The Complete Guide to Tarot Card Meanings

Tarot cards have long been a captivating tool for spiritual insight and personal reflection. Used for centuries, tarot readings help people find the deeper meanings behind life’s events, offering a unique form of guidance. Each card in a tarot deck holds a specific meaning, allowing readers to interpret their significance during a reading.

This guide will focus on the major arcana, a set of 22 cards within the tarot deck that are often considered the most influential. These cards represent major life events, spiritual lessons, and key turning points that shape a person's journey. Understanding the meanings behind these cards is essential for providing accurate and insightful readings.

We'll look at the symbolism and interpretations of some of the most prominent major arcana cards, and see how they apply to both everyday decisions and broader spiritual growth. 

Whether you're a curious beginner or someone looking to deepen your knowledge, this guide will help you gain a clearer understanding of tarot card meanings and how they can enrich your life.

What is a Tarot Card Reading? 

A tarot card reading is a powerful method for gaining clarity and insight into life’s challenges and decisions. A deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two key sections: the Major Arcana and the minor arcana. While the minor arcana reflects everyday events and emotions, the major arcana deals with significant life changes and spiritual lessons, often offering deeper guidance.

These readings can be used in various situations, from making decisions about career paths and relationships to seeking spiritual guidance and personal growth. The cards don’t predict the future in a literal sense but instead act as a mirror, reflecting the seeker’s current state and possible outcomes based on their actions and intentions. 

Readers interpret the cards, offering insights based on their symbolism, positions, and how they relate to the seeker’s questions. A skilled reader uses the tarot to uncover hidden truths and provide perspective, helping individuals make informed decisions and approach life’s challenges with a greater sense of understanding.

Death Tarot Card 

One of the most misunderstood cards in the deck, the death card does not signify physical death but rather a transformation and new beginnings. It represents the end of one phase of life and the opportunity to transition into something new. This card often appears during times of significant personal or emotional change.

The death card symbolises growth through endings. While it can be unsettling, it often suggests that by letting go of what no longer serves us, we can embrace new opportunities. Whether in career, relationships, or personal development, this card highlights the need for renewal and transformation.

Advanced readers understand that this card speaks to cycles of rebirth, reminding us that endings are needed for spiritual evolution and the emergence of new opportunities.

The Fool 

The fool card is a symbol of new beginnings, potential, and limitless possibilities. Representing innocence and a willingness to step into the unknown, the fool encourages a sense of freedom from past limitations. Often the first card in the Tarot deck, it speaks to the beginning of a journey, filled with optimism and curiosity.

For experienced readers, the fool's placement in a spread can highlight the need to embrace uncertainty while recognizing the sacred wisdom of the unknown.

During a reading, the Fool’s position—whether upright or reversed—can greatly influence its meaning. Upright, suggests embracing opportunities with open-mindedness and enthusiasm. Reversed, it may warn against recklessness or taking unnecessary risks. The fool frequently appears when someone is on the verge of significant personal growth or new ventures.

The Hierophant 

The hierophant represents tradition, structure, and spiritual wisdom. Often associated with organised religion or institutional learning, this card signifies the need for seeking guidance from trusted sources. 

The hierophant can appear when someone needs advice, particularly when facing decisions involving moral or spiritual dilemmas.

The Hierophant may represent spiritual mentors or sacred traditions that provide structure for deeper esoteric practices. It can also signal the need for the querent to critically examine rigid beliefs or institutions, suggesting a journey toward personal spiritual autonomy.

This card is also a reminder of the value of following established rules and conventions, whether in spiritual practices or everyday life. In different contexts, the hierophant may encourage the seeker to connect with their spiritual beliefs or to look for mentors who can provide valuable lessons for personal growth.

Judgement 

The judgment card is closely linked to self-reflection and personal transformation. It signifies a time of evaluation, where past actions are reviewed, and decisions must be made about future directions. This card often appears in readings when major life changes are on the horizon, encouraging the seeker to embrace their personal growth.

