About Tarot
Meanings
Today's Tarot deck has fixed upon the 78 card standard that was popular in Northern Italy during the 16th century. The cards of the Major Arcana usually represent significant issues in the life of the Querent. They are key principles core to human life, such as life and death, ethical dilemmas, spirituality, and interaction with other people. One can view the Major Arcana as spiritual chart that the Querent can use to plot their course as they make their journey through life and beyond. The Minor Arcana often deal with the mundane and superficial, and how the Querent reacts to them. However, when doing a reading the distinctions between Minor and Major often blur, as the cards interact with each other and paint a seamless picture of the Querent's life and influences.
The following Tarot card meanings are the interpretations I have been using for decades, evolving from years of experience and study. There are no "correct" or "right" interpretations of the cards, but these foundations should guide you towards the answers you seek.
Major Arcana Card Meanings
The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are often considered the most important cards of the deck, revealing the foundations and pillars of the Querent's life. The consist of archetypes, universally recognized and highly symbolic figures that cross a broad spectrum of mythology and religions.
Minor Arcana Tarot Meanings
The 56 Minor Arcana are the ancestors of contemporary playing cards, and are similarly divided into four suits. Wands correspond to clubs, cups correspond to hearts, swords correspond to spades, and coins correspond to diamonds. Within each suit there are ten pip cards (Ace through 10), and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
The fool
Carefree · Foolish · Important decisions · New beginnings · Optimistic
The Fool is a very powerful card in the Tarot deck, usually representing a new beginning and, consequently, an end to something in your old life. The Fool's position in your spread reveals which aspects of your life may be subject to change. The Fool portends important decisions ahead which may not be easy to make, and involve an element of risk for you. Approach the changes with optimism and care to gain the most positive outcome.
Past
The risks you have taken and your original thinking have brought you success. By doing things in a new way, you have allowed for great potential.
Present
At this moment, you are entering a new phase of life. The experience of this change may seem good or bad now, but its influence will be clearer in the future. Assessing the risks is crucial to making the right choice.
Future
In order to succeed, you must find new ways to bring about the achievement of your goals. When the opportunity comes, you must be willing to shed old habits and if it never comes, it may be time to create it for yourself with new methods.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Fool represents new beginnings and carefree adventure. Though this card could indicate foolishness, it is more optimistic in the sense that it stands for pure actions and being free from the constraints of your present life. More than likely, there are important decisions coming your way, and the answer to your question is yes.
The Magician
Confident · Creative · Important communications · Skillful · Talented & proficient
The Magician generally associates with intelligent and skillful communicators. His presence in your spread indicates a level of self-confidence and drive which allows you to translate ideas into action. A practical card, the revelations it brings are best applied to the pragmatic and physical aspects of your life, rather then the ephemeral or theoretical. Your success in upcoming ventures in politics or business will likely hinge upon your own strength of will and determination.
Past
Your confidence and creativity have allowed you to effectively make your ideas into reality. You have found success through intelligence and skillful execution.
Present
Presently, there is a need for your knowledge and skills to influence the changes that are occuring. In order to make the changes beneficial, you must play your cards right.
Future
The future before you is uncertain, presenting both risk and opportunity. The possibilities will be influenced by the friendships you have nurtured and the support you have from those who are close. A triumph or creative success may bring about a new beginning for you.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Magician is symbolic of action and power in your life. Its positive connotations illustrate someone who is a smooth talker and good at all aspects of communication. This card suggests using your strong will power to move forward and take action. The answer to your question is yes.
The High Priestess
Feminine influences · Insightful · Mystery · Understanding · Wisdom
Your identification with the High Priestess suggests you possess inherent good judgment, in the form of strong intuition. She may indicate that reason should take second place to instinct. Your head must trust in the wisdom of your heart for a change. Yet, she is also an aide by nature, and her presence in certain parts of your spread could be indicative of someone close to you coming to your rescue with their own intuition. Intuition is most effective at seeing what is hidden to the senses, so the High Priestess may also come as a warning of concealed facts or influences that are, or will be, important to you.
Past
You have been in need of new experiences and may wander somewhere outside of your comfort zone. If you are lacking support in important areas of your life, you should consider the idea of investing your time in new people and new ideas. You are entering a time of renewal, but you may need the help of another.
