Element – Air

Astrology – Gemini

Though many of the cards may seem to denote one thing but really are representative of another, the lover's card is pretty on the nose. The card also can be a sign that there needs to be honesty and communication in relationships. It might mean that you need to work on your maturity level when it comes to your emotions to keep your relationships balanced.

Tarot cards have been used for centuries to give insights into life question. For those starting out though, they need to understand both the major and minor arcana. This is the first step in becoming more comfortable utilizing these ancient divination tools.



All tarot decks are broken into two categories- major and minor arcana. Each of these different categories has multiple cards that come with a wealth of different meanings. The meanings though depends solely on the tarot reader and the situation or questions of the individual they're reading the tarot for.

Tarot Cards: A Look at the History

Before we jump into breaking down each of the cards in the tarot decks we wanted to take a look at the history and origin of the cards themselves. The first deck was most likely developed in northern Italy during the 1300s and 1400s. The oldest deck that is known is the Visconti-Sforza deck that was first commissioned by the Duke of Milan. At this point in history, tarot decks were not what we today think of as tarot decks.

In fact, at this time they were known as tarocchi and were more like a bridge game very popular amongst the nobles. The images on the decks were inspired by carnival and quickly spread through most of Europe. It was when it reached France that tarot cards became the name, and it wasn't till the 1700s that they began being linked to mysticism.



That tie to mysticism came from a book that linked them to Egyptian mythology and broke down the tarot symbols linking them to the same source. This link to mysticism made it very easy for people to begin using them for divinational purposes. During this period of time, there was a heightened fascination with the occult and the popularity of tarot cards increased.

As their popularity grew into the 1900s they became associated with several mystical groups including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Eventually, the deck that most people are familiar with, the Waite-Smith deck, was created and became a fixture in mysticism and alternative religions for the decades to follow.



A Breakdown of the Major Arcana

As we said above the decks are broken into major arcana and minor arcana. The major arcana are the first 22 cards in the deck. When looking at the major arcana these typically have to do with human experiences like falling in love or challenges. Having an in-depth understanding of the major arcana cards is vital to an in-depth and accurate tarot reading. 

It might seem very daunting when first beginning to read tarot but once you have the core understanding of each of the cards it is much easier than to read the vibrational energy from them and deliver the messages that the universe is looking to deliver to the people you are reading the cards for (whether that be you or someone else).

So let's take a look at each of the major arcana cards:

• The Fool

Element – Air

Astrology – Uranus

The fool is all about new beginnings. When pulling this card it can indicate a new journey that is going to fill you with childlike awe. In other words, this card is intended to indicate you need to stay in the present moment and remain hopeful about everything that is going on in your life.

• The Magician

Element – Air

Astrology –  Mercury

Manifestation is what this card indicates. That means that in a read this card will indicate that you are going to be able to manifest your desires with some work and a heavy dose of imagination.

• The High Priestess

Element – Water

Astrology – Moon

No matter what gender you are, all of us contain divine feminine and male energies. That itself is directly correlated with intuition. This card often means that one needs to step back and take a moment to get in touch with their intuition before making any decisions.

• The Empress

Element – Earth

Astrology – Venus

Sex, beauty, and fertility are what the Empress card encompasses. This card can also denote beauty and self-care in a manner that has the individual getting the rating needing to make time for themselves. This could be getting more sleep or doing a self-care day at a spa.

• The Emperor

Element – Fire

Astrology – Aries

The emperor is a fair and just ruler that follows all rules and regulations. This card often talks about adding in more structure to your life especially when starting a new project or building a new relationship. In other words, taking your time and focusing on the details is important.

• The Hierophant

Element – Earth

Astrology – Taurus

As the opposition card to the high priestess, the heirophant is a masculine version of that. When this card shows up in a read it might mean that it's time to get a little organized in your professional atmosphere. It can also talk about maybe getting more involved in politics. In other words, it's all about finding a community and place for your passions.

• The Lovers

Element – Air

Astrology – Gemini

Though many of the cards may seem to denote one thing but really are representative of another, the lover's card is pretty on the nose. The card also can be a sign that there needs to be honesty and communication in relationships. It might mean that you need to work on your maturity level when it comes to your emotions to keep your relationships balanced.

