Tarot Card Meanings

The Fool
Tarot card number: 0
Element: air
Planet: Uranus

Positive associations with this tarot card: new beginnings, optimism, spontaneity, fearlessness, excitement, visionary, joy, inventiveness, childishness, folly, mania, extravagance, intoxication, delirium, frenzy, bewrayment, pioneer.

Negative associations with this tarot card: naivety, thoughtlessness, immaturity, lack of responsibility, impulsiveness, lawlessness, childishness, negligence, absence, distribution, carelessness, apathy, nullity, vanity.

Expect the unexpected when The Fool turns up in a reading, influences that could have a dramatic affect on the decisions and choices you make. When The Fool appears, it is a time for new beginnings, a journey perhaps into the unknown that will be exciting and fun. Any trials along the way will make you a more experienced and perhaps wiser person. If The Fool falls in the first position of a reading exercise caution - it could indicate foolhardiness or perhaps the question you are asking is the wrong one or you are asking it for the wrong reasons. The Fool can also represent a person in a reading, if so be prepared to meet a real maverick, an eccentric traveller with lust for life. The Fool represents untapped potential.

The Magician
Tarot card number: 1
Planet: Mercury

Positive associations with this tarot card: action, power, originality, confidence, individuality, willpower, new beginnings, potential, sometimes occult potency, skill, diplomacy, address, subtlety.

Negative associations with this tarot card: trickery, deception, lack of self-confidence, indecision, abuse of power, knowledge that interferes with the matter, physician, magus, mental disease, disgrace, disquiet, sickness, pain, loss, disaster, snares of enemies; self-confidence, will; the Querent, if male.

The Magician is an excellent omen symbolizing new opportunities, the importance of new enterprise and that you will have the willpower and initiative to succeed in whatever you do. The mercurial nature of The Magician means that you will be able to think on your feet and bluff your way through difficulties.

Negatively this card represents trickery or deception and is a warning to be careful of whom you place your trust in. Another negative aspect of The Magician is that it may suggest that you are lacking in self-confidence and being indecisive.

The High Priestess
Tarot card number : 2
Planet: Moon

Positive associations with this tarot card: intuitiveness, understanding, wisdom, mystery, psychic ability, the divine feminine, secrets, mystery, the future as yet unrevealed; the woman who interests the Querent, if male; the Querent herself, if female; silence, tenacity; mystery, wisdom, science.

Negative associations with this tarot card: lack of intuitiveness, emotional insecurity, secretiveness, hidden obstacles or opponents, passion, moral or physical ardour, conceit, surface knowledge.

The High Priestess is the guardian of the universe's secrets so when she appears in a reading it can mean a secret is to be revealed or there is a secret you wish to be revealed. Symbolizing our intuitiveness and the realms of our unconscious, the High Priestess is our guide to our inner self and potential. When the High Priestess appears, it suggests you should trust your instincts, let your intuition be your guide. She may even represent a person who will provide wise counsel and advice. In a man's reading, the High Priestess may represent the most important woman in his life.

Negatively the High Priestess can represent emotional insecurity and the danger of being tempted to use emotional blackmail. Another negative aspect is that a secret could be being kept from you, perhaps unknown obstacles or opponents. In a man's reading, the negative aspect of this card could represent a woman who is a bad influence on him.

The Empress
Tarot card number: 3
Planet: Venus
Season: spring

Positive associations with this tarot card: fertility, birth, motherhood, harmony, nature, prosperity, joy, love, artistic ambition, fruitfulness, action, initiative, length of days; the unknown, clandestine; also difficulty, doubt, ignorance.

Negative associations with this tarot card: domestic upheaval, emotional blackmail, over-protectiveness, poverty, infertility, unwanted pregnancy, surpressed artistic expression, light, truth, the unravelling of involved matters, public rejoicings; according to another reading, vacillation.

The Empress symbolizes love, reassurance, prosperity and birth so when she appears in a reading in a favourable position she is a very welcome card. She can represent pregnancy or actual birth of a child however she can also represent the creation or birth of a creative project or involvement with nature.