Present
The undiscovered or repressed creative abilities you have are demanding to be expressed. Finding a spiritual guide will help you realize the full potential of your psychic or artistic abilities. In order to get what you desire, you will need to overcome your fear of commitment.
Future
You are on course to receive real rewards, but only if you continue your discipline and motivation. If you reject the attempts to dissuade you, your future is bright. Follow your intuition and you are headed towards the lasting contentment of success.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The High Priestess is a spiritually intuitive woman full of mystery, wisdom, and understanding. A journey of self-discovery goes hand-in-hand with the presence of this card in your spread. She stands for things yet to be discovered in your life, and thus the answer to your question is unclear.
The Empress
Abundant creativity · Fertility · Fulfillment · Mother figure · Productivity
Traditionally associated with strong maternal influence, the presence of the Empress is excellent news if you are looking for harmony in your marriage or hoping to start a family. Any artistic endeavours you are currently associated with are also likely to be more successful, as this card often finds those exposed to strong bursts of creative or artistic energy. That creative energy may not be in the form of a painting or art project, however: This card also suggests a very strong possibility of pregnancy -- not necessarily yours, but you might be seeing a new addition to your extended family or the family of a close friend in the near future! This card is a good portent for you and those around you.
Past
The last opportunity you had is proving its influence now. Whether business, personal, or artistic, a new partnership will require your continued effort to succeed. Remember your most resourceful behaviors, but especially your discipline.
Present
There may be a new beginning unfolding before you and you decided its quality. Be understanding and especially sensitive to the emotional aspects of life. A loved one will need a helping hand or light in the dark. The role is yours to fill, no matter your choice.
Future
The future will bring healing and respite for your emotional and physical wounds. Spending time walking on new paths will be more beneficial than mending bridges. Your investments will pay off if you carefully tend them.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Empress stands for all things motherly. A nurturing, loving problem solver, she indicates successful business ventures or other positive, productive opportunities to come. She suggests moving forward to fulfill your full potential, and the answer you seek is yes.
The Emperor
Authority · Father figure · Masculine influence · Rational · Stable
Counterpart to the Empress, the Emperor is signifies a powerful influence, generally male in nature. This can also include concepts in your life historically considered masculine, such as leadership and authority, self-discipline, and stability through the power of action. Its positive influences suggest you may be on a path to advancement or promotion, but it can also be neutral. Often a companion to those destined to take on greater responsibility, it may presage change or loss that necessitates you stepping forward to shoulder a greater burden than you have in the past. Whatever the impetus for the change, it indicates you may possess an uncommon inner strength that will compel you act and to lead.
Past
Authority has played a great role in shaping your life. Your good position may be due to a government or a powerful person. The resolution of a recent conflict is approaching.
Present
There may be a moment where someone in a position of authority offers to help you. In any form, the more experienced hand that has come to help you may be more capable than yours. Protecting your loved ones is important, but those in a leadership position must know how to compromise. Beware the overly-dependant.
Future
Taking the initiative may lead you closer to your goal, but only if you can bear the responsibility of all your actions. You will be given the opportunity to lead in one of life's many roles. Remember those who follow behind you.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Emperor, as the counterpart to the Empress, stands for all things fatherly. He is structure, order, and authority in your life. While moving forward in your endeavours, this card indicates that assertiveness and rationality will take you a long way. With that, your answer is yes.
The Hierophant (Pope)
Approval · Conformity · Consent · Good advice · Marriage or Union
Depending on your own nature, the Hierophant can mean very different things. At its root, it represents doctrine, but doctrine can come in the form of teaching and guidance or rigid authority. Where it appears in your spread is also important, as it is most often indicative of your own approach to the moral, religious, and social conventions of the world. Considered wisely, it helps show the path towards fulfillment.
Past
There is value in an ambition from your past. Look to a strength that you may have neglected.
Present
The opportunity for work or study under a superior is approaching. If the others around you are capable of being wrong, so are you.
