Tarot Card Readings & Meanings

I've been reading tarot for over 15 years, and I'm excited to share this ancient wisdom with you. Experience our new interactive reader for daily draws, love & career guidance, and card synergy. Whether you're seeking clarity on love, career, or your spiritual path, the tarot offers profound insights.

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The Major Arcana

The Fool

0

Upright

The Fool represents new beginnings, having faith in the future, being inexperienced, not knowing what to expect, having beginner's luck, improvisation and believing in the universe.

Reversed

Recklessness, being taken advantage of, inconsideration, acting like a fool, apathy, stalling, poor judgment.

Major ArcanaAir

The Magician

1

Upright

The Magician represents power, skill, concentration, action, and resourcefulness. It suggests that you have all the tools you need to succeed.

Reversed

Manipulation, poor planning, un-tapped talents, latent powers.

Major ArcanaAir

The High Priestess

2

Upright

She represents wisdom, serenity, knowledge, and understanding. She marks the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm.

Reversed

Secrets, disconnected from intuition, withdrawal and silence.

Major ArcanaWater

The Empress

3

Upright

The Empress signifies abundance, fertility, and nature. She represents the mother archetype and the creation of life and art.

Reversed

Creative block, dependence on others, emptiness, smothering.

Major ArcanaEarth

The Emperor

4

Upright

The Emperor represents authority, structure, and a solid foundation. He is the father figure of the Tarot, providing protection and stability.

Reversed

Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility.

Major ArcanaFire

The Hierophant

5

Upright

The Hierophant represents spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition, and institutions. He is the bridge between humanity and the divine.

Reversed

Personal beliefs, freedom, challenging the status quo.

Major ArcanaEarth

The Lovers

6

Upright

The Lovers represent harmonious relationships, choices, and the union of opposites. It signifies a major decision about who you want to be.

Reversed

Disharmony, imbalance, misalignment of values.

Major ArcanaAir

The Chariot

7

Upright

The Chariot represents overcoming obstacles through willpower and determination. It signifies victory and moving forward with control.

Reversed

Self-doubt, lack of direction, aggression, loss of control.

Major ArcanaWater

Strength

8

Upright

Strength represents inner strength, courage, persuasion, and patience. It is about controlling your raw emotions with compassion.

Reversed

Self-doubt, weakness, insecurity, raw emotion.

Major ArcanaFire

The Hermit

9

Upright

The Hermit suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention inwards and looking for answers within.

Reversed

Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, rejection.

Major ArcanaEarth

Wheel of Fortune

10

Upright

The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that the wheel is always turning and life is in a state of constant change. Good luck and destiny are at play. It represents the cycles of life—what goes up must come down, and vice versa. It is a card of karma, indicating that the universe is working in your favor. Unexpected opportunities or serendipity may arise. It asks you to remain centered while the rim of the wheel turns.

Reversed

When reversed, the wheel turns downward. You may be experiencing a run of bad luck or feel that the universe is against you. It indicates resistance to change and trying to control the uncontrollable. It can signal a breaking of a negative cycle, or the need to accept that some things are out of your hands. It asks you to take responsibility for your part in the cycle.

Major ArcanaFire

Justice

11

Upright

Justice represents the absolute truth, fairness, and the law of cause and effect. It indicates that the fairest decision will be made and that cosmic balance is being restored in your life. You are being called to account for your actions, both past and present, and to take responsibility for your choices. If you have acted with integrity and honesty, you have nothing to fear—the scales will tip in your favor. Legal matters, contracts, and disputes will likely be resolved positively and impartially. This card asks you to weigh your choices carefully and consider the long-term consequences of your actions before proceeding. Truth is the ultimate currency here; do not try to hide from it or manipulate the outcome. Stand in your integrity, speak the truth, and trust that the universe is aligning things exactly as they should be. It is a time for objective thinking and removing emotional bias from your decision-making process.

Reversed

When reversed, Justice suggests unfairness, lack of accountability, dishonesty, or a miscarriage of justice. You may feel that life is treating you unfairly or that you are not getting what you deserve. It can indicate legal complications, a decision made with bias, or someone trying to avoid the consequences of their actions. Be brutally honest with yourself about your part in the situation. Are you avoiding responsibility? Are you blaming others for your own mistakes? This card reversed warns that trying to cheat the system will only lead to further imbalance. It calls for a realignment with your moral compass before things get worse. You may be dealing with a situation where the truth is being hidden or manipulated. Seek to uncover the facts before making a move, and ensure your own hands are clean.

