Tarot

Guidebook
Based on the tarot interpretations
of Arthur Edwards Waite
Modified, expanded, and edited
by Philip Young, PhD
 Introduction
Reading Tarot cards can reveal insights
into your past, present, or future. The
premise is simple: the Querent asks a
question, and then the Reader draws the
cards and interprets the results.

Tarot reading has been used for divination

since the 1700s, and every Reader develops
his or her own methods for interpreting
the cards. There are some fundamentals,
but Readers are encouraged to explore and
develop their own unique approach.

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 The Deck
The Tarot deck contains seventy-eight cards:
twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-six
Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana represent the journey

through life, and the archetypical stages that
everyone experiences. Everyone begins life as
the Fool, and ends life as the Fool.

The Minor Arcana represents the actions,

thoughts, feelings, and material struggles that
we all encounter in our lives. The Querent
seeks to learn from every experience.

The Minor Arcana are made up of four suits

and fifty-six cards, like a traditional deck of
playing cards. Face cards consist of Knave/
Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Each suit is
associated with one of the elements. Clubs/
Wands/Staffs corresponds to Fire, Cups to
Water, Coins/Pentacles/Disks to Earth, and

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Swords/Spears/Arrows to Air. The cards in
each of the suits take on the symbolism and
essence of the corresponding element: Fire/
Action, Water/Emotions, Earth/Work, and
Air/Thought.

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 Spreading the Cards
A spread is a layout for the Tarot cards
which provides a framework for the
reading. Spreads often follow a predefined
theme where the position of the cards is
relevant to how they are interpreted.

There are numerous different types of

spreads. Certain spreads tend to work well
for different types of questions. This guide
will provide a starter spread, but you can
research and find many predefined spreads.
As you become more experienced, consider
developing your own unique spreads.

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 Three-Card Spread
The past/present/future three-card spread
is the best and most commonly used starting
spread. This simple spread is ideal for
novice Readers and simple questions. Cards
are drawn and read in the following order:
1) Past, 2) Present, and 3) Future.

Past Present Future

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1. The Past: This card symbolizes the
Querent’s past experiences, recent or
distant, that pertain to the Querent’s
question.

2. The Present: This card represents the

Querent’s current situation.

3. The Future: This card indicates

a possible future outcome for the
Querent, or a goal the Querent should
strive for regarding their question or
issue. The Querent can have an impact
on his or her future via their thoughts
and actions.

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 Tips
Become familiar with your deck. Buy a
journal and take a page to write about
each card, starting with the Fool, in
the Major Arcana, and going through
all seventy-eight cards, in sequence.

Look at the pictures and use the

explanations in this booklet to connect
each card with one of your life experiences.
Since the cards are archetypical, you have
experienced all seventy-eight at least once.
Perhaps you’ve experienced certain cards
repeatedly. Write your corresponding life
experience with each card in your journal.

The explanations in this booklet refer to the

card being “upright” or “reversed”. After
shuffling, drawing, and turning over the
cards, some may be upright while others
will be upside down (or reversed). Reversed
cards turn the meaning “upside down.”

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Pay attention to the symbolism in the
artwork; the symbolism enhances, and
provides nuance, to the meaning of the cards.

Tarot cards are not deterministic and life

is not fated. The future is never set. The
Querent can always alter his or her future
by changing their course of action, changing
their thoughts, or adjusting their feelings.

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The Major
Arcana
The Fool (0)

10
Meaning: The Fool represents a leap of faith,
which is the beginning and ending of the Major
Arcana journey we all take through life. We are
the Fool. The Fool archetype is about curiosity
and open-mindedness, going with the flow of life,
and managing our way through the unknown.

Symbolism: A skeleton and his skeletal dog travel

the land together and he is about to walk off the
edge of a cliff. The flower in his hand represents
innocence; the dog is grabbing him and to prevent
him from coming to harm. The bag on his staff
contains all his possessions and what he needs for
the day.

Upright: optimism, a journey without a

destination, a new beginning, curiosity, and
potential

Reversed: foolishness, gullibility, and ignorance

11
The Magician (I)

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Meaning: The Magician represents choices and
creative problem-solving, a connection between
imagination and reality. The Magician archetype
is the first encounter for the Fool, indicating that
we all must make crucial decisions on our life
journey.

Symbolism: A skeletal magician is in the process

of casting a spell. The infinity symbol above
his head shows that he has attained elevated
knowledge. The wand in his hand, along with
the objects of the other suits (pentacle, cup, and
sword), shows his command over fire, earth,
water, and air.

