The Full 78 Tarot Card Meaning Speed Run
Welcome to the sassiest crash course in Tarot you’ll ever read—your one-stop shop for learning the cards without the fluff. Whether you’re a newbie looking to impress your mystical friends or a seasoned reader needing a good laugh, this snark-laden guide has got you covered.
Major Arcana
The drama queens of the tarot deck. Each one struts in like they’re on a red carpet, demanding attention and screaming, "LOOK AT ME, I’M SYMBOLIC!" They’re the archetypes, the “big themes,” the existential crisis cards. When these show up, it’s less about “what’s happening this week” and more about “what’s wrong with your entire life.” Expect cards that feel like your therapist, your ex, or that one shady friend who never holds back.
Name | Meaning | Card |
---|---|---|
The Fool | Embarking on a new journey with blissful ignorance—watch out for cliffs! | ![]() |
The Magician | You have all the tools you need—so stop pretending you don't. | ![]() |
The High Priestess | Trust your intuition—you know, that thing you always ignore? | ![]() |
The Empress | Abundance, creativity, and nurturing—yes, even you can be caring. | ![]() |
The Emperor | Authority, structure, and control—because who doesn't love rules? | ![]() |
The Hierophant | Tradition and conformity—time to join the club or start your own cult. | ![]() |
The Lovers | Choices in love or harmony—decisions, decisions. | ![]() |
The Chariot | Willpower and determination—just don't run people over on your way. | ![]() |
Strength | Inner strength and courage—taming the beast within (or at least muzzling it). | ![]() |
The Hermit | Soul-searching and introspection—Netflix and chill alone, again. | ![]() |
Wheel of Fortune | Cycles and fate—round and round you go, where you stop, nobody knows. | ![]() |
Justice | Fairness and truth—karma's favorite card. | ![]() |
The Hanged Man | Letting go and new perspectives—hanging around until you get it right. | ![]() |
Death | Transformation and endings—it's not you, it's... well, actually, it is you. | ![]() |
Temperance | Balance and moderation—time to cool your jets and find middle ground. | ![]() |
The Devil | Bondage and materialism—shackled by your own bad habits, aren't you? | ![]() |
The Tower | Sudden change and upheaval—your life’s dumpster fire, illustrated. | ![]() |
The Star | Hope and faith—because after the chaos, you need something to cling to. | ![]() |
The Moon | Illusion and fear—lost in the maze of your own mind again? | ![]() |
The Sun | Joy and success—finally, something good happens! | ![]() |
Judgment | Reflection and reckoning—time to face the music and your questionable choices. | ![]() |
The World | Completion and fulfillment—you did it! Now what? | ![]() |
Minor Arcana
The workhorses of the tarot deck. These are your “everyday” cards, the ones clocking in 9 to 5 while the Major Arcana spends all its time monologuing. These cards say, “Hey, your laundry’s piling up, and also, your job sucks.” They’re split into four suits because why not make your mundane problems feel as organized as a medieval tabletop RPG?
Wands (Fire: Passion, Action)
The “Try-Hard Entrepreneurs”
Wands are all about action, creativity, and ambition. Basically, these cards show up when you’re about to start a new project or bite off way more than you can chew. They’re like the coworker who’s always brainstorming but never actually finishes anything. “Follow your passion!” they scream—until your burnout sets in. If your reading is full of wands, congrats, you’re about to run yourself ragged chasing some big dream.
Name | Meaning | Card |
---|---|---|
Ace of Wands | New inspiration and opportunities—time to light that fire (figuratively). | ![]() |
Two of Wands | Planning and decisions—world domination doesn't happen overnight. | ![]() |
Three of Wands | Expansion and foresight—waiting for your ship to come in (good luck). | ![]() |
Four of Wands | Celebration and harmony—throw a party; you deserve it (maybe). | ![]() |
Five of Wands | Conflict and competition—everyone's talking, no one's listening. | ![]() |
Six of Wands | Success and recognition—time to bask in your own glory. | ![]() |
Seven of Wands | Challenge and perseverance—defend your stance, even if it's ridiculous. | ![]() |
Eight of Wands | Rapid action and movement—hold on tight; it's about to get wild. | ![]() |
Nine of Wands | Resilience and grit—you've come this far; might as well keep going. | ![]() |
Ten of Wands | Burden and responsibility—overwhelmed much? Time to drop some weight. | ![]() |
Page of Wands | Enthusiasm and exploration—channel your inner child (minus the tantrums). | ![]() |
Knight of Wands | Action and adventure—charging ahead without a map, as usual. | ![]() |
Queen of Wands | Confidence and determination—queen of multitasking and making it look easy. | ![]() |
King of Wands | Leadership and vision—just don't let it go to your head. | ![]() |
Cups (Water: Emotions, Relationships)
The “Overly Emotional Artists”
These cards are the feelers of the deck, representing emotions, relationships, and your tendency to cry during commercials. Cups want you to “listen to your heart,” which is cute until your heart says, “Text your ex” or “Quit your job to paint sunsets.” It’s all touchy-feely, water-sign nonsense, and yes, there’s probably a love triangle in there somewhere.
