Useful Notes / Tarot Cards

The Usual Structure

• Major Arcana: 22 cards that can represent either phases of The Hero's Journey or esoteric concepts that transcend daily life. Card 0, The Fool (and, to a somewhat lesser extend, Card 1, The Magician), is often believed to be the precursor to the Joker cards found in modern French-suited playing card decks, but this is false.^note In fact, it originated from "the Best Bower", the highest trump in Euchre, a game also known as... Juker Originally functioned as a permanent trump suit.
• Minor Arcana: 56 cards divided into the four standard Italian suits with fourteen cards each, itself divided between ten "Pip" cards (numerical, ace/1 through 10) and four "Court" cards (named after figures of royalty—page, knight, queen, king).
  • Wands/Staves/Rods/Batons — Ancestor to the Clubs, this suit symbolizes the element of Fire, as well as personal power, determination, passion, confidence, and fiery creativity.
  • Cups/Chalices — Ancestor to the Hearts, this suit symbolizes the element of Water, as well as emotion, intuition, flowing creativity, relationships, and romance.
  • Swords — Ancestor to the Spades, this suit symbolizes the element of Air, as well as conflict, intellect, communication, and knowledge.
  • Coins/Pentacles/Disks — Ancestor to the Diamonds, this suit symbolizes the element of Earth, as well as aspects of the material realm, like money, work, health, abundance, and bodily matters, and the necessary qualities needed to manifest them, such as industriousness, constancy, and vision.

It is important to note that Tarot cards can come in two positions: upright, with the name of the card in the bottom, and reversed position, with the card upside down. Every card has a whole new set of different meanings when reversed. Depending on the reader, this can mean the opposite of the regular reading, that the regular energies of the usual meanings are blocked or in overdrive, or it simply represents an associated challenge. It's still important to note that even so, reversed cards are neither good nor bad. They just add new meanings. Some interpretations do away with this, holding all cards to have potential dual meanings based on situation and circumstance.

NOTE: Unless specified otherwise, all card imagery comes from the Rider-Waite-Smith version, perhaps the best-known tarot deck, with imagery by artist Pamela "Pixie" Colman Smith.

Major Arcana

The cards of the Major Arcana are numbered 1 to 21, usually in Roman numerals, with The Fool designated as either first or last ("0" or "22"). Read in order, they can portray a kind of story - a journey that starts with blissful ignorance and brings on spiritual self-discovery from teachers and family, of easy successes and sudden failures, of never giving up, of facing the worst and freedom from your illusions, of hope, and continuing your journey regardless, and victory, and glory, and the world restored. And while it all leads to enlightenment, it leads to another journey...:

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0/XXII — The Fool

An extravagantly-dressed young man strays obliviously close to the edge of a cliff, with a white dog at his heels, which seems to be either warning him of the looming danger ahead, or eagerly accompanying him. His posture is open, and embraces all that life has to offer him, untainted by preconceptions and uncumbered by others' disapproval. He holds a white rose, a symbol of divine love, innocence, purity, and faith. The Trickster as often as an innocent protected by his own luck, a madman who speaks with the voice of gods, the village idiot who hides strange powers, a happy-go-lucky adventurer that is missing something deep inside of him, which is the growth and change that will result from the peril and challenges that reality will soon thrust upon him, or simply a Naïve Newcomer. The Fool is a symbol of the in-between, great untapped potential, of The Grotesque, of reliance on luck. This card represents the enthusiasm and openness that a person often has when embarking on a new pursuit. It all starts with a leap of faith and a journey of self-discovery, and a reminder to expect the unexpected. There's no need to manipulate a specific outcome, just breathe it all in and try to see the big picture and enjoy your journey.

The dark side of the Fool is someone foolhardy, immature, and overenthusiastic, someone who takes huge risks without a plan, who jumps to conclusions and who lets their dreams and flights of fancy lead them astray, or into dangerous places (without a figurative parachute to break the fall in case anything goes wrong), someone who chooses to remain ignorant and stagnant to be blissful, or someone who is too jaded and closed-off to even bother to improve themselves and embark on new journeys.

Historical sidenote: The Fool's role in the trick taking card games which gave rise to the modern Tarot deck was unique: The card always lost, but also was always a valid play, thus making the card both worthless at the tactical level and immensely valuable at the strategic level (you could avoid playing a card that could win a later round if you had already lost this round). Before the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Fool was traditionally unnumbered; Rider-Waite (and many decks that followed its lead) assigned it the number 0 (and thus, the sole Arabic numeral in the Major Arcana), although some decks assign it XXII instead.

I — The Magician

A young man with a symbol for infinity as his halo. He stands over a table containing a wand, a cup, a sword, and a pentacle, symbolizing the four Elements as they appear on the Lesser or Minor Arcana. The red roses and white lilies surrounding him represent desire and faith in one's own purity of intention, respectively. The Marseilles version tends to view him more as The Trickster and sometimes a bumbling one (and is sometimes instead named Juggler), whereas for the Rider-Waite-Smith version he's more of a confident person in control of nature's forces. In divination, it's often attributed to the consultant, so it can more often represent the protagonist. The Magician symbolizes action, initiative, self-confidence, determination, manipulation, dexterity, following your inspiration, and channeling and manifesting one's potential. Don't be afraid of success, and have faith in your talents: the reward will be worth the effort.

The dark side of the Magician is a person that lets their confidence turn into overconfidence, and their resourcefulness turn into self-serving, unethical manipulation: think of a conman. Alternatively, it could be represented by a person who has confidence, communication, and creativity issues, and who is letting their talents go to waste.

II — The High Priestess

A veiled, crowned woman with a crescent moon at her feet, seated in a stone seat between a black pillar with the letter 'B' and a white pillar with the letter 'J' (possibly the entrance to the Temple of Solomon), and backed up by a tapestry depicting palm trees and pomegranates, which covers the view of a great body of water. She holds a partially-obscured scroll, the Torah. This card symbolizes our inner world, the quiet, contemplative, centered search for hidden, occult wisdom and self-knowledge, the unconscious realm of intuition, reflection, inspiration, female mysteries, magic, and psychic powers. The card may often double up with Triptic Goddess imagery. A mythological parallel would be the story of Persephone, the Greek goddess of springtime who afterwards became the Queen of the Underworld after eating pomegranate seeds. She often is a Threshold Guardian, and associated with the Moon. Things seem strange and mysterious now, but don't worry, sometimes it's a good thing to take a moment to think about your situation and pay attention to your gut feelings before you make your next move.

The dark side of the High Priestess is a person who either is too wrapped up in their own inner world — disregarding the physical, outer world in the process —, or who cannot access their inner landscape (or is deliberately ignoring or repressing it), along with their own intuition, instincts, and emotions.

III — The Empress

A fair woman (sometimes pregnant in other decks) crowned by stars, holding a scepter, seated in luxurious cushions, surrounded by a lush forest, and sporting a stone shield emblazoned with the sign of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, sexuality, and sensuality, and the mother of Rome in mythology. The Empress is totally a Team Mom; authoritative, comforting, understanding and prosperous. She's the one who creates life and promotes growth, and ensures the creation develops. It can hold symbolism related to The Three Faces of Eve, and represent the main female love interest, as well as the Earth Mother. It is not just a card of fertility, prosperity and creativity but also the potential to appreciate and enjoy it — if you can take the initiative. Together with the Emperor, this character archetype represents Harmony in Harmony Versus Discipline, the Gentle Touch in Gentle Touch vs. Firm Hand, and Mother Nature in Mother Nature, Father Science.

The dark side of the Empress is a person much like an overbearing mother, someone who has serious mommy issues, someone who is unfeeling and cold and could be more in tune with their sensitivity and compassion, someone who feels dead and lifeless and has problems creating.