Major ArcanaAir

The Hanged Man

12

Upright

The Hanged Man represents a period of suspension and waiting. It suggests surrender and letting go to gain a new perspective.

Reversed

Delays, resistance, stalling, indecision.

Major ArcanaWater

Death

13

Upright

Death is not about physical death but symbolic endings. It represents the end of a major phase or aspect of your life that initiates a transformation.

Reversed

Resistance to change, personal transformation, inner purging.

Major ArcanaWater

Temperance

14

Upright

Temperance calls for balance, moderation, and patience above all else. It suggests you are learning to blend opposite forces to find harmony and meaning. You are the alchemist of your own life, carefully mixing different aspects—work and play, logic and emotion, action and rest—to create something new and stable. It is a card of deep healing, peace, and long-term vision. Avoid extremes at all costs and strive to find the middle path. Trust in divine timing and the slow, steady process of integration. This card reminds you that you don't need to rush; everything is unfolding exactly as it should. It signifies health, well-being, and the successful combination of disparate elements into a unified whole.

Reversed

When reversed, Temperance indicates imbalance, excess, or a lack of long-term vision. You may be indulging too much in something, rushing things before they are ready, or clashing with others due to a lack of harmony. Disharmony in relationships, health, or finances is likely if you continue on this path. It suggests a strong need to recalibrate and find your center again. You are currently out of sync with the flow of life and may be trying to force a mixture that isn't ready to bond. It asks you to look at where you are being extreme and to bring yourself back to a state of moderation and patience.

Major ArcanaFire

The Devil

15

Upright

The Devil represents the darker side of your nature—addiction, attachment, and sexuality. It suggests you are trapped by your own fears or desires.

Reversed

Releasing limiting beliefs, exploring dark thoughts, detachment.

Major ArcanaEarth

The Tower

16

Upright

The Tower represents sudden, massive change, destruction, and chaos. It tears down false structures to make way for the truth.

Reversed

Personal transformation, fear of change, averting disaster.

Major ArcanaFire

The Star

17

Upright

The Star brings hope, renewed power, and strength to carry on. It shows that you are blessed by the universe and that the difficult times are behind you. You are entering a peaceful phase of healing, inspiration, and spiritual connection. Trust that your needs will be met. It represents the realization of your dreams and the finding of your true north. Shine your light without fear. This card is a soothing balm for the soul, promising that you have survived the storm and are now being guided by divine light. It encourages you to have faith in the future and to open your heart to the abundant blessings that are flowing toward you.

Reversed

Lack of faith, despair, discouragement. You may be feeling hopeless or disconnected from your spiritual path. It suggests a need to nurture yourself and find your spark again. You may be cynical or feeling abandoned by the universe. Do not lose faith; the stars are still there, even behind the clouds. Reconnect with your purpose. You might be focusing too much on the negative or refusing to accept compliments and help. It asks you to clear the blocks that are preventing you from feeling the flow of divine love.

Major ArcanaAir

The Moon

18

Upright

The Moon represents illusion and deception. Things are not what they seem. Trust your intuition to see through the fog.

Reversed

Lease of fear, repression, unhappiness.

Major ArcanaWater

The Sun

19

Upright

The Sun represents success, radiance, positivity, and abundance. It gives you strength and tells you that no matter where you go or what you do, your positive and radiant energy will follow you. It is the best card in the deck for joy and vitality. Everything is clear now; the shadows have vanished. Celebrate your achievements and enjoy the warmth of life. You are being recognized and celebrated. It signifies a time of great clarity, optimism, and truth. The universe is smiling upon you, and you are encouraged to shine your light for all to see.

Reversed

Inner child issues, feeling down, or being overly optimistic to the point of being burned. Even reversed, it is a positive card, but the sun may be temporarily clouded. You might be struggling to see the bright side or dealing with temporary setbacks that dampen your spirit. It asks you to reconnect with your joy and innocence. Beware of arrogance or burning out by trying to do too much. It suggests that happiness is within reach, but you need to clear the clouds to see it.

Major ArcanaFire

Judgement

20

Upright

Judgement calls for a period of deep self-reflection and self-evaluation. It represents an awakening and a clear call to action. You are being called to rise up and claim your higher purpose. It is a time of rebirth and absolution. Leave the past behind, forgive yourself and others, and step into your new life. You are hearing the trumpet call of your soul, asking you to ascend to a higher level of consciousness. It is a decision that cannot be ignored.