In a spiritual sense, judgement is about awakening—recognising one’s higher purpose and stepping into a new phase of life. It can represent a significant moment of clarity, where old ways of thinking or behaving are left behind, making way for a renewed sense of direction and purpose.

Advanced readers may see this card as an invitation to soul retrieval, encouraging a release of karmic baggage and a rebirth into one’s truest self.

The Moon

The Moon card is rich with mystery and intuition, symbolising the realms of the subconscious and the emotions that lie beneath the surface. Often associated with dreams, the Moon can signify a time of uncertainty or confusion, where things are not as straightforward as they seem. This card encourages the seeker to look beyond appearances and tap into their intuition to uncover hidden truths.

When the Moon appears in a reading, it can reflect fears, anxieties, or unresolved emotions that may cloud judgement. In matters of the heart, this card often suggests emotional vulnerability or uncertainty in relationships, urging the seeker to trust their instincts rather than surface impressions. In career readings, the Moon may represent ambiguity around a situation, suggesting that more information or a clearer perspective is needed before making any major decisions.

Upright, the Moon can indicate a journey of inner exploration, asking the seeker to confront their shadows and embrace the unknown. Reversed, it may signify repressed emotions or reluctance to face reality, offering a gentle nudge to confront what has been buried within. Ultimately, the Moon serves as a reminder of the power of intuition and the importance of embracing the unknown to achieve emotional clarity and spiritual growth.

Strength 

The strength card symbolises inner resilience, courage, and the ability to overcome challenges. It reflects the power of quiet confidence and self-control, encouraging the seeker to face difficulties with patience and compassion. Unlike physical strength, this card speaks to the emotional and spiritual fortitude required to take on life’s struggles.

In tarot readings, strength often appears when someone is dealing with adversity or personal obstacles. Upright, indicates triumph through perseverance and inner resolve. Reversed, can suggest self-doubt or a need to reconnect with one's inner power. Strength reminds us that true power lies in calm determination and emotional balance. 

The Devil

The devil card often represents temptation, materialism, or a feeling of being trapped in unhealthy patterns. It signals the presence of negative influences or attachments that may be holding the seeker back. This card can appear during times when destructive behaviours or toxic relationships need to be addressed. 

The Devil serves as a reminder to acknowledge these influences and take steps toward freedom. It suggests that by recognising what binds us, whether it's fear, addiction, or unhealthy habits, we can regain control. The Devil challenges the seeker to break free from what limits their potential and personal growth.

High Priestess 

The high priestess represents intuition, mystery, and spiritual wisdom. This card is often a signal to trust your inner voice and look deeper into the subconscious. The high priestess symbolises the knowledge that comes from within, encouraging the seeker to listen to their intuition rather than external advice.

During a reading, this card can indicate hidden truths or secrets yet to be revealed. It is a call to pause, reflect, and find out what may be lying beneath the surface. The high priestess often appears when the seeker needs to tap into their spiritual insight and trust their inner guidance.

Sun 

The sun card is a symbol of joy, success, and positivity. It radiates warmth and clarity, often signifying a time of happiness and fulfilment. When this card appears in a tarot reading, it brings a message of optimism and confidence, suggesting that things are heading in the right direction.

Upright, the sun reflects vitality and abundance in all areas of life, from relationships to careers. Reversed, it may warn of overconfidence or taking things for granted. Overall, the sun highlights clarity, bringing light to situations and providing the energy needed to embrace opportunities with enthusiasm and a clear mind.

Justice 

The justice card represents fairness, balance, and truth. It signals the need for decisions to be made with logic and integrity, reminding the seeker that actions have consequences. Justice can appear when there’s a focus on ethical dilemmas or legal matters, urging the seeker to consider all perspectives before making a choice.

This card often highlights the need for accountability and personal responsibility. Whether upright or reversed, justice calls for an honest evaluation of the situation, meaning that balance is maintained. It serves as a reminder that fairness and truth should guide life decisions.

The Star 

The star card symbolises hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It represents a time of healing and positive transformation, offering a sense of optimism and direction. When the Star appears in a reading, it encourages the seeker to have faith in the future and trust in the process of personal growth.