Future
Look to the support of a solid organization or structured principles to achieve success. Your actions should be motivated beyond selfish reasons, or there will be little reward for them.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Hierophant is a symbol of education and tradition. This card suggests seeking spiritual guidance or advice in your life. Also indicative of conformity and religious approval, this card has neither a positive or negative connotation. The only answer is maybe.
The Lovers
Attachment or combination · Conflicting choices · Partners · Relationships · Union
Your first instinct will most likely be to associate this card as representing love, but, much like love, it does not possess a simple nature. Not only does love comes in many forms, but the Lovers may indicate important or difficult choices ahead in your life. This is bad, in that the choices it portends are generally mutually exclusive, paths to two very different futures, but also good, in that it also confirms that at least one of those paths will take you to a good place. As such, if you happen to find it in your spread, you should consider it carefully, but not fear it. It tells a story of difficult choices, likely painful, but that the correct decision and a positive outcome are within your grasp.
Past
By becoming more in tune with yourself, you will be more able to connect with others. The emotional burden of a recent conflict will soon be lifted and a successful resolution reached.
Present
There is an approaching conflict that will test your values. In order to progress, you are going to have to make a decision between love and career. Neither will disappear forever, but the choice will shape your priorities.
Future
It will benefit you to remember that opposites are two sides of the same coin; there is not one without the other. The right choice will be made only if you have accepted others and yourself.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Lovers suggest being at a crossroads somewhere in your life. While this card is highly symbolic of relationships, love, and togetherness, it could also be revealing a positive business partnership or teaming up to move forward in your life. The answer to your question is yes.
The Chariot
Journey · Progression · Strong character · Success from effort · Transportation and movement
You have some hard work ahead of you. It may be resolved quickly, but the Chariot is a powerful card, and the labor you are undertaking will probably trend towards long and difficult. You will quite possibly experience rough roads, long uphill slopes, dead ends, and painful setbacks. A good outcome is only assured if the card is upright, but do not let yourself lose hope: This hard road will install in you a strength of purpose, the ability to overcome through organization and endurance, and the confidence possessed only by those who have done what they thought they could not. Harnessed correctly, few forces can stand against an individual like that.
Past
Your character has been tested by the tendency to protect your own interests and ego. The struggle has strengthened you and recent events have given you a chance to accomplish your victory.
Present
Good news is coming and you will better the opposition in a decisive victory.
Future
Continue your struggle and the end you seek will be achieved. Honor, acclaim, and recognition are all possible outcomes for you if you do not quit.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Chariot reveals some sort of journey. With a positive connotation, this journey will most likely be a progression of some sort. It could also be the final success you have been working for. The confidence, direction, and victory shown through this card indicate that the answer is yes.
The Strenght
Energy · Facing problems · Strenght · Vitality · Willpower
Strength is the rawest form of power, and you possess it in some form. It is a very happy card if you are fighting illness or recovering from injury. As might be suspected, its influence over you, and the use you put it to, can trend towards light or dark. You likely trend towards facing your problems courageously, head-on, and conquering them through perseverance and will. With this ability to overcome life's obstacles, though, comes the responsibility to control yourself, and it this card may be a warning to take command of your own actions or emotions before they damage you or the people you care about.
Past
Your strength is balanced and you have both physical endurance and mental strength. This inner strength may lead you to explore the other potentials for your abilities.
Present
Do not turn down any offers that will change your future. Have faith in your own convictions, and be strong enough to trust where you will land.
Future
There is a strong, energetic release in your future which will lead you into major life changes. By understanding your true value, you will make the most of a wonderful chance to improve your life.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Strength card shows a presence of self-assurance and confidently facing problems in your life. It suggests a person who enjoys power but has the capacity to exercise great self-control in all matters. Patience and strength may be required in your pursuits, and the answer you seek is most likely yes.
The Hermit
Detachment · Guidance · Solitude · Sour-searching and introspection · Thinking and reflection
There are times in every life, when one must step back and make a careful examination of their situations and decisions. Finding the Hermit in your spread suggests this is just such a time for you. You are in need of a period of inner reflection, away from the current demands of your position. This retreat can be physical, or a search within. Only a deep and honest introspection will lead to a solution, however.
Past
The pace of your past has slowed, and it is time to accept this. Continue looking for your finals goals and consider the insight you have recently gained.
