The tarot is a deck of cards that has been used for centuries to predict the future and provide insight into people's lives. There are two main types of tarot decks- the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 trump cards, and the Minor Arcana consists of 56 suit cards. In this blog post, we will discuss the meanings of each card in both decks!
How To (Actually) Memorize Your Tarot Deck
There are a lot of solutions out there for memorizing your tarot deck, but they usually concern themselves with memorizing one by one. I'm going to argue that that's not the best way forward to know what each of your tarot cards mean. Instead, you need to work on storytelling with your cards. That is, hands down, the best way to gain a deeper understanding of tarot meanings in both the minor and major arcana.
Instead of struggling with archaic meanings, find a sect of tarot cards where the tarot card meanings seem easy to reach. Like the cards are speaking to you. Memorize that deck, and you'll have a much easier time of it.
Tarot readers are a dime a dozen, but anyone can pick up and do a tarot reading with very little training or even insight. Memorizing your tarot card meanings is one way to set yourself apart from all of the other tarot readings out there. You'll want to practice your art daily, and you'll see improvements quickly.
So, with those memorization tips in mind, here are the general meanings of your tarot deck.
Major Arcana Cards
0 The Fool
New beginnings, optimism, free spirit
I The Magician
Manifestation, skill, resourcefulness
II The High Priestess
Intuition, mystery, subconscious mind
III The Empress
Fertility, abundance, nature
IV The Emperor
Authority, structure, stability
V The Hierophant
Tradition, morality, conformity
VI The Lovers
Love, choices, relationships
VII The Chariot
Victory, assertion, will power
VIII Justice
Control, discipline, balance
IX The Hermit
Introspection, withdrawal, wisdom
X Wheel of Fortune
Good luck, change, karma
XI Strength
Courage, determination, tenacity
XII The Hanged Man
Surrender, release, suspension
XIII Death
Transformation, endings, new beginnings
XIV Temperance
Moderation, balance, harmony
XV The Devil
Temptation, addiction, materialism
XVI The Tower
Disaster, chaos, upheaval
XVII The Star
Hope, faith, inspiration
XVIII The Moon
Illusion, fear, anxiety
XIX The Sun
Success, happiness, vitality
XX Judgement
Renewal, rebirth, closure
XXI The World
Completion, wholeness, journey
The Minor Arcana Suites Meanings
Cups
The suit of Cups corresponds with the element of Water and represents our emotions, feelings, and relationships.
Swords
The suit of Swords corresponds with the element of Air and represents our thoughts, communication, and intellect.
Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles corresponds with the element of Earth and represents our physical reality, material possessions, and financial security.
Wands
The suit of Wands corresponds with the element of Fire and represents our drive, energy, creativity, and passion.
The Numbers Meanings
Ace
New beginnings, opportunity, potential
Two
Partnership, balance, cooperation
Three
Creativity, expansion, growth
Four
Stability, security, foundations
Five
Change, challenge, adversity
Six
Harmony, balance, stability in relationships
Seven
Journey, exploration, inner questing
Eight
Movement, action, progress
Nine
Fulfillment, success, achievement
Ten
Completion, culmination, harvest
Page
New beginnings, innocence, purity of heart
Queen
Nurturing, wisdom, maturity
Knight
Action, change, journey
King
Authority figure, leadership qualities
