Introduction to Tarot
Tarot is a powerful tool for self-reflection, guidance, and exploring possibilities. A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards).
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana represents significant life events, karmic lessons, and spiritual growth. These cards carry deeper, more profound meanings.
The Fool's Journey
The 22 Major Arcana cards tell the story of The Fool's journey through life:
0 - The Fool
New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, free spirit. The start of a journey into the unknown.
I - The Magician
Manifestation, willpower, skill, resourcefulness. You have all the tools you need.
II - The High Priestess
Intuition, mystery, inner knowledge, the subconscious. Trust your inner voice.
III - The Empress
Abundance, fertility, creativity, nurturing. Connection to nature and feminine energy.
IV - The Emperor
Authority, structure, stability, father figure. Establishing order and control.
V - The Hierophant
Tradition, conformity, spiritual wisdom, institutions. Following established paths.
VI - The Lovers
Love, harmony, relationships, choices. Important decisions about partnerships.
VII - The Chariot
Determination, willpower, triumph, control. Moving forward with confidence.
VIII - Strength
Courage, patience, inner strength, compassion. Gentle power over brute force.
IX - The Hermit
Introspection, solitude, wisdom, guidance. Taking time for inner reflection.
X - Wheel of Fortune
Destiny, cycles, change, luck. The turning point of fate.
XI - Justice
Fairness, truth, law, karma. Cause and effect, accountability.
XII - The Hanged Man
Surrender, new perspectives, letting go. Seeing things differently.
XIII - Death
Endings, transformation, transition. The end of one chapter, beginning of another.
XIV - Temperance
Balance, moderation, patience, harmony. Finding the middle path.
XV - The Devil
Bondage, addiction, materialism, shadow self. Breaking free from limitations.
XVI - The Tower
Sudden change, upheaval, revelation, awakening. Necessary destruction.
XVII - The Star
Hope, inspiration, serenity, renewal. Light after darkness.
XVIII - The Moon
Illusion, intuition, uncertainty, the subconscious. Things are not what they seem.
XIX - The Sun
Joy, success, vitality, confidence. Positivity and celebration.
XX - Judgement
Rebirth, inner calling, absolution, reflection. A spiritual awakening.
XXI - The World
Completion, integration, accomplishment, travel. The end of a cycle.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana deals with everyday situations and practical matters. It's divided into four suits:
Wands (Fire) - Action, Creativity, Will
- Ace: New inspiration, opportunities
- Two: Planning, future decisions
- Three: Expansion, foresight
- Four: Celebration, harmony
- Five: Conflict, competition
- Six: Victory, recognition
- Seven: Perseverance, defense
- Eight: Swift action, movement
- Nine: Resilience, persistence
- Ten: Burden, responsibility
Cups (Water) - Emotions, Relationships, Intuition
- Ace: New love, emotional beginning
- Two: Partnership, mutual attraction
- Three: Celebration, friendship
- Four: Meditation, contemplation
- Five: Loss, regret, disappointment
- Six: Nostalgia, childhood memories
- Seven: Fantasy, choices, illusion
- Eight: Walking away, seeking deeper meaning
- Nine: Wish fulfillment, satisfaction
- Ten: Emotional fulfillment, family happiness
Swords (Air) - Thoughts, Communication, Conflict
- Ace: Mental clarity, breakthrough
- Two: Difficult decisions, stalemate
- Three: Heartbreak, sorrow
- Four: Rest, recuperation
- Five: Conflict, defeat
- Six: Transition, moving on
- Seven: Deception, strategy
- Eight: Restriction, self-imprisonment
- Nine: Anxiety, nightmares
- Ten: Painful ending, rock bottom
Pentacles (Earth) - Material World, Money, Health
- Ace: New financial opportunity
- Two: Balance, adaptability
- Three: Teamwork, skill development
- Four: Security, conservation
- Five: Financial loss, isolation
- Six: Generosity, sharing wealth
- Seven: Long-term investment, patience
- Eight: Skill development, diligence
- Nine: Abundance, luxury
- Ten: Wealth, family legacy
Reading Tips for Beginners
- Start with daily one-card draws to build familiarity
- Trust your intuition over memorized meanings
- Notice the imagery - colors, symbols, figures
- Consider card positions in spreads
- Journal your readings to track patterns
Reversed Cards
When a card appears upside-down, it can indicate:
- Blocked or delayed energy
- Internal aspects of the meaning
- The shadow side of the card
- Resistance or need for attention
Conclusion
Tarot is a lifelong learning journey. Start with the basics, practice regularly, and let the cards speak to you. Each reading is an opportunity for insight and growth.
Ready to practice? Try our AI-powered Tarot readings for guided interpretations.