This card is often associated with emotional and spiritual rejuvenation, signalling a period of peace and harmony after hardship. The star shines a light on long-term goals and aspirations, reminding the seeker that with hope and persistence, they can achieve their desires. It brings a message of calm and clarity. 

Empress 

The empress is a symbol of nurturing, abundance, and creativity. She represents the energies of growth, fertility, and the nurturing of both relationships and personal projects. The empress encourages the seeker to connect with their inner creativity and embrace a more compassionate and supportive role in their life.

This card is often associated with personal well-being, fertility (both literal and metaphorical), and the cultivation of new ideas. Upright, suggests harmony and nurturing energy, while reversed, it can indicate issues with self-care or imbalances in relationships. The empress highlights the need for nurturing both yourself and others.

The Magician

The magician card is a symbol of skill, resourcefulness, and the power to manifest desires into reality. It encourages taking action and using your talents wisely to achieve your goals. The Magician represents the ability to harness inner potential and transform dreams into accomplishments.

The magician will suggest that now is the time to act confidently and use the tools at your disposal to bring about the outcomes you seek. Upright, it signals a moment of empowerment and creativity. Reversed, it may caution against manipulation or the misuse of talents. The magician urges focus and deliberate action.

Emperor 

The emperor represents authority, structure, and control. He embodies discipline and leadership, suggesting the need for order and stability in life. In a reading, the emperor may appear when there is a call for clear decision-making and personal responsibility.

This card often signifies the need for stepping into a leadership role, whether in career, family, or personal matters. Upright, the emperor brings security, stability, and protection. 

Reversed, can indicate a struggle with control or a lack of structure. The emperor encourages the seeker to embrace their ability to lead and to establish a firm foundation in life.

Queen of Swords 

The queen of swords symbolises independence, clarity, and wisdom. Known for her sharp intellect and clear communication, she encourages objective thinking and decisive action. In a reading, the Queen of Swords can appear when there’s a need for directness and honesty in dealing with situations.

Upright, she embodies fairness and the ability to cut through confusion, making her particularly relevant in decision-making contexts. Reversed, she may signal emotional coldness or overthinking. The queen of swords reminds the seeker to balance logic with empathy, meaning that clear judgment does not come at the expense of compassion.

The Chariot 

The chariot card symbolises willpower, determination, and success through focused effort. It represents the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals through discipline and persistence. In a tarot reading, the chariot often appears when the seeker is encouraged to stay committed to their path, even when challenges arise.

Upright, the chariot signifies victory and progress through hard work. Reversed, may suggest a lack of control or direction. This card is particularly relevant in readings about career or personal ambition, as it highlights the need for staying focused and driving forward, no matter the difficulties encountered along the way.

The Tower 

The tower card represents sudden change, upheaval, or disruption. Often seen as a card of transformation, the tower signifies the breakdown of old structures or beliefs, clearing the way for new growth. While this card may seem alarming, it carries the potential for positive change, as it challenges the seeker to embrace transformation.

During a reading, the tower can appear during times of crisis or major shifts in life. The upright card represents unexpected change, while reversed, it may indicate resistance to this upheaval. The tower encourages the seeker to accept change as a necessary part of personal and spiritual development.

Tarot cards serve as powerful tools for gaining insight into life’s challenges and opportunities. By understanding the meanings behind key cards like those in the major arcana, individuals can unlock deeper layers of spiritual wisdom and personal growth. Each card, whether it represents joy, transformation, or challenge, offers valuable guidance and an opportunity for reflection.

Through the symbolism of these cards, tarot readings provide clarity, helping seekers make informed choices about their future. The lessons found within the tarot aren’t merely about prediction but about understanding one's journey and embracing personal transformation. Whether it’s the optimism of the sun or the upheaval of the tower, every card presents a chance for growth.

As you examine the tarot further, remember that the wisdom offered by the cards is an invitation to look within and embrace change with courage. Each reading brings an opportunity for reflection, helping you navigate life’s complexities with greater insight and confidence.