Name | Meaning | Card |
---|---|---|
Ace of Cups | New feelings and emotional beginnings—grab the tissues. | ![]() |
Two of Cups | Partnership and unity—finding your other half (or at least a drinking buddy). | ![]() |
Three of Cups | Friendship and celebration—cheers to you and your squad. | ![]() |
Four of Cups | Apathy and contemplation—bored with life? Join the club. | ![]() |
Five of Cups | Loss and grief—crying over spilled milk (or something more serious). | ![]() |
Six of Cups | Nostalgia and memories—living in the past, aren't we? | ![]() |
Seven of Cups | Choices and illusion—so many options, so little sense. | ![]() |
Eight of Cups | Withdrawal and abandonment—walking away dramatically, again. | ![]() |
Nine of Cups | Contentment and satisfaction—your wish came true; now what? | ![]() |
Ten of Cups | Harmony and fulfillment—the fairy tale ending (for now). | ![]() |
Page of Cups | Creative beginnings and curiosity—embrace your inner weirdo. | ![]() |
Knight of Cups | Romance and charm—the quintessential lover (with a flair for drama). | ![]() |
Queen of Cups | Compassion and calm—emotional intelligence at its finest. | ![]() |
King of Cups | Control and balance—master of emotions, or just good at hiding them? | ![]() |
Swords (Air: Intellect, Conflict)
The “Overthinkers Anonymous”
Ah, the Swords: sharp, incisive, and living in their heads 24/7. These cards are all about conflict, truth, and mental gymnastics. Got a problem? Swords will help you overanalyze it. If you’re not having an existential crisis already, don’t worry—they’ll drag you there. They’re the cards that say, “Hey, remember that embarrassing thing you did in 7th grade? Let's relive it.”
Name | Meaning | Card |
---|---|---|
Ace of Swords | Breakthrough and clarity—finally seeing the light (blinded yet?). | ![]() |
Two of Swords | Indecision and stalemate—caught between a rock and a hard place. | ![]() |
Three of Swords | Heartbreak and sorrow—ouch, that one hurt. | ![]() |
Four of Swords | Rest and recovery—time to take a mental health day (or month). | ![]() |
Five of Swords | Tension and defeat—winning the battle but losing the war. | ![]() |
Six of Swords | Transition and moving on—sailing away from your problems (literally). | ![]() |
Seven of Swords | Deception and trickery—sneaky, sneaky; who's the culprit? | ![]() |
Eight of Swords | Isolation and self-imprisonment—trapped by your own thoughts. | ![]() |
Nine of Swords | Anxiety and despair—up all night, again. | ![]() |
Ten of Swords | Painful endings—stick a fork in it; it's done. | ![]() |
Page of Swords | Curiosity and restlessness—asking all the questions, even the awkward ones. | ![]() |
Knight of Swords | Ambition and haste—charging ahead without thinking (what could go wrong?). | ![]() |
Queen of Swords | Perceptive and independent—cuts through the BS with surgical precision. | ![]() |
King of Swords | Intellectual authority—rules with logic, not emotions (fun at parties). | ![]() |
Pentacles (Earth: Money, Stability)
The “Practical Buzzkills”
Pentacles are the suit of Earth, so naturally, they’re all about money, work, and the joys of adulting. When these cards show up, it’s less “follow your dreams” and more “pay your bills, genius.” They’re practical, grounded, and utterly unimpressed with your fantasies about quitting your day job to move to Bali. Pentacles want receipts, schedules, and a 401(k). Basically, they’re your mom in card form.
