ᛟᛞᛁᚾ

UNDERS TANDING
TAROT
A detailed understanding on the cards, spreads and how to read them
- @Ace_of_cups

Dedicated to Odin, Allfather – the patron of knowledge and learning.

 OVERVIEW
• Tarot derives from playing cards; in the 1430s
the 21 Major Arcana cards were added to the
four suits of playing cards. It was originally
called Trionfi and the cards originated in France
although their fortune telling use is long
attributed to the Romani People!
 WHEN READING TAROT…
• Its important to recognise that every reader has
their own interpretations of cards and card
combinations, and different decks also have
different interpretations and imagery – readers
must use their intuition to piece together what
the cards are trying to say.
• It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to
use guidebooks, apps and websites for readings
– memorising 78 meanings is in no way
necessary
 UNDERS TANDING
TAROT CARDS
A detailed understanding on individual cards and their
imagery/meanings – based on my opinion and interpretations
 OVERVIEW
• Tarot cards can be intimidating and they can
seem rather complex at first. While it is
important to learn basic meanings, it is just as
important to connect to a deck and use
intuition and the card’s imagery to piece
together the pieces.
• Here the Original Rider Waite imagery and
cards are being used.
 MAJOR ARCANA
• The 22 Major Arcana cards follow The Fool’s
journey and it can be very important to
remember the chronology of the cards to create
more depth within readings.
 0 THE FOOL
The fool is the first card and the beginning of the
major arcana story – it denotes fresh starts, new
beginnings and innocence or naivety. The original
Raider-Waite imagery shows a young traveller
walking over the edge of a cliff, distracted by
something above him and so the Fool can be a
warning not to get too caught up in the
excitement of new beginnings.
Key words: innocence, new beginnings, adventure
 0 THE FOOL REVERSED
The Fool reversed can switch the focus of the card
to that of the Fool’s youth – it can represent
naivety and child like foolishness or recklessness.
As the card of new beginnings, the Fool reversed
can indicate a bad or impulsive start; it is also a
warning to take things in rather than rush
forward into potential problems.
Key words: Recklessness, distraction,
impulsiveness, naïve, gullible, stale or dull
 1 THE MAGICIAN
The magician comes after the Fool’s naïve
beginning – he is willpower incarnate. Gesturing
to both the sky and ground, the magician is often
connected to the phrase ‘as above, so below’. The
magician is a sign of intuition, manifestation,
concentration and power. It indicates time to tap
into the full potential of someone or something.
Key words: willpower, desire, manifestation,
skill/ability
 1 T H E M AGI C I A N R E V E R S E D
While the upright Magician is that of power and
potential, the reversed Magician is a sign of
trickery, failure and manipulation. It is a warning
that things need to be changed and that step back
needs to be taken to halt the reckless progression
of the Fool’s journey.
Key words: manipulation, trickery, deception,
wasted potential, lack of skill or concentration
 2 THE HIGH PRIES TESS
The High Priestess is a mediator – the balance
between two opposing pillars. She is a card of
inner knowledge and indicates a need to trust in
intuition and inner knowledge. With the number
two, she represents a true inner balance and
communication between our inner selves.
Key words: intuition, higher power, inner self,
spirituality, trust
 2 THE HIGH PRIESTESS
REVERSED
The High Priestess reversed is an immediate sign
that intuition, that ‘gut feeling’ is being ignored.
She is a sign of disharmony and imbalance
especially on a spiritual plain. Try to embody her
energy, bring peace and balance back into your
life – listen to your intuition.
Key words: repressed intuition, confusion,
hidden motives, disconnect from spirituality and
inner self
 3 THE EMPRESS
The Empress is a powerful feminine card; she
represents the Divine Feminine and Mother
Nature – she tells us understand and connect with
ourselves. She is a sign to be creative and
nurturing. She can also symbolise ‘birth’ – not
just the literal sense but also growing an idea or
passion within us.
Key words: Divine feminine, nature, nurturing,
self compassion, abundance
3 THE EMPRESS REVERSED
The Empress reversed shows a lack of self care,
compassion or a disconnect from the inner self,
nature and the divine feminine. It can be a sign to
try and rebuild confidence and remove any
overbearing/smothering presences.
Key words: Insecurity, overbearing, lack of
growth, lack of progress, negligence, disconnect
with nature and divine feminine
 4 THE EMPEROR
The opposite of The Empress, the Emperor is a
stable, commanding , masculine card. He
represents authority or protection in our lives and
pushes us to be ambitious. Where the Empress
teaches us to love ourselves as we are, the Emperor
tells us to push ourselves further, into the best
person we can be.
Key Words: Stability, authority, control,
ambition, rationality and logic
 4 T H E E M P E RO R R E V E R S E D
The Emperor reversed indicates an imbalance of
control whether it be too much – creating an
overbearing, stubborn and rigid environment, or
too little, fair and equal control must be returned.
He can also be a sign of competition and
arguments/fights or a toxic relationship.
Key Words: Tyrant, domineering, lack of
discipline, stubbornness, loss of control
 5 THE HIEROPHANT
The Hierophant is a card of tradition and is the
masculine power opposing the High Priestess. The
Hierophant tells us that sometimes conformity
and tradition are better in the long term. It
represents knowledge and understanding of
society and our world outside us, rather than our
inner selves.
Key words: Tradition, conformity,
education/knowledge, beliefs and religion
 5 T H E H I E RO P H A N T
REVERSED
The Hierophant reversed indicates that tradition
and conformity are blocking progress – this may
be because of a smothering tradition or a refusal
to change and adapt. The Hierophant reversed
can be an indication that a change of method or
approach needs to be taken.
Key words: Rebellion, unconventional, new
methods, ignorance, stuck in tradition
 6 THE LOVERS
The Lovers does not necessarily denote romantic
relationships – it is a card of balance, choice and
union – representing connections between people
that are harmonious and natural. Heavily
associated with the Zodiac Gemini and the
element of Air – this card is a sign of
communication and connection.
Key words: Balance, union, connection, love,
relationship, choice
 6 THE LOVERS REVERSED
Reversed, The Lovers does not necessarily indicate
a failed romantic relationship – it denotes an
imbalance and disharmony, perhaps relating to
the querent’s inner self. It can represent a
disconnect or a miscommunication as well as a
poor relationship or mix of people.
Key words: Disharmony, imbalance, detachment,
bad choices, conflict, indecision
 7 THE CHARIOT
The Chariot is a card of journey, movement and
harnessing ambition in a single direction – the
opposing steeds (The black and white sphinxes)
indicate opposition and a need to control our
energy and power in order to move forwards. The
Chariot is a victorious and powerful card
indicating positive movement and good direction.
Key words: Movement, direction, harnessing
power, force, victory
 7 T H E C H A R I OT R E V E R S E D
Rather simply, the Chariot reversed indicates a
failure to move forward or a lack of direction; this
can be due to a lack of control, power or
direction. The Chariot can also signify a blockage
or obstacle that needs to be overcome.
Key words: no direction, lack of control,
powerless, force with no purpose, obstacles
 8 S TRENGTH
The strength card shows a calm woman holding
the mouth of a lion shut – while it is a card that
clearly denotes strength and courage , Strength
reminds us that sometimes our inner strength,
our compassion and our ‘weaker’ traits are what
make us strong and courageous. It is a card that
reminds us to push forwards and be brave.
Key words: Courage, compassion, bravery,
remaining calm

In some decks, strength and justice are swapped

 8 S TRENGTH REVERSED
Strength reversed is an indication that strength is
either not being used or is used too forcefully. It
may be a reminder that true strength comes from
compassion and calm rather than aggression and
violence. Or a reminder that it is sometimes
necessary to have courage and speak up.
Key words: Self doubt, weakness, cowardice, low
confidence, overly forceful, lack of compassion