Upright: choices, problem-solving, diverse

knowledge, solutions, and cleverness

Reversed: deception, conning, mistakes,

something broken beyond repair, and failure

13
The High Priestess (II)

14
Meaning: The High Priestess represents the
knowledge and enlightenment that we attain
overcoming difficulties. The High Priestess
archetype is the second encounter for the
Fool, indicating that we must learn about our
intuition, how to trust it, and when to seek out
guidance from others.

Symbolism: A wise skeletal woman awaits

acolytes who will come to her for guidance. She
holds a sacred text, showing her connection to
learned knowledge. She stands between a black
and white column, accenting her connection to
death and life.

Upright: divination, wisdom from experience,

insight, and counseling

Reversed: gossip, bad advice, incomplete

knowledge, and misrepresentation

15
The Empress (III)

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Meaning: The Empress represents the feminine
divine, the essence of beauty, abundance, and
nourishment. The Empress archetype is the third
encounter for the Fool, teaching you about the
natural world, how to care for the world, how to
nurture yourself, and how to care for others.

Symbolism: A regal female skeleton sits on

cushions atop a stone throne out in the wilderness.
She wears a crown of stars and holds a scepter,
they are symbols of her power and divine grace.
A shield with the symbol of Venus, the planet that
rules the astrological sign Taurus, rests beside her
outdoor throne. Venus represents the body and
Taurus represents the earth. The wheat around
her, and a healthy forest behind her, symbolizes the
abundance she brings; the grain feeds the world
and the forest provides the materials for shelter.

Upright: nurturing, abundance, the feminine

divine, and sovereignty over the natural order.

Reversed: hardships, scarcity, bareness, and

neediness.

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The Emperor (IV)

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Meaning: The Emperor represents the masculine
divine, the essence of command, order, and power.
The Emperor archetype is the fourth encounter
for the Fool, teaching us how to establish order
from chaos, how to the shape the natural world to
our needs, and how to build civilization.

Symbolism: A elder man sits on a throne

with the heads of four rams, which symbolize
his masculinity. He holds an Ankh scepter,
representing life and power, and a ball with
a cross, representing earthly wealth and his
rulership of civilization. The crown on his head
was earned; it was not inherited.

Upright: authority, the rule maker, order, stability,

and sovereignty over society and civilization

Reversed: abuse of power, cruelty, dictatorship,

and narcissism.

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The Hierophant (V)

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Meaning: The Hierophant represents wisdom
attained through scholarship and exploring the
world, the knowledge and potential wisdom
we attain in our effort to make sense of life. The
Hierophant archetype is the fifth encounter for
the Fool, indicating that we need to go beyond
intuition and emotion, and use intellect and
experience to solve some problems. Or, we need
to find someone with those qualities to help us.

Symbolism: A priest offers a blessing to two

supplicants. He wears the clothing of his station
as a learned skeleton; his wand and crown are
symbols of holy power. At his feet are two keys,
indicating he has the keys to divine and mundane
knowledge, which he uses to unlock messages and
information for those who seek his wisdom.

Upright: wisdom, authority, knowledge, doctrine,

and advice

Reversed: arrogance, elitism, hypocrisy, and

charlatanism

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The Lovers (VI)

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Meaning: The Lovers represents partnership,
especially a profound connection with someone
that is both intimate and romantic. The Lovers
archetype is the sixth encounter for the Fool,
indicating that we cannot fully experience life
until we connect with someone intimately and
deeply.

Symbolism: An angelic skeleton oversees the

union of a skeleton couple, acknowledging their
relationship. On his side, behind him, is a flaming
tree, representing the passion in the relationship.
On her side, behind her, is the Tree of Knowledge
with the serpent wrapped around the trunk
and entwined in the branches. They each bring
something different to the relationship that holds
the attention of the divine.

Upright: commitment, status through union,

connection, and soul mate

Reversed: jealousy, unfaithfulness, arguments,

and separation or divorce

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The Chariot (VII)

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Meaning: The Chariot represents willpower
and drive; the intense focus we need to establish
our identities and stand out in some important
and useful way. The Chariot archetype is the
seventh encounter for the Fool, teaching us how
important it is to have conviction and intensity
in our lives.

Symbolism: A warrior sits in a chariot. He is

battle tested and ready to act, protecting the
land. He will act when called upon. He may be
considered a prince who one day could become
the Emperor.

Upright: victory, willpower, intensity, drive, and

control

Reversed: anger, delay, indecision, and

interference

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Strength (VIII)

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Meaning: Strength represents our fortitude to
live life, overcome struggles, and persevere. The
journey through life will require strength to live
fully and completely. Strength, as an archetype,
is the eighth lesson for the Fool, showing us that
life is a marathon and not a sprint. We must find
the strength within that will help us survive and
thrive.

