Obviously, if you really want to learn about the meanings of the tarot cards and use them well, you'll spend time studying them and understanding the nuances of each card's interpretation. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a cool party game and want to impress your friends, this "cheat sheet" should provide you enough of a clue about each card's meaning that you can fake your way through a reading. And who knows -- once you loosen up and relax, you may surprise yourself!

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana consists of cards that have an individual name (such as "The Fool") as opposed to simply a suit designation (such as "3 of Cups"). Most tarot decks number the Major Arcana as well as name them, although some give only the name.

Card Card Card Number Name Meaning ------ ---------------- ------------- 0 Fool Faith 1 Magician Action 2 High Priestess Potential 3 Empress Abundance 4 Emperor Authority 5 Hierophant Conformity 6 Lovers Relationship 7 Chariot Will 8 Strength Compassion 9 Hermit Introspection 10 Wheel of Fortune Destiny 11 Justice Responsibility 12 Hanged Man Release 13 Death Transition 14 Temperance Balance 15 Devil Materialism 16 Tower Downfall 17 Star Hope 18 Moon Illusion 19 Sun Vitality 20 Judgment Rebirth 21 World Accomplishment

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana consists of cards that have a rank (such as "3" or "Queen") and a suit (such as "Cups"). Depending on your deck, the suits will have different names, but they have the same meanings. The first suit may be called wands, rods, staves, or sticks. The second suit is pretty universally called swords. The suit of cups is occassionally called chalices. And the final suit may be called coins, disks, or pentacles.

Card Wands Swords Cups Coins ----- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- Ace Creative Mental Emotional Material ... Force Force Force Force 2 Personal Stalemate Connection Flexibility ... Power 3 Exploration Betrayal Delight Planning 4 Celebration Rest Self- Possessive- ... absorption ness 5 Struggle Dishonor Loss Suffering 6 Triumph Depression Good Will Apprentice- ... ship 7 Defiance Deceit Fantasizing Assessment 8 Quick Powerless- Turning Diligence ... Action ness Away 9 Defense Anguish Satisfac- Self-reliance ... tion 10 Burdens Defeat Joy Affluence Page Creative Thoughtful Emotional Practical Knight Daring Dashing Sensitive Thorough Queen Energetic Witty Loving Resourceful King Inspiring Just Diplomatic Supporting

Jennifer Dunne is the author of over a dozen novels and novellas of Hot, Heartwarming fiction, many featuring magic and psychic powers. A Tarot reader since her childhood, she is frequently asked to do readings at local gatherings and celebrity events such as the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. Learn more about Jennifer at jenniferdunne.com. Learn more about tarot cards at Tarot Expressions.