In some decks, strength and justice are swapped

 9 THE HERMIT
A Hermit is a solitary figure who spends their
time alone and the Hermit card carries the same
energy – holding a lantern, the ninth card tells us
to reflect, to spend time alone and explore
ourselves on a deeper level. It may be lonely, but
sometimes the truest answers can only be found
within ourselves.
Key words: Reflection, withdrawal, time alone,
self examination, inner focus
 9 THE HERMIT REVERSED
While the upright Hermit tells us to spend time
alone to see the truth, the reversed Hermit warns
us that too much time alone is unhealthy and
damaging. Perhaps an indication that self
reflection has become self hatred and ‘alone time’
has become isolation and therefore a failure to see
truth and the path forward,
Key words: Isolation, loneliness, rejection, self
critic
 10 T H E W H E E L O F FO RT U N E
The wheel of fortune is full of opposing and
contrasting symbolism and it reminds us that our
fate and lives are constantly shifting and changing.
The wheel of fortune is a sign of change as well as
a sign of fate – to some readers, this card says
“that it not for you to know, but to learn.”
Key words: Fate, shifting of luck, change, fortune,
moving forward/continuing
 10 T H E W H E E L O F FO RT U N E
REVERSED
The Wheel of fortune reversed shines a light on
the more negative side of this card; indicating a
negative shift in luck and possible delays and ‘bad’
or unwanted change. It is important to remember
that clinging to control will only draw out the
suffering.
Key words: Bad luck, lack of control, unwelcome
changes, refusal to let go, delays
 11 JUS TICE
In a rather literal sense, the Justice card is one of
truth, fairness and law. She also indicates karma,
secrets coming to light and also judgement. This
card is a reminder that all actions have
consequences and that, eventually, karma will
always come into play – for better or for worse.
Key words: Truth, consequence, karma, law,
fairness and decisions
 11 JUS TICE REVERSED
In a rather literal sense, the Justice card is one of
truth, fairness and law. And so reversed she
indicates an unfair shift or a lack of equal and fair
retribution. She can also indicate dishonesty and
lies or warn that Karma is coming to repay past
harmful actions.
Key words: Lies, injustice, corruption, unfairness,
avoiding truth, dishonesty
 12 THE HANGED MAN
The Hanged Man may appear to be a negative
card at first but he speaks simply of necessary
sacrifice. Sometimes we must lose things and
change our perspective in order to move forward.
He can also represent a period of indecision and
patience – taking a moment to see things
differently before taking action.
Key words: Sacrifice, waiting/contemplation,
uncertainty, change of perspective, patience
 12 T H E H A N G E D M A N
REVERSED
Reversed, the Hanged Man may indicate that a
sacrifice is in vain, or that an essential sacrifice is
being avoided. It can represent a feeling of
stagnation and a lack of movement or change.
Key words: Stalling, avoiding sacrifice, stagnation,
apathy, standstill
 13 DEATH
While this card may frighten many, it is not
necessarily a ‘bad’ card – the death card indicates
a loss and rebirth. It is a sign that an
indiscriminate change and transformation is
coming and, as you look past this change, you will
see the sun rising behind death to bring the new
day. This card is not nearly as ‘unlucky’ as the
number 13 may make it appear.
Key words: Transformations, endings, loss, letting
go, rebirth, change
 13 DEATH REVERSED
Reversed, Death still indicates change, however it
may indicate avoidance or fear of the change. It
may also be a representation of negative and
harmful patterns that are being ignored.
Key words: Avoiding change, fear of change,
stagnation, repeated negativity
 14 TEMPERANCE
With similar imagery to that of the lovers,
Temperance is a card of balance and moderation.
It is the card of moderation and an indication
that extremity should be avoided and replaced
with a calm, moderated approach. It can also be a
sign of a balanced and equal relationship.
Key words: Balance, peace, patience, harmony,
rest, opposites balancing/yin and yang
 14 T E M P E R A N C E R E V E R S E D
Reversed, Temperance takes on a rather similar
meaning to The Devil – indicating an imbalance,
addiction or excess. It can also show that things
are being taken to unnecessary extremes and
represent conflict between people or within
someone’s inner psyche.
Key words: Imbalance, excess, extremes, hastiness,
conflict
 15 THE DEVIL
The devil is the opposite of the Temperance and,
similarly to its neighbour, has imagery similar to
the Lovers. It is an indication of a severe
imbalance, entrapment, addiction and
materialism. It can also indicate a false reality or
misperception. The devil is one of the only
‘negative’ upright cards in a traditional deck but it
can have some positive associations.
Key words: Lust, excess, addiction, dependency,
toxicity, imbalance, false reality
 15 THE DEVIL REVERSED
The Devil is one of the only cards with an
extremely positive reversal; it indicates freedom
from ‘chains’ and an escape from something that
has been draining and blocking the path forwards.
It shows the need to remove negative things from
our lives, no matter how dependant we may be on
them.
Key words: Independence, freedom, release,
reclaiming power, regaining control
 16 THE TOWER
Similar to the Devil, the Tower is not necessarily a
‘bad’ card. At its core, it merely indicates a huge
and momentous change (perhaps for the better)
where foundations and set knowledge is disrupted
and destroyed – ready to be rebuilt. When the
tower appears in a reading, its important to bear
this in mind and remember that the Star comes
shortly afterwards.
Key words: Disaster, huge change, sudden change,
disruption, ‘reset’ or restart
 16 THE TOWER REVERSED
The Tower card reversed (similar to Death and the
Hanged Man) indicates a refusal to change and
grow. Often, the destruction of the Tower is
necessary to rebuild and grow as a person.
However, sometimes the tower reversed may show
that a disaster or negative event has been averted.
Key words: Averting disaster, delaying necessary
change, refusal to change and reassess
 17 THE S TAR
A stark contrast to the Tower Card, The Star is a
reminder of hope – following the collapse of the
tower it is important to remember that, as faint as
it may be, there is light and promise. This card is a
message to have faith and to look for the light that
will, shortly, arrive.
Key words: Hope, promise, positivity,
happiness/renewal,
 17 THE S TAR REVERSED
An extremely positive upright card, reversed the
Star can indicate a complete loss of hope or faith.
Even though, the reversed Star is still a reminder
to search for the guiding light in the darkness.
Key words: Hopelessness, negativity, lack or loss
of faith, feeling lost
 18 THE MOON
The moon card represents the path between our
two sides – the moonlight in darkness can
illuminate many things. The card can represent
illusion and imagination and seeking the truth
within pretty lies, it can also represent, similarly to
the Hermit, exploring within yourself and your
truths.
Key Words: Illusion, intuition, complexity,
subconscious, secrets
 18 THE MOON REVERSED
The Moon reversed can have rather opposing
meanings – it can be an indication of deception
and lies but also a sign of clarity and realisation.
The Moon reversed tends to represent a period of
intuition or self exploration which can lead to
clarity or truth as well misunderstanding, anxiety
and confusion.
Key Words: Fear, deception, misunderstanding,
clarity
 19 THE SUN
The Sun card is the positivity and clarity that the
Star tells us to hope for. It is a symbol of success
and all the good things in our life. It is a hopeful
and positive sign; and it is important to remember
that while the sun will set and darkness will
return, the sun will always rise.
Key words: Happiness, joy, positivity, clarity,
success, truth
 19 THE SUN REVERSED
As an incredibly positive card, it can be
disheartening to see the sun reversed; it is a sign
of pessimism and a reminder to look at the cup
‘half full’. It can also warn of blocked happiness
or even being overly enthusiastic.
Key words: Blocked happiness, pessimism,
unrealistic expectations
 20 JUDGEMENT
The Judgement card once again bears the same
angel as Temperance and The Lovers making it a
card of balance – the balance however is more
reflective and internal. This card reminds us that
before things end and close we must take time to
open up and study our actions and growth. It is a
card of awakening, truth and perspective.
Key words: Reflection, awakening, purpose,
renewal
 20 JUDGEMENT REVERSED
A very ‘self centred’ card – Judgement reversed
warns of a lack of true self understanding – this
may manifest in self hatred or being overly critical
or in turning a blind eye to flaws and refusing to
see mistakes. It can indicate stunted personal
growth and a lack of progress.
Key words: Self-doubt, missing lessons, refusal to
grow, lack of progress
 21 THE WORLD
The World is the final card in the Major Arcana
and so is the card of completion and wholeness.
This card indicates a finality and positive ending.
It shows achievement, success and contentment as
well as harmony and complete balance between all
elements and things within us.
Key Words: Completion, achievement,
wholeness, harmony, fulfilment
 21 THE WORLD REVERSED
The World is the final card in the Major Arcana
and so is the card of completion but reversed it
can indicate that the completion and finality does
not feel whole. It can indicate that a lesson has
not been learned or a lack of closure.
Key Words: Lack of achievement, emptiness, lack
of harmony, unhappy ending
 MINOR ARCANA
• The 56 minor arcana cards are split into four
suits, each with 14 cards; pentacles, cups, swords
and wands! These suits have different variations
(coins, chalices, athames, sticks) etc but still have
similar associations.
• The suits do also follow somewhat of a story or
journey from Ace to King – new beginnings to
mastery.
Number Symbolism
1. Spark of action, the beginning, potential. Impulsiveness, egotism
2. 2. Cooperation, choice, balance. Stalemate, drowning in details
3. 3. Creative, optimistic, abundance, group/teamwork. Bad luck, lack of creativity, poor teamwork
4. 4. Discipline, logic, stability. Lack of imagination, stagnation/staleness.
5. 5. Quick thinking, movement. Restlessness, roadblocks.
6. 6. Peace and harmony, humanitarian/kindness. Lack of peace/harmony.
7. 7. Impatient, knowledge seeking, exploration. Perfectionism, daydreaming, head in clouds,
unbending in opinions
8. 8. Strength, power, action, change. Mismanagement, stubbornness, stagnation, lack of helpful
change
9. 9. Nearing an end, spiritual strength, ‘final burst of energy’. Burnout, setback
10. 10. Completion, finality, renewal, luck. Loss, unsatisfactory ending, giving up
Court Symbolism
• Kings/Queens: mastery of the suit, older/authoritative people, important
situations/events. Abuse of power, lack of mastery, lack of control
• Knights: hard work and willpower within the suits, action and movement, typically a
transition based situation. Lack of direction, dwindling, losing or failing
• Pages: newfound passion/new beginnings within the suit, a younger person or more
‘childish’ situation. Immaturity, ‘stuck’ at the end, beginnings not taking off