Name | Meaning | Card |
---|---|---|
Ace of Pentacles | New financial opportunities—don't spend it all in one place. | ![]() |
Two of Pentacles | Balance and adaptability—juggling life's responsibilities (dropping balls optional). | ![]() |
Three of Pentacles | Collaboration and skill—teamwork makes the dream work, supposedly. | ![]() |
Four of Pentacles | Security and conservation—holding onto your coins like Scrooge McDuck. | ![]() |
Five of Pentacles | Financial loss and hardship—it's ramen noodles for dinner tonight. | ![]() |
Six of Pentacles | Generosity and charity—giving or receiving handouts (no judgment). | ![]() |
Seven of Pentacles | Patience and investment—watching the grass grow (thrilling). | ![]() |
Eight of Pentacles | Diligence and craftsmanship—practice makes perfect, or at least better. | ![]() |
Nine of Pentacles | Abundance and luxury—treat yourself, you've earned it. | ![]() |
Ten of Pentacles | Wealth and legacy—family fortunes and all that jazz. | ![]() |
Page of Pentacles | Ambition and desire—ready to learn and earn (gold stars await). | ![]() |
Knight of Pentacles | Efficiency and routine—slow and steady wins the race (eventually). | ![]() |
Queen of Pentacles | Practicality and nurturing—the domestic goddess/god of the deck. | ![]() |
King of Pentacles | Security and control—sitting on the throne of material success. | ![]() |
Congratulations, you’ve survived my Tarot Meaning Speed Run! Now go, shuffle your cards, and make bold predictions with the confidence of someone who just read a guide written by a cynic. Remember, the magic is in the interpretation (and your ability to keep a straight face while saying, “It’s not literal death, I promise!”). If all else fails, just blame the retrograde and pour yourself a drink. You're basically a pro now.
The Real Araceli
Author
Related Posts
Top 10 BEST Tarot Cards to Pull During a Reading
Featuring the Gold Deck Tarot is like that friend who’s brutally honest when you need it but also knows how to hype you up when life’s got you down. Sure, some cards are the psychic equivalent of stepping on a Lego (hey, Ten of Swords), but others? They’re cosmic champagne—bubbly, invigorating, and straight-up life-affirming. These are the MVPs of the tarot deck, the cards that show up when the universe wants to give you a fist bump instead of a slap. So, whether you’re a seasoned witch or still figuring out which end of the deck is up, here’s the rundown of the 10 most uplifting cards in tarot and why they absolutely slap. 1. The Sun Meaning: Pure joy, success, and the kind of vibe where you’d dance naked in a field (if you’re into that). Why it’s Great: This card is the epitome of yes. The Sun doesn’t tiptoe around with subtle hints—it’s the big, neon sign screaming, “Life is awesome, and so are you!” It’s about owning your wins, soaking in your successes, and realizing you’re allowed to be happy without some existential guilt trip. The Sun is unapologetically warm and a bit cocky, but who cares? It’s earned it. Learn more about The Sun card and its meaning. 2. The World Meaning: Closure, fulfillment, and finally getting to the finish line without tripping. Why it’s Great: The World is the “job well done” card, the triumphant moment when the credits roll and you actually feel satisfied with how it all turned out. It’s the card that says, “Yeah, it was a journey, but you nailed it.” Whether it’s a personal goal, a career milestone, or just surviving a hellish year, The World is your pat on the back from the universe. Bonus points for reminding you that everything—everything—is connected. Learn more about The World card and its meaning. 3. The Star Meaning: Quiet hope, healing, and that first deep breath after a storm. Why it’s Great: The Star is your cosmic nightlight. It’s not loud, it’s not pushy—it just quietly whispers, “Hey, you’re gonna be okay.” After a rough patch, this card is like sitting under a clear night sky, letting the peace sink in. It’s the promise of renewal, the kind of hope that makes you believe again, even if only a little. The Star says, “Keep going, babe. The best is yet to come.” Learn more about The Star card and its meaning. 4. The Lovers Meaning: Love, alignment, and figuring out what (or who) really matters. Why it’s Great: Contrary to what Hollywood tells you, The Lovers isn’t just about swooning over someone hot. Sure, it’s sometimes about that soul-deep connection, but at its core, it’s about choices—big, life-defining ones. This card challenges you to live authentically, to choose people, paths, and passions that vibe with your true self. TL;DR: The Lovers is the universe telling you to stop settling and start aligning. Learn more about The Lovers card and its meaning. 