Learning tarot card meanings usually begins with the Major Arcana. Most likely you will learn one or two tarot keywords to help you become familiar with the deck.

Introducing Tarot Cards and Their Meanings is a complete list of all the posts I’ve written related to the keywords of the tarot, and explains why I prefer to use keywords.

When you’re ready, you will learn a few more tarot card meanings and keywords, and expand your vocabulary. When you do, oftentimes you just want a quick reference guide to refresh your memory or give you new ideas about each tarot card.

And that’s where this handy guide comes in – great for all levels of experience, new and more advanced.

At the end of this post you will find links to the tarot card meanings and keywords for the Minor Arcana, suit by suit, and also links to the more comprehensive tarot card meanings and keywords of the Court Cards, grouped by their rank.

0 – Fool

Element: Air

Astrology: Uranus

Numerologically related to: All of the Major Arcana

Keywords: New beginnings, spontaneity, adventure, innocence, potential, faith, fearlessness, a leap of faith, originality, freedom from constraints, purity of action, acting without malice.

Reversed: Folly, stupidity, not thinking through plans properly, chaos, lack of direction, poor judgement, being gullible, naivety.

1 – Magician

Element: Air

Astrology: Mercury

Numerologically related to: 10 – Wheel of Fortune, 19 – Sun

Keywords: Creativity, action, power, manifestation, skill, communication – oral, written & electronic, magic, work, self-employment, a smooth talker, having the gift of the gab, will-power, directing your will.

Reversed: deceit, con artist, liar, communication blocks, abuse of power, creative stagnation, ill intentions, manipulation.

2 – High Priestess

Element: Water

Astrology: Moon

Numerologically related to: 11 – Justice, 20 – Judgement

Keywords: Mystery, intuition, inner-knowing, self trust, spiritual insight, emotional stability, divination, esoteric wisdom/knowledge, things yet to be revealed, your higher-self, spirit guides, discovering your own truth.

Reversed: information withheld, secrets, misusing spiritual gifts, not trusting your intuition, being lied to, not listening.

3 – Empress

Element: Earth

Astrology: Venus

Numerologically related to: 12 – Hanged Man, 21 – World

Keywords: Nurturing, abundance, fertility, mothering, your mother, love, beauty, a businesswoman, mother earth, a multi-tasker, pregnancy, creativity, solving problems creatively, fulfilling your potential, a successful business or opportunity.

Reversed: laziness, creative and/or business stagnation, lack of co-ordination, wasting resources, financial difficulties, problems within the home.

4 – Emperor

Element: Fire

Astrology: Aries

Numerologically related to: 13 – Death

Keywords: Authority, order, structure, authority, your boss, leadership, your father, the establishment, promotion to a senior role, asserting yourself, ambition, law and order, taking a stand, firmness with others & yourself.

Reversed: an autocrat, control freak, a weak man, a cruel man, an underachiever, support withdrawn, laziness, abuse of power, lack of discipline, lawlessness.

5 – Hierophant

Element: Earth

Astrology: Taurus

Numerologically related to: 14 – Temperance

Keywords: Group identity, large institutions, education, teaching, learning, tradition, orthodoxy, the status quo, religion, a guru or teacher, spiritual guidance, occult or mystical groups, divine laws, seeking counsel and advice.

Reversed: cults, false gods/gurus, abuse of position and/or power, extremism, the closing of schools, hospitals & social services, withdrawal of education services, rejection of religion, breakdown of crisis talks.

6 – Lovers

Element: Air

Astrology: Gemini

Numerologically related to: 15 – Devil

Keywords: Love, choices, partnerships, affection, being at a crossroads, togetherness, going into business with another, being duty bound, a love affair, falling in love, commitment, an engagement, choosing between two lovers, harmony, trust.

Reversed: a broken love affair or relationship, fear of commitment, infidelity, relationship issues, a business deal gone awry, a business failing & falling apart, parting or leaving another.

7 – Chariot

Element: Water

Astrology: Cancer

Numerologically related to: 16 – Tower

Keywords: Drive, will power, direction, ambition, confidence, victory, success, a journey, transportation, success with little or no support, overcoming obstacles, triumph in the face of adversity, coming to the aid of another.