Its important to note that court/number symbolism may vary between readers and cultures –
and its important to respect others personal understandings and interpretations as well as
discover your own!
 S WORDS
• Swords are connected to the element of Air;
they represent reason and logic as well as
mentality and truth.
• Swords are also connected to Gemini, Libra and
Aquarius, Winter and days – however these
associations vary between readers!!
 ACE OF S WORDS
Like all aces, the Ace of Swords is a card of new
beginnings – it speaks of revelations and
awakenings and new journeys into truth and
clarity. It is a burst of mental and spiritual energy
that needs to be harnessed and controlled.
Key words: Clarity, breakthrough, new ideas,
focus, mental energy, truth, concentration
 AC E O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
The Ace of Swords reversed indicates that
confusion and a lack of clarity are covering the
situation. It can represent miscommunication out
tension between people and may be a sign to seek
advice or work things through slowly and logically.
Key words: Confusion, miscommunication,
hostility
 T WO OF S WORDS
The Two of Swords is a card of ‘equal and
opposite forces’ – it indicates a stalemate, a
blockage or a difficult choice. This card may also
indicate that decisions are being made without
seeing the full truth and secrets may be being
kept.
Key words: Stalemate, difficult choices, denial,
secrets
 T WO O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
Reversed, the Two of Swords can indicate a lack
of progression and being caught at a crossroads, it
can show indecision or a hesitation to decide –
perhaps there doesn’t seem to be any good or
positive choice.
Key words: Indecision, hesitancy, anxiety, bad
choices
 THREE OF S WORDS
The infamous card, the Three of Swords is a card
of heartbreak, grief, loss and even trauma – it
represents a pain and grief that, while a natural
part of life, will hurt and may cause disruptions in
the path forwards. But it is also a card that shows
a need to focus and move forwards.
Key words: Grief, heartbreak, loss, trauma, pain,
suffering
 T H R E E O F S WO R D S
REVERSED
Opposing it’s infamous upright side, the Three of
Swords reversed is a positive card of recovery. It
indicates progress and moving on from past
trauma or grief – it is a very positive card that
symbolises a need to be courageous and have
inner strength.
Key words: Progress, healing, growth, recovery
 FOUR OF S WORDS
With the pain of the Three of Swords behind, the
Four of Swords is about rest and recuperation. It
is a sign to relax, take some time to think and
reconsider before marching onwards. It is
important to regain strength and clarity and the
Four of Swords is a sign to take a step back and
rest.
Key words: Rest, contemplation, peace, hiding,
relaxation, reassessment
 FO U R O F S WO R D S
REVERSED
While the Four of Swords is a card of rest and
taking a step back, the Four of Swords reversed
tells us that it’s time to return to the world – as
scary as that may be – with new found knowledge
and relaxation.
Key words: Restlessness, returning to the world,
realisation
 FIVE OF S WORDS
The Five of Swords is a card of conflict and
arguments; it suggests hostility and tension. It is
also a warning that while the battle may be won,
pride will lead to the loss of the war. It’s
important to pick up the pieces, try to ease any
tension and find a compassionate way to move
onwards.
Key words: Conflict, arguments, hostility,
bullying
 F I V E O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
The Five of Swords reversed can indicate the
aftermath of its upright counterpart – it is a card
that may indicate remorse and trying to repair
relationships or it can mean cutting losses and
severing ties. It symbolises finding a way to move
on from conflict.
Key words: Reconciliation, cutting ties, regret
 SIX OF S WORDS
Six of Swords is about transition – it indicates a
departure and need to move on. Its says that
sometimes leaving is the safest and most beneficial
answer – take time to collect thoughts, think
things through logically and step away from
conflict, tension and struggles.
Key words: Moving on, leaving behind,
acceptance, retreat, escaping conflict
 S I X O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
Reversed, the Six of Swords indicates a failure or a
refusal to move on, it suggests that there is a need
to reflect and release the binds of the past in
order to fully move on and grow.
Key words: Stuck in the past, inability to move
on, avoidance
 SEVEN OF S WORDS
Similar to the Three of Swords, this card is one of
betrayal and lies. The Seven of Swords warns
against trickery, manipulation, not just of others.
It can be a warning that ignoring a problem and
sneaking around the issue will only cause it to
grow worse.
Key words: Trickery, lies, sneakiness,
resourcefulness, strategy
 S E V E N O F S WO R D S
REVERSED
The reversed Seven of Swords indicates that the
truth is being revealed, either a guilty confession
or an unwanted discovery – it’s a sign that deceit
and trickery have been discovered and there is no
chance to ‘get away’.
Key words: Confession, truth revealed, getting
caught
 EIGHT OF S WORDS
The Eight of Swords is the card of the powerless –
those trapped by anxieties, insecurities and fear. It
can also be a sign, however, of self-victimisation
and can suggest both a self made prison, or a
genuine entrapment.
Key words: Trapped, stuck, powerless, anxiety,
depression, victimised, helpless
 E I G H T O F S WO R D S
REVERSED
Reversed, the Eight of Swords is a card of freedom
and release. It shows maturity, growth and the
return of control. It can represent an escape from
a bad situation or a release from the entrapment
found in the upright card.
Key words: Release, freedom, surrender,
empowered, taking control
 NINE OF S WORDS
A similar card to its neighbour; the Nine of
Swords is the aftermath of Eight’s entrapment, it
is the nightmares and fears that follow a negative
event or situation. It is also a recognition of
isolation and feeling both alone and helpless.
Key words: Fear, anxiety, nightmare, negativity,
helplessness
N I N E O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
Similar to the upright card, the Nine of Swords
can indicate a period of stress, anxiety and
nightmares but there is an underlying focus on
hope and recovery – the card symbolises asking
for and receiving help.
Key words: Recovery, progress, growth, shame,
guilt
 TEN OF S WORDS
The Ten of Swords follows the journey of Eight
and Nine to its breaking point – it is the collapse
and burn out that follows a negative situation. It
is a sign of being overwhelmed and a need to
recover and ask for help.
Key words: Failure, collapse, burn out,
exhaustion, betrayal
 T E N O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
The Ten of Swords reversed is another indication
of progress, of surviving a difficult period and
moving forwards with understanding and healing.
It can be a sign of ‘rock bottom’ and that there is
nowhere left to go but up.
Key words: Survival, progress, moving forwards,
healing
 PAGE OF S WORDS
The Page of Swords is a card of nervous energy
and never ending ideas – she can represent gossip,
achievement and good communication. As a
person, she represents an excitable, young and
talkative character.
Key words: Communication, charm, vigilance,
quick wit, mental agility
PAGE O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
The Page of Swords reversed is another card of
nervous energy but this time in a disorganised
way. As a person, she represents gossipy, perhaps
rude and scatter-brained individual and as a
situation she represents a lack of planning or
thought.
Key words: Gossip, disorganised, rude, lack of
planning
 KNIGHT OF S WORDS
The Knight of Swords represents rushing forwards
into an idea, perhaps without proper
consideration or understanding. He is a card of
movement, action and energy but needs the
balance of logic. He can represent a passionate,
impulsive and possibly reckless individual.
Key words: Action, daring, challenge, direct
movement
 K N I GH T O F S WO R D S
REVERSED
The Knight of Swords reversed is a card that
indicates impatience followed by recklessness. He
can also be a sign of unnecessary force and
aggression. As a person, he is rude, aggressive,
ruthless and reckless.
Key words: Ruthless, impatience, aggressive,
forceful
 QUEEN OF S WORDS
Opposing the compassionate nature of other
queens, the Queen of Swords is a card of truth –
though perhaps cold and harsh she is logical and
calculating. She represents a truthful, empowering
character who may help clear the path forwards
albeit in a straight forward and cold way.
Key words: Honest, independent, cold, harsh
truth
 QU E E N O F S WO R D S
REVERSED
The reversed Queen of Swords indicates a daker,
colder and more negative outlook, it can represent
a lack of objective vision – instead perhaps
decisions are led by bitterness and deceit. As a
person she is unforgiving, cold and rude.
Key words: Pessimism, bitterness, coldness,
deceitful, untruthful
 KING OF S WORDS
The King of Swords is an objective card that
indicates the need for logic, self discipline and
control. As a person, he is an authorative, perhaps
controlling figure that exudes control, power and
logic.
Key words: Authority, discipline, logic, high
standards, integrity
K I N G O F S WO R D S R E V E R S E D
The King of Swords reversed can indicate
manipulation and abuse of power, he shows a cold
outlook and indicates a refusal to release control
or take a step back. As a person he is controlling,
manipulative and opportunistic.
Key words: Irrational, dishonest, controlling
 WANDS
• Wands are connected to the element of Fire;
they represent action and motivations as well as
creative endeavours and willpower.
• Wands are also connected to Leo, Sagittarius
and Aries, Summer and weeks – however these
associations vary between readers!!
 ACE OF WANDS
The Ace of Wands says ‘Go for it!’, it is the card
of potential and new ventures – it’s important to
embody and harness the energy of this ace when
moving forward with projects, endeavours or
relationships.
Key words: Inspiration, energy, spark of creativity,
new ideas, enthusiasm
ACE OF WANDS REVERSED
The Ace of Wands reversed can indicate a lack of
energy or hesitancy towards a situation. It can also
indicate that a new journey will begin with
difficulty and tribulations.
Key words: Delays, blocks, creative block, lack of
passion
 T WO OF WANDS
Following the ace, the Two of Swords is the card
of progression, it means taking the energy and
power of the Ace of Wands and funnelling it into
planning, organisation and the initial ‘step
forwards’
Key words: Planning, stepping out of comfort
zone, details, decision making
 T WO O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The Two of Wands reversed suggests that the
foundations for progress are not in place – this
may be from a lack of planning or playing it too
safe. It can also be a sign of either overconfidence
or a lack of patience within a situation.
Key words: Bad planning, disorganisation,
avoiding necessary risk
 THREE OF WANDS
Again following the story of the wands, the Three
of Wands is the continuation and construction of
a plan and can indicate a journey forwards. It can
also be a sign of expanding horizons and moving
out of the comfort zone.
Key words: Forwards movement, momentum,
growth
 T H R E E O F WA N D S
REVERSED
The Three of Wands reversed shows that a
journey may not be at the wanted point, it’s a sign
that distractions or obstacles are preventing
progress. It may also be a sign that planning,
weighing up other options and more long-term
investments are necessary.
Key words: Obstacles, planning, long-term
considerations, blockages
 FOUR OF WANDS
Four of Swords is a foundation card – it indicates
stability and strong building blocks. It can also be
an indication of a healthy home or community
and a celebration or achievement of some kind.
Key words: Stability, community, home,
celebrations, strength
 FO U R O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
Four of Swords is a foundation card – reversed it
indicates a lack of stability, poor planning or
conflict. It can be an indication of an unhealthy
or toxic home or community as well as feeling
unrecognised and unsupported.
Key words: Lack of support, home conflict,
instability
 F I V E O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The Five of Wands is a card of conflict, arguments
and tension. It can be a sign of small issues
growing out of proportion and conflicting
brewing. It is a sign to walk on eggshells and try to
work through problems compassionately rather
than with force.
Key words: Avoiding conflict, truce, resolving
issues
 F I V E O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
Opposing the upright five, Five of wands reversed
is an indication of avoiding conflict and perhaps
coming to an agreement or resolution. It’s a sign
of harmony and teamwork in spite of tensions and
arguments.
Key words: Avoiding conflict, truce, resolving
issues
 SIX OF WANDS
The Six of Wands is a celebratory card of
recognition and success. It is a sign that strength
has been harnessed, talents and abilities are being
recognised and success is either on its way or
already arrived. It’s also an important reminder
not to get overly egotistical due to one victory.
Key words: Success, victory, public recognition,
 SIX OF WANDS
The Six of Wands reversed can be either a sign of
failure of just not being appreciated or recognised
for an achievement. It can be a sign of low
confidence and an indication that an adjustment
of attitude or behaviour is necessary.
Key words: Failure, lack of recognition, no
celebration
 SEVEN OF WANDS
Where the Five of Wands is about the struggle
towards success, the Seven of Wands is about the
struggle to maintain success once the celebratory
period is over. Is it a sign to continue and