Symbolism: A skeleton maiden holds open the

jaws of a lion. The two together are symbols
of civilization and instinct co-existing and
supporting one another. The infinity symbol
above them indicates that the relationship is
eternal.

Upright: power, courage, compassion, and gentle

strength

Reversed: weakness, anger, abuse of power, and

threat

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The Hermit (IX)

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Meaning: The Hermit represents our individual
pursuit for personal truth in a world of competing
truths. The Hermit archetype is the ninth
encounter for the Fool, teaching us that sometimes
we must detach from the flow of life to discover
ourselves, bringing what we learn in isolation
back into the world of social connections.

Symbolism: A elderly skeleton travels across a

stark landscape with his lamp lighting the way.
He travels forward in search of truth. His hood
covers his head and his head is tilted downward,
both representing the solemn pursuit of truth. His
staff is both for his support on the long journey
and defense against any threats. He will learn
what he learns and accept the truth no matter
what is revealed.

Upright: introspection, discovery, wisdom, truth-

seeking, and taking time away from society

Reversed: loneliness, escapism, depression, and

being cast out

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Wheel of Fortune (X)

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Meaning: The Wheel of Fortune represents
experiences and circumstances outside our
control. The Wheel of Fortune archetype is the
tenth encounter for the Fool, indicating that we
exist in a dance between fFate and free will. This
card teaches the lessons of fate, the external world,
and how others with more power than us force us
to react.

Symbolism: The wheel itself contains numerous

symbols of power. At the top is a sphinx with a
sword, showing both the mystery and decisiveness
of life experience. A serpent is to the left of the
wheel, and an Egyptian God is to the right. One
symbolizes the potential for sudden death and the
other the “wicked” power of free will. Four angelic
beings at each corner symbolize the fixed signs of
the Zodiac: a lion for Leo, the bull for Taurus, the
woman for Aquarius, and the eagle for Scorpio.

Upright: what is inevitable, destiny, and the

passage of time

Reversed: misfortune, powerlessness, and

unpleasant circumstances

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Justice (XI)

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Meaning: Justice represents detached decision-
making, logic, and power of knowledge outside
emotions. Justice, as an archetype, is the eleventh
teacher for the Fool, showing us the importance
of objectivity and analysis for determining
outcomes and making important decisions. Life
can be fair if we act with integrity.

Symbolism: A stern female skeleton sits ready

to receive complaints and solve disputes. She
holds a scale in one hand, representing fairness
and logical analysis, which she will use to make
her determinations. The sword in the other hand
indicates, that once a decision is made, she will
offer a clear and final answer that will be accepted
and honored.

Upright: detached decision-making,

responsibility, consequences, logic, and cause and
effect

Reversed: injustice, missing information,

indecision, and bureaucracy

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The Hanged Man (XII)

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Meaning: The Hanged Man represents knowing
sacrifice, when we realize we must accept a short-
term difficulty for a long-term gain. The Hanged
Man archetype is the twelfth encounter for the
Fool, showing us the importance of devotion,
surrender, and sacrifice as ways forward that are
just as powerful as the willfulness of the Chariot
lesson.

Symbolism: A skeletal man hangs upside down,

but appears relaxed and calm. He knows he must
wait and learn by being patient, as well as by
changing his perspective, which is what happens
when you view the world from a reversed position.
The light around his head symbolizes the insight
and wisdom he gains from his changed viewpoint.

Upright: knowing sacrifice, change in perspective,

and patience

Reversed: helplessness, impatience, confusion,

and selfishness

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Death (XIII)

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Meaning: Death represents endings in the cycle
of life, and the power of regeneration. Death, as
an archetype, is the thirteenth encounter for
the Fool. This card reminds us that life is finite,
which helps us appreciate how well, or poorly, we
are doing in our pursuit of life experience and soul
growth.

Symbolism: The skeletal figure of death rides

across the land collecting souls. No one escapes
his visit, as exhibited by the figures of royalty, the
priesthood, a common maiden, and child. Death’s
arrival is always assured, and rarely welcomed.

Upright: death/rebirth, transformation,

inevitability, and cycles

Reversed: arrogance, depression, hopelessness,

and severe grief

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Temperance (XIV)

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Meaning: Temperance represents balance and
equilibrium that has the chance to develop
with greater life experience. Temperance, as an
archetype, is the fourteenth encounter for the
Fool, indicating that we need to step back, from
time to time, and assess where we are to determine
if we are in or out of balance.

