The best way to read tarot is to get a basic understanding of keywords associated with each tarot card. Below I give you some short meanings of the tarot cards:
Basic Tarot Card Meanings with Reversals
| The Major Arcana | |
| The Fool | Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness, spontaneity, new idea, new thought, freedom, discoveryReverse: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice, lust, focused on sex, pleasure seeker, irresponsibility, selfishness, ignorance |
| The Magician | Upright: Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of hand, self-control, communication (message, transaction), balance of desires with needs, personal growth, awareness Reverse: Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination, making no use of new possibilities, stagnation, boredom, lacking self-confidence, narrow minded, incompetent |
| The High Priestess | Upright: Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacher, a secret is revealed, mystery, common sense, objectivity, emotional stability, resourcefulness, self-trust, if the seeker is a male it is the woman who interests the seeker, if the seeker is female it is the seeker herselfReverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness, lack of insight, superficiality, passion, lust, conceit, shallowness, closed minded, selfishness, duality, fear, illusion |
| The Empress | Upright: Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolution, intelligence, love, beauty, delight, procreation, fertility, growth, progress, doubt Reverse: switching of an opinion, inaction, lack on concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity, infertility, idleness, truth, the unraveling of involved matters |
| The Emperor | Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable person, ambition, protection, aid, reasonReverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength, loss of power or influence, rigidity, compassion, credit, confusion to enemies, obstruction |
| The Hierophant | Upright: A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of society, wise counseling, help from superiors, goodness of heart, endurance, patience, marriage, alliance, long for approval, resenting authority of othersReverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor, incorrect advice, wrong information, dogmatism, hypocrisy, heartlessness, lacks faith, weakness, craves sexual gratification, unused creativity, indulgenceorUpright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a sense of historical importance, inspirationReverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence, vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy |
| The Lovers | Upright: Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affair, attraction, honesty, responsibilityReverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy, inward conflict, jealousy, indecision, dishonesty, sex drive, irresponsibility |
| The Chariot | Upright: Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeance, success, great progress, victory, triumph, change, movement, security, focused activityReverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment, ruthlessness, lust of destruction, egotism, materialism, lack of knowledge, prejudice, overconfidence, instability, lack of direction |
| Strength | Upright: Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virility, temperamental love affair, great power, the use of magic, strong attractions and repulsions, learning, fortitudeReverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power, destructive forces such as hatred, violence or jealousy in a love affair, cowardess, deceit, conceit, gambling, egotism |
| The Hermit | Upright: Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a loner, reflection, wisdom and illumination from within, enlightenment, willingness to spread your insights, experience, guidance, knowledge, study, Reverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity, alienation, rigidity, bitterness, inexperience, unreasonable, unhealthy |
| The Wheel of Fortune | Upright: Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected events, advancement, progress, positive changes, change of fortune for the better, good timing, travel, happinessReverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events, fear of change, unhappiness, misunderstanding, guilt |
| Justice | Upright: Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate person, agreements as in contracts, fairness, moderationReverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse, paranoia, rebellion, criminality |
| The Hanged Man | Upright: Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirth, surrender, breaking old patterns, suffering, a crisis, bondage, contemplationReverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice, loss, punishment, unwillingness to make the necessary effort or change, failure to give one’s self, escape through liquor or drugs |
| Death | Upright: Transformation, making way for the new, unexpected change, loss, failure, illness or death, bad luck, physical change, endings, renewal, regenerationReverse: Stagnation, immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape, cheating death, materialism, resentment, decay, frustration |
| Temperance | Upright: Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidence, economy, management, accommodation Reverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience, things connected with churches, religion, sects, preachers or priests (like the person who will marry the seekers), unfortunate combinations, competing interests |
| The Devil | Upright: Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person, extraordinary efforts, force, fatalityReverse: Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment, pettiness, blindness |
| The Tower | Upright: A sudden and complete change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected events, disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or security, breakdown of old habits, misery, distress, adversity, calamity, deception, ruin, an unforeseen catastropheReverse: Following old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad situation, imprisonment, unable to break old habits, oppression, tyranny |
| The Star | Upright: Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balance, unexpected help, clarity of visionReverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance, lack of harmony, dreaminess, disappointment, unfulfilled hopes, arrogance, haughtiness, impotence |
