forgotten knowledge
Tarot Cards
The first question we are usually asked about Tarot is if it works at all - and if so, why and how? Unfortunately, like most aspects of the supernatural, that question can't be easily answered. Tarot reading has been around for a long time, and does indeed seem to work as some kind of medium as far as getting insight and possibly answers to puzzling questions. Whether it connects us to the "universal consciousness," the "higher self," or whether it opens up some kind of communication channel with entities unknown, it does seem to arouse some kind of psychic awareness in most people. And therein lies the beauty of Tarot. Virtually everyone can do their own tarot readings with some measure of success, whether or not they consider themselves innately psychic.
A conventional Tarot deck is a deck of 78 themed cards. The cards are split, with 22 Major Arcana trump cards depicting major life events, and 56 Minor Arcana cards, which are divided into four suits and add substance to the trump cards. Arcana is a term that basically means "secret" or "mystery." Other configurations exist, but for beginners, a conventional deck is probably the way to go.
When choosing your first Tarot deck, find a deck that you find interesting or intriguing. If you buy a deck that you find boring or uninteresting, the Tarot readings from that deck will also be boring and uninteresting. When shopping for a deck, look around and choose the one that you personally find the most interesting. Many people report that when shopping for Tarot cards, one deck will usually stand out from all the rest. This is the deck to buy. One word of caution - the Minor Arcana cards in some decks lack illustration, which may make readings a little dry, especially for beginners. Try to choose a deck that has illustrations on ALL the cards, if at all possible. There are many good choices out there, so it shouldn't be hard to find an appropriate deck.
Once you have your deck, practice with it on a regular basis. Become comfortable with that deck, and continue reading and studying on the subject until you become proficient. Once you do feel you have become proficient, you can then graduate to different decks. Indeed, most accomplished Tarot readers do have several decks. Some have a personal deck, a deck that they use for readings for other people, a deck for spell work or meditation.....and the list goes on. But do start with just one deck that appeals to you before you go buying decks willy nilly with no real use in mind.
Interpreting
As stated previously, the Tarot deck consists of 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. Readings can be done using only the Major Arcana, only the Minor Arcana, only one suit of the Minor Arcana, or the entire deck, which obviously gives a more in-depth reading.
Learning to use a Tarot deck basically involves making associations with the images on the cards. Some card meanings are rather obvious, and some are not so obvious. For example, the Three of Swords in virtually all decks depicts a heart being pierced with swords - giving it a meaning that is not terribly hard to deduce. Depending on the deck, however, other cards are not as easy to make associations with. We have found that in most cases the booklets that come with the cards are woefully inadequate as far as revealing the meanings of some of the more obscure cards, particularly in the Minor Arcana, and pursuant to this, we have compiled comprehensive lists of the meanings of all the cards in the Tarot in the links below.
Numerology is an important part of Tarot readings, and at least a rudimentary knowledge of the meanings of the numbers is essential for success in Tarot readings. Pursuant to this, we have also included the meaning of the number of the card in the descriptions provided in the links below.
When sitting down to do a Tarot reading, it is important to ask your question properly, or your reading will be ambiguous or mean nothing at all. Tarot does not give yes or no answers, so careful thought as to how to reword your question is important. For instance, rather than asking "Is my ex-boyfriend going to come back", a question such as "Where is my ex-boyfriend at this point and what is he thinking in relation to me" would give a far more accurate reading.
Unless you are extremely careful to keep your cards in perfect order, many cards laid out for a reading will be upside down in relation to you, the card readers' position. These are called "reversed" cards, and often carry a different meaning than the same card would if it were presented upright. A reversed card may mean the total opposite of the upright card, or may just be a watered down version of the meaning of the upright card. It is up to you to have a strong enough association with that card to decide how the reversal actually affects the reading.
Higher Arcana
0. The Fool - The urge to change overcomes the fear involved. Fresh start. New beginning. New opportunity. Break out of status quo. Old way not satisfactory and risk must be taken. New chapter in life. One more step ahead. Originality. Eccentricity. Take advantage of opportunities. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Dispersion of energy.