Negatively The Empress can signal that you or a woman in your life is being too protective and may even resort to emotional blackmail to get what she wants. She may indicate money worries and a need to handle your finances carefully. Another negative aspect of The Empress is that she can symbolize infertility or unwanted pregnancy.

The Emperor
Tarot card number: 4
Astrological sign: Aries.

Positive associations with this tarot card: achievement, authority, protection, support, trustworthy, discipline, provider, consolidation, reason, willpower, stability, power, protection, realization; a great person; aid, reason, conviction; also authority and will.

Negative associations with this tarot card: weakness, immaturity, failed ambition, status driven, tyrannical, untrustworthy, benevolence, compassion, credit; also confusion to enemies, obstruction.

The Emperor is a sign of achievement and honour and in many cases can represent a strong male influence such as a father, husband/partner or man of significance in your life, or person of authority such as a boss.

When he appears in a reading, he can suggest that a man of authority or significance as outlined above will stand by you and support you, in personal as well as business matters. When The Emperor falls in position in a reading that refers to you he suggests that you will be able to influence people and have awareness of your own authority.

Negatively The Emperor can mean that either you or a man of influence in your life is using bullying tactics and being overbearing, an abuse of power. Another negative aspect of this card is failed ambitions, a craving for status and insecurity around a man of authority.

The Hierophant
Tarot card number: 5
Astrological sign: Taurus.

Positive associations with this tarot card: advice, wise counsel, society, good understanding, spiritual consolation, knowledge, identification, faith, conformity, tradition, marriage, alliance, captivity, servitude; by another account, mercy and goodness; inspiration; the man to whom the Querent has recourse.

Negative associations with this tarot card: misinformation, lack of faith, deviousness, bad advice, confusion, disorderly conduct, concord, overkindness, weakness.

The Hierophant is a symbol of moral law, a wise and capable advisor, a practical instructor and spiritual guide. He also represents the more conventional, tried and tested traditional values, therefore advising on more conventional thinking rather than novel approaches. The Hierophant may actually represent a teacher, priest or advisor but is more likely to symbolise moral lessons to be learned from events. This card can be an indicator of marriage or a desire for marriage, as well as point to legal responsibilities and official documents.

Negatively The Hierophant can symbolize feeling stifled by others wanting you to conform to their expectations rather than being yourself, and not wanting to take options that are more traditional. However there is an upside to this negative aspect of the card that can mean making your own rules. Another negative aspect of this card is that he can represent confusion, a crisis of faith or counterproductive pride.

The Lovers
Tarot card number: 6
Astrological sign: Gemini

Positive associations with this tarot card: desire, new lover, relationships, sex, commitment, attraction, love, beauty, trials overcome.

Negative associations witht his card: lust, moral lapse, temptation, indecision, seperation, emotional loss, failure, foolish designs. Another account speaks of marriage frustrated and contrarieties of all kinds.

The Lovers can symbolize that a new love is going to enter your life even if you can't see where from - you're in for a surprise. This card symbolizes an importance choice that could affect the rest of your life. This card also means that your heart rules your head and a dramatic change of attitude will lead to happier times. The Lovers symbolize a choice between duty versus your heart's desire, take a risk and it could lead to greater happiness and emotional fulfillment, stay dutiful and life will remain the same.

Negatively the Lovers can represent an unhappy love affair or relationship yet you are unsure what decision or choice to make. Another negative aspect of this card is that it can represent intense temptation and warns of being unfaithful to your own morals.

The Chariot
Tarot card number: 7
Astrological sign: Cancer

Positive associations with this tarot card: movement, change, self-belief, assertiveness, good news, succour, providence also war, triumph.

Negative associations with this tarot card: rage, tyranny, presumption, vengeance, trouble, selfishness, arrogance, delays, frustration, riot, quarrel, dispute, litigation, defeat.

The Chariot symbolizes conflicts ending in victory, so advises sustained efforts if in a current struggle or facing one, as you will win in the end. This card also heralds unexpected good news and represents self-reliance and belief in your own abilities. Travel and change is indicated by The Chariot as well as representing a vehicle - if in a favourable position it could mean you'll get that car you've been wanting!

