What Do the 78 Tarot Cards Mean?

The tarot is a tool that has been used for divination and self-reflection for centuries. It consists of a deck of 78 cards, each with its own unique symbolism and meaning. Understanding the meanings of these cards can provide insight into various aspects of our lives, including relationships, career, spirituality, and personal growth. In this blog post, we will explore the meanings of each of the 78 tarot cards.

The Major Arcana

The tarot deck is divided into two main sections – the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing a major life lesson or spiritual theme. These cards are powerful indicators of significant events and influences in our lives.

Here is a list of the 22 Major Arcana cards and their meanings:

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards and is further divided into four suits – Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles. Each suit represents a different area of life and is associated with different elements and energies.

Cups

The Cups suit is associated with emotions, relationships, and the element of water. It reflects our emotional well-being, intuition, and the connections we have with others. The 14 cards in the Cups suit represent different aspects of emotional experiences.

Here is a breakdown of the Cups suit and their meanings:

• Ace of Cups: New love, emotional fulfillment, and spiritual growth.
• Two of Cups: Harmonious relationships, love partnerships, and mutual attraction.
• Three of Cups: Celebration, friendship, and joyous occasions.
• Four of Cups: Contemplation, introspection, and seeking emotional fulfillment.
• Five of Cups: Loss, disappointment, and grief.
• Six of Cups: Nostalgia, childhood memories, and generosity.
• Seven of Cups: Choices, fantasies, and illusions.
• Eight of Cups: Walking away from a situation that no longer serves you.
• Nine of Cups: Contentment, emotional satisfaction, and wish fulfillment.
• Ten of Cups: Happiness, emotional harmony, and fulfillment in relationships.
• Page of Cups: Creativity, intuition, and messages of love.
• Knight of Cups: Romantic and imaginative actions, following your heart.
• Queen of Cups: Emotional maturity, nurturing, and intuition.
• King of Cups: Emotional stability, empathy, and control over emotions.

Swords

The Swords suit is associated with thoughts, beliefs, and the element of air. It represents the mind and the challenges we face intellectually. The 14 cards in the Swords suit reflect different aspects of our mental processes and the conflicts we encounter.

Here is a breakdown of the Swords suit and their meanings:

• Ace of Swords: Mental clarity, breakthroughs, and new ideas.
• Two of Swords: Indecision, choices, and a need for balance.
• Three of Swords: Heartbreak, sorrow, and emotional pain.
• Four of Swords: Rest, recuperation, and contemplation.
• Five of Swords: Conflict, deceit, and winning at the expense of others.
• Six of Swords: Transition, moving on, and finding peace.
• Seven of Swords: Deception, betrayal, and secrets.
• Eight of Swords: Feeling trapped, self-imposed limitations, and victimhood.
• Nine of Swords: Anxiety, nightmares, and excessive worry.
• Ten of Swords: Defeat, rock bottom, and the end of a difficult phase.
• Page of Swords: Curiosity, intellect, and seeking truth.
• Knight of Swords: Action, ambition, and decisiveness.
• Queen of Swords: Independence, clear communication, and critical thinking.
• King of Swords: Intellectual leadership, logic, and authority.

Wands

The Wands suit is associated with passion, creativity, and the element of fire. It represents our ambitions, desires, and the energy to manifest our goals. The 14 cards in the Wands suit reflect different aspects of our passions and the actions we take.

Here is a breakdown of the Wands suit and their meanings:

• Ace of Wands: Creative inspiration, new beginnings, and potential.
• Two of Wands: Planning, personal power, and expansion.
• Three of Wands: Exploration, partnerships, and future opportunities.
• Four of Wands: Celebration, harmony, and a sense of homecoming.
• Five of Wands: Competition, conflict, and power struggles.
• Six of Wands: Victory, recognition, and public achievement.
• Seven of Wands: Defense, perseverance, and standing up for oneself.
• Eight of Wands: Swift action, progress, and movement forward.
• Nine of Wands: Resilience, determination, and inner strength.
• Ten of Wands: Burden, overwhelm, and taking on too much.
• Page of Wands: Enthusiasm, potential, and exploration.
• Knight of Wands: Passion, adventure, and taking risks.
• Queen of Wands: Confidence, charisma, and independence.
• King of Wands: Leadership, vision, and authority.

Pentacles

The Pentacles suit is associated with material wealth, practicality, and the element of earth. It reflects our physical health, financial well-being, and the things we value. The 14 cards in the Pentacles suit represent different aspects of our material world and our connection to it.

Here is a breakdown of the Pentacles suit and their meanings:

• Ace of Pentacles: Manifestation, abundance, and new financial ventures.
• Two of Pentacles: Balance, adaptability, and juggling priorities.
• Three of Pentacles: Teamwork, collaboration, and skilled craftsmanship.
• Four of Pentacles: Security, possessiveness, and holding onto resources.
• Five of Pentacles: Financial loss, hardship, and temporary struggle.
• Six of Pentacles: Generosity, charity, and receiving help or support.
• Seven of Pentacles: Evaluation, investment, and long-term rewards.
• Eight of Pentacles: Dedication, craftsmanship, and refinement of skills.
• Nine of Pentacles: Independence, self-sufficiency, and enjoying the fruits of labor.
• Ten of Pentacles: Wealth, legacy, and stability in material matters.
• Page of Pentacles: Ambition, practicality, and new opportunities.
• Knight of Pentacles: Reliability, stability, and methodical progress.
• Queen of Pentacles: Nurturing, abundance, and practical wisdom.
• King of Pentacles: Wealth, material success, and financial security.

Conclusion

Understanding the meanings of the 78 tarot cards can bring depth and insight into your tarot readings and personal journey. The Major Arcana represents significant life lessons, while the Minor Arcana provides guidance on everyday matters and experiences. Remember that interpretations may vary and intuition plays a crucial role in tarot reading. Embrace the symbolism and let the tarot cards speak to you, revealing the wisdom within.