| The Moon | Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing, fear, illusion, falsehood, error, nightmare, bewilderment, confusion and disorientation, obscurity, the brink of important change, hidden enemies, terror Reverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone, escape from reality, hysteria, madness, silence |
| The Sun | Upright: Satisfaction, accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy marriage, contentment, manifestation, joy, happiness, gain, frankness, recovery from sickness, favourable social relationships, warmth, richesReverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, canceled plans, broken engagement or marriage, a clouded future, a lack of friends, depression, loneliness, clouded future, arrogance, vanity |
| JudgmentorRejuvenation | Upright: Awakening, renewal, a well lived life, better health, a quickened mind, change of positionReverse: Fear of death, failure, possible loss, ill health, decision, sentence, simplicity, weaknessorUpright: Atonement, judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth, improvement, development, promotion, efforts are rewardedReverse: Delay, disappointment, indecision, procrastination, theft, worry |
| The World | Upright: Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, assured success, fulfillment, triumph, eternal life, totality, the path of liberation, flight, new places, voyage, compensationReverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment, delay, opposition, inertia, failure to complete a task one starts, patience and perseverance, immobility, stagnation, inertia |
| The Minor Arcana | |
| Wands | Usually predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory. Relates to work, career, planning, design, mental activity and the outer world. |
| Ace of wands | Upright: A creative beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey, an inheritance, a new career, a birth in the family, the beginning of a familyReversed: Selfishness may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new enterprise, a journey may be put off, a lack of determination, clouded joy, false starts |
| Two of Wands | Upright: A kind and generous person, an interest in science, patience, creative ability, courage, good things to come, courage, boldness, influence over anotherReversed: Caution is advised against impatience, a possible domination by others, restlessness, fear, physical suffering, a good beginning gone bad |
| Three of Wands | Upright: A cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success brought by a good partnership, practical help may come from a successful person, realization of hope, established strength, wealth, powerReversed: A tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through carelessness, disappointment, caution against pride and arrogance, beware of help offered, wealth may slip away, there may be treachery and disappointment |
| Four of Wands | Upright: The beauty of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace, celebration after labor, romance, a coming marriage, happy holidays to comeReversed: Learning to appreciate the little things in life, beauty of nature, peace, harmony |
| Five of Wands | Upright: Competition, possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courage, changes for the betterReversed: Harmony, new opportunities, generosity, victory after surmounting obstacles |
| Six of Wands | Upright: Good news, victory after strife, success after labor, helpful friends, leadership during journey, pleasure gained through labor, success through industryReversed: Rewards are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an insolent winner, pride in riches/success, watch for successful enemy |
| Seven of Wands | Upright: The ability to “hold one’s own” against adversaries, success against opposition, stiff competition in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon, victory, energy, courage, the querent has the advantageReversed: The threat will pass by, don’t let others take advantage, caution against indecision, patience, the querent is threatened, ignorance, pretense |
| Eight of Wands | Upright: A Goal is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find its mark, love of open air, gardens, meadows, great haste, great hope, too rapid advancement, something on the move, hasty communications, messages, letters of loveReversed: Jealousy, violence, quarrels, domestic disputes, a force of courage or boldness is applied to suddenly, delay, stagnation in business or affairs of the heart |
| Nine of Wands | Upright: Preparedness, eventual victory but steady force must be applied, good health, strength in reserve, tendency to obstinacy, a pause in a struggle Reversed: Unpreparedness, refusal to fight, weakness in character, ill health, bending over adversity, adversity, displeasure, weakness, obstacles to be overcome |
| Ten of Wands | Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failure, problems are soon to be solved, the heart tried by pain, force and energy applied to selfish ends, power unwisely used, a refining test by fireReversed: Strength, energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of others, a clever person, separation, if a lawsuit is pending there will be some loss |
| Page of Wands | Upright: Brilliance, courage, beauty, sudden anger or love, great enthusiasm, a messengerReversed: Superficial, theatrical, unstable, a broken heart, bad news to come, if you are a woman…he may break your heart |
| Knight of Wands | Upright: An impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey, the coming or going of a matter that is of much concernReversed: Discord, work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion, the journey is delayed, conflict is created, frustration, lack of energy |
| Queen of Wands | Upright: A woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command, someone who is well liked or honorable, practicalness with money and soundness in business judgments, success in undertakings, love of home, kindness and generosityReversed: Strict, domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity |
| King of Wands | Upright: A gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leader, honesty, friendliness, passion, a good marriageReversed: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels |
| Cups | Usually predict love, happiness, fertility, beauty and the subconscious mind. |
| Ace of Cups | Upright: The beginning of a great love, joy, contentment, beauty, pleasure or good healthReverse: Hesitancy to accept the things that come from the heart, love under a selfish grasp, egotism |