Numerology - 0 - Only the Fool carries the number zero in Tarot. Zero is the number of absoluteness. Absolute beginning and/or ending. The rest of the Major Arcana represent lessons that the fool has to learn.
1. The Magician - New beginnings, opportunities, talents. Great energy and potential. Choose path - material, emotional, intellectual, creative. Creativity versus action. Reason. Finding a wider audience. Flashes of knowledge or premonitions about which way to go. The conscious mind. Turns ideas into reality. The Magician presides over all the cards in the Minor Arcana and his strength and properties are always influenced by the neighboring cards in a reading. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Too much communication, too intellectual, manipulative.
2. The High Priestess - Secrets revealed. Mysteries uncovered. Filter through which ideas and intuitions pass. Time to uncover secrets in life. Something in the unconscious waiting to come out. Be guided by intuition. Bridge to higher plane. Review health and diet. Change. Fluctuation. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Superstitious, deluded.
3. The Empress - Creativity, fertility, relationships. Cultivate creativity. A time of abundance, fertility, domestic stability. Security and contentment through physical comfort. Satisfaction at bringing something to fruition. Possibility of relationship, family, marriage. Creative processes and artistic pursuits. Mother figure. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Too easy going. Not protecting your rights.
4. The Emperor - Authority, ambition, material stability. Power of the mind. Father figure. Time to take control of material aspects. Creating job, buying property. Make definite changes. Bring ideas into concrete reality. Discipline and direction. Practicality. Mover and shaker. The struggle for personal independence. Putting all things together. Logic and mind for problem solving. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Bossy, unable to receive from others.
5. The Heirophant - Search for spiritual meaning. Wish to find meaning in life. Wanting more than material things. Teacher, mentor, or spiritual person is coming into your life. Dissatisfied with earthly things. Inner being. Intuition. Enlightenment. Union of body, mind, spirit. Hidden power behind the scenes. Occult powers. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Stuck in tradition. Unable to change with times.
6. The Lovers - Love and choice. Make a choice by committing in love, way of life, ideas by refuting something. Consider all ramifications before making a choice. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Intensity in relationships. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Obsessive relationship. Making the mistakes. Not learning from past.
7. The Chariot - Struggle and tension. Struggle resulting in triumph. Cycle of struggle, resolution, struggle resolution. Pull thoughts and emotions together to reach a goal. Aggressively face hardship to progress further. Caring, nurturing. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Incompletion, not finishing cycle.
8. Strength - Inner courage and strength. Self discipline. Being constructive rather than destructive. Intention is cause. Energy follows thought. Power with control. Control over material forces. The fire within. One of the four cardinal virtues. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Too emotional. Not thinking situations through.
9. The Hermit - Patience and Prudence. Spiritual illumination. Prudence, caution, vigilance. Time to withdraw from outside and look inward. Shift in perception such as from youth to middle age. Acceptance and understanding of things that can't be changed. Wisdom, patience, new appreciation of life. Realization that power and wealth isn't everything. Spiritual awakening. Withdrawal. Reconsideration. One of the four cardinal virtues. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Isolation, alienation.
10. The Wheel of Fortune - Changes in fortune. Circumstances are changing. New phase beginning, either upward or downward. Up or down may be gleaned from surrounding cards. Opportunity, faith, abundance. Evolutionary process. The balance between success and failure. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Same as above but either enhanced or diminished.
11. Justice - Balanced mind through logic. Power of the mind. Time to use logic and reason. Unemotional judgment. Fairness and equality. Achieving a sense of balance and harmony. Correcting wrongs. Cutting out negativity. One of the four cardinal virtues. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Injustice, imbalance.
12. The Hanged Man - Sacrifice. Suffering. Look at life from another angle. Need for new outlook. Voluntary or involuntary sacrifice. Let go of something to make way for something else. Change of mind. Relinquishing in hopes of something more valuable. Look in subconscious to find importance or changes. Alert suspended activity. Period of rest. Period of change. Moment of aware calm. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Skewed reality.