• The Chariot

Element – Water

Astrology – Cancer

The chariot card is all about inner strength and willpower. During a reading, this could very well indicate that you are going to be able to see your dreams through to fruition as long as you keep a forward-moving action. Though you may feel that you're flying against the wind it often suggests that success is on its way.

• Strength

Element – Fire

Astrology – Leo

Strength often talks about not letting our fears or passions rule our lives. Instead, it talks about being in control of your own inner power and utilizing it for success. In other words, in a read, this could be a sign that you need to be more in tune with your own internal power and show you how you can utilize it to protect those around you as well as yourself.

• The Hermit

Element – Earth

Astrology – Virgo

The hermit has multiple different definitions depending on how it is drawn within the read. It could potentially be discussing someone coming into your life in a teacher or healer position where you can learn more. However often it is more about retreating from the hectic world around us in order to gain some balance and clarity in our lives.

• Wheel of Fortune

Element – Fire

Astrology – Jupiter

One of the messages that this car brings with it is that we all have to embrace the change that comes in our lives. That means this card could mean some serious changes are coming in your life. This can be both for the positive and negative, but you have to understand that even through the changes in the end everything will work out. This is what the wheel of fortune card is all about.

• Justice

Element – Air

Astrology – Libra

Balancing your karma is what the justice card really talks about. In other words, when this card appears it talks about receiving back what you put out into the world. That means if you are lying and cutting corners all of that is going to eventually come back at you. If on the other hand you have been loving and radiating positivity that is what you will receive back.

• The Hanged Man

Element – Water

Astrology – Neptune

The hanged man often talks about one that's under stress and how to handle it. The card itself has a man upside down in meditation so when this card is pulled it might mean that you need to retire into yourself and take a break. Let the universe flow and just trust that everything will work out in the end period.

• Death

Element – Water

Astrology – Scorpio

Most people only see the death card and automatically get a little nervous. But death does not necessarily mean “death” but rather a transformation. Oftentimes it talks about a transformation that is causing stress to the individual. But having this card in a read does mean that you'll be able to make it through to the other side and be happier.

• Temperance

Element – Fire

Astrology – Sagittarius

The idea of temperance can be very helpful in a moment of stress or anxiety. When this card appears in a read oftentimes the individual is in one of these times and it is guiding them to relax and take it easy. In other words, don't fill your plate too full or be impatient. Much like the wheel of fortune card, this is a card that talks about change that is on its way.

• The Devil
  

Element – Earth

Astrology – Capricorn

The devil may appear to some as a negative card and there are some negative connotations attached to it. For some who read it may talk of an addiction that overall gives you pleasure. So it could mean that you need to cut loose and have a little fun doing stuff that gives you pleasure.

• The Tower

Element – Fire

Astrology – Mars

An end is coming that could cause a lot of destruction. Though that sounds like a very negative definition of what the card is going to bring into your life you have to stop and realize that only through destruction and endings can new things begin. This card though it does talk about things ending also is a sign that you will make it through, and things will get better.

• The Star

Element – Air

Astrology – Aquarius

After an ultimate destruction and stress-filled life comes a period of self-reflection. This card is often related to that as well as healing of wounds and really getting in touch with yourself. The card can also read as meaning that after this period of self-reflection you need to get back out there and not stay stagnant.

• The Moon

Element – Water

Astrology – Pisces

The moon is often associated with emotions and creativity and so it shouldn't be surprising that this card is often defined as having to do with trauma that has been unresolved in your past. This can cause issues in the hear and now and so when pulling this card in a read it might be leading you to find ways to deal with these past traumas so that you can have a healthy and happy life.

• The Sun

Element – Fire

Astrology – Sun

The sun card is full of warmth and love and joy. This card when pulled in a deck may talk about a certain situation ending in joy and it can also have connotations about where you are in your life. In other words, if this card is drawn it seems to be that you are either moving in the right direction that will give you love and joy or you are currently bathing in that right now.

• Judgment

Element – Fire

Astrology – Pluto

The universe is a cyclical place that reflects the energy you put out into the world back at you. The judgment card went in a read asks the individual to really look at past decisions that have been made whether they were good decisions or bad decisions. It instructs you to take in the lessons and then let go of whatever came from them to clear your path for a better life.