IV — The Emperor

A crowned, bearded, armoured man, seated in a throne at the top of a dry mountain range with crossed legs in the shape of a "4", and holding a golden ankh and a globe. He's the powerful Team Dad, a man of action, leadership, stability and decisiveness. Can be associated with The Government. You are in a position of leadership, and it's time to take charge - but don't bully people. Things are going pretty well for you, so maybe it's time to give a little. Together with the Empress, this character archetype represents Discipline in Harmony Versus Discipline, the Firm Hand in Gentle Touch vs. Firm Hand, and Father Science in Mother Nature, Father Science.

V — The Hierophant

The Pope, crowned with a tiara, blessing two monks. A symbol of education, authority, conservatism, obedience and relationship with the divine. This card is most often associated with The Church, be it corrupt (e.g., dogmatic and intolerant) or saintly (e.g., nurturing and a source of enlightenment), but it can also represent shared group values, group mentality, conformity for the common good, and spiritual mentorships. People may admire you for your morals and choices, but don't be inflexible. You can give advice, but you can't make people take it.

When reversed, the Hierophant is often associated with the rejection of, and even resistance and rebellion against authority figures, which can be considered a good thing under certain circumstances, especially if the authority is corrupt or otherwise compromised.

VI — The Lovers

In the Marseilles version, it shows a man having to choose between two women (sometimes an older woman, possibly his mother, and a younger woman, his girlfriend, representing the conflicting impulses between staying in your comfort zone and taking a chance), symbolizing the crossroads and the need to make a choice. The Rider-Waite-Smith version shows Adam and Eve being blessed by an angel, which can symbolize both love and the synthesis of opposing concepts, but also the danger of temptation and desire. Love comes in many forms; don't forget to explore all the possibilities. If the choice seems too difficult, you may be able to Take a Third Option.

VII — The Chariot

A kingly figure riding a chariot drawn by two differently colored sphinxes, one black and one white (two horses in the Marseilles deck). May be based on Plato's Chariot Allegory, representing the different parts of the human soul. A symbol of conflict, victory, self-assertion and command. The image of mastering, controlling, and leading two opposing forces is prevalent. A great victory, whether material or spiritual, is close at hand; don't let yourself be distracted by petty disagreements.

VIII — Strength^note  sometimes switched with XI - Justice

A peaceful-looking young woman taming a lion with no effort. Beyond the Beast and Beauty imagery, there's a moral about the superiority of self-control, gentleness, inner courage and virtue over brute force. On the other hand, you may as well call it the card of Waif-Fu. A mythological parallel would be the story of Samson and Delilah. Your strength of character is evident and you are in the perfect position to shape your destiny - so never forget how important self-control and balance are.

IX — The Hermit

An old man in a snowy mountaintop (this snowy summit can be seen in the horizon in the Fool card), holding up a lantern and having reached a certain spiritual accomplishment. It's associated with wisdom, introspection, solitude, retreat and philosophical searches. Often a symbol for the Mentor, or a Seeker Archetype, but also The Hero undergoing a Heroic BSoD taking a much-needed Journey to the Center of the Mind to sort out his personal demons before returning to kick ass. Be honest with yourself as well as others, remember to take advice, and don't confuse solitude and loneliness as one.

X — The Wheel of Fortune

A golden wheel of eight spokes that reads TAROT, TORA, and ROTA ('wheel' in Latin), decorated with elemental symbols and surrounded by a blue sphinx holding a sword, a red Anubis-like figure, a yellow snake representing Typhon, and four angels, each associated with the four fixed signs of the Zodiac: the human angel is Aquarius, the eagle is Scorpio, the lion is Leo, and the bull is Taurus. (They are also the signs of the Four Evangelists: the angel is Matthew, the eagle John, the lion Mark, and the bull Luke.) In other decks, the wheel is surrounded by different animals wearing wealthy and beggarly clothes. This card is a symbol of the inevitability of fate and changing fortunes, and life cycles. What goes up will go down, what goes down will go up. Easy Come, Easy Go. Things are going well, so now you can plan for the future. Alternatively things may seem bad but don't give up; now's a great time to try something new.

XI — Justice:^note  sometimes switched with VIII - Strength

A crowned, throned woman (sometimes blindfolded in other decks), holding a sword and set of scales. A very traditional allegory of justice, objectivity, rationality and analysis, expect references to the Judgment of Solomon, the Balance Between Good and Evil, and maybe a Secret Test of Character. Everything you do will have consequences, but the world doesn't work on a tit-for-tat principle. Sometimes people aren't as great as you thought; you must judge wisely, and don't forget that the idea of law governs your morals too.

XII — The Hanged Man

A serene man hanging upside-down from a tree on one leg, while the other crosses it, forming a "4", while his arms are typically bound behind him, forming a "3". You may as well call this the Crucified Hero Shot card. It's associated with self-sacrifice for the sake of enlightenment, bindings that liberate, paradoxes, and juxtaposition between heaven and earth. Apart from Jesus, it can be associated with such myths as Odin volunteering to hang from Yggdrasil to learn the runes, the cycle of the murder and rebirth of Osiris, or Dionysus being born twice. You have committed yourself to a purpose. You may feel a little isolated, but if you embrace and cherish your gifts, people will appreciate what you've done in time.

XIII — Death

The Grim Reaper, an armored skeleton on horseback approaching uneasy people prostrating before it as a king lies dead beneath the horse, symbolizing the inevitability of change, one of its most powerful forms being death (in the Marseilles version, the card depicts a skeleton swinging his scythe and leaving severed heads and limbs in his wake, which actually fertilize the land, representing the cycle of life). It is often used for a cheap effect of doomy foreshadowing, and even more frequently parodied as such. More accurately in Tarot, a symbolism of metamorphosis and a big change. Don't fight the inevitable; the end of one thing just means the beginning of another, even if it comes as a shock to you.

Often, a show will do just enough research to know that the Death card isn't a portent of doom, but a symbol of change, but their research tends to stop there. When drawn, most often, the reader will explain that the card does not actually mean literal physical death, and the story will go on to demonstrate that, in fact, it totally does. (Either that, or the person receiving the reading will not listen, panic, and faint out of sheer fright.)

XIV — Temperance

An androgynous angelic figure (sometimes interpreted as the healer Raphael) pouring water between two golden cups (sometimes either blue and red or gold and silver, in other decks) and one foot in the water. A symbol of synthesis, prudence, harmony, and the merging of opposites. Let go of your obsessions, and you will find peace of mind. With peace of mind you can do anything; it's not selfish to take care of your own needs as well.

XV — The Devil

A hermaphrodite demon (or a satyr such as Pan) standing over two compliant naked and chained figures. The card of The Dark Side, the urge to give in to selfish impulses. Occasionally interpreted as a symbol of sexuality, knowledge, ambition, occult forces, or the need to balance indulgence and abstinence. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, it visually echoes the Lovers. Everything may seem fine now, but don't give in to the illusion of material trappings; enlightenment is within your reach, and what you were afraid of doesn't have as much power over you as you thought.

XVI — The Tower

A dark, grey tower on a lonely landscape struck by lightning, from which two frightened people fall to an unknown fate. A straight Tower of Babel allegory about pride preceding a fall. Often associated to overly arrogant, prejudiced, and authoritarian organizations (including The Government) which walk to their own ironic demise, as well as the necessity of profound, sometimes destructive, change. Also more generically used as an omen of Doomy Dooms of Doom, at least by those who think Death alone isn't ominous enough. Readers however know that dramatic change awaits you, but it's not the end of the world. In fact, you may find that things are better once you're OUTSIDE your cramped little comfort zone.

XVII — The Star

A calm, naked woman pouring water into a pool and on land, nourishing them under a starlit sky. Associated with hope, faith, altruism, luck, generosity, peace, truth, and joy. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, it visually echoes Temperance. Very much a messianic card as well, as an omen of the coming of The Chosen One. Perhaps you feel like you're surrounded by problems, but things aren't really so bad. There's plenty of hope, so take some time to relax and enjoy yourself. Follow your star.