Reversed

Self-doubt, refusal of self-examination, or ignoring the call. You may be refusing to change or holding onto the past. It suggests fear of judgment or holding onto guilt and regret. It asks you to forgive yourself and move on. You are delaying your own resurrection because you are afraid of what it means to be fully awake. The call is persisting, but you are covering your ears.

Major ArcanaFire

The World

21

Upright

The World represents completion, achievement, and fulfillment. A cycle has ended, and you are ready for the next phase.

Reversed

Incompletion, no closure, emptiness.

Major ArcanaEarth

Reading the Cards

In my years of practice, I've learned that tarot reading is an art that combines symbolism, intuition, and ancient wisdom. Each card tells a story and offers guidance for your life's journey.

  • Focus on your question while the cards are drawn
  • Pay attention to your initial intuitive response
  • Consider both traditional and personal meanings

Card Combinations

The meaning of a tarot reading deepens when you consider how the cards interact with each other. Certain combinations can enhance or modify the individual card meanings.

Major & Minor

Major Arcana with Minor Arcana shows how big life themes play out in daily life

Elements

Cards of the same element amplify each other's energy

Common Questions About Tarot

How accurate are tarot readings?
Tarot readings provide guidance based on current energies and possibilities. They're not predictions but reflections of your subconscious. Accuracy depends on the reader's experience and your openness to the insights offered.
Can I do my own tarot reading?
Absolutely! Many people successfully read tarot for themselves. Start with simple 3-card spreads, keep a tarot journal, and trust your intuition. Our guide explains each card's meaning to help you get started.
Should I get a tarot reading for major life decisions?
Tarot can provide clarity and new perspectives on decisions, but shouldn't be your only source of guidance. Use it alongside practical considerations and professional advice for important matters.
Does drawing The Fool card mean I'm being naive about my current situation?
Drawing The Fool doesn't necessarily mean you are being naive, but it does ask you to examine where you might be leaping without looking. In the Major Arcana, The Fool represents the pure potential of a new beginning, untainted by fear or cynicism. While it can suggest a need for caution against recklessness, its primary message is often about the necessity of taking a leap of faith to begin a new life cycle. If you feel stuck or overly analytical, The Fool is a positive sign that you need to trust the universe and embrace the unknown. However, if you are already acting impulsively, it serves as a gentle warning to check your footing before you step off the cliff. Consider it a call to beginner's mind—approaching your situation with fresh eyes and an open heart, rather than assuming you know how it will all play out.
How can I use The Magician's energy to manifest my career goals?
The Magician is the ultimate card of manifestation and resourcefulness, making it incredibly powerful for career questions. When this card appears, it signals that you already possess all the tools, skills, and talents necessary to succeed—you just need to align them effectively. Unlike the passive waiting of some cards, The Magician requires active, conscious willpower. To use this energy, clearly define your professional objective and then methodically apply your skills to achieve it. It embodies the phrase 'as above, so below,' suggesting that your internal belief systems must match your external actions. If you've been hesitating to start a business, ask for a promotion, or pivot your career, The Magician is your green light to take initiative. It reminds you that you are the creator of your own reality, and with focus and concentration, you can transform your ideas into tangible success.
Why does The High Priestess appear when I'm feeling confused about a decision?
The High Priestess appears during times of confusion specifically because she represents the answer that lies beyond logic and reason. She is the guardian of the subconscious and intuition. When you are struggling with a decision and this card shows up, it is often a sign that you are trying too hard to solve the problem with your intellect alone. The confusion you feel is a result of ignoring your gut feelings or inner knowing. The High Priestess advises you to stop seeking validation from external sources—friends, experts, or data—and instead turn inward. Pay attention to your dreams, sudden flashes of insight, and feelings that you can't quite explain. The clarity you seek isn't in a pro/con list; it's in the quiet, still voice within you that already knows the truth. She invites you to trust the mystery and be comfortable with not knowing all the factual details yet.
Can The Empress indicate creative birthing rather than physical pregnancy?
Absolutely. While The Empress is the archetype of motherhood and fertility, her energy is by no means limited to physical pregnancy. In a broader sense, she represents the birth of anything new—an idea, a project, a piece of art, or a new phase of personal growth. If you are asking about a creative endeavor or a business venture, The Empress is one of the most auspicious cards you can draw. She signifies that your efforts will be fruitful and that you are in a phase of high productivity and abundance. Her presence suggests that you should nurture your project with the same care and patience a mother gives a child. It is a call to connect with your senses, embrace beauty, and allow your natural creativity to flow without restriction. So, if you are not looking to expand your family, take this as a powerful sign of creative and material success.