maintain momentum and not let the new found
victory slip away.
Key words: Defence, protection, ‘head above
water’ momentum
S E V E N O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The Seven of Wands can indicate feeling
overwhelmed by responsibility, or of being judged
and dissuaded by others. The Seven of Wands can
indicate time to admit defeat and give up or being
overly defensive.
Key words: Giving up, surrender, admitting
defeat
 EIGHT OF WANDS
With similar energy to a Knight card, the Eight of
Wands is about fast and sudden change and
movement forwards, it shows fast progression and
quick decisions – it is a symbol of excitement and
energy.
Key words: Sudden change, movement, quick
decisions, progress
E I GH T O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The Eight of Wands reversed is a card of patience
and waiting – it can be a sign of frustration during
a period of waiting and possibly a reminder to
adapt and change strategy to suit the present
situation.
Key words: Waiting, delayed change, stagnation,
unprepared
 NINE OF WANDS
The Nine of Wands symbolises coming to the end
of a difficult fight – its about continuing to
persevere despite the tiredness and frustration as
success is around the corner. Relief will come
shortly, but a final stand in needed.
Key words: Fatigue, final fight, last stand,
perseverance
 N I N E O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The Nine of Wands reversed indicates taking the
Nine of Wands’ ‘last stand’ too far – it is a sign of
being overly defensive or stubborn. It can also be a
sign of avoiding changes and progress – the card
encourages bravery but warns not to be reckless
and stubborn.
Key words: Stubbornness, defensiveness, rigidity
 TEN OF WANDS
The Ten of Wands holds a similar presence to the
Nine of Wands – it is a card symbolising heavy
burdens and responsibility. It is a card asking
whether it is time to release the burden or if it
must be carried to the end.
Key words: Burden, stress, responsibility, burn
out
TEN OF WANDS REVERSED
The Ten of Wands reversed indicates a need to
delegate responsibility to others and release the
burden. It is a sign of collapse and burn out and
stubborn perseverance.
Key words: Collapse, overwhelmed, too much
responsibility
 PAGE OF WANDS
Similar to the Ace, the Page of Wands is a card of
energy and adventure – it represents the drive and
movement forwards. As a person, he is an
excitable young character with passion and
enthusiasm to spare, however they may not see the
big picture or have a clear plan.
Key words: Adventure, daring, youth, enthusiasm,
new idea
 PAGE O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The reversed Page of Wands can represent an
inability to move past beginning stages and the
frustration that follows. It can also represent
starting something too soon and rushing in. As a
person, he is an over excitable, hasty, impatient
and maybe reckless young person.
Key words: Impatient, hasty, distracted, unreliable
 KNIGHT OF WANDS
The Knight of Wands is a charming but hot
headed character – he dives into adventures with
more enthusiasm than logic. This card is one of
movement and travel, it’s a sign to move forwards,
explore and can represent a hasty but exciting
change in life.
Key words: Free spirit, courage, charming, short
tempered
 K N I G H T O F WA N D S
REVERSED
The Knight of Wands reversed is a sign of
frustration and delays; it’s a sign of anger and a
loss of control. It can eventually spiral into
pessimism and loss of self confidence and
discipline.
Key words: Arrogant, reckless, impatient, loss of
control
 QUEEN OF WANDS
The Queen of Wands represents a passionate and
creative individual, with a fiery and self assured
attitude. She is the embodiment of passion, self
assuredness and optimism even to a faulty,
egotistical and illogical degree.
Key words: Passionate, self assured, sociable,
optimistic
 Q U E E N O F WA N D S
REVERSED
The Queen of Wands reversed can indicate that
while obstacles are coming, its important to be
rational and persistent, it an indicate a period of
doubt and struggle and can represent a difficult,
temperamental person.
Key words: Demanding, low confidence,
temperamental, selfish
 KING OF WANDS
The King of Wands represents a natural born
leader, someone who has or will take an idea and
put it in place himself. He can represent the
opportunity to problem solve and embodies the
necessary qualities to deal with small and large
challenges.
Key words: Leadership, passion, daring, boldness
 K I N G O F WA N D S R E V E R S E D
The King of Wands reversed can indicate that a
ruthless and overly forceful technique is being
used, and is ineffective. The King of Wands can
represent arrogance and an overbearing need for
control.
Key words: Forceful, domineering, vicious,
ineffective
 CUPS
• Cups are connected to the element of Water;
they represent emotions and relationships as
well as love (in all forms) and communication.
• Cups are also connected to Scorpio, Pisces and
Cancer, Spring and months – however these
associations vary between readers!!
 ACE OF CUPS
The Ace of Cups is a card of feeling and emotion
– it can be a sign to let go of emotional baggage
and embrace new feelings, or people. It can also
be a sign of intuition and listening to the inner
voice within us all in order to embark on a
spiritual journey.
Key words: New feelings, new love, emotional
awakening/realisation, intuition, beginnings
 ACE OF CUPS REVERSED
The Ace of Cups reversed indicates a refusal or
failure to truly feel and express emotions, it can
indicate that something is preventing the flow of
emotions – and blocking both giving and
receiving love.
Key words: Coldness, emptiness, blocked
emotions, blockages
 T WO OF CUPS
The Two of Cups is what many see the Lovers as –
it is an indication of a positive and mutual
relationship and that of a close bond. It can also
represent confessing or sharing feelings to another
and making a choice.
Key words: unity, close bond, relationship,
attraction and connection, choice
 T WO OF CUPS REVERSED
The Two of Cups reversed is the card of rejection
and difficulty in unions – it’s a sign of imbalance
and rejection as well as possibly separation or a
break up. It can represent poor communication
between people as well as difficulty with emotions
and expressing feelings.
Key words: Separation, imbalance, rejection, bad
communication
 THREE OF CUPS
A card of community, the Three of Cups
represents social groups, friendships and
gatherings. It can represent a period of happiness
and friendship or a reunion. It’s about the
relationships that make us happy and benefit our
life.
Key words: Friendship, social gatherings, family,
celebration
 THREE OF CUPS REVERSED
The Three of Cups reversed can indicate a lack of
time or energy to spend time with friends, it
represents an imbalance in socialising. It can also
be a sign of gossip, arguments and tension within
a social group and can also represent friendships
falling apart or drifting.
Key words: Gossip, falling out, isolation
 FOUR OF CUPS
The Four of Cups is a reflection of
discouragement or lack of motivation within
someone. It shows that despite the apathy shown,
there is a helping hand offering a way out; it’s a
sign to search through emotions and interests to
find a burst of motivation and discover what’s
really important.
Key words: Contemplation, apathy, boredom,
indifference
 FOUR OF CUPS REVERSED
Reversed, the Four of Cups may be a sign of
exiting a contemplation period and returning new
and energised – it is important to embrace new
challenges, journeys and experiences with the
clarity that the Four of Cups has given you.
Key words: Clarity, awareness, negativity,
depression, acceptance
 FIVE OF CUPS
Five of Cups is the card of ‘crying over spilt milk’
– it represents that something has been lost, a
painful change has come into our life but we must
move onwards. It is a card of emotional distress,
missed opportunities and disappointment.
Key words: Loss, grief, disappointment,
emotional turmoil, missing out
 FIVE OF CUPS REVERSED
Reversed, the Five of Cups is a card about moving
from the past and the grief and sadness it carried.
It is about taking steps forward into recovery and
making room for new things. It is also about
understanding and recognising the lessons
learned from past experiences.
Key words: Recovery, growth, moving on,
contentment
 SIX OF CUPS
The Six of Cups is a generous, charitable card as
well as one of nostalgia, naivety and childhood
happiness. It can represent receiving or giving
generously or reconnecting to the past – whether
it be a person, hobby, memory or returning to a
familiar place.
Key words: Nostalgia, charity, generosity,
sentimentality, naivety, healing
 SIX OF CUPS REVERSED
The Six of Cups reversed indicates moving on
from the familiar – leaving home or a comfortable
situation for new, exciting prospects. It can
represent newfound independence as well being
stuck in the past and a refusal to move on.
Key words: Stuck in the past, leaving home,
independence
 SEVEN OF CUPS
The Seven of Cups is a card of difficult choice –
it’s a sign to see things more clearly and avoid
getting caught in wishful thinking or fantasies. It
may be a sign that actions are being driven by
daydreams and imagination rather than logic and
reality.
Key words: Choices, illusion and daydreaming,
fantasy, indecision, searching
 SEVEN OF CUPS REVERSED
The Seven of Cups reversed is somewhat similar
to its upright meaning; it can indicate fantasy and
choice however it can also warn a lack of
grounding or choices/decisions born of fantasy
rather than logic. It can also signify a refusal to see
reality for what it is.
Key words: Lack of purpose, overwhelming
choice, distractions
 EIGHT OF CUPS
The Eight of Cups can be a rather bittersweet card
– it’s the sign of moving on, perhaps ‘cutting
losses’ and recuperating. It’s a sign that sometimes
its better to let something go than continue to
struggle. It can also link to The Hermit, as a sign
to walk away from others and seek truth
elsewhere.
Key words: Letting go, abandonment, leaving
behind, moving forwards
 E I GH T O F C U P S R E V E R S E D
The Eight of Cups reversed can sort of symbolise
being ‘stuck in limbo’, it’s the point where choices
and the future seem so far away and scary but the
present has become stale and unfulfilling. It can
indicate moving without any clear purpose or
goal.
Key words: Stagnation, avoiding change,
avoidance
 NINE OF CUPS
The Nine of Cups signifies coming near the end
of a journey and the success and achievement that
comes with it. It’s a sign to rejoice and know that
good things are on the horizon. It is also a sign to
indulge in the things that have been earned.
Key words: Contentment, satisfaction,
achievement, recognition, success
 NINE OF CUPS REVERSED
Reversed the Nine of Cups is a reminder to think
about what really matters and holds value in life.
It is the sign that a journey is coming to an end,
but it may be an unfulfilled or disappointing
ending.
Key words: Unhappiness, lack of achievement,
snobbery
 TEN OF CUPS
The Ten of Cups is the ‘family card’ – a symbol of
stability and happiness at home. It also represents
the end of an, emotional, journey that has led to
harmony within oneself and happiness. It is a card
of emotional fulfilment and success.
Key words: Happiness, success, family, stability,
domestic harmony
 TEN OF CUPS REVERSED
The Ten of Cups is the ‘family card’ and so
reversed it is a symbol of instability and
disharmony at home. It also represents the end of
an, emotional, journey that has not ended well
and has created confusion and unhappiness.
Key words: Disharmony, unhappy home,
instability
 PAGE OF CUPS
A sign of intuition the Page of Cups tells us to
embrace new ideas, even if they seem unexpected,
it is a sign of emotional release and exploration;
The Page calls people to express themselves. It
may also represent a young, naïve daydreamer or
someone who has their ‘head in the clouds’.
Key words: Naivety, fantasy, daydreams, idealistic,
intuition, creativity
 PAGE OF CUPS REVERSED
The Page of Cups reversed can indicate a creative
block or a discouraged inner child – it represents
low self worth and a lack of both inspiration and
motivation. It an be a sign of an immature but
troubled person who is afraid of and ignoring
reality.
Key words: Immaturity, escapism, neglecting the
inner child
 KNIGHT OF CUPS
The Knight of Cups indicates a forward
movement with emotions – whether this be an act
of diplomacy or declaration of love. The Knight
can represent a passionate and emotional person,
who is charming and intuitive but he can also be a
sign to think with your heart, not your head.
Key words: Negotiation, charm, embracing
emotions, expression
 K N I GH T O F C U P S R E V E R S E D
The Knight of Cups reversed says that emotions
are creating turmoil and dictating the path
forwards. It can be a sign of jumping to
conclusions and making decisions too quickly,
based solely on feeling.
Key words: Disappointment, moodiness, turmoil
 QUEEN OF CUPS
As a person, The Queen of Cups is a
compassionate, caring, loving person with
powerful intuition. The card teaches us to love
and support others, as well as ourselves, and she is
also a sign to listen and respect our intuition. She
reminds us that self love creates compassion.
Key words: Compassion, intuition, support,
kindness
 QUEEN OF CUPS
The Queen of Cups reversed indicates an
imbalance of emotions, it can be a sign of bottling
up emotions or high stress levels. It can be a sign
that emotions are taking control and determining
the path forward. As a person, the Queen is
sensitive, moody and possibly overly needy and
insecure.
Key words: Insecurity, neediness, overly sensitive
 KING OF CUPS
Master of the Cups, The King indicates stable and
balanced emotions. Unlike his Queen, The King
of Cups wants us to think with both our heart
and our head. He is a sign of wisdom, stability