XVIII — The Moon

A dog and a wolf howl at the moon, around a pool with a crayfish in it, with two towers in the background and lights falling from the sky, and a long, winding road. This is most likely the great body of water that was hidden behind the High Priestess. Associated with creativity, journeys, madness, illusions, fear, fantasy, the subconscious, trickery, self-sabotage, the dark sides of people, a person's true colors, and the dark night of the soul. Masters of Illusion and Lotus Eater Machines can be associated with it, as can be Shape Shifters and Wolf Men. Also a good spot for a Mind Screw or a Dream Sequence. But the Moon can also represent a positive aspect of darkness and wildness. There is a long journey ahead of you; it may be scary, it may be dark, there may be people calling you crazy for trying and there may be distractions, but at least the path is clear. Even if you don't know what awaits you, it's time to stop being the little crayfish and make your mark in that big world. You can't go back.

XIX — The Sun

A pair of naked children frolic beneath a blazing sun. A symbol of happiness, joy, energy, self-expression, freedom to be oneself, finding the truths of one's life, optimism, and accomplishment. Can be associated with the hero's reward, or to an initial state of happiness. Sometimes associated with the myth of the androgynous and soul mates (although in decks influenced by the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, it's more likely to find the latter with The Lovers). You're in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. Now all you have to do is the right thing, and everybody can be happy.

XX — Judgement

The Archangel Gabriel blows his trumpet, as corpses rise from their graves and reach out to him acceptingly. It's The End of the World as We Know It, the time for the Final Battle. The Horsemen of the Apocalypse are probably not far off. Actions are weighted, plots reach their conclusion, secrets are revealed, and it's time to see if it will all end up for the best or not. Beware of deaths by redemption and resurrected messiahs. Whatever the case, no deed, good or evil, goes unjudged, because here everything is revealed for the whole world to see. All will be revealed, and that's not a bad thing at all, because it's a wonderful new day and you're surrounded by your friends, all you have to do is reach out and forgive. Don't wait too long though; these chances don't come around often.

XXI — The World

A naked woman (or hermaphrodite, depending on deck) dancing with a pair of rods, surrounded by figures of a lion, an angel, an eagle and a bull (which represent the Four Evangelists, which also corresponds to Fire, Water, Air and Earth, respectively, the transcendent forms of the suits of the Lesser Arcana). In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, it visually echoes the Wheel of Fortune. A representation of the world, the totality of it, symbol of fulfillment, wholeness, harmony. The world is being handed to you on a silver platter, and that's because you've worked hard. It's time to cash in your winnings - don't be scared of collecting them.

Minor Arcana Part 1: The Number Cards

• The Aces (Is):
  • Ace of Wands: Keywords for the Ace of Wands upright include: invention, creation, creativity, birth and transformation, and intuition. Keywords for the Ace of Wands reversed include: delays, spiritual blocks, misunderstandings, disappointments, and fantasy failed to translate into reality.
    • Upright: With fiery energy and creativity, the Ace of Wands speaks of impulse and ambition. Ideas are not enough. It takes hard work and perseverance to take something from a thought to reality. With the Ace of Wands, heady optimism mixed with ambition can make any dream come true.
    • Reversed: At this time, the urge to change and develop is present but circumstances are delaying progress. In creative and intuitive matters, blocks and delays lead to impatience. Sexual and emotional relationships can also be subject to misunderstandings and dysfunction.
  • Ace of Coins: Keywords for the Ace of Coins include: new sources of money, prosperity, contentment, windfalls, lottery wins, new business, confidence, and security with money. Keywords for the Ace of Coins reversed include: greed, fear of scarcity, hoarding, disappointments in new jobs, and a need to balance the desire for money with personal satisfaction.
    • Upright: The beginning of prosperity, the Ace of Coins suggests transformation in all financial matters. New jobs, raises, the start of a new business, windfalls, inheritance: anything connected to new financial circumstances is brought by the Ace of Coins. Expressive and powerful, the new energy of the Ace of Coins signifies a lasting change for the better after a challenging period. It also indicates that security and contentment are not connected to finances alone; they are also a state of mind.
    • Reversed: When reversed, the Ace of Coins can suggest troubles or issues with money. Sometimes, these are emotional issues related to greed or hoarding; it has to do with a general belief in scarcity (and the poverty mindset) no matter the circumstances. It can also indicate that a new source of income can provide you with more money but not necessarily happiness.
  • Ace of Swords: Keywords of the Ace of Swords upright include: power, transformative energy, new thoughts and ideas, new possibilities, karma, balance, and sudden changes. Keywords of the Ace of Swords reversed include: an unbalanced mind, quarrels and arguments, and irritability.
    • Upright: Powerful and airy, the Ace of Swords is like the winds of change, bringing energy and vitality to new enterprises. Adding clarity to the mind and power to issues of justice, this card has often been connected to karma. In eastern beliefs, the concept of karma is what balances the universe: we reap what we sow. The energy of the Ace of Swords is transformative, ending what has been outgrown and creating possibility for newness.
    • Reversed: Imbalanced and troubled, when the Ace of Swords is reversed, changes can seem too sudden or delayed (and not in your benefit). It speaks of a time where it is difficult to find agreement and others (or yourself) may seem argumentative or quarrelsome.
  • Ace of Cups: Keywords of the Ace of Cups upright include: a creative and emotional growth, blooming love and passion, a growth in relationships, the birth of new ideas or children, the surge of intuition, and general fruitfulness. Keywords of the Ace of Cups reversed include: emotional exhaustion and/or chaos, a need to withdraw, one-sided relationships, an imbalance in relationships, and a need for emotional replenishment.
    • Upright: A card that heralds the start of a new period of blossoming love, friendship, and creativity. The Ace of Cups brims over with ideas, feelings, and lovely new possibilities. Creative and intuitive periods are filled with imagination, artistic impulses and the birth of new ideas (or even a child). Nurturing and essential for development, the Ace of Cups creates a perfect environment for mutual passion and loving relationships.
    • Reversed: When the Ace of Cups is reversed, it represents a time of emotional exhaustion and/or chaos. It may refer to one-sided, draining, or toxic relationships that demand more emotional effort than they return. Creative ideas and artistic projects seem to have dried up and a general feeling of being uninspired is present. Emotion demands seem constant, leaving you feeling drained and needing to withdraw.

