Tarot Card Meanings: Your Guide to Every Card

Each Tarot card carries unique symbolism, energies, and potential lessons. Understanding Tarot card meanings is key to interpreting spreads with depth and nuance. The Tarot’s 78 cards divide into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Together, they tell stories about personal growth, challenges, relationships, and spiritual journeys.

Major Arcana & Minor Arcana

The 22 Major Arcana cards symbolize life’s big lessons and archetypal energies—like innocence (The Fool), transformation (Death), or enlightenment (The Sun). The 56 Minor Arcana cards represent day-to-day events, emotions, conflicts, and joys within the suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

The Major Arcana often signal turning points or key themes in your life, while the Minor Arcana provide finer details and practical advice, painting a fuller picture of your situation.

Upright & Reversed Meanings

Cards can appear upright or reversed. Upright meanings generally align with the card’s traditional interpretation—positive, challenging, or somewhere in between. Reversed cards may indicate blocked energy, delays, internalized issues, or cautionary notes. While not all readers use reversals, many find them helpful for adding layers of complexity.

Building Your Knowledge Over Time

Memorizing every card meaning at once can be daunting. Start with the Major Arcana, then explore each suit of the Minor Arcana. Keep a journal, noting how each card resonates with your readings and life experiences. Over time, you’ll develop a personal understanding that goes beyond guidebook definitions.

Refining Your Interpretations

Context is crucial. A card’s position in a spread, the question asked, and the surrounding cards influence how you interpret it. For example, The Lovers card can suggest romantic harmony in a love reading, but highlight a values-based decision in a career reading. Pay attention to the bigger picture and trust your intuition.

Professional Insights & Guidance

If you find certain cards perplexing or want a second opinion, consider a professional reading. At Zigino, new members receive 3 free credits to connect with experienced Tarot readers. They can clarify tricky cards and show you how meanings shift in real-world scenarios. Sign up today and enhance your card interpretation skills.