• The World
  

Element – Earth

Astrology – Saturn

The world card is all about the completion of thoughts and tasks. When this is pulled it could talk about the completeness of your being whether that be as a spiritual aspect or in a physical aspect like a relationship. It's time to celebrate the ending of something and get ready for the next step.

(Note: anytime the card is drawn in reverse it can need a couple of things. Most often it talks about the reverse of the main meaning of the card. It could also take on the dark side of the tarot card and relay a negative definition of that particular card.)

Let’s Look at the Minor Arcana

The minor arcana are divided into four suits- pentacles, swords, cups, and wands. Each suit itself has a specific area and element that it works with but the cards within those suits also have their own meanings. So let's dive into the four suits of the minor arcana with a more in-depth look:

• Pentacles

Element – Earth

Pentacles are associated with the element of earth. That means that they are also very in tune with the earth signs of Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo. Pentacles are really tied to grounding when it comes to the reading.

Ace: Astrology – Aries/Taurus/Gemini

There are material gains on their way to you, but you have to take the opportunities that will bring them. In other words, when this card appears there is a chance for growth when it comes to financial standings, but you have to say yes to the offer before you will garner them.

Two: Astrology – Jupiter in Capricorn

It seems that a person with this card will be pretty busy. In other words, you were trying to multitask so much that oftentimes things are falling through the cracks. This card is instructing you to focus on one step at a time to have a successful result.

Three: Astrology – Mars in Capricorn

It may be time for you to reach out for help if this card appears in your read. The three of pentacles is a card that talks about it being OK if you need help. It can also be a great card for teamwork situations as well. If this card appears you have to learn to not try to do everything yourself but rather utilize your community to help you get the task done.

Four: Astrology – Sun in Capricorn

You may have been struggling a little bit with balancing your finances. When this card appears it's probably best to take a more conservative look at your finances so that you can remain stable. It can also suggest doing this but without letting it take over your life.

Five: Astrology – Mercury in Taurus

You may be feeling disappointed or distressed with situations that have occurred in your life recently. Though this card is talking about a sense of loss it also has an element of hope to it. If this card appears the universe is asking you to hold on to your faith to see you through the dark. It can also talk about some sort of resource that you may not even be aware that you have.

Six: Astrology – Mars in Taurus

The six of pentacles is all about utilizing your material resources to help others. It is a card that when pulled suggests being generous in order to help others achieve their goals but doing so in a very fiscally sound way.

Seven: Astrology – Saturn in Taurus

Patience is a virtue. If this card appears in your read the individual may be feeling very impatient about getting to the end of their destination. The card suggests that they need to be patient because their hard work is going to lead to fruition but it's going to take longer than they expected.

Eight: Astrology – Sun in Virgo

It's time to focus so that you can get your work done. That's what this card means when it comes up in a read. It's asking the individual to try to get rid of distractions so that they can achieve their goals at work.

Nine: Astrology – Venus in Virgo

It's very important in life to celebrate your successes and appreciate what you have. This card is urging the individual to recognize and take any type of praise that they get for their accomplishments.

Ten: Astrology – Mercury in Virgo

The ten of pentacles is all about really reflecting on who you are and how you want to be seen by people even after you've left this world. It can also talk about a good support base and a clear vision of what you see in the mirror.

Page: Astrology – Aries/Taurus/Gemini

It's perfectly OK to dream big but when this card shows up in a read it's asking the individual to have dreams but do so in a realistic manner. It can also mean that the individual is about to get good news and that there is an opportunity very close. Also, there could be an individual in this person's life that wants to help them in a very practical matter.

Knight: Astrology – 20̊ Aries - 20̊ Taurus

Everyone has goals in their lives and when this card appears in a read it's saying that those goals are going to only come to fruition as long as the individual stays dedicated and ambitious towards the end. It can also talk about helping others in a very realistic way and doing so with confidence.

Queen: Astrology – 20̊ Sagittarius - 20̊ Capricorn

The queen of pentacles is there to help you keep moving towards your goals while still remaining realistic in them. Typically this card talks about an individual that has a lot of maturity when it comes to finances and other material factors. It can also talk about realistically doing everything so that the individual has a better work-life balance.