• The Twos (IIs):
  • Two of Wands: Keywords of the Two of Wands upright include: balanced partnerships, productive relationships, work friendships, employment mentors, successful real estate deals, profitable contracts, and an enterprising spirit. Keywords of the Two of Wands reversed include: hollow success, end of partnerships, delays, feeling overwhelmed by the world, unexpected expenses, stubbornness, and pride.
    • Upright: Power and success in career matters are often indicated by the Two of Wands. Productive partnerships may form at this point in time, and many positive relationships may develop at work. Two of Wands can also indicate a successful businessman or woman who will act as a guide or mentor, working with you towards greater career achievements. Agreements in business or real estate will make you more money than you expect, and contracts can be easily negotiated.
    • Reversed: Partnerships filled with friction and misunderstands can occur when the Two of Wands is reversed. Delays and miscommunication in legal matters are par for the course. Sometimes it is because partners are seeking different outcomes from their venture; one may want money while the other is searching for creative freedom. Being inflexible can lead to further misunderstandings.
  • Two of Coins: Keywords of the Two of Coins upright include: financial balance, extra work, new skills, business development, entrepreneur, assistance, balancing energies and resources, and a concerted duality. Keywords of the Two of Coins reversed include: lack of focus, growing debts, inconsistent actions and efforts, being overwhelmed by life's daily grinds, and a glaring need for purpose.
    • Upright: When the Two of Coins appears, you are being given the opportunity to develop new skills. Even though you may have to perform extra work to get something you want, it's important to see help when it arrives. You may develop additional skills to open your own business or some overtime for extra cash. The Two of Coins can also refer an imbalance in your work life. One day you may be running off your feet, and then next twiddling your thumbs. Likewise, you may be experiencing financial fluctuations where one month you are scrambling for spare change while the next you have more money than you can count.
    • Reversed: If the Two of Coins is reversed, everything seems out of balance. Money seems to go out faster than it comes in and trying to sort out looming debts can seem impossible. At first, it is easy to blame your fluctuating moods on your job and money chaos. Really though, it is important to realize that the common denominator is you. Once you stop acting aimless, everything else will gain direction and purpose.
  • Two of Swords: Keywords of the Two of Swords upright include: an uneasy peace, a balancing act between reason and intuition, justice, weighing up opposing decisions, the calm after the storm, and a need for caution and thinking carefully before acting. Keywords of the Two of Swords reversed include: lies and deceit, a stalemate, indecision, a slow change, an information overload, and emotional repression.
    • Upright: A calm after the storm is signified with the Two of Swords but it is an uneasy peace laced with tension. A problem has reached a stalemate and while there is balance, it is also clear that there isn't a resolution yet. Relief is in sight so be aware that you won't need to worry much longer. The Two of Swords can also refer to someone who is willing to maintain peace at any price, even if it costs them their self-expression and personal fulfillment. Not liking fights or disagreements, you may hide your own feelings or pretend like everything is okay to keep the peace. Emotions need to be vented so allow yourself to acknowledge what you're feeling to relieve pressure.
    • Reversed: Think twice or even three or four times when the Two of Swords is reversed. Your advisers, intuition and knowledge are clouded and you are not in the best position to make any final decisions. Any changes will occur slowly, and honestly, right now that's for the best. There is an air of deceit the surrounds you and it will be hard find agreements that work to your advantage. While you'll feel like being impulsive to move things forward, you'll regret anything you agree to now.
  • Two of Cups: Keywords of the Two of Cups upright include: a harmonious connection of love, romantic attachments, emotionally-fulfilling working partnerships and friendships, and being a social butterfly. Keywords of the Two of Cups reversed include: an emotional battle, misunderstandings, separations, the need for an emotional break, dissolutions, acting rashly in regards to relationships, and a need to look for common ground.
    • Upright: When the Two of Cups appears, partnerships of every kind of love will benefit. If it is a matter of love, established relationships will become even more loving. For those who are looking for romantic love, a new important love affair will start. When a career question is indicated, a strong working relationship or business partnership will started; from emotional bonds, great things will be produced. When a friendship is indicated, it will be a strong relationship filled with warmth, fun, and a sense of deep connection. With the perfect balance the Two of Cups provides, every type of relationship will benefit and prosper.
    • Reversed: Emotional hardships, imbalances, and severed connections are suggested with the Two of Cups reversed. It is a time when it seems hard, if not impossible, to understand where others are coming from. Arguments go around in full-circle and it may feel like the current situation will never get resolved. Often, the best thing you can do is to just take a break; give yourself and the other person time to calm down and then reassess the situation. It's important to take things slowly and not do anything too rash. While it may seem hopeless, all is not lost. There is no need to think of abandoning a relationship completely. All you need is a little time and effort to understand the other party.

• The Threes (IIIs): Three is a number of creative success and positive energy. When you combine the starting energy of One and the balancing energy of Two, you arrive with the happy conclusion of Three. Long regarded in many religions as a holy number, Three contains a vital force and a direction all its own.
  • Three of Wands: Keywords of the Three of Wands upright include: expecting an imminent success, manifesting dreams into reality, getting in touch with old contacts, working with the present to create the future, a visionary opportunity, and hard work. Keywords of the Three of Wands reversed include: a need for practical planning, unrealistic expectations, wanting a free ride, and miscalculating something important.
    • Upright: Opportunities are quickly approaching, particularly in the areas of creativity and career. These may be connected to relationships nurtured previously, and are likely ideas you've been pursuing for some time. Further growth of your ideas will occur, while some previously developed will start to bear fruit. The importance of planning and supervision are stressed here.
    • Reversed: Dreams are the starting point for any new venture. In order to become a reality, they need a combination of hard work and practical planning. When success fails at this point, it's usually because of unrealistic expectations and a lack of focused hard work. You may have another chance to live this dream later, but next time be better prepared with the resources you currently have.
  • Three of Coins: Keywords of the Three of Coins upright include: a mutually beneficial work relationship or apprenticeship, being on the path to mastering a skill, gaining skills that will lead to prosperity in the long term, mentoring or being mentored, working towards self-improvement, and decorating or renovating a home. Keywords of the Three of Coins reversed include: being a perfectionistic stick-in-the-mud, being unwilling to invest the time needed, holding yourself back, and not getting external recognition.
    • Upright: The Three of Coins is all about putting in time and effort to gain reward. For those people that have invested in learning a new skill and becoming a master of a field of work (especially the arts or crafts), they are just about to be rewarded. Having spent the time to reach new heights in a profession, you are now regarded with respect.
    • Reversed: The Three of Coins in a reversed position often speaks of delays in success; the cause is usually oneself. Either fear of failure or unwillingness to commit to the path of learning are the usual culprits. It's necessary to remember why and if gaining these skills are important to you, and to realize that most good things require discipline, hard work, and time.
  • Three of Swords: Keywords of the Three of Swords upright include: love triangles, betrayals, deception, adultery, misunderstandings, heartbreak, and a breakdown in relationships. Keywords of the Three of Swords reversed include: a reassessment, healing relationships, releasing pain and forgiving, a new start, or dire emotional stress and anxiety, and overwhelming nostalgia.
    • Upright: Heartache and confusion are present when the Three of Swords appears. These relationships were once pleasant and passionate-it may be discovered that there was no depth to sustain them. Usually, there is some form of betrayal involved. What was beautiful and romantic under the light of the moon is exposed as empty and possibly deceitful in the light of day.
    • Reversed: Emotional stress and anxiety go hand in hand with the Three Of Swords reversed. Relationships are confusing, communication breaks down, and it seems that there is only a great deal of emotional pain left to experience. Alternatively, when this card appears, the relationship has usually ended and healing has begun, even if it seems like the wounds are still raw. Every ending brings a new beginning.
  • Three of Cups: Keywords of the Three of Cups upright include: emotional celebrations, social events, collaboration, a reliance on friendships, a surge in creativity, the birth of a baby, and family gatherings. The keywords of the Three of Cups reversed include: over-indulgence, over-spending, partying too much, getting wrapped up in a social whirl, an overreliance on others, forgetting about responsibilities, and a need for rest, quiet relaxation, and alone time.
    • Upright: Celebrations and happy events are all part of the Three of Cups. Weddings, house-warmings, anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, births - they are all part of the joy that comes with this card. Suddenly, there will be many reasons to enjoy family and friends, having good food and wonderful conversation. Sometimes this social whirlwind may seem a little much but it's best to relax and smile, enjoying yourself. It's not often there is so much to celebrate.
    • Reversed: Over-the-top indulgence is the key phrase for the Three of Cups. It's one thing to enjoy yourself, but you're having a hard time doing anything else. This can also speak of financial over-spending, allowing your joy to blind you to the balance in your bank account. Take a break from the social scene to get some much needed rest and relaxation, and to find self-worth in yourself, as you may be relying too much on others' validation.