Reversed: scattered energy, lack of direction, taking the long way round, loss of will, drive & ambition, a cancelled journey or trip, a vehicle breaking down, needing the help of another.

8 – Strength

Element: Fire

Astrology: Leo

Numerologically related to: 17 – Star

Keywords: Inner strength, self-assurance, self-control, self-belief, patience, confidence, enjoying power, lust, sex, sexuality, eroticism, heroic acts, strength through personal power & not violence, vitality, virility, potency.

Reversed: weakness, fragility, lack of self-control or patience, lacking courage, needing support, self-doubt, someone who is overbearing, breaking your own moral code, vanity, hedonism.

9 – Hermit

Element: Earth

Astrology: Virgo

Numerologically related to: 18 – Moon

Keywords: Introspection, contemplation, wanting or finding solitude, private self-reflection, seeking enlightenment & spiritual experiences, meditation, being discreet, privacy, home study, withdrawing from society, patience.

Reversed: withdrawing from loved ones, turning your back on someone, being isolated, feeling out in the cold, self-absorption, a social misfit, loneliness, exile, being silenced, sadness.

10 – Wheel of Fortune

Element: Fire

Astrology: Jupiter

Numerologically related to: 1 – Magician, 19 – Sun

Keywords: Luck, chance, opportunity, changes, a turning point, movement, winning, the cycle of life, ups and downs, fate, destiny, a chance meeting that can change your life, what goes around comes around, winning at a game of chance, a definite yes.

Reversed: a stroke of bad luck, misfortune, mishaps, failure, things not going your way, entering a period of hardship or difficulty, disappointments, unforeseen or unexpected setbacks, a definite no.

11 – Justice

Element: Air

Astrology: Libra

Numerologically related to: 2 – High Priestess, 20 – Judgement

Keywords: Justice, karma, balance and equilibrium, truth, fairness, responsibility, accountability, integrity, dignity, agreements, legal affairs, a court case or tribunal, consulting a lawyer, checking legal documents, seeking fairness through clarity.

Reversed: a miscarriage of justice, injustice and/or unfair treatment, losing your case, an adjournment, being discredited, an imbalance, lies & hypocrisy, being out-maneuvered, not being able to speak your truth, legal flaws, making or receiving the wrong decision, bias.

12 – Hanged Man

Element: Water

Astrology: Neptune

Numerologically related to: 3 – Empress

Keywords: Letting go, sacrifice for gain, surrender, breaking patterns, a crisis, delays, seeing from another direction, a fresh perspective, suspension of activity, giving something up, experiencing a metamorphosis, spiritual advancement, a detachment from the material.

Reversed: in limbo, being narrow minded, not seeing from all sides, re-emergence, re-entering life, coming back to life, not letting go, having false motives, inability to release, holding yourself back, holding onto the material.

13 – Death

Element: Water

Astrology: Scorpio

Numerologically related to: 4 – Emperor

Keywords: Endings, mortality, profound change, letting go of emotional attachments, severing ties, it’s over, the end of an era or cycle, failure, loss. For some; transformation, renewal, rebirth.

Reversed: delayed endings, holding onto to what is decayed, resistance to letting go, a long terminal illness, depression, inertia, living unaware, going through the motions, not believing that change can happen.

14 – Temperance

Element: Fire

Astrology: Sagittarius

Numerologically related to: 5 – Hierophant

Keywords: Harmony, balance, synthesis, moderation, blending, synergy, alchemy, being temperate, blending opposites, angel communication, connecting with your guides, merging, looking for divine intervention.

Reversed: imbalance, the onset of illness, tempers flaring, lack of patience between people, angry outbursts, feeling that god/the angels/your spirit guides have forsaken you, always giving & not receiving.

15 – Devil

Element: Earth

Astrology: Capricorn

Numerologically related to: 6 – Lovers

Keywords: Bondage, temptation, enslavement, materialism, addictions to sex/drugs/drink/money, fear & doubt, lies, violence, unhealthy relationships, sexual deviancy/gratification, feeling trapped & without options.

Reversed: breaking free from unhealthy relationships and addictions, divorce, a relationship that becomes less sexual, not submitting to temptation, freedom from restraints.