Negatively The Chariot can mean that either you or someone of influence around you is being a bully, arrogant and selfish. Another negative aspect is that it can represent frustrations and delays or that travel plans may not go well.

Justice
Tarot card number: 8
Astrological sign: Libra

Positive associations with this tarot card: justice, truth, integrity, balance, arbitration, responsibility, fairness, equity, rightness, probity, executive; triumph of the deserving side in law. A karmic card that heralds good fortune and reward for past efforts even if you are unsure why you are being favoured.

Negative associations with this tarot card: prejudice, injustice, bad judgement, bias, bad advice, law in all its departments, legal complications, bigotry, bias, excessive severity. When The Justice card appears in a reading it can represent justice, fairness and equilibrium in all dealings with people, so it is a good omen concerning partnerships, business deals and legal issues. This card can also signify the righting of a wrong that has been done to you in the past, or you seeking justice for another.

Negatively the Justice card represents harsh justice, business deals that flounder, legal decions that will not go your way even if you are morally right. Another negative aspect is that it can symbolize bad judgement and receiving bad advice.

The Hermit
Tarot card number: 9
Astrological sign: Virgo

Positive associations with this tarot card: introspection, solitude, guidance, advice, patience, Prudence, circumspection. Concerning health, The Hermit indicates a time of convalescence and rest.

Negative associations with this tarot card: obstinacy, suspiciousness, treason, dissimulation, roguery, corruption, impatience, folly, arrogance, concealment, disguise, policy, fear, unreasoned caution.

When The Hermit appears in a reading, he symbolizes a need for careful consideration of issues and possibly a desire for peace and quiet and solitude. He warns against making hasty decisions and recommends taking advice from someone you trust before making any decisions.

Negatively The Hermit can imply arrogance and obstinacy, suspiciousness and a refusal to accept advice when help would be beneficial. Other negative aspects of this card are impatience leading to bad decisions and loneliness.

Wheel of Fortune
Tarot card number: 10
Planet: Jupiter

Positive associations with this tarot card: destiny, movement, vision, good luck, new cycle, synchronicity, destiny, fortune, success, elevation, luck, felicity. This card heralds an end to current problems and rewards for past efforts. When this card appears, it heralds a new cycle in life, good luck and fortune. Fate has brought this into your life.

Negatively The Wheel of Fortune heralds a time of good fortune that is taken as disappointment. Negative associations with this tarot card: obstacles, temporary bad luck, unpleasant surprises, increase, over-abundance, superfluity.

Strength Tarot card number: 11
Astrological sign: Leo

Positive associations with this tarot card: strength, willpower, compassion, patience, triumph, fortitude, power, energy, action, courage, magnanimity; also complete success and honours.

Negative associations with this Tarot card: cowardice, fear, inertia, defeat, loss of opportunity, despotism, abuse if power, weakness, discord, sometimes even disgrace.

When the Strength card appears, it represents not just physical strength but the ability to cope with extreme pressure and win through in the end. If ill health has been an issue this card indicates rapid recovery, if considering giving up an unhealthy habit such as smoking or drinking this card indicates a good time to start The Strength card signifies triumph over most things; challenges in your relationships or career, even defending you against jealousy, ignorance and oppression.

Negatively this card represents insecurity, fear and giving up, perhaps being defeated by unfair tactics. The Strength card warns of missed or cheated opportunities and not to give up when you could be so close to the finish line.

The Hanged Man
Tarot card number: 12
Planet: Neptune
Element: water

Positive associations with this Tarot card: transition, flexibility, rebirth, deliverance, release, wisdom, circumspection, discernment, trials, sacrifice, intuition, divination, prophecy. This card represents a trial of passage and hence the self-sacrifice aspect of this card has spiritual overtones.

Negative associations with this tarot card: materialism, inflated ego, lack of willpower, easily influenced, martyrdom, selfishness, the crowd, body politic.

The Hanged Man symbolizes self-sacrifice, whether that is material or emotional, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This card can represent a time of limbo or a pause in life until something is sacrificed for the sake of advancement. The Hanged Man can represent ill health, stress and anxiety. This is a time for patience and avoiding worries.