and a deeper awareness and control our emotions
and feelings. He can represent an older,
diplomatic figure and someone who embodies
mature and wise energy.
Key words: Wisdom, emotional balance,
diplomacy
 KING OF CUPS REVERSED
Reversed the King of Cups can indicate a volatile
and angry person – someone who allows their
emotions to control and manipulate their actions.
Reversed, the King can be a sign that a situation is
being handled with anger rather than compassion
and an inability to balance needs and emotions.
Key words: Overwhelmed, anxious, manipulative
 PENTACLES
• Pentacles are connected to the element of Earth;
they represent material or physical things. Work,
finances, things we place value on can all be
defined by the suit of coins.
• Pentacles are also connected to Taurus, Virgo
and Capricorn, Autumn and years – however
these associations vary between readers!!
 ACE OF PENTACLES
Like all aces, the Ace of Pentacles is about new
beginnings and a new starting point. Unlike the
others, the earthly pentacles tends to represent a
more material beginning with connotations of
money, work, abundance and stability.
Key words: New opportunities, abundance,
stability, manifestation
 AC E O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
Reversed the Ace of Pentacles tends to indicate a
missed opportunity or a situation that is more
difficult than originally believed. It can be a
reminder to seek help and advice from others and
to approach a situation carefully.
Key words: Missed opportunities, instability,
scarcity
 T WO OF PENTACLES
The Two of Pentacles is about balance and
adaptation – it’s a card that symbolises sharing
resources, adapting to new situations as well as
possibly decision making and change. It is a card
about keeping things balanced and stable.
Key words: Balancing resources, decisions,
adapting
 T WO O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Two of Pentacles is about balance and
adaptation and so reversed it indicates an inability
to manage resources or time as well as
disorganisation and being overwhelmed by a
situation.
Key words: Imbalanced, disorganised, chaos,
overwhelmed
 THREE OF PENTACLES
Similar to its cups counterpart, the Three of
Pentacles is a card of community and teamwork –
it represents working with others to advance and
achieve a goal. It is also a sign to recognise the
talents and abilities of those around them and ask
for help when necessary.
Key words: Teamwork, collaboration, sharing
ideas, community
 THREE OF PENTACLES
The Three of Pentacles reversed is a card of a poor
community or collaboration. It can be a sign of
ignoring others abilities and use in a situation or
of meaningless competition. It can be a sign of
poor communication within a group or tension
between individuals.
Key words: Lack of teamwork, poor collaboration,
competition
 FOUR OF PENTACLES
The Four of Pentacles can be a card of selfishness,
it indicates that something is being hoarded or
selfishness kept away. It can be a sign of comfort
and, material, stability but is mostly interpreted as
a warning of materialism and possessiveness.
Key words: Selfishness, hoarding, frugality,
materialism, stability, savings
 FO U R O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Four of Pentacles can be a card of selfishness,
and so reversed it can indicate generosity and
charity (similar to the Six of Pentacles) however it
can also be a sign of giving too much and an
imbalance giving/receiving relationship.
Key words: Generosity, giving, reckless spending
 FIVE OF PENTACLES
The Five of Pentacles is a card of bad luck and
misfortune. It can be a sign of losing something
important or valuable as well as a sign of poverty,
difficult periods of time and illness.
Key words: Loss, isolation, feeling abandoned,
hardship
 F I V E O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Five of Pentacles reversed is a sign that hard
times are being overcome and recovery is possible.
It’s a sign that the worst is over and forgiveness,
good things and stability are on their way.
Key words: Positive change, recovery, forgiveness
 SIX OF PENTACLES
The Six of Pentacles can mean both giving and
receiving help – it is a card of generosity and
charitable and compassionate actions. It can be a
sign to help for the sake of helping as well as a
sign to accept someone’s offer of assistance.
Key words: Charity, generosity, accepting and
giving help
 SIX OF PENTACLES
The Six of Pentacles reversed indicates one way
generosity – perhaps a favour will not be returned
or someone is taking too much for granted. It can
indicate a power imbalance and the need to
balance the giving/taking dynamic.
Key words: Inequality, strings attached, abuse of
generosity
 SEVEN OF PENTACLES
The Seven of Pentacles is about investment; it is a
sign to pour energy and time into something, so
that later the fruits of labour may be collected and
enjoyed. It can be a symbol of patience and
planning as well as a sign to look beyond the
short-term results.
Key words: Harvest, rewards, perseverance,
patience
 S E V E N O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Seven of Pentacles reversed can be a sign that
labour has not reaped significant rewards, or that
the reward was not worth the work. It can also be
a sign of procrastination or not finishing work,
Key words: Unfinished work, procrastination,
setbacks
 EIGHT OF PENTACLES
The Eight of Pentacles embodies “strive for
perfection” – it is a card representing hard work,
determination and pure focus on the task at hand.
It indicates that energy, skill and perseverance are
necessary to progress forwards.
Key words: Skill, accomplishment, achievement,
hard work, dedication
 E I G H T O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Eight of Pentacles embodies “strive for
perfection” – and this stays true reversed,
however, it indicates that the tasks at hand may be
more difficult and strenuous than originally
believed. It can also indicate poor quality or
avoiding important tasks.
Key words: Bad quality work, lack of motivation,
laziness
 NINE OF PENTACLES
The Nine of Pentacles is the result of the hard
work Eight and Seven symbolised – it is the
harvest and enjoyment of well-earned rewards. It
can symbolised security and stability as well as
fulfilment and leisure or relaxation.
Key words: Rewards, achievement, harvest,
security, material stability
 N I N E O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Nine of Pentacles reversed is the sign of
reckless spending and false realities – it’s a sign of
keeping up appearances despite the stability and
luxury being fake. It indicates the need to reassess
and figure out what is necessary and truly
valuable.
Key words: Reckless spending, keeping up
appearances
 TEN OF PENTACLES
The family card, the Ten of Pentacles represents
the legacy, history and tradition of a family, as
well as the inheritance (not just inheritance of
money or land, but the knowledge and care
passed through generations).
Key words: Legacy, family, tradition, inheritance,
foundation
 T E N O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Ten of Pentacles can indicate a failure to
consider the long-term future of a situation and
too much of a focus on the short term. It can
point to issues within long-term relationships and
issues in the home or even of traditions being
broken.
Key words: Breaking traditions, instability,
domestic conflicts
 PAGE OF PENTACLES
The Page of Pentacles symbolises a gift – whether
a natural talent, a newfound hobby or a new job
she represents harnessing and using the gift that
has been presented. As a person, they is studious
and grounded and while may be a perfectionist,
they are dependable and helpful.
Key words: Ambition, student, planner,
dependable, gift
 PAG E O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
Reversed the Page of Pentacles may indicate a lack
of focus, or motivation, he can be a sign of feeling
overwhelmed by tasks or duty and may symbolise
a need to sit down and relax before continuing.
Key words: Underachiever, lack of ambition,
distraction, procrastination
 KNIGHT OF PENTACLES
The Knight of Pentacles represents the daily,
perhaps mundane aspects of progress – he is a
sign to move forwards with the boring,
monotonous tasks in order to complete and fulfil
the project entirely. As a person, he’s a hard
working, stoic and practical individual,
Key words: Hard work, practical, efficient, stoic,
action
 K N I GH T O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Knight of Pentacles represents the daily,
perhaps mundane aspects of progress – reversed
he can indicate feeling stuck or bored with the
daily workload. He can symbolise someone
working too much or taking too many risks.
Key words: Workaholic, laziness, gambler,
irresponsible
 QUEEN OF PENTACLES
The Queen of Pentacles embodies the energy of
Mother Nature – she is a symbol of comfort and
stability within the home. She may represent a
kind, generous but independent and self
sufficient woman.
Key words: Nurturing, home, comforting,
generous, practical
 QU E E N O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The Queen of Pentacles reversed can symbolise
feeling jealous of other people’s success or being
intolerant towards others. She can also symbolise
refusing to let others become independent and a
refusal to help the grow.
Key words: Selfish, intolerant, jealous,
materialistic
 KING OF PENTACLES
The King of Pentacles is the master of the earth –
he represents high ambition, security and material
prosperity. As a person, he may be an older and
more confident individual. They will be stable,
wise and ambitious, perhaps a natural leader.
Key words: Abundance, security, abundance,
prosperity
 K I N G O F P E N TAC L E S
REVERSED
The King of Pentacles reversed shows a massive
love of something material or valuable, perhaps
due to impulsiveness or overindulgence. He can
also indicate seeing something’s cost rather than
their value, leading to a neglect of the important
things in life.
Key words: Greedy, materialistic, possessive, poor
decisions
UNDERS TANDING HOW
TO INTERPRET TAROT
How to combine card meanings and relate them to
different situations
 OVERVIEW
• Understanding and interpreting tarot can take
quite a lot of time, it relies on intuition as well
as practice, but there are a few ways to help
boost connections
• Here; I will cover the basics of interpreting cards
together as well as discussing different ways to
help ‘boost’ readings such as elemental dignities,
number association and card type
 BASIC INTERPRETATION
There is a very simple way to interpret cards in a
spread – the examples will include 3 card spreads
but it can be applied to any number!
First, look at the individual card meanings and try
to use intuition (or the labyrinthos website) to
apply it to the situation, then look for any form of
connections and clear themes between the card
meanings. After, you can apply other more
complex ways to add depth.
Basic Interpretation Example
The theoretical question asked here was:
what am I struggling with right now on
my spiritual journey?
First, the Knight of Swords represents 1 2 3
energy, action and rushing forwards.
Judgement represents self actualisation, Take a second to think about how YOU
truth and perspective of ourselves. would interpret this, before I reveal my
Ten of Pentacles is a symbol of family and interpretation; this is a fairly easy one so it
tradition. should be similar,
but don’t worry about getting it “right”,
So how can we interpret this, together, in interpretation swill vary between readers!
relation to my question?
Basic Interpretation Example
The theoretical question asked here was:
what am I struggling with right now on
my spiritual journey?
First, the Knight of Swords represents
energy, action and rushing forwards.
Judgement represents self actualisation,
truth and perspective of ourselves.
Ten of Pentacles is a symbol of family and
tradition.
So how can we interpret this, together, in
relation to my question?
1 2 3
My interpretation:
The difficulties within my spiritual journey are
mostly mental; I look too far ahead, try to do
things too quickly that I got lost in my
impulsiveness and therefore don’t learn or grow as
effectively. I also need to look within myself more
and study why I am impulsive as well
understanding myself on a deeper level. I am also
held back by my family’s beliefs and
traditions/religion.
 NUMBER MAJORIT Y
Using the number symbolism discussed earlier
you can look at the numbers relating to your cards
in order add an extra layer of depth to readings:
There’s a lot of fives in the spread – the situation
is rather unstable and tense.
There’s a lot of tens – the situation/feeling may be
drawing to a close.
 SUIT MAJORIT Y
Similar to number majority, a lot of suits can
indicate something about the situation:
A lot of swords may be a sign of truth and mental
agility within a situation as well as fast pace and
quick thinking.
Pentacles tend to indicate that the situation has a
lot of ‘real world’ or material influence and it
tends to be a more long-term situation.
 M A J O R A RC A NA A N D
R E V E R SA L M A J O R I T Y
Major arcana is indicative of change; a major
arcana heavy reading can be a sign of movement,
change and ‘big things’ happening.
Upright majority tends to indicate a more positive
situation as well as the situation being similar to
your perspective.
Reversal indication can be a more negative read,
but it can also indicate that you’re viewing
something ‘wrong’ or need to look at the situation
differently.
 ELEMENTAL DIGNITIES
Every card has an elemental association – the suits
are easy and the major arcana may need extra
research but Labyrinthos does have all this
information.
Elemental dignities means using the cards’
elemental association to understand where the
focus lies and how to read a card.
I will use the Knight of Swords, Judgement and
Ten of Pentacles spread we used before.