Symbolism: A skeletal angel pours water down

from one urn into another, which symbolizes the
flow of divine energy to the earth. The figure is
not rushing, knowing that all will transpire as it
must.

Upright: calm, health, well-being, balance,

common ground, and harmonious action

Reversed: imbalance, disruption, anxiety,

frustration, and pettiness

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The Devil (XV)

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Meaning: The Devil represents consequences we
face as our choices become more significant the
farther into life we travel. The Devil archetype
is the fifteenth encounter for the Fool, teaching
us that we are responsible for our lives and our
choices. If we make selfish choices that harm
others, we will not enjoy the outcomes.

Symbolism: Lucifer Morningstar, the Fallen

One, presides over skeletal souls that made
poor choices. The reversed pentagram shows
the victory of matter over spirit, which is the
improper order of the soul’s development.

Upright: self-interest, temptation, consequences,

and choice.

Reversed: unwise choices, lust, wanton abandon,

and manipulation

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The Tower (XVI)

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Meaning: The Tower represents sudden,
unexpected change that takes something we
have built over time and quickly forces us to
start over or reset. The Tower, as an archetype,
is the sixteenth encounter for the Fool, teaching
the lesson that life is a construct; it can “blown
up” at any time and force us to make unexpected
adjustments.

Symbolism: A tower is struck by lightning and

skeletal figures fall from the tower. The burning
structure symbolizes the inevitable end of any
human-made structure. Nothing, and no one, is
secure from nature’s wrath, which is a greater
force than civilization.

Upright and Reversed: unexpected change,

sudden catastrophe, and traditions failing

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The Star (XVII)

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Meaning: The Star represents hope, and vision for
the future. What do we see as our life purpose and
how do we get to it? The Star, as an archetype, is
the seventeenth encounter for the Fool, indicating
that we all need hope and optimism for the future.
We need to have dreams to enjoy this life.

Symbolism: A skeletal woman pours water into

a pool and onto the land while standing beneath
a guiding star. The star is her hope, and pouring
water into the pool and onto the land shows the
connection between the physical and spiritual
worlds.

Upright: hope, inspiration, promise, purpose, and

faith

Reversed: doubts, confusion, delusion, and

despair

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The Moon (XVIII)

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Meaning: The Moon represents the feelings we
need to explore and express. The Moon, as an
archetype, is the eighteenth encounter for the
Fool, illuminating our deepest feelings so we can
understand the emotional framework that gets
reinforced, suppressed, and shaped by our family
and closest relationships.

Symbolism: A crescent moon with a skeleton’s

face inside looks down from the top middle of the
card. The moon sits between two towers and the
skeletons of a dog and a wolf howl at the moon.
Their position on either side of the waterway
indicates our need to balance and navigate
our emotions. The lobster is a shelled creature
representing our need to keep our emotions
protected with a hard outer casing.

Upright: dreams, positive emotions, intuition,

and soul purpose

Reversed: delusion, nightmares, negative

emotions, and despair

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The Sun (XIX)

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Meaning: The Sun represents revelation and the
light of truth. The Sun, as an archetype, is the
nineteenth teacher for the Fool. It teaches us the
lesson of honest revelation and how we deal with
clear truths in our lives. What do you learn when
you see a situation, or a person, for what they
really are?

Symbolism: The skeletal-faced sun looks down

upon a child skeleton, riding a horse, in front of a
wall with sunflowers growing in the background.
The child represents the potential of the young to
become anything, filled with hope and possibility.

Upright: revelation, greatness, vitality, and truth

Reversed: excessive pride, arrogance, blocked

action, and lies

49
Judgement (XX)

50
Meaning: Judgement represents significant and
life-changing decisions, as well as the judgements
from the world around us. Judgement, as an
archetype, is the twentieth lesson for the Fool,
teaching us the need to use all we have learned
through encounters with others, and the lessons
we need to make the most important choices in
life.

Symbolism: A skeletal angel blows her trumpet

to call the departed souls for judgement. They
answer her call, as they must, and will be judged to
determine if they are to be punished or rewarded.

Upright: deciding for others, being judged,

consequences, and closure

Reversed: prejudging, stereotyping, lazy

thinking, and abuse of power

51
The World (XXI)

52
Meaning: The World represents the ending of a
cycle to prepare for a new, repeating journey for
the Fool (us.) The World, as an archetype, is the
twenty-first encounter for the Fool, showing us
that life is constantly changing, and we are meant
to build on our experiences. In this ending is
another beginning.