What does The Emperor suggest about setting boundaries in a chaotic relationship?
The Emperor is the embodiment of structure, authority, and stability. In the context of a chaotic relationship, his appearance is a firm directive to establish clear, non-negotiable boundaries. He represents the masculine principle of protection and order, suggesting that the current chaos is likely due to a lack of defined rules or mutual respect. The Emperor doesn't ask you to be cruel, but he does ask you to be firm and unwavering. You may need to step into a role of leadership within your own life, deciding what you will and will not tolerate. This card reminds you that structure is not the enemy of love; rather, it creates a safe container in which love can grow. If you have been too passive or accommodating, The Emperor advises you to reclaim your power, speak your truth with authority, and restore order to your emotional world.
Does The Hierophant always represent traditional marriage or can it mean spiritual mentorship?
While The Hierophant is traditionally associated with marriage and social institutions, its meaning in modern tarot reading has evolved significantly to encompass spiritual mentorship, education, and belief systems. If you are not asking about marriage, this card often points to a need for guidance from a trusted teacher, mentor, or established tradition. It represents the path of learned wisdom rather than the intuitive wisdom of The High Priestess. The Hierophant may appear when you are seeking to deepen your understanding of a specific subject or spiritual practice and would benefit from a structured course of study. It can also challenge you to examine where you are blindly following societal norms versus where you are finding your own spiritual truth within a tradition. Ultimately, it is a card about bridging the gap between the divine and the mundane through ritual, learning, and shared community values.
If I'm single, does The Lovers card predict a new partner or a choice I need to make?
The Lovers is a complex card that operates on multiple levels. While it is a classic harbinger of romance and harmony, its deeper meaning is often centered around choice and alignment of values. If you are single, The Lovers can certainly indicate the arrival of a significant partner, potentially a soulmate connection. However, it frequently appears to highlight a personal crossroads where you must choose between two paths—often representing a choice between your past and your future, or between duty and desire. It asks you to define what you truly value in life and in a partner. Before you can unite with another, you must be in union with yourself. Therefore, The Lovers may be asking you to integrate different aspects of your own personality or to make a life choice that is authentic to your true self, which will then magnetically attract the right partner to you.
What does The Chariot imply about the pace of my career progression right now?
The Chariot is a card of rapid motion, determination, and victory, but it implies a pace that requires intense focus and control. In a career reading, it suggests that things are about to move very quickly, and success is within your grasp, provided you stay in the driver's seat. This is not a time for passivity or letting things happen to you. The Chariot indicates that you may face competing interests, office politics, or conflicting responsibilities (represented by the black and white sphinxes), and your job is to harness these opposing forces to move forward. It promises triumph, but a triumph that is hard-won through discipline and willpower. If you have been feeling stagnant, The Chariot is a sign that the momentum is shifting, and you need to be ready to steer your professional life with confidence and aggression. Keep your eyes on the prize and do not let distractions derail your progress.
Does the Strength card advise me to be gentle or forceful with my current challenges?
The Strength card is unique because it represents the power of soft control rather than brute force. The image of the woman gently taming the lion illustrates that true strength comes from inner calm, patience, and compassion, not from aggression. If you are facing a difficult challenge or a difficult person, this card advises you to master your own raw emotions and reactions. It suggests that you will overcome your obstacles by maintaining your composure and approaching the situation with understanding and grace. Being 'forceful' in the traditional sense is likely to backfire. Instead, tap into your emotional resilience and courage. Strength tells you that you have the endurance to weather this storm, and that by influencing the situation with a steady, loving hand, you can tame even the most volatile circumstances. It is a victory of the spirit over the ego.
Is The Hermit appearing to tell me to isolate myself or just to seek inner wisdom?