This was taught to me by @lowvibeoracle on tiktok please check out their video and account!
Elemental Dignities
As you can see; this spread has 2x air cards
and 1x earth – air and earth are opposing
elements and what this means is that the
air cards ‘outweigh’ the earth card, leading
to it being either a lesser focus or possibly
reading it reversed!
This shifts the focus on the KoS and
Judgement as well as implying that this Air Earth
Air
situation, my spiritual journey, is more
mentality based than material and ‘earthly’ This was taught to me by @lowvibeoracle on tiktok
please check out their video and account for more in
– which makes sense.
depth understanding!!
 UNDERS TANDING
TAROT SPREADS
A detailed understanding on common spreads and their
messages
 OVERVIEW
• A tarot spread is, quite simply, the way the card
are laid out. The cards are each assigned a ‘role’
or a representation within this lay out to help
answer questions or expand situations.
• Most tarot spreads can be edited and
personalised to suit a reader or a specific
question!
UNDERSTANDING
THE THREE CARD
SPREAD
Source:
https://www.
shutterstock.
com/image-
photo/celtic-
knot-pattern-
on-stone-
639131527

OVERVIEW
• The Three Card spread is a very well known and
versatile spread that can be customised in many
different ways for different applications.
• ‘Three’ has always been a special number in all
forms of cultures and mythologies including
Greek (three fates), Celtic (the trinity knot),
Christian (the holy trinity) etc
The Basic Spread Compositions
- Past/Present/Future
- Situation/Action/Outcome
- Option 1/Option 2/How to decide
- Querent/Their path/Their potential 1 2 3
- Mind/Body/Spirit
- Dream/Current Reality/Fear
- Stop/Maybe/Go
- Too much/Too little/Overall
- General theme/Positive/Negative
Ways to Read
As well as reading the cards individually, its Outlying Pair
important to connect them and see how they
interact! (This doesn’t work with every
spread lay out!!!)
Chain Pairs
Chain pairs are next to each other: How do
these two cards connect and lead onto each
other?
Outlying Pair Chain Pairs Chain Pairs
These cards tend to be either opposing or
‘far away’ from each other – how does that
manifest in the cards?
UNDERSTANDING
THE ELEMENTAL
SPREAD
Source:
https://astral
moonholistic
healing.ca/col
lections/boo
ks