Symbolism: A skeletal woman dances in the

middle of a garland of vines, having reached the
end of a process. The heads of the beasts and the
skeletal angel represent the four fixed signs of
the Zodiac: the bull for Taurus, the lion for Leo,
the eagle for Scorpio, and the angel for Aquarius.
These fixed signs symbolize the stability needed
for new disruptions to begin, ushered in by the
return of the Fool (the zero card).

Upright: fulfillment, completion, conclusion, the

sum of your efforts, and success

Reversed: stagnation, failure, and final obstacle

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The Minor
Arcana
 The Suit of Cups
The Suit of Cups is associated with the
element of water, representing emotions,
feelings, and relationships. Cups indicate
what is happening in the heart rather than
the head.

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Ace
Meaning: Open your heart to a
new relationship or reinvigorate
an old one.
Symbolism: A divine skeletal
hand holds a cup above a lake;
the water pouring out nourishes
the lake. A dove delivers a wafer
that will be dropped in the cup,
indicating abundance.
Upright: new love and new
emotional connection
Reversed: misplaced feelings
towards someone and
emotional immaturity

Two
Meaning: Enjoy a mutual
attraction and shared positive
feelings with someone.
Symbolism: Two lovers toast
one another while exchanging
vows, while a spirit animal
watches over the ceremonial
connection.
Upright: attraction and
connection
Reversed: unrequited love and
rejection

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Three
Meaning: Gather your
closest friends and celebrate
something … anything!
Symbolism: Three skeletal
women dance in celebration,
showing their appreciation
for life. The fruit at their feet
represent abundance.
Upright: celebration and
sharing
Reversed: overindulgence
and discord

Four
Meaning: Find some time to
meditate, or at least rest; your
emotions need soothing.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
contemplates three cups in
front of him while a divine
skeletal hand delivers a new
cup, representing a new need
he will have to address but does
not yet see, feel, or understand.
Upright: rest and meditation
Reversed: boredom and
isolation
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Five
Meaning: You have a
disappointment you must
accept; hidden possibilities
have not revealed themselves
yet.
Symbolism: A skeletal man in
mourning stares down at three
spilled cups; behind him are
two upright cups. He does not
realize it yet, but all is not lost.
Upright: disappointment, and
sadness from loss
Reversed: depression and
despair

Six
Meaning: Reach out to
someone you care about and
share a memory or create a new
one.
Symbolism: A young skeletal
boy gives a cup to a young
skeleton girl so they can both
feel the joy of sharing.
Upright: happy memories, and
the positive legacy of childhood
Reversed: unhappy memories,
and the negative legacy of
childhood
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Seven
Meaning: You have an
important decision, and you
need to know what motivates
you to make the choice you
want or need to make.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
has many choices before him,
so he needs to select the cup
containing what he desires
most.
Upright: choices and
motivations
Reversed: wishful thinking
and inaction

Eight
Meaning: You must let go
of someone who was once
emotionally important to you,
but no longer has any value.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
walks away from eight cups,
leaving behind unwanted and
empty relationships that filled
his life with joy a long time ago.
Upright: letting go and moving
on
Reversed: denial, and attempts
at bargaining for something now
worthless
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Nine
Meaning: Embrace and
accept what truly makes you
happy. Your fulfillment is most
important right now.
Symbolism: An accomplished
skeletal man sits satisfied
in front of nine cups, which
symbolize the fulfillment that
comes with successful work.
Upright: contentment and self-
satisfaction
Reversed: arrogance and
selfishness

Ten
Meaning: Profound joy in
relationship is what you need,
or need to appreciate (if you
have it). Happiness with a
partner is key.
Symbolism: A skeleton couple
embrace while their children
play under a rainbow. Their life
is full and joyous.
Upright: mature love, and
blessed union
Reversed: disagreements, and
unhappiness in relationship

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Page
Meaning: Emotions are strong
but flowing wildly; they need
a proper container.
Symbolism: A young skeletal
man looks at a fish skeleton
in his cup, which symbolizes
imagination, and the need for
him to understand and express
his emotions.
Upright: imagination, and
charisma
Reversed: emotionally
stunted, and confused

Knight
Meaning: The warrior carries
a cup with an important elixir
or cure, to be delivered where
it is needed, regardless of the
challenges.
Symbolism: A skeletal warrior
rides on a quest to find his
passion and purpose.
Upright: romance, and
seeking what you love
Reversed: possessive and
clingy

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Queen
Meaning: You need to act
with conviction regarding a
significant relationship.
Symbolism: A regal female
skeleton sits upon a throne by
the sea with an ornate chalice
in her hand; she is relaxed, but
focused. She is a symbol of
emotional conviction.
Upright: nurturing and
emotionally supportive
Reversed: passive aggressive,
and overly sensitive

King
Meaning: Accept and embrace
your responsibility for the care
of others as your way to be
empowered and lead.
Symbolism: A wise skeletal
man sits upon a throne in
the sea, holding a cup and
scepter. He is a symbol of
compassionate leadership.
Upright: influential, and
responsible
Reversed: narcissistic, and
cruel
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 The Suit of Pentacles
The Suit of Pentacles is associated with the
element of earth, representing prosperity,
health, security, and stability. Pentacles
deal with tangible possessions. Money may
be the first thing that comes to mind with
this suit, but the cards more generally refer
to the material world and what we need to
take care of ourselves.