King: Astrology – 20̊ Leo - 20̊ Virgo

Something big is on the horizon when it comes to financial or intellectual situations. The king of pentacles is all about leadership and the inspiration of others. Whatever the milestone is the individual will be able to parlay that into helping others achieve their success too.

• Swords

Element – Air

Swords are tied to air and therefore are linked to the air signs- Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. The air element is tied to dreams and creativity and therefore can be especially full for artists.

Ace: Astrology – Capricorn/Aquarius/Pisces

This card in a read often talks about the universe sending you a big thumbs up and telling you that there's something big coming soon. Typically this involves some sort of mental clarity breakthrough that helps push past an obstacle.

Two: Astrology – Moon in Libra

There is something in this individual's life that is causing blockages or stagnation. When this card appears it is an indication that the individual needs to remove toxic people from their life. This card often will appear in a read when someone has decided to remove an individual from their life and it has caused stagnancy.

Three: Astrology – Saturn in Libra

Unfortunately, if this card shows up in a read the individual may have recently been rejected or through a bad breakup. But just because it's a negative situation the universe doesn't want you to not idealize a situation and see where things went wrong. It could be an indication that you gave someone your heart and they betrayed you so it could also mean that you've been cheated on either mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Four: Astrology – Jupiter in Libra

You're exhausted. When this card appears in a reading the individual needs to take a day off or find a way to reset and refocus. Mentally they are drained and they need to recharge otherwise they will burn out. It could also talk about messages that appear through the dreams of the individual. So they may want to start paying attention and trying to remember the dreams, maybe in a dream journal.

Five: Astrology – Venus in Aquarius

The five of swords talks about a winning situation that may have been garnered via not-so-moral ways. Though the individual may have won a situation the universe suggests they take a look at how their methods could potentially hurt others. They need to be careful of their egos and really take the time to acknowledge everyone that participated in the situation.

Six: Astrology – Mercury in Aquarius

This card when in a read signals a big transformation coming up. This transformation may mean that the individual has to leave certain ideas, things, or even people in the past. Though this may be difficult they are moving forward and need to embrace that change is a part of life.

Seven: Astrology – Moon in Aquarius

The seven of swords talk about some sort of negative energy in and around the individual. It's time to really assess your surroundings and look for individuals and situations that have been hidden from you that could cause you pain. It can also mean that you should be cautious of the words and thoughts that you share with people at this particular time.

Eight: Astrology – Jupiter in Gemini 

There is something that is keeping the individual from being able to use all of their potentials whether that is an external force or an internal force.

Nine: Astrology – Mars in Gemini

When the nine of swords is in to read it could mean that the individual has been feeling very anxious and there is something that is keeping them from getting sleep. In other words, they're worried about something, and they can't get their mind to shut off which could lead them to burn out or some sort of mental break.

Ten: Astrology – Sun in Gemini

Something in the individual's life has not quite turned out the way they wanted it to. This card instructs them to realize that there's no way they can really change what has already happened, only how they perceive the results of that action. In other words, it is a car that is instructing them to let go and go with the flow.

Page: Astrology – Capricorn/Aquarius/Pisces

It's OK to follow your curiosity especially if you're walking towards pretty substantial goals. The page of swords tells the individual they need to really embrace the excitement of the situation and the time to act on their ideas is now. It could also talk about someone coming into their life that has a ton of inspirational ideas that they want to share with them.

Knight: Astrology – 20̊ Capricorn - 20̊ Aquarius

Some of the best ideas are those that come from outside the box and the knight of swords is urging you to make a concerted effort to move towards these unique ideas. In other words, it's instructing you to take action and be resilient when it comes to making these actions.

Queen: Astrology – 20̊ Virgo - 20̊ Libra

Sometimes there is a struggle for people when it comes to moving forward between their head and their heart. When the queen of swords is in a read, she is instructing the individual to go with what is in their head and not in their heart. In other words, to be practical when it comes to figuring out the next step. It may also be asking the individual to detach from a situation so that they can get a better view of what is actually going on.



King: Astrology – 20̊ Taurus - 20̊ Gemini

When the king of swords appears in read much like with the queen it is instructing the individual to really utilize their brain and logic to guide them along their path. Take time to think things out so that the final decision is come to a logical thought path. Take time to assess everything before actually moving forward.