OVERVIEW
• The Five Card spread is a spread that relates to
and connects with the five elements – earth,
fire, water, air and spirit!
• The Ancient Greeks believed in four core
elements; earth, water, fire and air - these
elements made up every aspect of our world.
Eventually, the fifth element 'Spirit' joined the
elements.
The Basic Spread Composition
5
1. Earth – Physical
2. Air – Mental
3. Fire – Willpower
3 4
4. Water – Emotion
6
5. Spirit – Connection
6. Advice or General Theme

1 2
The Card Representations
1. Earth – Physical: This card represents the material or physical aspects of a situation – this might be finance,
physical health or just how the querent’s situation is manifesting or affecting the physical and earthly plain of
their life.
2. Air – Mental: This card represents the material or physical aspects of a situation – how they’re thinking or
processing it, the unconscious way their mind is reacting or just how the querent’s situation is manifesting or
affecting their mind.
3. Fire – Willpower: This card represents either the change that must be made (fire is a transformative element
after all) or something the querent needs to hear/understand/do in order to push through their situation
4. Water – Emotion: This card represents the material or physical aspects of a situation – how they’re feeling,
how they’re emotions are blocking the situation or just how the querent’s situation is manifesting or affecting
their emotional state.
5. Spirit – Connection: The spirit card represents the connection between the elements. What is something in
the current situation that links or effects the querent’s physical plain, mental and emotional processing and their
willpower/transformation. It may also represent the imbalance within the situation.
6. Advice or General Theme: This card will either denote the general and overarching theme of the spread, to
help a reader connect the dots or, were applicable, provide advice on how the querent should move forwards.
Further details
Matching
Matching elements tend to work together in
harmony, applying this: how does the
querent’s mental state boost their willpower?
How do their emotions and physical plain
mix?
Opposing
Opposite elements tend to ‘fight’ each other,
but they are necessary for balance. Apply this
to your reading: how is the querent’s
willpower battling their emotions? How do
their mental and physical situations effect
each other? How can you balance them?
UNDERSTANDING
THE CELTIC
CROSS
Source:
http://www.
megalithicirel
and.com/Hig
h%20Cross%
20Moone.ht
m