5. The Wheel of Fortune Meaning: Luck, change, and that feeling when the plot twist actually works in your favor. Why it’s Great: The Wheel of Fortune doesn’t promise everything will be perfect, but it does promise that things are about to get interesting. This card is like a karmic lottery ticket—you never know what’s coming, but odds are, it’s better than where you’ve been. It’s the universe shaking things up, often in a way that makes you yell, “FINALLY!” Learn more about The Wheel of Fortune card and its meaning. 6. Ten of Cups Meaning: Emotional harmony, happy endings, and the kind of love that feels real. Why it’s Great: If The Sun is a party, the Ten of Cups is the after-party where you’re with your favorite people, living your best life. It’s not flashy or over-the-top; it’s the quiet, steady joy that comes from meaningful connections and finding your place in the chaos. This card is the tarot equivalent of a Hallmark movie done right—sentimental, sure, but it fucking works. Learn more about the Ten of Cups card and its meaning. 7. Ace of Pentacles Meaning: Fresh starts, financial stability, and finally catching a break. Why it’s Great: This card is the seed of something big. Whether it’s a new job, a side hustle, or a personal project, the Ace of Pentacles is the universe handing you a golden opportunity and saying, “Don’t blow this.” It’s all about potential—yours, specifically. So roll up your sleeves and plant that seed, because the rewards are worth it. Learn more about the Ace of Pentacles card and its meaning. 8. The Empress Meaning: Creativity, abundance, and ultimate Earth Mom vibes. Why it’s Great: The Empress is about growth, but not the rushed, hustle-hard kind. This card says, “Slow down, nurture what matters, and let it bloom.” Whether it’s a project, a relationship, or your own damn self, The Empress reminds you that good things take time. She’s the embodiment of divine feminine energy, and she’s here to remind you: abundance is your birthright. Learn more about The Empress card and its meaning. 9. Six of Wands Meaning: Victory, recognition, and the moment everyone realizes how awesome you are. Why it’s Great: This is the “mic drop” card. The Six of Wands is your time in the spotlight, your well-deserved parade for all the blood, sweat, and tears you’ve poured into something. It’s about recognition—whether from others or just your own damn self. This card doesn’t do false modesty, so take the win and own it. Learn more about the Six of Wands card and its meaning. 10. Strength Meaning: Quiet power, resilience, and the grace to keep going. Why it’s Great: Strength doesn’t flex—it doesn’t need to. This card is about taming your inner chaos and facing challenges with calm, compassion, and unshakeable confidence. It’s not about brute force; it’s about mastery—over yourself, your fears, and whatever bullshit life throws your way. Strength reminds you that true power is steady, not loud. Learn more about the Strength card and its meaning. Why These Cards Are Everything Here’s the deal: These aren’t just “good vibes only” cards that let you skip the hard stuff. They’re about the beauty of overcoming, the magic of possibility, and the power of believing in yourself and the universe. When one of these cards pops up in a reading, it’s the tarot equivalent of a high-five. So embrace the positivity, trust the process, and remember—you’ve got this. Because let’s face it: life’s a mess. But sometimes, the cards remind us it’s a beautiful mess.
Top 10 WORST Tarot Cards to Pull During a Reading
Featuring the Mystic Deck These cards are tough love in the Tarot world. They force you to face your fears, your failures, and the chaos in your life head-on. But remember: even the "worst" cards hold the potential for growth, transformation, and healing—if you’re willing to put in the work. 1. The Tower Meaning: Sudden upheaval, chaos, destruction of old structures. Why it’s challenging: The Tower screams “everything you thought was stable is actually a house of cards.” When this bad boy shows up, expect the unexpected: a job loss, a breakup, a revelation that shakes your foundation to its core. The lightning bolt strikes, and the Tower crumbles—not gently but with fire, destruction, and a lot of screaming. This card is the universe’s way of bulldozing your life to force you to rebuild on firmer ground. Yeah, it’s necessary in the long run, but it sucks in the moment. Learn more about The Tower card and its implications. 2. Ten of Swords Meaning: Betrayal, painful endings, rock bottom. Why it’s challenging: Imagine getting stabbed in the back—ten times. That’s this card. It’s the epitome of hitting rock bottom, whether through betrayal, burnout, or just life beating you down until you can’t take it anymore. The Ten of Swords doesn’t sugarcoat anything; it’s here to say, “Yeah, it’s bad. But you know what? It can’t get worse.” The only silver lining? Once you’re at the bottom, the only way is up. Dive deeper into the Ten of Swords meaning. 