• Cups

Element – Water

It's not surprising that the cup suit of the tarot deck is attached to the element of water. Because of this attachment to it is perfect for water signs like Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. When it comes to feelings and emotion anything has to do with the heart including feelings, romance, relationships, and intimate connections.

Ace: Astrology – Libra/Scorpio/Sagittarius

The ace of cups is an indication of a fresh start coming your way. Its intention is to denote utilizing your intuition to help guide you to this fresh start. 

Two: Astrology – Venus in Cancer

This card is a read talks of a special connection. Most of the time this has to do with the union of some sort and the card specifically talks about reflecting on the dynamic of that particular connection. It could also show that a current connection has room for growth into a new form.

Three: Astrology – Mercury in Cancer

The three of cups are really a card of belonging. Typically it'll indicate a tight relationship with an individual or community that gives you a lot of joy and fulfills your emotional and spiritual needs.

Four: Astrology – Moon in Cancer

This particular card of the cup's suit often appears when one has been either stubborn or losing focus of the bigger picture. Typically when this card is pulled in a read it is trying to guide you back to being focused on the things in your life that matter. it might also indicate that because of this lack of focus you have missed out on an opportunity of some sort.

Five: Astrology – Mars in Scorpio

Even in the darkest situation, there is always a positive aspect. This card is asking the individual to look and find that. In other words, everything happens for a reason, and you have to reflect on what has happened even if it wasn't what you intended or wanted to.

Six: Astrology – Sun in Scorpio

Sometimes it's good to be a little nostalgic. This card asks the individual to look back at the way their lives and relationships used to be. It can also be instructing the individual that someone from their past may be coming back into their life or even that they need to reach out to an individual that they have lost contact with who they have been thinking about recently.

Seven: Astrology – Venus in Scorpio

There are tons of crossroads that occur in your life. If the individual is at one of these, this card may be instructing them to really think carefully as there may be some negative forces that are trying to steer them in the wrong direction. Take the time to sit with your decisions and make them for yourself with the facts, not with what may be presented by others.

Eight: Astrology – Saturn in Pisces

There are times when everyone holds on to situations that may not be benefiting them. If during a read the eight of cups comes up this is a clear message from the universe that is urging the person to step away from that type of situation. Maybe not forget it completely but step away and then come back to it later when there is a fresh perspective. In other words, step away, do a little self-care and then maybe revisit to see if it is really something special to them.

Nine: Astrology – Jupiter in Pisces

Manifestation is the word that is most tied to this card of the cup's suit. For those that have been really working on developing their hopes and dreams, this is a sign that everything is going to come to fruition. But that being said, enjoy the moment because time moves on and those moments are often fleeting.

Ten: Astrology – Mars in Pisces

Good things are coming your way. In fact, this card talks about everything coming into a complete cycle. It also is instructing the individual that is getting the read to open up and really accept the joy that is coming with the completion of this cycle and all the positive things that are coming their way.

Page: Astrology – Libra/Scorpio/Sagittarius

With this card often when it shows up in a read it indicates someone that is subconsciously trying to reach you. It would be good for this person to look for synchronicity in their life and once they see it to take in everything that comes from that synchronicity. Many also feel that it can be a sign of someone being a little naïve about a certain situation or even an indication that one needs to become more emotionally mature.

Knight: Astrology – 20̊ Libra - 20̊ Scorpio

This card is the card of strong relationships. It is one card that asks you to really take a look at your surroundings and everyone in it that is sending you to love. It could also mean someone is coming into your life to change it for the better or even you're ready to take that next step with someone else.

Queen: Astrology – 20̊ Gemini - 20̊ Cancer

Divine guidance and compassion or what this card is all about. When in a read this card is asking the person to step away from logic and embrace their intuition. Perhaps they have had a challenging time of late emotionally and it could also be a sign that someone is going to arrive in their life to help them to deal with that. It could also mean that you are going to be that someone for another person.

King: Astrology – 20̊ Aquarius - 20̊ Pisces

When the king of cups shows up in a read it's really about looking at how you have helped other people. It might indicate that there's someone out there in need of your emotional abilities and that you will be there to help them through it.

• Wands

Element – Fire

Wands are tied to the element fire which means that it is tied to emotions like passion, love, war, and destruction. Everything having to do with change and transformation can be associated with the wands suit of your tarot deck.