Present
There is someone who can help you through all your problems, and their insight may surprise you. This person is yourself. By understanding yourself, you can better understand others.
Future
When you become aware of your true road, there will be nothing to stand in your way. Life has challenged you, but you are prepared to make the best of the future.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Hermit is a card symbolic of seeking some sort of spiritual enlightenment. Solitary introspection and contemplation are also associated with the Hermit. Perhaps some soul-searching and reflection are required on your part. The answer to your question, therefore, is maybe.
The Wheel of Fortune
Change · Destiny · Good luck · Life cycles · New direction
Symbolic of life's cycles, the Wheel of Fortune speaks to good beginnings. Most likely, you will find the events foretold to be positive, but, being aspects of luck, they may also be beyond your control and influence. Tend those things you can control with care, and learn not to agonize over the ones you cannot.
Past
The actions of your past are the seeds of your future success. To make progress, you must accept the changes coming.
Present
There is a beneficial change approaching, but keep in mind that luck is out of your control.
Future
The future will yield an opportunity to change paths towards personal growth and happiness. You must be ready to change your ways of thinking, because whether or not your actions bring success, they represent beneficial change.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Wheel of Fortune stands for luck, changes, and a new direction in your life. While it also shows ups and downs, the overall feel of the card is a positive one indicating changes for the better and good fortune. The answer you are looking for is yes.
Justice
Balance · Equality · Fairness · Justice · Law and legal matters
Justice is a very good card to find in your spread if you have acted with kindness and fairness towards other and, especially, if you have been a victim. It is a significant indicator of a positive resolution, although how and what sort will depend on your own experiences. If you have been unfair, abusive, or otherwise shady and immoral in your dealings, though, pay heed. For the unjust, this card is, at best, a dire warning to change your ways before retribution falls upon you, and, at worst, a simple statement that it is already too late. In neutral cases, it may simply be telling you to seek out balance in your life.
Past
Balancing your emotions will pay off and bring you harmony in relationships. The confusion of your life can be overcome if you find inner balance.
Present
You wil receive some gift of advice or have a debt repaid to you.
Future
When all is said and done, you will receive the outcome that you truly deserve. Your moral character will be justified, so maintain integrety and strive to balance yourself.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Justice card is all about karma, fairness, and balance in different affairs in your life. It does not suggest an outcome that is either for or against you, but accountability, dignity, and integrity are all liked to its presence. There is no clear cut answer to your question.
The Hanged Man
A period of transition · Gaining for a sacrifice · Suspending · Restricting · Discontinued
The Hanged Man can be interpreted in two very different ways. All change is a small kind of death, as the old must die to create the new, and it may simply indicate upheaval or change in your future, perhaps beyond your control, but more likely a decision that, for good or ill, you will not be able to turn back from. The other interpretation is one of sacrifice, although whether this sacrifice is small or great may not be easily interpreted. Both interpretations imply permanence, and that you should give very careful thought to the decisions in your life.
Past
Letting go of some things from your past has brought new value to your spiritual life. That which you sacrificed must be seen in a new way.
Present
If there is something being rushed, this may suggest that it is going to pause. Keep in mind that the act of giving help is not more important than the person being helped.
Future
Many things are unknown to you now, so you must make new goals and plan carefully. Acting at the right moment will get you ahead.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Hanged Man suggests some sort of metamorphosis through breaking patterns, letting go, or going through a period of transition. Although it could indicate having to give something up in order to gain a fresh perspective, it has neither positive or negative connotations. Maybe is the answer.
The Death
End · New beginning · Loss · Dramatic change · Destruction
Death is indicative of change in your future. This change can be in almost any aspect of your life, but it will almost certainly be permanent, significant, and absolute. Death suggests a complete severance between the past and the future, and it will likely be painful. Despite the sense of loss that may accompany it, Death fills an important and natural role in life, and leads eventually to acceptance. It is a necessary part of moving forward, and you will find the changes easiest if you embrace them, rather than fight them. Expect the end of a close friendship, a job, a marriage, or even a life, but do not focus too greatly on the negative.
Past
You have moved into a new phase of life. All things change with time, and your path through this world is no different.