16 – Tower

Element: Fire

Astrology: Mars

Numerologically related to: 7 – Chariot

Keywords: Sudden and unexpected change, upheaval, destruction, ruin, catastrophe, release, revelation, breaking down of old forms, renovation, an accident or damage to the home, bankruptcy, redundancy or loss of work, being overthrown or ousted, house repossession.

Reversed: prolonged and continued upheaval, disruption, obstacles, difficulties, losses but milder, a disruptive person, a volatile situation, fearing the worst, illness, corruption.

17 – Star

Element: Air

Astrology: Aquarius

Numerologically related to: 8 – Leo

Keywords: Hope, happiness, opportunities, optimism, renewal, spirituality, cosmic blessings, help, beauty, astrology, the heavens, good health and healing, an inspirational person, a period of tranquility.

Reversed: feeling hopeless/hopelessness, feeling unwell, disappointments, missed opportunities, refusing an offer of help, refusing to offer help, failed attempt at renewal/spiritual enlightment.

18 – Moon

Element: Water

Astrology: Pisces

Numerologically related to: 9 – Hermit

Keywords: Dreams but also nightmares, illusion, hidden things – particularly enemies, insecurity, mystery, falsehoods, visions, mental confusion, a dark night of the soul, a difficult period, lacking clarity, deception, secrets, increased psychic ability and experiences.

Reversed: secrets being revealed, what was hidden is now becoming visible, deceptions are seen, mysteries unveiled, unusual dreams, psychic insights you may not understand, insomnia or unusual sleeping patterns, irrational thoughts/behaviours.

19 – Sun

Element: Fire

Astrology: Sun

Numerologically related to: 1 – Magician, 10 – Wheel of Fortune

Keywords: Life, energy, vitality, joy, enlightenment, warmth, manifestation, happiness, YES! riches, marriage, good times, success, clear thinking, optimism, blessings, good fortune, a good holiday, nice weather.

Reversed: Partial success, sadness, hoping for an improvement, feeling under the weather, reduced vitality, delayed success/happiness, being overly sentimental, things are not as rosy as they seem, false impressions.

20 – Judgement

Element: Fire

Astrology: Pluto

Numerologically related to: 2 – High Priestess, 11 – Justice

Keywords: Redemption, rebirth, an awakening, a calling – spiritual or career, renewal, spirit led, reincarnation, a realisation, a change that has already occurred, end of an era, a rite of passage, a period of transition, decision making.

Reversed: ignoring a calling, doing what you know is wrong for you, doubting yourself, being lead by your own fear, change that’s coming but is delayed, avoiding making a decision, unhealed karma.

21 – World

Element: Earth

Astrology: Saturn

Numerologically related to: 3 – Empress

Keywords: Completion, fulfillment, possibilities, outcomes, realisations, wholeness, success, totality, moving – particularly abroad, success and successful conclusions, the journey’s end, goal achievement.

Reversed: plans falling through, house moving interrupted, unfinished business, delayed success, non-movement, stagnation, not finishing your work, being stuck in a rut.

Keywords for the Tarot Suits

• Wands
• Cups
• Swords
• Pentacles

Tarot Court Cards

• Pages and Princesses
• Princes and Knights
• Queens
• Kings and Knights

Catherine

The Secret to Using Reversed Tarot Cards for Empowering Readings.

“Reversed Tarot cards?! Ugh, I would never use those. They’re so negative!”

I was having what was, up until this point, a pleasant conversation with a group of Tarot enthusiasts about interpreting the Tarot cards. The conversation drifted towards the topic of reversed Tarot cards and suddenly the mood changed. “Reversed Tarot cards?!” I looked around the group and there was a look of shock, horror and dismay at the mere suggestion of using reversed Tarot cards in a reading. “Ugh, I would never use those. They’re so negative!”

What?! I was taken aback by such a passionate response from my colleagues. As someone who has used reversed Tarot cards in readings for more than 10 years, had I been providing such negative readings to my clients? I didn’t think so. I have always been so focused on empowering the client, rather than creating unnecessary worrying. So what made my interpretations of reversed Tarot cards different?

I started thinking… do we really know how to use reversed Tarot cards to their full potential, to empower the client and create a positive path forward? What’s the secret?!