Ace: Astrology –  Cancer/Leo/Virgo

You're about to step into a brand new chapter of your life is what this card indicates. It has a lot to do with utilizing your creative capabilities to find this new chapter.

Two: Astrology – Mars in Aries

It's time to move forward and reinvent yourself so that you can enter into a new era of your life. Often this card talks about getting rid of the identity you think you are and finding a new version of yourself.

Three: Astrology – Sun in Aries

You put a lot of hard work into something and now it's time for you to really anticipate all the good things that are going to come from it. It can also talk about traveling to a new destination or opportunities that might be given to you through traveling.

Four: Astrology – Venus in Aries

When a four of wands card is pulled in a read it often talks about returning to someplace you feel is home and celebrations coming from that return. It's about creating good foundations with individuals. In other words, you're entering a new chapter in your life, and you should find home wherever you are as opposed to looking back to places you've been.

Five: Astrology – Saturn in Leo

Competition is not necessarily a bad thing but when the five of wands shows up you really are being asked to look at what type of competition this is. There may be a conflict coming up whether it be from jealousy or envy. You need to pay attention and notice these conflicts but don't let them be a distraction to your forward motion in your life.

Six: Astrology – Jupiter in Leo

Every little step of your journey should be celebrated. When the six of one shows up it is talking of some sort when it comes to achieving success in some aspect of your life. Typically this also can indicate you are being awarded something or acknowledged for something you've done.

Seven: Astrology – Mars in Leo

Everything takes hard work, and you can never be successful without determination. The seven of wands asks you to focus on these whether it's to work through a challenge or simply to keep your eye on the prize. In other words, though you feel like you've made some movement on your goals, the work is not done, and you have to keep moving on through resilience.

Eight: Astrology – Mercury in Sagittarius

It's time for a vacation. Though that may not be quite like jumping on a plane and going to a destination it might be as simple as learning something new. It could also be when a person read shows that they're about to receive a small message from someone that needs to be acted on quickly.

Nine: Astrology – Moon in Sagittarius

Oftentimes when the nine of one shows up it means that someone is feeling overwhelmed and that their energy stores are starting to deplete. This card indicates that you need to push through and build that resilience back up. There could be challenges in your way but if you push through you'll be able to achieve your goal.

Ten: Astrology – Saturn in Sagittarius

It might seem like right now you are overburdened with responsibilities and that is what this card actually is trying to tell you. This card often indicates that you are getting close to having a major burnout session. In other words, it's time to regroup and refocus and try to find ways to work smarter rather than harder.

Page: Astrology – Cancer/Leo/Virgo

Travel seems to be in your future oftentimes when this card appears in your read. It may even be a vacation or a mood that you've been procrastinating on that could lead to wonderful things. But though it could lead to wonderful things this card also asks you to really think about things before being impulsive.

Knight: Astrology – 20̊ Cancer - 20̊ Leo

Sometimes to achieve your goals you have to close your eyes and just jump. When the night of one shows up and you read it is telling the person that this decision to make the leap of faith was a good one and that it will lead to a lot of great things coming into your life.

Queen: Astrology – 20̊ Pisces - 20̊ Aries

This is an especially great card for those Creatives out there that are trying to find their way. The queen of wands is a figure that is there to help you along that journey. It may talk about you finding your authentic self and doing it in a way where you're living an inspired life. Be proud of who you are and your accomplishments.

King: Astrology – 20̊ Scorpio - 20̊ Sagittarius

This card is meant to be guiding you to step into your leadership role and divinely a searcher authority. In other words, don't act selfishly but utilize your gifts to help others.

Note: anytime the card is drawn in reverse it can need a couple of things. Most often it talks about the reverse of the main meaning of the card. It could also take on the dark side of the tarot card and relay a negative definition of that particular card. Also, there are some tarot readers that associate swords with the fire element and the wand with air, if this is you then flip the correspondence and meanings of the suit itself but not the individual cards.

Conclusion

For those looking to begin tarot reading it is a necessity for you to understand the core meanings behind the cards themselves. Even for those that are going to venture off and go for the more spiritual feeling when the cards are being read the need to have a basic understanding of what each card denotes is crucial. We hope that this in-depth guide to both the major and minor arcana of the tarot has helped you build your knowledge base and feel more comfortable in your divinations.