| Two of Cups | Upright: A new romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony, cooperationReverse: A loss of balance in a relationship, a violent passion, love turning bad, a misunderstanding, false love |
| Three of Cups | Upright: A good fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are discovered, a sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitality, success, abundance, good luck, fortune, victory, happy issue of an undertakingReverse: pleasure turns to pain, success turns to ashes, gossip, unknown talents remain hidden, overindulgence, too much sensuality, overindulgence in food or drink |
| Four of Cups | Upright: Reevaluation, a dissatisfaction with material success, kindness may come from others, a stationary period in one’s life, weariness, Reverse: New relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, action, waking from a period of contentment or contemplation |
| Five of Cups | Upright: Sorrow in those things with which pleasure was expected, loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment, vain regret, loss but with something left over, disappointmentReversed: Return of hope and enjoyment, new relationships are beginning, return of a loved one, courage is summoned from within, new alliances are formed |
| Six of Cups | Upright: A gift from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure brought from the past, good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an admirer, new opportunities, new knowledgeReverse: Living in the past, outworn friendships, disappointment, clinging to outworn morals and manners, worthless associates, possibility of an inheritance or gift from a person in the past |
| Seven of Cups | Upright: A long-worked imagination, unable to choose one’s direction in life, illusory success, dreams, an overworked imagination, ones forces are too scatteredReverse: A good use of determination, will-power, a definite path will be chosen, good resolutions, intelligent selection |
| Eight of Cups | Upright: An abandonment of one’s current path in life and current successes, disappointment in love, misery and repining without cause, desire to leave one’s success for something higher, things thrown aside as soon as gained, journeying from place to place Reverse: Search for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love interest, interest in success, the spiritual abandoned for the material |
| Nine of Cups | Upright: An assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come true, material success, satisfaction, all the good things in life are availableReverse: A lack in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not come true |
| Ten of Cups | Upright: A happy family life, true friendships, lasting happiness, peacemakingReverse: A family quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their parents, waste, betrayal |
| Page of Cups | Upright: Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, an interest in poetry or art, news, a message, the birth of a child, new business methods proposedReverse: Selfishness, little desire to create, a poor imagination, good taste, seduction, a deception may soon be uncovered, unpleasant news |
| Knight of Cups | Upright: Intelligence, romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional matter, a proposition, an invitation, the bringer of a messageReverse: Trickery, fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person, propositions should be carefully looked into |
| Queen of Cups | Upright: Imagination out-ways one’s common sense, a good wife or loving mother, happiness, gentle, a good natured person, someone with vision should be considered, success, happiness, pleasureReverse: An over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure and happiness may turn bitter, someone not to be relied upon, dishonesty, immorality |
| King of Cups | Upright: A business man, a man of law, kindness, a considerate person, a willingness to take on responsibility, and enjoyment of the arts or sciencesReverse: A powerful man but a double-dealer, crafty, violent, scandal, a fierce nature under a calm exterior, double dealing, beware of being robbed of either virtue or money |
| Swords | Usually predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune. Relates to struggle, obstacles, self, and spiritual issues. |
| Ace of Swords | Upright: Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a valiant leader may be born, conquest, triumph of power, great activity, championshipReverse: Caution when trying to use power to gain an ending, obstacles, tyranny, infertility |
| Two of Swords | Upright: Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of direction, tension in friendships, stalemateReverse: Release, beware when dealing with the unscrupulous, movement of affairs sometimes in the wrong direction, avoid imposters, sympathy for those in trouble, disloyalty |
| Three of Swords | Upright: Affections may experience “stormy weather”, tears, quarreling, lovers separated, possible civil war, a general upheaval of the environmentReverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss |
| Four of Swords | Upright: Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the “active life”, hermit’s repose, relaxation of anxiety, release from suffering, there will soon be a change for the betterReverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes, qualified success, movement in one’s affairs, a caution to be wise and economical |
| Five of Swords | Upright: Failure, defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victory, unfairness, degradation, conquest of others, slanderReverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings, beware of pride, sorrow, weakness |
| Six of Swords | Upright: A journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevail, the future will be better, success after anxieties, journey to a new home, sending someone to represent you in an undertaking, a journey in conciousnessReverse: Journey will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or difficulties, you will stay where you are, unfavorable issue of a lawsuit or undertaking |
| Seven of Swords | Upright: An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failure of a plan, unstable effort, arguments over plans, spying on another, partial successReverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned, possibility of unexpected good, sound advice, instruction, wishes about to be fulfilled |
| Eight of Swords | Upright: Restricted action, imprisonment through indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a prisoner, fear to move out of situation, betrayalReverse: Relaxation from fear, new beginnings possible, freedom, impulsive, generous nature |