OVERVIEW
• The Celtic Cross spread is a well known and
commonly used 10-card spread. Split into the
‘Wheel’ and the ‘Staff’ – we’ll cover these later.
• The spread is said to have originated in Europe
and has been modified over time, the most
common version is the one covered in this
powerpoint, popularised by Arthur Edward
Waite in his book ‘The Pictorial Key to the
Tarot’, 1911
Its believed the spread may be
based on the Moone High Cross –
as shown above
The Basic Spread Composition 10
1.(beneath) The Present Situation
5
2.(above) The Problem
3. Past 9
1
4. Future
3 2 4
5. Conscious
6. Unconscious 8
7. Your Influence
6
8. External Influence
9. Hopes and/or Fears 7
10. Outcome (if this path continues)
The Card Representations
1.(beneath) The Present Situation: This card can represent a number of things, most commonly the current situation, the querent’s
emotions or situation or a general theme of the current situation/the querent’s life.
2.(above) The Problem: This card represents something that is blocking or opposing the querent and where they want to be. It might
also represent something they need to do or aren’t seeing/understanding/allowing.
3. Past: This represents past actions or feelings that may have had an impact on the present situation.
4. Future: This represents what will happen, short-term, if nothing changes. It is not set in stone and also doesn’t represent the final
outcome (that’s card 10!)
5. Conscious: This card shows what is at the forefront of the querent’s mind – their goals and assumptions surrounding the
situation.
6. Unconscious: This card represents the hidden truth and feelings that are driving the situation (take notice, it may be something
you hadn’t considered)
7. Querent’s Influence: This is how the querent views themselves and their input relating to the situation.
8. External Influence: This card represents the world and how it is influencing the situation, it may also represent how other people
see the querent in this situation
9. Hopes and/or Fears: This card tends to represent what the querent wants, or fears, from the situation – or it may be both (human
desire/fear tends to be a paradox).
10. Outcome (if this path continues): This is the overall theme and outcome of the situation; chronologically, it comes after Card 4.
The Cross
The Cross is a ‘snapshot’ of the querent’s life
and their internal workings that revolves
around a current issue. 1
The Axis
The Axis is the foundation and the central
issue that everything revolves around.
The Wheel
The Wheel is the events and feelings that
revolve around the Axis.
The Cross cont.
The Vertical
The Vertical line is the internal life – it is the
querent’s mind and feelings
1
The Horizontal
The Horizontal is more external; the time
and events surrounding the situation.
A simple way to understand:
The horizontal is the ‘What’ and the
objective facts around the situation. The
vertical is the subjective emotions and
feelings. Both are important for a clear
reading.
The Staff
The result; the best,
The Staff worst and most likely
outcome Outside of the querent:
The staff helps to see the bigger picture as
what’s happening and
well as the ‘path’ of the situation.
what is the path
It maps out the influences and outcomes as
well as the hopes/fears involved.
Using these, readers can get a broader look The querent: What do
they project or put into
at the current projection of the situation in
the situation
order to see what’s impacting the querent’s
life and, possibly, how they need to change!
Where the cross is a snapshot centred on the Influences – what is
querent and the situation, the staff is a impacting the situation
broader look at the ‘bigger picture’ and what and the ‘wheel’
is influencing the wheel.
Important Relationships
Card 4 (Future) and Card 10 (Outcome): How does the short-term result relate to the overall outcome? How
does the near future impact the outcome? What must the querent go through to reach a conclusion?
Card 5 (Conscious) and Card 6 (Unconscious): How separate are the querent’s unconscious and conscious
thoughts? Are they deluding themselves? Is there something they need to shift their focus onto?
Card 5 (Conscious), Card 6 (Unconscious) and Card 9 (Hopes and Fears): How do the querent’s feelings
and beliefs interact with and impact their hopes and fears? Are the consciously o r unconsciously creating the
best/worst case scenarios?
Card 5 (Conscious), Card 6 (Unconscious) and Card 7 (Querent’s influence): How do the querent’s feelings
and beliefs interact with and impact their influence and actions? Are their actions influenced consciously or
unconsciously?
Card 9 (Hopes and Fears) and Card 10 (Outcome): How realistic are their fears and hopes? Are they
looking at things in a logical and realistic way? Or allowing their anxiety/pride to get the best of them?
 MORE SPREADS
Some simple extra spreads with less detail!
 3
N 1
1
W E
2 2 3
S
4

Compass Spread Step Back Spread Seeing Truth

South: Where the querent is
coming from
West: What is directly behind
the querent
East: What lies in front of the
querent
North: The next move to make
1: Current Situation 1: How does the querent view
2: Something Blocking the the situation?
querent 2: How does [a specific person
3: The past view the situation or how do
4: The near future other view the situation?
3: How is the situation in
actuality?
 New Year Spread
1. Overall theme
2. Problem that will be overcome
3 3. January
14 4 4. February
5. March
13 5 6. April
1 7. May
8. June
12 2 6
9. July
10. August
11 7 11. September
12. October
10 8 13. November
9 14. December
Can be easily adjusted for any period of time!
 Deck Interview Spread
7 1. What can you teach me?
2. Describe yourself
3. Describe me
4. How can we best work together
5 6 5. Your strengths
6. Your weaknesses
7. Our potential
4
It can be beneficial to ‘interview’ a new deck
(or old deck) as a way to (re)connect and
understand it! It can form a better
2 3 relationship between deck and reader.

1
 TA ROT L E A R N I N G
R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S
• Labyrinthos – app and website
• Biddy Tarot – website
• The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need – Mary
Shannon
• How to Read Tarot – Jessica Wiggan
• 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card – Mary K. Greer