• The Fours (IVs): Four is a stable number that represents a solid structure, and rules. At first, its earthy nature seems a little boring. After all, how many people get excited about rules? What makes Four interesting is how you can use these rules to help make your dreams a reality. Four is the number that reminds you of the practical parts of life, and helps you restructure reality in order to get what you want. Four teaches us to learn the rules so we can understand when to work with them and when to break them. Self-discipline and structure can be boring or strengthening - the answer lies in your perspective.
  • Four of Wands: Keywords of the Four of Wands upright include: celebrating success in a community, feeling at home, and a homecoming. Keywords of the Four of Wands reversed include: a personal celebration, a conflict with others, and a necessary transition that makes you feel lost.
    • Upright: Creating a country home, complete with a bountiful harvest is the perfect visual for the Four of Wands. This card focuses on the stability a home provides and the importance of having this. When a home is signified by this card, it has been long awaited and will be a nurturing environment filled with love and hope. The Four of Wands is about building a strong foundation for years of future successes and growth.
    • Reversed: Your dreams, especially in terms of having a home, may be put aside for a little while. It doesn't mean that this dream must be abandoned but rather that there is still some more work for this to be achieved. When this card appears reversed, you may be in such a hurry to wrap things up, you don't realize how many loose ends you're leaving. The Four of Wands reversed is offering you a brief rest and time to collect yourself before you move forward. While the impatient part of you is annoyed by this, enjoy it while it lasts. Honor your personal accomplishments while you're at it.
  • Four of Coins: Keywords of the Four of Coins upright include: financial stability, having a healthy income, being a modest winner, bearing responsibility with dignity, focusing on security, and being a social climber. Keywords of the Four of Coins reversed include: being greedy and miserly, fearing loss so much you get stuck in your comfort zone, fearing change, financial worries, and being obsessed with the material world at the expense of spirituality.
    • Upright: If you've been through a period where every dollar had to be stretched 5 ways, things will be getting easier. The Four of Coins doesn't represent extreme riches but it is about financial stability. When you see the Four of Coins, you will have more money coming in than going out and with some planning, will even have some money left over. It's the time to look into savings and how to use money wisely rather than just spending it on stuff. Take care of your money and it will take care of you. Be careful that you haven't fallen into the trap of judging people by what they have rather than who they are.
    • Reversed: When the Four of Coins is reversed, your mind is consumed by thoughts of money. Whether financially worried, strapped for cash, or guilty of hoarding, greed or being miserly, you can't think beyond moolah. It may be that you're the responsible one in your household and while others are spending up a storm, you're worrying about the bills. Never allow financial trappings to trap you. You may be playing it too safe. Try to experience new things outside of your own little world: it'll expand your mind.
  • Four of Swords: Keywords of the Four of Swords upright include: rest, relaxation, withdrawing mentally, a need for peace and quiet, time for reassessment, taking a small vacation, and a need to take it easy. Keywords of the Four of Swords reversed include: an enforced rest, physical issues, mental stagnation, limited pleasures, feeling isolated, and exhaustion.
    • Upright: The Four of Swords often appears after a time of illness or anxiety and reminds you that we all need time to rest and recuperate. Sometimes this break is needed for you to accurately see all that you have accomplished; there is nothing like a little distance to gain perspective. The Four of Swords is a message that you need to take a break; if you refuse to listen, your health may suffer for it. It can also suggest that a retreat or a withdrawal from modern appliances and their demands (turn off your cell phones everyone) is just what you need.
    • Reversed: When the need for rest indicated by the Four of Swords is ignored, you arrive at the reversed position. This is the time when illness or anxiety will result in health issues needing a long period for healing. There is no longer the option to choose to rest - the choice has been made for you. Rather than worry about how this will affect you, accept that it is necessary and let your body, mind and spirit heal. The Four of Swords reversed can also refer to a time of social isolation where old friends have lost contact; however this is not permanent and new friends will arrive soon. Mental stagnation may be plaguing you: you may have overvalued rest and relaxation so much that you've become a stick-in-the-mud, so take a chance and try new things.
  • Four of Cups: Keywords of the Four of Cups upright include: emotional boredom and stagnation, dissatisfaction, stuck in an emotional rut, a fear of love and attachment, emotional scars, fear of being alone but also of social contact, new emotional challenges, depression, indifference and apathy, a need for new interests, and a need to be thankful, a need to meditate, and a need to reevaluate an emotional situation. Keywords of the Four of Cups reversed include: going beyond your emotional comfort zone, overcoming emotional challenges, figuring what you want out of relationships, or being distracted all the time.
    • Upright: The Four of Cups speaks of emotional reassessment and dissatisfaction. Things and people that pleased you before don't anymore and you're uncertain what to do about it. It could be that a project that once gave you much pride and pleasure leaves you feeling empty. Troubled by boredom, you're in need of a change - you just don't feel like doing it right now. Think of small things you can do to shake things up - how about a small vacation - and be open to new interests and friends. Just because you were disappointed in the past, doesn't mean that love has to hurt. What is life without risk?
    • Reversed: The Four of Cups reversed often represents someone who cannot be alone. Needing the reassurance of people around them, they create a frantic social schedule that allows no time for pleasure, only distraction. Sometimes this card appears when you are needing change at this point in your career. Alternatively, you could be presently overcoming emotional challenges: keep at it.

• The Fives (Vs): Five is the number of rebellion and change. Where Four gave us the rules, Five is where we decide to break them regardless of consequences. These are the battles that are fought to break old habits and create radiant new changes. Five will shake us up and force us to strive for progress. The four main elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water are complemented by the fifth, Spirit. While Five isn't comfortable, and is often turbulent, the hard times will be overcome and positive changes eventually welcomed.
  • Five of Wands: Keywords of the Five of Wands upright include: arguing and sharing ideas and worldviews, having conflicts, testing circumstances, forging new ideas in debating, creating new products, delving in power struggles, and mastering yourself when challenging others. Keywords of the Four of Wands reversed include: a release of tension, being conflict-averse, a possible peaceful resolution, or an argumentative attitude, plenty of discord, rocky negotiations, a bitter inner conflict, rushing negative thoughts, and turbulent anger.
    • Upright: Competitive challenges are part of the Five of Wands. There are struggles and tests which may seem like a game at times and a fiery battle at others. The end result is a better product or idea. These battles are just part of the process of challenging the old to create the new. Peaceful sharing of ideas? No way! Arguments will be common and it may be hard to hold your temper in check. Just remember that the Five of Wands has a purpose behind the words.
    • Reversed: When the Five of Wands is reversed, legal issues or disputes are likely looming on the horizon. Any resolution to the legal problems will be the result of a lot of negotiation and understanding. Internal conflicts will frustrate and it seems there is no easy solution to these problems. While these trials can seem insurmountable, conclusion may be close at hand.
  • Five of Coins: Keywords of the Five of Coins upright include: feeling despair, being poor and abandoned, financial hardships, lack of faith, troublesome times, internal struggles, spiritual poverty, and a lack of optimism. Keywords of the Five of Coins reversed include: hard work leading to strong positive results, reversing trends, growing faith, increased confidence and self-worth, an eventual success.
    • Upright: A challenging card, the Five of Coins can signal financial, emotional or spiritual hardship. It is quite simply a time in life where you are going to feel tested. If your finances are affected, you'll experience a significant lack of money. The fact that it may be related to previous over-spending won't make you feel any better. Lack of confidence and a low sense of self-worth are also indicated. There is no easy solution but it is crucial to have faith that your circumstances will change.
    • Reversed: Challenging situations are also present when the Five of Coins is reversed but in this case, you realize that only hard work and plenty of it will change your life. As soon as you start this process, other forms of help appear - maybe in the form of a grant or gift. While you won't forget the troubles you experienced, you realized that they have helped you become a stronger person.
  • Five of Swords: Keywords of the Five of Swords upright include: a tense conflict, limitations, power struggles, fierce competitiveness, jealousy, envy, holding on to grudges, underhandedness, defeat, a big loss, self-pity, winning at all costs, a Pyrrhic Victory. Keywords of the Five of Swords reversed include: reconciliation, making amends, creation of something new from struggles, releasing pride, acceptance of defeat, learning to abandon self-pity, and moving towards a fresh start.
    • Upright: A strong sense of disappointment and failure is inherent in the Five of Swords. It may be that in a quest for power, underhanded tactics were employed - lies, gossip and envy undermine everyone, including yourself. It may be that disappointment was necessary to force a more realistic plan of action. When following a path where nothing seems to work, you should consider another course of action. The only thing affected if you change your mind will be your pride.
    • Reversed: When the Five of Swords is reversed, it is time to cut your losses. Sometimes, wanting to prove we were in the right becomes more important than being right. At this point, you have already lost this fight, no matter what else you say or do. Jealousy, pride and self-righteousness may be keeping you in battle but it is time to embrace defeat and walk away, or make amends. Accept what has happened, learn from it and start anew.
  • Five of Cups: Keywords of the Five of Cups upright include: an emotional loss, grief, regret, failure, pessimism, destruction of ideals, broken dreams, old emotional wounds, a lack of perspective, and loneliness. Keywords of the Five of Cups reversed include: moving on, new chances, self-forgiveness, rebuilding old relationships, wisdom gained from an emotional struggle.
    • Upright: When the Five of Cups appears in a reading it is a sign that we're looking at what we don't have rather than what we do. One of our deepest held beliefs or closest relationships has shattered and we are mourning its loss. Now is the time to get over it. We need to look at what remains and decide what role it can play in our lives. Often appearing when a relationship is challenged, it is important to use the Five of Cups to reassess what is left. Perhaps a vow has been broken or our partner has been emotionally distant - can we work with what remains to heal? In order to decide, it is time to move beyond sadness and disappointment into contemplation. Take the time to recover from the loss.
    • Reversed: The Five of Cups reversed often signals that an emotional reunion is on the horizon. A old friend or lover may suddenly reappear, giving you the chance to possibly rebuild your relationship. With the new knowledge and experiences you have, it could become even stronger the second time. The emotional hurt leaves you cautious and better able to decide whether a second chance is worth the risk. Alternatively, forgive yourself for the failure of an old relationship and move on with your life.