3. Death (Reversed or Poorly Aspected) Meaning: Resistance to transformation, stagnation, clinging to the past. Why it’s challenging: Upright, Death is about transformation and new beginnings, but reversed? It’s like refusing to throw out a rotting meal because you’re sentimental about the container. This card screams, “Let go, for crying out loud!” But often, the querent is digging their heels in, terrified of the unknown. It’s stagnation city, population: you. Staying in toxic relationships, refusing to move on from a dead-end job—Death reversed means you’re resisting the growth you desperately need. Understand the nuances of the Death card reversed. 4. The Devil Meaning: Addiction, bondage, unhealthy attachments, materialism. Why it’s challenging: The Devil doesn’t just trap you; he makes you think you’re enjoying it. Whether it’s an addiction, a toxic relationship, or chasing money at the expense of your soul, this card exposes the chains we willingly put on ourselves. The real kicker? The chains are loose—you could break free anytime if you wanted to. But the Devil’s allure is strong, and many people stay in the cycle longer than they should. Explore the depths of The Devil card. 5. Five of Pentacles Meaning: Financial loss, hardship, abandonment. Why it’s challenging: If you’re not struggling financially when this card shows up, you’re probably feeling emotionally abandoned or left out in the cold. The Five of Pentacles is about lack—whether that’s a lack of money, support, or security. The imagery of two destitute figures outside a church window hits hard: help is nearby, but for some reason, you don’t see it or can’t access it. This card forces you to confront feelings of scarcity, rejection, or isolation. Read more on the Five of Pentacles and its impact. 6. Three of Swords Meaning: Heartbreak, emotional pain, grief. Why it’s challenging: A big ol’ heart with three swords sticking through it—it doesn’t get more straightforward than that. The Three of Swords is the heartbreak card, whether it’s a romantic betrayal, the death of a loved one, or some other emotional devastation. It’s the kind of pain that stays with you, gnaws at your chest, and leaves you crying in the shower. But it also reminds you that heartbreak, while brutal, is part of the human experience. Gain insight into the Three of Swords meaning. 7. The Moon (Reversed) Meaning: Illusions, deception, fear, mental confusion. Why it’s challenging: The Moon reversed is like being lost in a foggy forest with only shadows to guide you—and one of those shadows is probably a wolf. Anxiety runs high when this card appears, as does a creeping sense that you’re being lied to, either by others or yourself. Reversed, the Moon is about hidden truths, unclear paths, and the fear of the unknown. Nothing is as it seems, and you’re left doubting your own instincts. Discover the mysteries of The Moon reversed. 8. Seven of Swords Meaning: Deception, theft, betrayal, running away. Why it’s challenging: The Seven of Swords is the “sneaky bastard” card. Whether it’s someone stealing from you, lying to you, or you deceiving yourself, this card is all about dishonesty. It can also mean trying to escape a situation instead of dealing with it head-on. If this card shows up, it’s a big red flag to keep an eye on your surroundings—or take a hard look in the mirror. Learn about the Seven of Swords and its warnings. 9. Nine of Swords Meaning: Anxiety, nightmares, despair. Why it’s challenging: Ever stayed up all night replaying every mistake you’ve ever made? That’s the Nine of Swords. It’s the card of mental anguish, the kind that gnaws at your soul and keeps you awake, staring at the ceiling. Whether it’s guilt, worry, or straight-up existential dread, this card lays bare your deepest fears. It doesn’t offer solutions, just a mirror to your sleepless nights and gnawing doubts. Unveil the truths of the Nine of Swords. 10. The Hanged Man (Reversed) Meaning: Stagnation, selfishness, wasted effort. Why it’s challenging: The Hanged Man reversed is the definition of spinning your wheels. Upright, this card is about perspective and surrendering to the process. Reversed, it’s like hanging upside down for no reason, refusing to gain anything from the experience. Stubbornness and resistance to change are the themes here, as well as the feeling that your sacrifices aren’t paying off. It’s the ultimate “stuck in limbo” card, and it’s maddening. Find out more about The Hanged Man reversed. Embracing the Challenges for Growth These cards may be the harbingers of tough times, but they also hold the keys to profound personal growth. They force you to confront uncomfortable truths and push you out of your comfort zone. Remember, even the most challenging Tarot cards offer opportunities for transformation—if you're willing to face them head-on.