Present
A major event is approaching and will arrive suddenly. You will lose something valuable.
Future
To move forward, develop a new perspective on the world. The past is behind you and the rest of your life is still ahead of you, so continue the journey with all your heart.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Death card shows some sort of dramatic change in order to have a new beginning. It is often associated with some sort of loss, failure, or destruction. The overall tone of this card is dark and not good. Thus, your answer is no.
Temperance
Capable · Control · Harmony and balance · Moderation (drugs / alcohol) · Self-confidence
An optimistic card, Temperance encourages you to find balance in your life and approach problems with a calm demeanour. It recognizes that opposing forces need not be at war within you. Tread carefully in any major decisions you make, with confidence that good decisions will lead to a good resolution for you.
Past
The experiences you've had learning to work in harmony with others will be an ongoing trend. Balancing the material and psychic elements in your life has deeply influenced you.
Present
Something you have long desired will come to fruition. Expect a wealthy partnership or marriage to develop in your immediate social circle.
Future
Take control of your life and practice moderation. By staying in balance, you will resolve any current conflicts and begin a new chapter in your life.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Temperance card suggests divine intervention, balance, and harmony. The positive overall presence of this card in your spread reveals high levels of self-confidence and control in your endeavors. The answer provided by this card is most likely yes.
The Devil
Anger · Jealousy and resentment · Self-delusion · Selfishness · Violence
The Devil is in the business of entrapment. It signifies a situation from which there is no escape, or a road leading to one. Forewarning may let you avoid the trap, or it may not. What sort of trap, and how you might avoid it, depends on where the Devil appears in your spread, and what other cards surround it. This card does not foretell doom, only the need for prudence.
Past
One of the choices you've made was wrong for you. Negative forces are slowing your development.
Present
There is an event beyond your influence that will change your life. It is uncertain whether it is good or bad, but avoid extravagant behavior and be true to yourself.
Future
The time is coming that you will have to find beauty within yourself and stop the projections you are casting on the world. Find the courage to change your life. The course of your life is beyond your knowing, but this awareness will defeat your self-delusions.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Devil is about all things negative. Anger, violence, temptation, fear, and doubt are just some of the terrors associated with this card. It suggests feeling trapped perhaps in an unhealthy relationship, an addiction, or a lie. Without a doubt, this card is telling you no.
The Tower
Destruction · Dramatic change · Loss and ruin · New start · Unexpected events
Dark and foreboding, the Tower is the embodiment of disruption and conflict. Not just change, but the abrupt and jarring movement caused by the unforeseen and traumatic events which are part of life. The Tower in your spread is always a threat, but life inevitably involves tragedy, and you must decide whether you will face it with grace.
Past
To make room for the new, the old must be destroyed. The ambitions that you have been following are built on weak foundations and offer false rewards.
Present
A conflict is coming to a head in your life. Relationships will need to be reevaluated and restructured in order to maintain.
Future
By withstanding the coming challenges, your future will be bright. Seein things as you want them to be in order to make them become that way. Knowing the worst is behind you can give strength.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Tower is all about unexpected events and changes coming up in your life. However, the changes are along the lines of something catastrophic, disasterous, and overall negative. It could be related to some sort of accident, disaster, or damage to another area of your life. The answer provided by this card is no.
The Star
Calm and serenity · Destiny · Hope · Opportunity · Renewal
The Star's presence signifies a period of respite and renewal for you. This renewal may be spiritual, physical, or both. It is a particularly positive sign if you or someone close is recovering from illness or injury. It is a light in the darkness, illuminating your future and your past.
Past
Move on from the hardships of the past and begin your renewal. At the end of all struggles will be peace; rely on your inner strength and external support systems.
Present
Consider balance and restraint when finding solutions to your current problems. The right amount of help and encouragement will bring harmony and happiness to your circles.
Future
The time of your renewal is approaching. You have chosen the right path to restore your mental and physical health. By being brave enough to choose the riskier roads, you will inspire those around you.
Yes / No Key Interpretation
The Star is symbolic of hope, renewal, and beauty. It suggests a period of spiritual tranquility, happiness, and positive opportunities. The overall feeling of this card is optimistic and serene. The answer suggested by its presence is yes.