Why Use Reversed Tarot Cards in the First Place?

You might think that with 78 Tarot cards in a typical deck, surely there’s enough depth and meaning in those cards to conduct an accurate and insightful Tarot reading. True.

But what if you could double it to 156 Tarot cards? Perhaps you could even double your Tarot insight? This is the power of reversed Tarot cards.

What I love most about using reversed Tarot cards is that it offers a multi-dimensional view. We start to see the light and shade, highs and lows, yin and yang of each card. We begin to understand that the energy of each card ebbs and flows, increases and decreases, and can be released or blocked.

This, to me, is a reflection of life itself. Nothing is ever in the one state of ‘being’. Instead, there is impermanence and the knowledge that life is on a continual cycle from one state to another. Using reversed Tarot cards helps to identify these cycles and locate where the client is on their journey.

Do Reversed Tarot Cards Really Have to be so Negative?

Unfortunately, there are many interpretations of Tarot cards in the reversed or ‘ill-dignified’ position that are indeed negative. Take, for example, the traditional meaning of the Three of Wands reversed. “Ulterior motives. Distrust, treachery, deceit. Interrupted by misfortune” (cited in Mary Greer’s book “The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals”, p.103). With these types of interpretations, it is little wonder that so many people are put off by reversed Tarot cards.

But do reversals really have to be that negative?

I think not. In fact, I am a strong believer that using reversed Tarot cards in readings can be empowering and insightful. When we understand the multiple dimensions that reversed Tarot cards bring to a reading, we can begin to use these insights to help the client release any blockages, avoid any dangers, address any challenges and maximise opportunities. It all comes down to how the reversed cards are interpreted.

5 Ways to Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards… And Empower Your Clients

So, what is the secret to using reversed Tarot cards for empowering readings?

Here are five ways to interpret reversed Tarot cards in your readings so that you can empower your client and avoid the ‘doom and gloom’ that is so often associated with reversals.
(NOTE: There are many other ways in which the reversed Tarot cards can be interpreted (such as a ‘no’ to a question, the opposite of the upright card and delays – read more at http://www.biddytarot.com/blog/how-to-interpret-reversed-tarot-cards). I have chosen to focus on the methods below to illustrate how reversed cards can be used to empower clients and create a positive, helpful and practical reading.)

1. Releasing blocked energy

Reversals often signify that the energy of the card is currently blocked or repressed. If you can identify where a blockage exists, then you can also identify how to remove the blockage. Focus on manifesting the free-flowing energy of the card. Look to other cards in the reading or draw a clarifying card to understand what action needs to be taken to release the blockage.

2. Mastering the lesson of the previous card

In his book “Mastering The Tarot”, Paul Fenton-Smith suggests that a reversed Tarot card implies a need to return to the previous card. There is an important life lesson that has not yet been mastered or completely understood, and therefore the client is advised to reflect on this card’s energy to improve current circumstances. For example, if you drew the reversed Two of Pentacles and were facing financial disorganisation, you need to return to the Ace of Pentacles so that you can prioritise your financial goals and set yourself a budget.
Personally, this is one of my favourite methods as it offers hope and a clear path forward.

3. Identifying unconscious awareness

Sometimes, reversed Tarot cards can reflect that the energy of the card remains in the unconscious mind and has not yet been revealed to the client. The beauty of seeing this in a reading is that it is brought into the client’s conscious awareness. The client is then given the opportunity to address the issue or maximise the opportunity.

4. Clearing negative energy

Another way of interpreting reversed cards is that the energy of the upright card is either increased or decreased. For example, the Ten of Swords signifies a painful ending and betrayal. When reversed, the energy may be weakened, indicating that a difficult period is over and the client can begin to heal. This can be a positive message in itself and is encouraging for the client who may have been suffering.

5. Identifying potential challenges

Often, reversed cards indicate obstacles or challenges that stand in the way of the client’s ability to achieve their desired outcomes. While we don’t always like to hear about challenges, the advantage is that it can act like a warning system ahead of time. It provides the opportunity for the client to consider where they are going off course or why these challenges are being encountered, and then put in place necessary actions to get back on course.