Negatively The Hanged Man symbolizes selfishness. The martyr is the epitomy of emotional blackmail.

Death
Tarot card number: 13
Astrological sign: Scorpio

Without a doubt, it is this card that commonly causes most fear, and yet it rarely does it symbolize actual death. It does mean the end of something, but in terms of tarot, Death could be better identified as Transition.

Positive associations with this Tarot card: transformation, clearance, sweeping change, end, mortality, destruction, corruption also, for a man, the loss of a benefactor for a woman, many contrarieties; for a maid, failure of marriage projects. Whilst The Death card can represent rather shocking or unexpected events or changes, they usually clear the way for a brand new start and a greater value for life itself.

Negative associations with this Tarot card: stagnation, loss of opportunity, loss of friendship, fear of change, inertia, sleep, lethargy, petrifaction, somnambulism; hope destroyed, fatality. A negative aspect of The Death card is stagnation; resisting change when change is what is needed most.

Temperance
Tarot card number: 14
Astrological sign: Sagittarius

Positive associations with this Tarot card: harmony, health, moderation, compromise, peace, self-control, economy, moderation, frugality, management, accommodation.

Negative associations with this Tarot card: impatience, lack of foresight, conflict, quarrels, domestic strife, things connected with churches, religions, sects, the priesthood, sometimes even the priest who will marry the Querent; also disunion, unfortunate combinations, competing interests.

When the Temperance card appears, it symbolizes self-control, the ability to handle volatile factors and so bring about a positive result. This card heralds a time of harmonious relationships, peace and harmony to enjoy. Moderation is the key and spirituality will bring comfort. This card represents an angel or guardian spirit looking over you.

Negatively Temperance represents over indulgence, lack of foresight, impatience, conflict and quarrels causing domestic strife. This card warns of making hasty decisions out of impatience that will thwart your progress.

The Devil
Tarot card number: 15
Astrological sign: Capricorn.

Positive associations with this tarot card: permanence, commitment, sexual vitality, ravage, violence, vehemence, extraordinary efforts, force; that which is predestined but is not for this reason evil.

Negative associations with this Tarot card: entrapment, lust, greed, ignorance, anger, tyranny, obsession, evil fatality, weakness, pettiness, blindness.

The Devil is not all bad, if marriage or commitment to a relationship is under consideration and this card falls in a favourable position in a reading The Devil is a good omen. Regarding most other issues, this card is not a very positive one. The Devil symbolizes lust of the flesh, temptation and addiction, which do not tend to lead to favourable outcomes. Concerning relationships, this card can warn against obsession or people that are no good for us and prompts you to examine the situation carefully. The Devil stands for a warning against the destructive consequences of your actions motivated by greed, lust and power.

More positively, the Devil can be a sign that you are gaining control, or at least awareness, of your weaknesses or addictions. Always consider your motives when The Devil appears, it is a helpful indicator for you to change course whilst you still can.

The Tower
Tarot card number: 16
Planet: Mars

Positive associations with this tarot card: re-evaluation, necessary change, a blessing in disguise, misery, distress, indigence, adversity, calamity, disgrace, deception, ruin. This is a card of unforeseen catastrophe.

Negative associations with this tarot card: sudden change, downfall, disruption, disaster, oppression, imprisonment, tyranny.

After the Death card and the Devil, The Tower is likely to be the card that causes most fear and consternation. It may be hard to find a positive side to this card, however, it tells you that the unexpected shock and upheaval of events will create new opportunities and make you a stronger and wiser person. The Tower represents sudden and sometimes shocking changes in events and can often represent problems or delays relating to your home. Tthis card encourages you to see that such upheavals can force new directions which can be more beneficial.

Negatively The Tower represents unnecessary suffering. You may be falsely accused of something and suffer some form of imprisonment or isolation, or you may be the one causing the shock and change with a rebellious attitude. The main thing to remember with this unpleasant card is that this phase will pass and that a new direction or new opportunities can be created from it.

