To read Tarot confidently, you need to understand the card meanings. The deck has 78 arcana, and each has its own meaning upright and reversed. A full interactive reference is available on the Tarot card meanings page, free and without registration.
The structure of the Tarot deck
The deck is divided into two parts. The 22 Major Arcana (from the Fool to the World) describe major life themes, fateful events and spiritual lessons. The 56 Minor Arcana are four suits of 14 cards, governing everyday matters and the nuances of situations. When a spread has many Major Arcana, it concerns an important, pivotal period.
The four suits of the Minor Arcana
Wands are linked to the element of Fire — energy, passion, projects and ambition. Cups (Water) govern feelings, relationships and creativity. Swords (Air) — thoughts, decisions, conflicts and truth. Pentacles (Earth) — money, work, health and the material world. Knowing a suit's element, you quickly grasp a card's meaning.
Upright and reversed meaning
Each card is read in two positions. Upright reveals the arcanum's main meaning, reversed weakens it, inverts it or turns it into a warning. Reversed cards are not “bad” — they often point to inner blocks, delays or things that need attention. Experienced readers always account for a card's position.
How to use the reference
Switch the suit tabs and tap cards to see the upright and reversed meanings. Study a few cards a day, then reinforce your knowledge in practice — with the card of the day or the three-card spread.
Open the Tarot card meanings reference and start learning.