• The Sixes (VIs): Six eases the sting of Five and rules peace, harmony, love and beauty. When Six appears, it is usually a signal of the beginning of success. There is another side to the pleasant Six, of course. The Six only hints at the hard work, tension and effort that happens behind the scenes to make all that peace possible. With Six, the rewards are great but so is the effort. Love and choice are a necessary part of Six.
  • Six of Wands: Key words include victory, hard won battles at work and in creative endeavours, legal triumphs, good news, success, troubles caused by others, arguements at work, lack of reward, unable to move ahead, failure to receive promotion.
    • Upright: If you've been waiting for good news, the Six of Wands is a sign you'll soon hear it. A positive card filled with successful energy, the Six of Wands usually relates to business and career matters. What you achieve now has required a lot of effort but is well worth it. Negotiations requiring tact and compromise may have occurred to secure this success.
    • Reversed: When the Six of Wands is reversed, don't expect to forge ahead in office affairs. Trouble working with others, miscommunication in group projects, and small failures will cause tension for you at work. Whether with co-workers or managers, tempers will flare. The best you can hope for is to keep on until the energies change in your favour.
  • Six of Coins: Keywords include gifts and help given and received, practical help, philanthropy, charity, cash prizes, using influence or success to help others, easy come easy go, losing money through absent mindedness, theft, gambling losses, resolution of wills or divorce decrees.
    • Upright: A card signifying bounty and gifts, the Six Of Coins represents generosity which you will give or receive. On the one hand, you may receive a donation or grant which will help you forge ahead in school or business. Remembering the help you received, you may be the source of a legacy or donation to benefit others. If you are currently struggling, expect that help is on its way. When you are in a better position, make sure to pay it forward so a circle of generosity is established.
    • Reversed: Financial settlements and loss often occur when the Six of Coins is reversed. As a caution to take care, remember to treat your money with respect and use it wisely. A fool and their money are soon parted. If a settlement is indicated, it is usually a final division of money or property, like from a will or a divorce.
  • Six of Swords: Keywords include leaving strife behind, pleasant times, relief, alleviating stress, renewed hope, physical travel, relieved spirit, tenacity, struggle, grit, temporary truce, delayed victory, hanging on by the skin of your teeth.
    • Upright: When the Six of Swords appears, your troubles are moving behind you. Part of this change will be from you releasing your attachment to worrying about this issue. All areas of life will improve with the Six of Swords: relationships, money and career. It will be a relief to move ahead to a happier place. Physical travel can also be a focus and any travels will have you returning feeling more relaxed and optimistic towards the future.
    • Reversed: The Six of Swords reversed can sometimes feel like the eye in the centre of a hurricane. All around, chaos and struggle loom on the horizon but only grit and determination will see you through. Tenacity and the willingness to go on are required when this card is present. The only solutions available are temporary; now is the time to catch your breath and wait rather than hope to resolve things.
  • Six of Cups: Keywords include happy memories, nostalgia, old relationships, returning to the past to understand the future, rewards for past efforts, return of past lovers and friends, stuck in the past, refusal to move, fear of future, self-doubt, blame of past, requiring a fresh start.
    • Upright: Nostalgic memories play a strong role with the Six of Cups. Your emotional past, old connections, ex lovers, old friends - all of these may be resurfacing to influence your future. In some cases, the return may be to carry on where they left off; reconnecting with a lover, for instance. Other times, you might revisit your past to understand yourself better and learn what you need for the future.
    • Reversed: Living in the past is no way to enjoy the present or embrace the future. When the Six of Cups is reversed, you hold your past up to block your future. Remember that our memories of what happened are selective. Usually only the prettiest thoughts of the past remain. We can also use our past to prove our lack of worth. Perhaps our family or lover was non supportive - in this case, these memories and the doubts they create belong firmly behind us. A fresh start begins with realizing who we currently are.

• The Sevens (VIIs): Seven is the number of inward journeys, intuition and connecting with what is hidden. When Seven is present, you will understand more about what you secretly want but also be urged to work hard to get it. It is a number of progress and change but with these changes it is important to make certain what we want. There is the danger that without the necessary effort, the reward of Seven will not last.
  • Seven of Wands: Keywords include standing up for yourself, tenacity, struggle, you against the world, faith in future success, fear of failure, insecurity, risk, embracing your talents, encouragement needed.
    • Upright: When the Seven of wands appears, you are in a time where you are trying to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Everything may seem like a major challenge and external energy is working against you. You may be at a point where it feels like no one is helping you and it is hard to persevere. The positive news is that you are nearly the end of your struggle and victory may soon be at hand. The bad new is that you need to muster up your courage and keep fighting the good fight until you win.
    • Reversed: Courage has fled and fear controls you when the Seven of Wands is reversed. You have tremendous talents and abilities but aren't using them - you're afraid to let yourself shine. There may not have been a lot of encouragement to take risks but this is the time for you to support yourself. If you reach and strive now, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
  • Seven of Coins: Keywords include future investment, growth of business, slow return on money, self doubt, satisfying work, groundless fears, unpaid work, mental exhaustion, disappointment, no reward, improving self worth, reassessment, new direction, fresh start.
    • Upright: Sometimes with money, there is a lot of labour before you start to see the reward. That's how it is with the Seven of Coins. You may find yourself almost exhausted from the amount of work you're doing but still worried about the outcome. You may have sleepless nights where you worry about whether you did the right thing or whether you are wasting your time but these fears are pretty groundless. What is being built is an enterprise that is satisfying to your soul and will eventually fill your pockets.
    • Reversed: Mental and physical exhaustion is indicated when the Seven of Coins is reversed. Again, you've been working hard for little reward but in this case, there is no joy and you can't continue. This is a time to take a break and reassess the situation. You'll find that your attitude becomes more positive and you'll be able to move in a different, more productive direction soon. Right now, you're just exhausted.
  • Seven of Swords: Keywords include sporadic effort, huge volume of ideas, inability to do just one thing, projects left unfinished, mental stimulation, idea theft, hype, false promises, manipulation, schemes, tricks, indecision.
    • Upright: Restless energy and a burning desire for new ideas come with the Seven of Swords. This may be a time where new thoughts and directions are arriving faster than you can process them. You may also work quickly, shifting your time rapidly between multiple projects, not finishing anything. This is a time for mental stimulation and you need many things going on at once to feel satisfied. Be careful who you share your ideas with - there is the possibility that someone else will steal them and complete what you haven't.
    • Reversed: Indecision is fueled by over-active thoughts at this time. When the Seven of Swords is reversed, there needs to be more authenticity in your life. You, or the people around you, are like used car salesman. There seems to be a slick message being used which is more a version of the truth than the truth itself. Plain-speaking and a hard look at reality are needed now. You are in danger of believing your own hype.
  • Seven of Cups: Keywords include choices, illusions, opportunity, fairy gold, wait and see, emotional choices, deceptions, seeing only what you want to see, losing touch with reality, drugs, alcohol, self-creating fantasies.
    • Upright: When the Seven of Cups appears, it seems like you have many wonderful possibilities in your life. Now is not the time to act or try to pin them down. You are seeing beautiful illusions that need time and effort to become more concrete (or merely disappear). Sometimes, the excitement of these choices can divide your energy and commitment - after all, why choose one when you can try to have them all. Without that commitment and choice, it's hard for anything to pan out. Whether for relationship or career choices, look at all the options carefully and wait a little longer before committing.
    • Reversed: A dreamy and hazy fantasy world exists within the Seven of Cups reversed. Reality is something you don't want to connect with - living in your dreams or clouding your thoughts with drugs or alcohol is much nicer. You may be deceiving yourself with your relationships and need to search for reality rather than deluding yourself. Sometimes what is real is not as pleasant as your fantasies, but reality is what grounds you.