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Ace
Meaning: Now is the time to
start something that will be
real in the world.
Symbolism: A single pentacle
is offered to humanity by
a divine skeletal hand,
representing the potential to
shape and manifest outcomes
in the material world.
Upright: investment, and
getting started
Reversed: delay, and difficulty
getting started

Two
Meaning: Time to experiment
and try different actions to get
better results.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
dances while juggling two
pentacles, representing the
constant change needed to keep
the material world engaged in
business and commerce.
Upright: adaptability, and
activity
Reversed: interference, and
stagnation
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Three
Meaning: Hard and consistent
work is what is need to
succeed and push forward.
Symbolism: A skeletal cleric
and merchant approach
a craftsman to enlist his
services, knowing he has the
skills to make what they want.
Upright: creativity, and
teamwork
Reversed: missing skill, and
incompetence

Four
Meaning: Be careful with your
resources; it’s a good time to save
and be conservative with finances.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
sits on a stone bench in front
of a city background. The four
pentacles represent the hard
work and serious effort it takes
to accumulate wealth and feel
financially secure.
Upright: conservation, and
cautiousness
Reversed: miserliness, and
hoarding
65
Five
Meaning: Be prepared to face
material difficulty; you may
need to ask for help or borrow
money to get through a difficult
time.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
and a woman seek shelter but
cannot stop to rest because they
are not allowed to enter the
haven; they must keep going.
Upright: debt, and illness
Reversed: loss of resources, and
persistent health problems

Six
Meaning: Share your wealth
and success; be grateful for
what you have achieved.
Symbolism: A wealthy skeletal
man decides to give money to
the poor. The scales symbolize
fairness in what is given and
the judgment of worthiness for
those asking for help.
Upright: shared wealth, and
valued role in community
Reversed: greed and stinginess

66
Seven
Meaning: Time to consider how
you will invest your success;
put resources back into what
you have that is successful, or
start a new venture.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
tends a bush of pentacles; his
hard work has paid off and he
will have plenty for himself and
extra to sell.
Upright: long-term planning,
and dedicated persistence
Reversed: lack of vision, and
wastefulness

Eight
Meaning: Use your skill and
experience to improve your
financial status and improve
your security.
Symbolism: A skeleton
blacksmith perfects his craft
making new pentacles of the
finest design.
Upright: craftsmanship and
expertise
Reversed: deception
regarding skill, and laziness

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Nine
Meaning: Focus on your
purpose and use it to attain the
wealth you desire; be your best
to earn the most.
Symbolism: A skeletal woman
shows the wealth of individual
achievement and the positivity
associated with a productive
life.
Upright: financial
independence, and
empowerment
Reversed: egotism, and pride

Ten
Meaning: Embrace or seek the
fulfillment that comes with a
partnership that will help you
both attain a great and safe life.
Symbolism: A skeletal family of
three generations explores the
city together with their dogs;
they are the picture of wealth
and happiness.
Upright: long-term gains, and
inheritance
Reversed: missed opportunities,
and burdensome obligations
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Page
Meaning: Experiment; try not
to get lost in starting but not
finishing anything.
Symbolism: A young skeletal
man holds a pentacle in front
of him; he contemplates where
he will seek his fortune and
find his direction in life.
Upright: apprenticeship, and
practice
Reversed: lack of ability, and
lack of ambition

Knight
Meaning: Time to take
decisive action that leads
to concrete results; find the
solution and act on it.
Symbolism: A skeletal warrior
protects the land, so business
can be transacted safely in the
kingdom.
Upright: goal-driven, and
reliable
Reversed: stubborn, and
misdirected

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Queen
Meaning: Get your life in
order; review your finances
and make sure all important
legal documents are in place.
Assess your material life and fix
anything that needs attention.
Symbolism: A regal female
skeleton holds a pentacle in her
hands, representing the wealth
she can share with worthy
supplicants.
Upright: stability, and necessity
Reversed: instability, and
desires leading to debt

King
Meaning: Use your wealth,
status, and influence wisely;
others look to you for
leadership.
Symbolism: An accomplished
skeletal man has attained
enough wealth that others
come to him to borrow money
and receive guidance to
succeed in their earthly affairs.
Upright: power, and prosperity
Reversed: corruption, and
excess
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 The Suit of Swords
The Suit of Swords is associated with the
element of air, representing intellect, logic,
thought, and decisions. Since this suit deals
with the mind, many of the cards reflect
the dangers of negative thinking and poor
decision-making. When these cards appear
in a reading, they often provide a warning
for the Querent.