The Star
Tarot card number: 17
Astrological sign: Aquarius

Positive associations with this tarot card: hope, generosity, serenity, wishes coming true, good health, spiritual awareness, loss, theft, privation, abandonment; another reading says-hope and bright prospects.

Negative associations with this tarot card: self-doubt, lack of trust, cynicism, pessimism, arrogance, haughtiness, impotence.

The Star is a welcome card bringing insight into the future, optimism and hope, renewal of faith and unexpected gifts! When considering a new relationship or enterprise The Star is an excellent omen This card heralds good times for many things, artistic or educational endeavours, travel, health and spiritual awareness or development.

Negatively this card warns against the perils of self-doubt and negativity that may lead to lost opportunities. Despite your cynicism, even with the negative aspect of this card you will be surprised with good fortune.

The Moon
Tarot card number: 18
Astrological sign: Pisces

Positive associations with this tarot card: imagination, unexpected possibilities, illumination, hidden enemies, danger, calumny, darkness, terror, deception, occult forces, error.

Negative associations with this tarot card: fear, confusion, highly charged emotions, bewilderment, lies, deceit, instability, inconstancy, silence, lesser degrees of deception and error.

When The Moon appears, you can be sure it will be a time of highly charged emotions and confusion. Despite any fear you may have, the pale light of The Moon will illuminate the way, and even if the path you are on is tough, all will turn out right in the end. Upright and in a favourable position in a reading, this card is a good omen if you are involved in a clandestine affair, otherwise it may signify that your secret may be exposed. The Moon can lead to artistic expression through art, writing, or music.

Negatively this card stands for lack of progress because of deep-rooted fears and anxieties. It tells of cowardliness, it also warns of lies and deceit - perhaps this is the cause of your worries.

The Sun
Tarot card number: 19
Planet: Sun
Season: summer

Positive associations with this tarot card: greatness, enlightenment, vitality, good health, love, fulfillment, material happiness, fortunate marriage, contentment.

Negative associations with this tarot card: misjudgement, delays, potential failure, inflated ego. Simply one of the best (if not the best) cards in the Tarot deck.

The Sun is a most welcome card and a signal of very happy, joyous times. This card can represent holidays, good news around children or perhaps news or the conception or birth of a much-wanted baby. The Sun heralds a time of fun with friends and family and agreeable companionships and relationships. Ultimately The Sun dispels negativity and promises of a happy ending.

Negatively The Sun perhaps suggests delays to your plans or achievements and does warn against arrogance and misjudgement caused by an inflated ego.

Judgement
Tarot card number: 20
Element: fire
Planet: Pluto

Positive associations with this tarot card: rebirth, rejoicing, absolution, new potential, rewards for past efforts, change of position, renewal, outcome.

Negative associations with this tarot card: guilt, loss, self-reproach, delays, fear, obstinacy, weakness, pusillanimity, simplicity; also deliberation, decision, sentence.

The Judgement card heralds a time of accomplishment and rewards for past efforts. Taking stock of ones life and consideration of a brand new phase in life. If there has been ill health this card signals a recovery with a new lease of life. The Judgement card brings an opportunity, which, once given, must not be ignored, a new project or decision could change your life. This card generally speeds up events in your life, and always indicates a step in a new direction.

Negatively this card warns of obstinacy and a refusal to move with change when change is essential, which only causes delays. You will experience great fear. Another negative aspect of the Judgement card warns of self-doubt and guilt over past mistakes - this will only hamper the journey forward.

The World
Tarot card number: 21
Planet: Saturn

Positive associations with this Tarot card: fulfillment, completion, satisfaction, joy, wholeness, assured success, recompense, voyage, route, emigration, flight, change of place.

Negative associations with this tarot card: stagnation, lack of will, impatience, delays, inertia, fixity, stagnation, permanence.

The World heralds the arrival of your heart's desire, whatever that may be, a time of achievement, recognition, success and triumph. This card signals a time of enjoyment, of holidays and travel, time with loved ones, a fulfilling relationship is on offer and spoiling yourself with the material things you've been wanting. The World also marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.

Negatively, The World points toward delays and that you may still need to overcome some challenges before you succeed, so don't give up when you are so close to the finish.