• The Eights (VIIIs): With Eight, we begin to understand the fine balance needed for power and growth. Eight connects to the idea of karma, that whatever we reap, we sow. If we have been spending our time positively, we can expect wonderful rewards. If we have been destructive, we also have to accept the consequences of this. With Eight, we are progressing and not just randomly changing things. Eight brings our destiny now that we are strong enough to work with it.
  • Eight of Wands: Keywords include expanding horizons, travel, far-off places, news, invitations, education, change in career, increase in social life, freedom, extra energy, hurrying creates mistakes, less speed, delays, miscommunication, cancelled travel plans, strikes, reassess choices.
    • Upright: When the Eight of Wands appears, news and opportunities may be arriving faster than you can see. Whether travel, education or change in career, the Eight of Wands brings expansion and change quickly. New horizons that expand your mind are highlighted. Energy that felt controlled or stilted is now flowing freely along with exciting opportunities.
    • Reversed: Delays, miscommunication and abandoning the need for speed are all part of the Eight of Wands reversed. It doesn't seem no matter now how well things have been planned, they can and will go awry. Now is the time to reassess your choices and think twice before committing to anything. The delays are beyond your control so remember to stay calm or reschedule to avoid headaches.
  • Eight of Coins: Keywords include new skills, apprenticeship, building on previous experience, education, expansion, small savings, financial management, limitations at work, lack of growth, no new potential, dishonesty in business, questionable ethics, moonlighting.
    • Upright: New skills and expanding career horizons are all indicated by the Eight of Coins. This is a time where you have the opportunity to learn new things, apply previous knowledge and take some extra courses to add another feather to your cap. This doesn't really indicate starting something new but rather building upon previous skills. In terms of money, small savings and gifts should be carefully invested to increase your worth.
    • Reversed: Hard work without pleasure comes when the Eight of Coins is reversed. You may have outgrown your job or feel limited at work. There seems to be nothing new to learn and no where to grow. Try to reconnect to your real talents and consider starting your own business or exploring another line of work. Staying where you are is cheating no-one but yourself.
  • Eight of Swords: Keywords include bondage, restriction, closed state of mind, need for fresh thoughts, outside assistance, problems seem impossible to solve, release, freedom, thoughtlessness, hard luck, fresh start, positive state of mind.
    • Upright: With the Eight of Swords, you are stuck. Part of this bondage lies in that you can no longer see anything new in your situation. Your thoughts may run around in circles and no matter how you try, you can't find a way out. Fresh thinking and some outside assistance are what you need to break free. Face your problems head on and accept the helping hand that is offered you. Expect the unexpected to move beyond this.
    • Reversed: A new state of mind brimming with movement comes with the Eight of Swords reversed. You've realized that the first step in changing your life starts with changing your thoughts. You've gained confidence and strength from the problems you solved. Be wary of people around you being thoughtless - stand up for yourself and make sure you receive the respect you're due.
  • Eight of Cups: Keywords include abandoning relationships, moving away emotionally, travel, lack of substance, futile success, rejection, search for meaning, unsettled, depression, emotional confusion, exhaustion, lack of energy, perfectionism.
    • Upright: With the Eight of Cups, there is the sense of abandoning an emotional relationship. It may be that this relationship has not brought you the happiness you thought it would. It can also indicate a relationship that has a great deal of emotional pain connected to it - you may have tried to resolve things in other ways but now your best option is to leave. This leaves you questioning yourself and searching for greater meaning. While this may take place with a physical journey, you'll likely discover what you need inside yourself.
    • Reversed: When the Eight of Cups is reversed, you have entered a depressing period of emotional confusion where fantasy and reality have blurred. Desperate from emotional wounds, you have shut yourself off from the people around you and are suffering from emotional exhaustion. At the core of this is your need for perfection, in yourself and in others. Reach out for help to move beyond this point.

• The Nines (IXs): When the Nine appears, it is not the time to focus on what you've already achieved. There is still some more work to be completed to attract what you need. The Nine indicates that you are nearing the end of a cycle but that you still need to reach beyond yourself to grab success. Constant reassessment and drive are an essential part of Nine; it will grant happiness and prosperity to those who work hard. Nine is often associated with spirituality and indicates that what you achieve now will satisfy you on a deeper level.
  • Nine of Wands: Keywords include strength, persistence, inner reserves, prudence, one last challenge, success is in sight, insecurities, doubting your own strength, loss of will, tiredness, metal exhaustion, stress, meditation, delays, overwork.
    • Upright: When the Nine of Wands appears, it is asking you to reach down deep inside yourself and find the energy you need to keep going. You may have overcome obstacles, including illness, to reach where you are - but you're not quite where you want to be. One last push and you'll be on the peak of that mountain. Remember too that you need success to emanate from within you to reflect what is on the outside. Sometimes the Nine of Wands says that you don't fully accept or feel comfortable with your successes. Believe in yourself first, and others will too.
    • Reversed: Stress and the need to repair are part of the the Nine of Wands reversed. This card will appear during times of overwork, when you are feeling like you can't continue. Constant stress has burdened your body and mind and you need to take a break. You might feel driven right now to finish what you started but if you press on, your health will suffer.
  • Nine of Coins: Keywords include prosperity, money flows, enjoying fine things, treating yourself, pleasure, enjoying your success, lack of funds, bad investments, strapped for cash, unable to expand a business, temporary loss, altering one's lifestyle.
    • Upright: Pleasure and financial comfort resound with the Nine of Coins. Your hard work is rewarded and it is time for you to enjoy the finer things in life. Spending money on your home, clothing, and yourself is part of treating yourself well and isn't self indulgent. Money flows easily and is not a source of worry to you right now. Love of nature, spending time outdoors and nurturing a garden can also be indicated. Indulge in the things that give you pleasure - you deserve it.
    • Reversed: Money seems to be scarce when the Nine of Coins is reversed. It is time to examine the lifestyle you've maintained and be prepared to cut things back. Unexpected expenses drain your resources and you may have made bad or risky investments that are coming back to haunt you now.
  • Nine of Swords: Keywords include oppression, anxiety, stress, worries, no way out, sleepless nights, trapped by fears, despair, problems faced directly, workable solutions, light, hope, new day, abandoning old attitudes, dark night of the soul, releasing mental fears.
    • Upright: The darkest hour is before dawn in the Nine of Swords. Worries and anxiety are overtaking your life, interrupting sleep and turning your fears into oppressive monsters. It's not as if what you worry about is all in your head. You have real problems in your life and you need to face them head on. You also need to allow others to help you regain some perspective. There are solutions but they will take time and effort to create change in your life.
    • Reversed: Brightness appears on the horizon when the Nine of Swords is reversed. Dawn is starting to break and the worst is over. You have seen your problems head on, faced your fears and are ready to make way for new things. Worry and stress will take time to fade and you'll still need to be gentle with yourself. When you allow your remaining fears and doubts to vanish, harmony will slowly start to reappear.
  • Nine of Cups: Keywords include happiness, fulfillment, well-being, joy, emotional ease, creative bounty, harmonious relationships, lazy, careless, smug, taking things for granted, selfishness, ignoring work, no maintenance, loss.
    • Upright: Happy, happy, joy, joy! When you have the Nine of Cups, you are in a place of contentment, where love, ideas, creativity and friendship flow quickly and easily. There is a blissful quality to this card, where you know the value of all the work that went into arriving here; it helps you appreciate it all the more. All the emotional challenges that have irritated you so far, will suddenly resolve themselves. Relaxed and happy, you are open to all the new possibilities arriving now. Enjoy!
    • Reversed: When the Nine of Cups is reversed, you are in danger of forgetting where you came from and taking your current happiness for granted. With established relationships, there is always work that needs to take place to make sure both parties are feeling happy and respected. With all matters, if you ignore the behind-the-scenes maintenance, you are at risk of losing everything that you've worked so hard to create.