| Nine of Swords | Upright: Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one, suspicion, cruelty, misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slanderReverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of a loved one |
| Ten of Swords | Upright: Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans and projects, defeat, failure, pain and tears, disruption of home life, trouble will come in spite of riches, a suggestion to give charity to those in troubleReverse: Evil forces are overthrown, courage, some success and profit, better health, courage to rise again, in spiritual matters looking to those in higher powers for help |
| Page of Swords | Upright: Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, understanding, an upsetting message, spyingReverse: A cunning person, an imposture likely to be exposed, ill health, unexpected events |
| Knight of Swords | Upright: A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever person with a clean heart and is full of courage, an unexpected coming or going of misfortuneReverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person given to bragging, a person always ready to start a fight, destruction may come through this person’s activities |
| Queen of Swords | Upright: A quick and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their sorrow, keen observation, gracefulness, a fondness for dancingReverse: Cruelty due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful person, narrow-mindedness, a gossip, a prude woman |
| King of Swords | Upright: A judge or lawyer, a powerful commander or a governor, a firm friendship holder but often overcautious, a wise counselor, a man of many ideas, thoughts or designsReverse: Evil intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or judgments may seem unfair, distrustful, suspicious, harshness, malice, plotting, power for disruption is revealed |
| Pentacles | Usually predict money, industry, security and material gain. |
| Ace of Pentacles | Upright: A new business venture, the beginning of prosperity and material gain, beginning of happiness or pleasureReverse: Possible greed or misery, money may not be everything, comfortable living conditions that may not be to the advantage of the querent |
| Two of Pentacles | Upright: The ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained during change, new projects may be difficult to launch, expect a helpful message or news in writing, recreationReverse: Difficulty with handling problems, expect a discouraging message |
| Three of Pentacles | Upright: Reward for skills or abilities, approval, success through effort, material increase, gain in a commercial transactionReverse: Quality in workmanship is neglected, good work is expended due to a preoccupation with money, common place ideals or ambitions, selfishness, preoccupation with gain |
| Four of Pentacles | Upright: Assured material gain, success, earthly power but leading to nothing beyond it, love of power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or ungenerous natureReverse: Some earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or delays in business affairs, a spendthrift, prejudice, covetousness, suspicion, setbacks in material ambitions. |
| Five of Pentacles | Upright: Loneliness, destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due to spiritual impoverishment, unemployment, loss of home, loneliness, lovers unable to find a meeting place, an extramarital affair may be discoveredReverse: New employment, revived courage, a new interest, money regained after severe toil, charity, a new interest in spiritual matters |
| Six of Pentacles | Upright: Sharing of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully theirs, charity, gifts, philanthropy, three-fold, money gained through judgments, inheritance, you will receive what you deserveReverse: Bribes, unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy, miserliness, bad debt |
| Seven of Pentacles | Upright: Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, reevaluations, unprofitable speculations, success not attained, anxiety about a loanReverse: Little progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be unprofitable, bad debt of a loan |
| Eight of Pentacles | Upright: Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill, handiwork, small money gainReverse: Skills are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work, ambition is void, a danger in failing in one’s ambitions |
| Nine of Pentacles | Upright: Well-being, things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumb, inheritance, material well being, caution to be prudent, great love of gardens and homeReverse: Loss is possible, danger from thieves, caution, cancelled project, possible loss of home or friendship |
| Ten of Pentacles | Upright: Stable family, gain in wealth, property is acquired, attention to family matters, a problem concerning a will or pension, may refer to the acquiring of a house or business property, the house of a familyReverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness, loss of inheritance, caution against getting involved in projects that are a poor risk |
| Page of Pentacles | Upright: Scholar, generosity, kindness, a careful person, respect for learning new ideas/opinions, application, reflection, good management, carefulness, the bringer of good news and messages about moneyReverse: Wastefulness, luxury, rebellious, opposing ideas/opinions, bad news, excess, news of loss of money or worldly goods |
| Knight of Pentacles | Upright: Trustworthy, a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of responsibilities, an animal lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a matter connected with moneyReverse: Irresponsible, impatience, timidness, carelessness, a standstill in affairs, unprogressive, dull, timid, idle, careless |
| Queen of Pentacles | Upright: Intelligence, thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well, melancholy, security, trust of those around, moody, good use of practical talentsReverse: Too much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a very creative person, dependence on others, changeable, fearful of failure |
| King of Pentacles | Upright: A chief of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man, solid, steadiness of temperament, slow to anger, success where money matters are concernedReverse: Materialistic, slow to anger, ‘head is on the ground”, easy to bribe, thriftless, money is vice, caution against gamblers and speculators, if crossed it could be a dangerous man |
Tarotuitive 
You must be logged in to post a comment.