The Hermit often brings up fears of loneliness, but its true purpose is to encourage deliberate solitude for the sake of introspection. It is rarely a directive to cut off all contact with the world permanently, but rather a temporary withdrawal to find the light within. In our busy, noise-filled lives, we often lose touch with our own inner guidance. The Hermit appears when you need to step back from the crowd to hear your own thoughts and process your experiences. It suggests that the answers you are frantically searching for 'out there' can only be found in the quiet of your own soul. This might mean taking a social media break, going on a retreat, or simply spending your evenings in quiet reflection. It is a supportive card for spiritual growth, indicating that you are your own best teacher right now and that this period of solitude will lead to profound enlightenment.
Does The Wheel of Fortune mean my luck is changing or that I have no control?
The Wheel of Fortune is the card of destiny, cycles, and the inevitable ups and downs of life. It signifies that a turning point is at hand. While it can feel like you have 'no control' because the forces at play are external (like the economy, weather, or other people's actions), the card is generally a positive omen of changing luck. If you have been in a difficult period, The Wheel guarantees that this too shall pass and better times are rotating in. Conversely, it reminds you not to become complacent in good times. The key lesson here is not helplessness, but adaptation. You cannot stop the wheel from turning, but you can learn to navigate the changes with grace. It invites you to trust in the timing of the universe and to understand that every phase of the cycle serves a purpose in your larger soul journey.
What does the Justice card mean for karmic balance in a difficult breakup?
The Justice card is the great equalizer of the Tarot, representing truth, fairness, and the law of cause and effect. In the context of a difficult breakup, Justice indicates that the situation is playing out exactly as it must to restore balance. It suggests that the outcome will be fair, even if it doesn't feel emotionally easy. If you have been treated uniquely, Justice promises that the scales will eventually balance, and the truth will come to light. However, it also asks you to examine your own role in the relationship dynamics with total honesty. Justice is not about revenge; it is about accountability. It encourages you to act with integrity and dignity during the separation. Ultimately, this card assures you that the universe is correcting a misalignment, freeing you from a situation that was not just or balanced, so that you can move forward with a clean slate.
Why is The Hanged Man showing up when I feel stuck in my career?
The Hanged Man is one of the most frustrating cards to receive when you want progress, as it literally depicts suspension. However, it appears precisely *because* you are stuck, to tell you that struggling against the quicksand will only make you sink faster. The advice of The Hanged Man is counter-intuitive: stop fighting and surrender. This 'stuckness' is actually a necessary pause designed to force a shift in perspective. You are looking at your career problem from the wrong angle. By letting go of your need to control the timeline or the outcome, you free up the energy needed to see a new solution. It is a time of sacrifice—perhaps sacrificing your ego, your current plans, or your impatience—to gain a greater wisdom. Embrace the pause. The enlightenment you gain during this suspension will be the key that eventually unlocks the door to your next chapter.
If the Death card doesn't mean physical death, what specific transformation is it pointing to?
The Death card is the most feared and misunderstood card in the deck, yet it is rarely literal. Instead, it signifies a profound and irreversible transformation. It represents the death of the ego, a persona, a relationship dynamic, or a way of life that has outlived its purpose. It is the caterpillar entering the chrysalis to become a butterfly. The transformation Death points to is usually radical—it is not a small edit, but a complete rewrite. It asks you to release what is dead and decaying in your life so that new growth can emerge. Holding on to the past only prolongs the pain. Whether it's leaving a dead-end job, ending a stale relationship, or shedding an old belief system, Death promises that this ending is necessary for your liberation. It clears the ground for the fresh energy of the Ace cards that follow.
What does The Devil mean if I'm single and looking for love?
When The Devil appears for a single person, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the nature of attraction and attachment. It often signals a strong, magnetic attraction to someone who may not be good for you—a 'bad boy/girl' archetype or a karmic connection fueled by lust rather than love. It asks you to examine your own shadow side: Are you looking for a partner to fill a void, validate your worth, or distract you from your own issues? The Devil represents bondage to material desires and unhealthy patterns. It might suggest that you are trapped in a cycle of toxic dating habits or that you are overly focused on superficial qualities like looks or money. The good news is that the chains in the card are loose; you can free yourself at any time by becoming conscious of these patterns. Use this time to liberate yourself from dependencies before entering a new relationship.
RS

Written by Rajesh Sharma

Senior Vedic Astrology Expert

With over 15 years studying Vedic astrology, I've helped thousands understand their cosmic blueprints. My mission is to bridge ancient wisdom with modern technology.

Certified Jyotish Acharya15+ years consulting experienceSenior Astrologer at AstroPredictAI