• The Tens (Xs): Powerful and energetic, Ten acts like an overview for all your accomplishments. It is a beacon for transformation and gathers together all the loose ends just so you can begin again. Fate or destiny can lend a hand when Ten appears. Groups of every kind show how organization and energy can achieve anything when combined with the power of Ten. There is movement on the horizon so seize the moment and revel in the joy of your successes.
  • Ten of Wands: Keywords include ambition, burden, drive to win, hard work, realization of a dream, vitality, workaholic, overwork, neglecting other areas of life, welcome responsibilities, expansiveness, great work situation, promotion, raises.
    • Upright: With the Ten of Wands, you are on the brink of achieving a lifelong dream. Drive and ambition fuel your passion so all this hard work feels like less of a burden. Sometimes, all the energy you are pouring into this project may feel to be wasted; you doubt yourself and whether this means enough to you. Other times, your ambition may drive you to exclude areas of your life and make your work your sole focus. Learn to relax and leave work at work; you may feel like this is your calling, but you need a life too.
    • Reversed: The responsibilities you shoulder right now with the Ten of Wands reversed are just right. Instead of feeling burdened, these are welcome responsibilities that reinforce your worth and create strong feelings of drive. In an environment of strong workers, you are nurtured and working at your best. External forces support you and you feel like you are in sync with your job. Promotions or raises are a likely result of all your hard work.
  • Ten of Coins: Keywords include money and family, gifts, inheritance, loans, financial prosperity, tax rebates, lump sums, material comfort, family support, burdensome family, heavy expectations, conservative beliefs, unexpected expenses, financial drains, disappointments.
    • Upright: Money and family are intertwined with the Ten of Coins. Sometimes this can be quite literal, in the case of family businesses, inheritance, loans, or other financial help. Perhaps extended family share a home and in this way the money is interconnected. With the Ten of Coins, it can also be important to show your family that you are successful and desire their approval for how you make money and live you life. The Ten of Coins offers prosperity and comfort, money invested and saved and allows you to look at the long term growth of your wealth.
    • Reversed: When the Ten of Coins becomes reversed, the family that is so important to you can seem like a burden rather than a blessing. Perhaps you support relatives or are seeking support that isn't forthcoming. It may be that your family is vocal about how they think you should improve your life. Money matters are especially complicated and there are unexpected drains on your resources. Just when you thought you were getting ahead, that extra money seems to vanish.
  • Ten of Swords: Keywords include betrayal, slander, gossip, revealed secrets, end of relationships, rock bottom, depression, negative thinking, troubled period, improvements that don't last, unconscious beliefs, pessimism, stop looking for trouble.
    • Upright: The Ten of Swords often indicates betrayal, especially through gossip, betraying confidences and destruction of trust. Words are the enemy here so be cautious about committing anything to paper. When the Ten of Swords appears, it is usually an indicator that something important is coming to an end: beliefs, convictions, career or a relationship. Confronting that your shared time is over can be painful but at this point, you can't hide from it anymore. Moving forward, there is nowhere to go but up.
    • Reversed: With the Ten of Swords reversed, it is time to address how your own negative thinking and deeply held beliefs are affecting your life. You may not realize how pessimistic you've become but there is an element of self-fulfilling prophecy in your life. Start to explore how you can slowly change your mindset and embrace positive thought patterns. Stay open to improvements and they will start to enter your life.
  • Ten of Cups: Keywords include abundant joy, lasting happiness, blossoming friendships, lasting love affairs, happy homes, success in every area of your life, dreams come true, quarrels, disagreements, fear of losing what you love, moving, loss of friendship, emotional distance.
    • Upright: The Ten of Cups is the pinnacle of happiness - it is the point where dreams can come true! Established relationships will only continue to grow and develop and new relationships are easy and filled with harmony. The self-love and respect you developed spreads outward, affecting all you love with your joy. It is the card where wishes are granted but this is not just about luck. There was work, developing a stronger bond with yourself, that has lead to this point. Congratulations!
    • Reversed: When the Ten of Cups is reversed, you may feel that you are on the brink of losing what is most important to you. Homes might be sold, children and friends move away, lovers become distant. These emotional disruptions affect you even more right now because they hurt deeply, breaking your heart. All the more important to speak from your soul and express the deep feelings you may have been hiding. Leave petty quarrels and misunderstandings behind you and try to find common ground. True love knows no distance.

Minor Arcana Part 2: The Court Cards

The Pages: Typically represent a message of some kind, or it refers to a child or child-like person.

• Page of Wands: A message of travel or change. Can also represent a talkative child.
• Page of Coins: A message of financial or business news. Or it could be a child who likes to build or make things.
• Page of Swords: A message of information or problems. Could also be a child who is Too Clever by Half.
• Page of Cups: A message of family or love matters. Or a child who likes to daydream.

The Knights: Represent movement or travel, types of energy in one's environment, or an adolescent or teen-like adult.

• Knight of Wands: A long holiday, a time to mature, or a politically active but naive teen.
• Knight of Coins: Travel by foot, a calm and steady energy, or someone with a lot of projects.
• Knight of Swords: Air travel, a time of rapid changes, or a very clever and talkative Teen Genius.
• Knight of Cups: Travel to a body of water, a constantly shifting environment, or an emo teen.

The Queens: Represent various types of creation or development, or adult women.

• Queen of Wands: Planning a vacation or career, or a spirited woman
• Queen of Coins: Developing a business, or a down-to-earth woman
• Queen of Swords: Writing a speech or article, developing an academic theory, or a clever woman
• Queen of Cups: A developing romance or relationship, or a busybody or matchmaking woman

The Kings: Represent motivation, command of various parts of life, leaders or general adult men.

• King of Wands: Motivation for a new career, or a charismatic man
• King of Coins: Motivation for starting a business, managing a business, or a man of finance
• King of Swords: Motivation for seeking information, or a fair but judgmental man
• King of Cups: Motivation for starting a family or new relationship, managing a family, or a family man

A Special Case

• The Happy Squirrel. A few decks have cards for this in-joke, after a scene from The Simpsons. Sometimes part of the Major Arcana, usually assigned the number XXIII if assigned a number at all. Not part of the canonical Tarot, but showing up more and more frequently as an optional card in Tarot Decks nevertheless. Readers are now looking into its potential interpretation as a card of uncontrollable chaos and turmoil, a warning that you will inevitably reap what you sowed, whether materially or spiritually, and a card of discovery that comes with the reminder that sometimes it's better to mind your own business. However since it's not yet an official card the interpretation is ultimately up to the reader.

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Decks with their own pages:

• Mystical Medleys: A Vintage Cartoon Tarot by Gary Hall
• Thoth Tarot Deck by Lady Frieda Harris and Aleister Crowley

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