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Ace
Meaning: Time to decide;
consider a new way of thinking;
use logic regarding the situation
or relationship.
Symbolism: A divine skeletal
hand holds a single sword
upright over the land with a
crown around it, indicating the
decisions that will need to be
made by its rulers that will affect
its people.
Upright: new thoughts, and logic
Reversed: ignorance, and
misinformation

Two
Meaning: Be at peace with your
decisions; do not look back or
revisit decisions that brought
you to this point.
Symbolism: A skeletal woman
sits blindfolded, holding two
swords; she awaits questions she
will help decide and conflicts
she will help negotiate. The
blindfold symbolizes impartiality.
Upright: an important decision,
and need for logical resolution.
Reversed: self-deception, and
obstinance
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Three
Meaning: You are getting
mixed results and must find
a way to face the frustration
and sorrow of the situation or
relationship.
Symbolism: Three swords
pierce a skeletal heart in a
storm; the heart is whole but
filled with pain from each
sword piercing it.
Upright: sorrow, and cognitive
dissonance
Reversed: self-pity, and anxiety

Four
Meaning: You need a mental
break; you need to disengage
to save your sanity.
Symbolism: A skeletal warrior
rests in a holy temple; there
are three swords on the wall
above him and one sword by
his side. He takes advantage of
a period of peace.
Upright: rest, and
contemplation
Reversed: burnout, and stress

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Five
Meaning: There is a loss or
defeat you must accept and
work to overcome.
Symbolism: A skeletal warrior
collects swords of the defeated
as they prepare to leave the
battlefield, utterly beaten.
Upright: defeat, and argument
Reversed: despair, and distrust

Six
Meaning: You need to move
from one “shore of thinking”
to another; you are currently
in-between and need to complete
the journey.
Symbolism: A ferryman takes
a skeletal woman and her son
to a new land; the six swords
represent the transition from an
old way of thinking to a new one.
Upright: transition, and old
giving way to the new
Reversed: fear of the unknown,
and forced change in thinking
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Seven
Meaning: It’s time to take
your ideas and thoughts
elsewhere. You may need to do
so quietly and secretly.
Symbolism: A skeletal thief
carries five swords away in
the hopes of using them for
his own profit. He leaves two
behind in his haste to escape.
Upright: secrecy, and stealth
Reversed: theft, and
deception

Eight
Meaning: Restrictions to your
thinking, often self-imposed.
You need to address and break
a pattern of negative thinking.
Symbolism: A skeletal woman
is bound and blindfolded,
surrounded by eight swords,
showing us how completely
trapped she is.
Upright: trapped, and
restricted
Reversed: victimhood, and
hopelessness
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Nine
Meaning: There is a fear you
need to face. This card also
warns you to protect yourself
from the cruelty of others.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
wakes from a nightmare
with nine swords above him,
indicating that he must take
care of himself and overcome
his fears.
Upright: warning, and
foreboding
Reversed: torment, and cruelty

Ten
Meaning: A warning card
indicating that you need to
accept that a situation or
relationship is ruined and it is
time to move on.
Symbolism: A skeletal man lies
on the ground run through by ten
swords; his choices ruined him
and brought him to a final end.
Upright: warning to change
thinking, and “the writing is on
the wall”
Reversed: destruction and ruin

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Page
Meaning: Lots of ideas, but
no focus. Great energy for
generating new thoughts, but
eventually choices must be
made.
Symbolism: A young skeletal
man wants to be a warrior,
but he needs training and a
purpose.
Upright: curious, and excited
Reversed: easily distracted,
and unfocused

Knight
Meaning: Use clear-headed
and logical thinking to achieve
your goals; be decisive.
Symbolism: A skeletal warrior
rides his steed into battle with
clear purpose.
Upright: clarity, and
decisiveness
Reversed: brash decision-
making, and fanaticism

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Queen
Meaning: The situation or
relationship calls for detached
and logical thinking; be
strategic.
Symbolism: A regal skeletal
woman sits on her throne,
ready to answer questions
and offer guidance with her
wisdom and strategies for life.
Upright: strategic, and just
Reversed: cold hearted and
insensitive

