Tarot Card Meanings

Every Tarot card in the deck has its own unique meaning. When you know what each
Tarot card means, you can understand the messages and advice they are trying to
send you! Click on any Tarot card below to learn its meaning.

Major Arcana

Major Arcana

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The Wands

The Wands

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The Cups

The Cups

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The Swords

The Swords

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The Pentacles

The Pentacles

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Tarot cards FAQ's

What are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are small, paper cards that come in a deck, similar to playing cards, and are used for divinatory purposes. Each card represents a different archetypal being or lesson. A person shuffles the cards, then lays them out in a Tarot card spread. Understanding what each Tarot card means when it is revealed can help a person receive an important message or embrace a new perspective in any situation.

How many cards are in a Tarot deck?

There are 78 Tarot cards in a complete deck. The first 22 are called the Major Arcana Tarot cards. The remaining 56 Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit contains 14 cards, including 10 numbered cards plus a Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

How do you read Tarot cards?

There are four basic steps when you’re reading Tarot cards: First, consider your question, then select a Tarot spread with positions that relate to that question. Next, you'll shuffle the cards and lay them out in that spread, and finally, interpret the cards to answer your question. Anyone can learn how to read Tarot cards. There are many spreads available online to inspire you, and you don’t have to have the meaning of every card memorized -- you can look up the meanings by clicking on the cards above! Still, the traditional meaning of the Tarot cards is only part of it -- it's your own emotions and intuition that will help you understand how the cards that are revealed apply to your unique situation.

How do you shuffle Tarot cards?

Shuffling the Tarot cards before a reading is essential. It allows you to focus on why you’re doing the reading and to imprint your energy on the cards. Before shuffling, take a moment to relax and tune in to your intuition. Then, mix up the cards in any way that feels right -- cut or fan the deck over and over, or simply jumble the cards on the table and put them back together. There is no wrong way to shuffle your Tarot cards. No matter how you shuffle, it’s the intention that really matters. As you shuffle, be present and truly focus on the question for which you need answers.

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Are Tarot cards evil?

Certainly not. Tarot cards rely on your intuition to shuffle and select the cards and to understand how they apply to you -- there is no evil force guiding them. If you’re wondering “Are Tarot cards safe?” then the answer is yes, absolutely. They are not meant to bring forth spirits or bad luck, they are intended to inspire awareness and help you discover healthy and successful ways to approach any part of your life.

Tarot birth card

Each Major Arcana Tarot card represents a powerful archetype, so you may wonder, “What Tarot card am I?” There’s one specific Tarot card that is your Tarot Birth Card -- it’s connected to your birth date and acts as a reminder of the unique power within you. Discover the rich symbolism in your Tarot Birth Card and how it acts as your secret weapon...

Where to buy Tarot cards

While there are Tarot card decks available in many specialty shops and online, we have a huge selection of Tarot decks right here on Tarot.com that is unlike any other on the Internet! From deck information to the individual card artwork in each deck, we're sure you'll find one that's just right for YOU. Once you see one you like, just click Buy This Tarot Deck!

Daily Tarot card

You don’t have to do a major reading to benefit from the wisdom of Tarot cards. A Daily Tarot card provides valuable insight into the energies influencing you at this very moment -- or guidance for any situation that will unfold for you throughout the day. The advice of just one Tarot card a day can help you approach whatever is happening to you with greater clarity and empowerment.