Putting it Into Practice

Let’s see how this works with a real life reading. Being a mother of a 9 week old and a 2 year old, I asked the cards what I need to know about managing my family. I drew Temperance reversed.

The traditional meaning is, “Competition. Impatience. Frustration.” Uh, ok. Thanks. That’s a no-brainer!

Instead, I am going to use some of the methods outlined above to create what I believe is a more empowering reading.

We know that Temperance is about patience, balance and moderation. Reversed, this card indicates blockages to accessing this energy, or perhaps the qualities of Temperance are already within me (i.e. an unconscious awareness). To help bring a state of peace and calm to my family life, I therefore need to focus on creating balance and moderation and allowing that energy to flow naturally in my day-to-day activities. (I just started meditation classes, so that’s a step in the right direction.)

And perhaps I need to return to the lesson of the previous card, Death, and acknowledge that I am in the midst of a major life change right now. By acknowledging that a major change is taking place, I can become more accepting of my current circumstances. This in turn creates patience and moderation in my approach.

Of course, I could go on. However, it should be apparent that by using even just a handful of these simple interpretation methods it is possible to create an empowering reading that clearly identifies what actions need to be taken to rectify the situation.

So much for reversed Tarot cards only being negative!!

A Final Word

Sure, reversed Tarot cards can be portrayed as ‘negative’. But I encourage you to look beyond these simplistic and often negative interpretations, and challenge yourself to find the positive element in reversed Tarot cards. Go into your reading with the intent of empowering your client and you will find that the reversed Tarot cards enable you to do this in ways that often the upright cards cannot. Draw upon the methods I have suggested, and even create your own. This is the secret to using reversed Tarot cards for empowering readings!

Brigit

The tarot Aces. They are most often welcomed in a draw, as they inspire newness in many aspects: growth, challenges, ideas, love, opportunities, perspectives… New everything!

They are usually seen as positive, if you are ready for change or to see things with a new vision.

I always get inspired when an Ace comes my way. I get all dreamy eyed, optimistic, hungry for life… Kind of listening to either Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger – Ace of Wands, Debussy’s Clair de lune – Ace of Cups, some Radiohead – Ace of Swords or maybe Barry White’s Cant Get Enough Of Your Love – Ace of Pentacles…Yes, I went there!

Sometimes we need a push to get out of our comfort zone, to take the plunge into something new. The Aces can be great motivators! They can shake us up, and give us hope that we do have all that we need inside us, if we just find and activate it! That’s what’s great about the Aces, they conjure endless possibilities. They are open ended.

How can we best use the energy from the tarot Aces? We first need to identify which one we want to work with and then find out its purpose in our lives at this time. Time for a little fun, doncha think?

An in depth but simple exercise to help us work with the tarot Aces

Take your Aces out of your favorite deck. (You can use all four Aces, or concentrate on one or two Aces that you would like guidance from. It’s up to you!) Then divide your deck into its main sections, Major Arcana, Minor Arcana and Court Cards. Shuffle well and working with one Ace at a time, do the following:

While choosing a Major Arcana card, ask the tarot: what is the life force in action with this Ace?

For a Minor Arcana card, ask: where and how will this inspiration manifest itself in my life?

Finally, in choosing a Court Card, ask: who can help me (or what part of my personality) can help me in this process?

Seeing this exercise in action

For my Draw, I concentrated on the Ace of Swords and the Ace of Cups.

Ace of Swords

For the Ace of Swords, my Major Arcana card was The Hanged Man. The Minor Arcana card was the 3 of Cups and the Court Card was the Knight of Cups. The first thing I thought:

I should use my sword to cut myself down from this position of self reflexion, enough thinking by myself, communicate with friends in a relaxed atmosphere, this is a great time to use my intuitive side found in the knight of Cups to forge ahead!

Ace of Cups

For the Ace of Cups, my Major Arcana card was the Wheel of Fortune, the Minor Arcana card was the 3 of Pentacles and the Court card was Queen of Cups.

It tells me to enjoy the cycle of life that I’m in right now. My days are busy with my children, a lot of work is necessary, but when the work comes from a place of love and nurturing, it is a blessing. Time goes by so fast. Take the time to savour it!

What are the Aces telling you? What is blossoming in your life today?

Johanne