King
Meaning: You oversee the
decision and do not need input
from others; make your choice
and inform everyone else once
you have decided. You may be
called to negotiate a dispute.
Symbolism: A wise skeletal
king makes important decisions;
his sword represents his clarity
and decisiveness as a leader.
Upright: the final decision-
maker and judge
Reversed: intimidating, and
argumentative
78
 The Suit of Wands
The Suit of Wands is associated with the
element of fire, representing passion, energy,
willpower, and strength. The cards of this
suit provide archetypes of human actions
and reactions. The Fool takes his or her
journey through this suit to make choices,
seek adventure, and deal with challenges.

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Ace
Meaning: You need to be
inspired or excited; something
or someone needs your spark.
Symbolism: A divine skeletal
being holds a single staff over
the valley as a symbol of new
energy for the land.
Upright: inspiration and spark
Reversed: lacking energy, and
hinderance.

Two
Meaning: You need to choose
a direction and take steps to
move forward.
Symbolism: A skeletal man
ready to set out on his journey
holds a globe in one hand and
staff in the other, representing
new possibilities.
Upright: determination, and
confidence
Reversed: fear, and indecision

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Three
Meaning: The path is clear;
you need to invest your time
and energy to succeed.
Symbolism: The skeletal
man holds one staff, while
two staffs are beside him. He
has a destination charted
and is ready to embark on his
adventure.
Upright: adventure and
optimism
Reversed: delays and broken
promises

Four
Meaning: Gather friends
and family around you and
celebrate together.
Symbolism: Two skeletal
figures dance inside the
four staffs to celebrate an
important day or major
accomplishment.
Upright: celebration and
socializing
Reversed: unfinished work,
and no time to celebrate

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Five
Meaning: Conflict and
competition are necessary to
keep moving forward.
Symbolism: A group of young
skeletal men challenges one
another, using competition
and conflict as the way to
determine their strength and
who their leader should be.
Upright: conflict or
competition
Reversed: poor leadership and
trouble-making

Six
Meaning: Victory and success
are yours; be sure you act with
dignity.
Symbolism: A successful
skeleton leader makes his
return from battle; his staff has
a garland of victory at the top
and he wears a garland crown.
Upright: victory, and desires
fulfilled
Reversed: public humiliation,
and failure

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Seven
Meaning: You are right;
hold your ground. Any lack
of integrity will be your
downfall.
Symbolism: A skeletal warrior
defends the land, using valor
to hold off those attacking
him. He can succeed because
he holds the higher ground.
Upright: courage and valor
Reversed: treachery, and lack
of conviction

Eight
Meaning: Be focused and
intense; let nothing distract
you from your goal.
Symbolism: Eight staffs
fly in the same direction,
representing clarity of intent
and the focus needed to
succeed.
Upright: intensity and drive
Reversed: frustration and
confusion

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Nine
Meaning: You have a duty to
uphold; others look to you as a
role model.
Symbolism: An injured
skeleton warrior remains
loyal and ready in the face of
adversity, resolved to set an
example for others.
Upright: loyalty and discipline
Reversed: disloyalty and
stubbornness

Ten
Meaning: It is time to say “no”
and set limits; you do not have
enough energy right now.
Symbolism: Ten wands
weigh heavily on the skeleton
carrying them, but the
situation calls for persistence
and sacrifice; the wands are a
burden that must be carried.
Upright: obligations, and
devotion
Reversed: exhaustion, and
oppression
84
Page
Meaning: You have a lot of
excitement, but you need to
find some focus.
Symbolism: A young skeletal
man, full of energy, waits to be
inspired and given direction.
Upright: enthusiasm, and
creativity
Reversed: unpredictability,
and foolishness

Knight
Meaning: You need to go on
an adventurous quest; get out
of your routine and explore.
Symbolism: A skeletal
warrior rides into a new land,
carrying his staff on a quest for
adventure.
Upright: driven and
passionate
Reversed: headstrong and
reckless

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Queen
Meaning: You need to show
confidence; if not, fake it until
you feel it!
Symbolism: A powerful
skeletal woman displays her
energy confidently. She holds a
flower in her hand, a symbol of
her generosity. The lions on her
throne symbolize her strength.
Upright: confident, and
honorable
Reversed: insecure, and
vindictive

King
Meaning: Show others how
it is done; you need to lead by
doing.
Symbolism: A powerful
skeletal man is seated on
a throne waiting for the
right moment to act; he
contemplates battle strategies.
Upright: role model, and
independence
Reversed: selfish and
impatient

86