Tarot Card Meanings: Complete Guide to All 78 Cards

Understanding tarot card meanings opens a doorway to profound self-knowledge and intuitive guidance. Whether you are asking "what do tarot cards mean?" or seeking detailed tarot card definitions for your readings, this comprehensive guide will help you understand all 78 cards in the tarot deck. From the major life lessons of the Major Arcana to the everyday wisdom of the Minor Arcana, each card tells a story that can illuminate your path.

The tarot is not about predicting a fixed future -- it is about revealing possibilities, reflecting your inner landscape, and offering guidance for the choices you face. By learning tarot card meanings, you gain a powerful tool for self-reflection, decision-making, and connecting with your intuition. Let us explore the structure of the tarot deck and what each card represents.

Major Arcana vs. Minor Arcana

The tarot deck is divided into two main sections, each serving a different purpose in readings. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to interpreting tarot cards meaning accurately.

When Major Arcana cards appear in your reading, pay extra attention -- they signal significant themes or turning points. Multiple Major Arcana cards suggest powerful forces at work in your life. Minor Arcana cards offer practical guidance about how to navigate your current situation.

The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana

Each suit in the Minor Arcana corresponds to an element and governs specific areas of life. Knowing the suit energies helps you quickly understand what domain a card addresses.

Upright vs. Reversed Meanings

Many tarot card interpretations include both upright and reversed meanings. When a card appears upside-down in your reading, its energy shifts. Understanding reversals adds depth to your readings.

For example, The Sun upright radiates joy, success, and vitality. Reversed, it might indicate temporary setbacks, diminished confidence, or the need to find your inner light before expressing it outwardly. Reversals are not inherently negative -- they often point to inner work or timing considerations.

The 22 Major Arcana Cards

The Major Arcana tells the story of the Fool's Journey -- a spiritual path from innocence through experience to enlightenment. Each card represents a stage in this universal human journey.

Explore each Major Arcana card in depth on our Major Arcana guide, with full meanings, symbolism, and reading interpretations.

Understanding Court Cards

Each suit contains four Court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These 16 cards often represent people in your life or aspects of your own personality. They can also indicate situations or energies at play.

When interpreting Court cards, consider whether they might represent a person (of any gender), an aspect of yourself, or an energy you need to embody. For example, the Queen of Cups might represent a nurturing, emotionally intuitive person in your life, your own need to embrace emotional wisdom, or an invitation to lead with compassion.

Tips for Reading Tarot Card Meanings

Learning tarot card definitions is just the beginning. Here is how to deepen your understanding and give more accurate readings:

1. Start with keywords: Learn 2-3 core keywords for each card. This gives you a foundation to build upon as you encounter the card in different contexts.
2. Study the imagery: Tarot cards are rich with symbolism. Notice colors, figures, objects, and backgrounds. What story does the image tell?
3. Consider card positions: A card's meaning shifts based on where it appears in your spread. Past positions reflect what led here; future positions show possibilities.
4. Read cards together: No card exists in isolation. See how adjacent cards modify and influence each other's meanings.
5. Trust your intuition: While learning traditional meanings is valuable, your personal impressions and gut feelings matter. The cards often speak through your intuition.
6. Keep a tarot journal: Record your readings and interpretations. Over time, you will develop personal associations that enrich your practice.

For more guidance on developing your tarot practice, explore our How to Read Tarot Cards guide.