear thinking and decisive action. The Ace of Swords encourages us to embrace new ideas and approach challenges with a sharp mind.

11. Two of Swords

The Two of Swords symbolizes difficult decisions and the need for careful consideration. This card represents the challenge of confronting difficult choices and urges individuals to weigh their options thoughtfully before making a decision.

Understanding the implications of the Two of Swords encourages a reflective and cautious approach to life’s challenges.

12. Three of Swords

The Three of Swords symbolizes the painful experiences associated with heartbreak and sorrow. This card often reflects emotional pain and challenges in relationships, urging us to confront and process our feelings to heal and move forward.

13. Suit of Pentacles

The Suit of Pentacles refers to material aspects and financial stability, associated with the earth element. This suit addresses the practical and tangible aspects of our lives, focusing on themes of financial security, work, and material success. The Knight of Pentacles suggests steady progress and careful planning, emphasizing the importance of persistence and diligence.

Various cards within the suit highlight different aspects of material concerns. The Page of Pentacles brings messages of practical opportunities and learning, encouraging us to embrace new skills and knowledge. The Two of Pentacles symbolizes balance and adaptability, illustrating the necessity of managing multiple responsibilities effectively.

14. Ace of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles symbolizes new financial opportunities. This card signifies the potential for material success and encourages us to seize opportunities that promise growth and financial stability.

15. Two of Pentacles

The Two of Pentacles illustrates the necessity of balancing multiple responsibilities. This card emphasizes the importance of adaptability and effective time management in handling life’s various demands.

16. Three of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles represents teamwork and collaboration. This card highlights the value of working together towards common goals and achieving success through collective effort and cooperation.

How to Use Tarot Cards

Understanding the distinct roles of the Major and Minor Arcana is crucial for effectively using tarot cards. The Major Arcana focuses on significant life events and spiritual lessons, providing profound insights into our karmic journeys. The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, addresses everyday aspects of life, offering guidance on immediate concerns and daily experiences.

Beginners can start with daily card pulls to build familiarity and understanding of card meanings. Meditating with tarot cards can deepen the connection to their energies and enhance intuitive interpretations. Incorporating these tarot practices helps develop a more meaningful and insightful tarot reading experience.

Summary

In summary, the tarot deck is a powerful tool for self-reflection and spiritual guidance. The Major Arcana cards offer insights into significant life events and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana provides guidance on daily experiences and challenges. Together, they create a comprehensive picture of the human experience, addressing both the profound and the mundane.

As you continue to explore tarot, remember that each card holds a unique message, guiding you on your journey of personal and spiritual growth. Embrace the wisdom of the tarot and let it inspire you to look within, trust your intuition, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main divisions of tarot cards?

The two main divisions of tarot cards are the Major Arcana, comprising 22 cards that symbolize significant life events and spiritual lessons, and the Minor Arcana, made up of 56 cards divided into four suits that represent daily experiences and challenges.

What does The Fool card represent in a tarot reading?

The Fool card represents new beginnings, innocence, and spontaneity, urging you to embrace the unknown with a sense of wonder and adventure. It highlights the importance of taking risks and embarking on new journeys.

How can beginners start practicing tarot readings?

To begin practicing tarot readings, daily card pulls can help you familiarize yourself with card meanings, while meditation can enhance your connection to their energies. This approach establishes a strong foundation for your tarot journey.

What is the significance of the Suit of Cups in tarot?

The Suit of Cups is significant in tarot as it symbolizes emotions and relationships, emphasizing love, compassion, and emotional intelligence. Understanding its meaning can enhance your insight into personal connections and feelings.

How does the Wheel of Fortune card influence a tarot reading?

The Wheel of Fortune card signifies cycles and turning points, encouraging you to embrace change and acknowledge destiny's influence in your life. It serves as a reminder that each shift brings new opportunities and experiences.