13. Death - Transformation and change. Something must end. End of childhood. End of single life. End of job. End of marriage. Something dies for new beginning. Sad but necessary end. Unwanted and welcome at the same time. Clearing away negative conditions for new and better. Transformation with rebirth. Make a clean sweep. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - hanging on - not letting go.
14. Temperance - Cooperation and sharing. Control your emotions. Moderation is the key to contentment. Success in relationships. Disciplined. Careful. Mature. Time to concentrate on feelings and relationships. Reflection on life. Coming to appreciation of what we are and what we have learned. Usually a positive card. One of the four cardinal virtues. Extent modified by surrounding cards. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Too introspective. Stuck in the past.
15. The Devil - Power and energy imprisoned. The dark aspects of the psyche. Not facing truth. Time to remove blocks and inhibitions. Don't let negativity stop you. Opportunity to release fear and bondage. Examine what is really going on. Sense of release. Stop repressing. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Lack of vision. Blocked energy.
16. The Tower - Demolishing the old to make way for the new. Face inner worlds honestly. Validating rules and thoughts and throwing out old and outdated. Fresh start. The need for strong foundations. Tempest before rebirth. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Unsafe or precarious foundations.
17. The Star - Hope and Inspiration. Realization. Radiance. Positive attitude in tough times. Optimism. Encouragement. Rejuvenation. Inspiration. Renewal of energy. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - False sense of security.
18. The Moon - Fluctuation and confusion. Darkness. Uncertainty. Period of uncertainty and fluctuation. Volatile feelings. Unstable moods. Fear. Inhibitions. Take nothing for granted. Don’t hurry important decisions. Be patient and don't force a situation. The world of dreams. The end of a major cycle. Completion. Make sure you are not deceiving yourself. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Deception, lies.
19. The Sun - Joy, optimism, clarity of vision. This is generally a positive card with positive energy. Possibilities. Enthusiasm. Exhilaration. Can do attitude. Positive influence even with more difficult cards. Action and positive thought. Strength, good health, good cheer. Growth. Harmonious development. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reverse - Danger of burn-out. Beware of pride.
20. Judgment - Resurrection and resolution. Summation of what has been achieved through the previous cards. Karma. Reaping what has been sown. It is time to make an assessment. Time to look at what you have done. Make choices for the next phase. Powerful transformative energy. Immense pressure. Spiritual understanding. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reverse - Phobias, obsessions.
21. The World - Achievement, success, completion. Final card of major arcana. The moment of completion has arrived. Time to start on a new journey. Attainment. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reverse - Heavy burden. Fear.
Suit of Cups
Cups - Feelings and Emotions - Element Water
Ace of Cups - New beginning emotionally. All aces signify a new beginning. Start of new relationship. New love. New friendship. Very strong initial attraction. Passionate involvement in work or project. Upsurge of strong feelings. Deep love or deep hate, maybe at the same time. Emotional fulfillment. Being in touch with emotions. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - The need to get out emotionally.
Numerology - 1 represents a beginning, start, birth, new cycle.
Two of Cups - Friendship. Relationship success. Start of new relationship. Early stages of relationship. New phase in existing relationship, whether good or bad. News of a happy event. New attraction. Infatuation. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Souring of friendship or relationship. Jealousy.
Numerology - 2 represents duality, the combing of two 1's, the concept of self and other.
Three of Cups - Celebration. Peak experience after which life resumes. Birth of child. Ceremony. Wedding. Engagement. Joyful time. Sharing good times with loved ones. Reunion with friends. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Tension between friends or family.
Numerology - 3 is the number of the triad (triangle), an important religious symbol. It generally means cooperation, peace, harmony, success.
Four of Cups - Discontent. Boredom. Mundane, routine. Refusal to look on the bright side. Bad attitude. Examine mood of discontent. Reality versus feelings. Reaching out for new. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Apathy. Staying with status quo.
Numerology - 4 represents completion. It is the number of order and structure. It represents father, mother, son, daughter - the completion of family. There are 4 compass directions and 4 elements. It represents material reality.
Five of Cups - Regret and sorrow. Disappointment in love. Change and difficulty. Emotional difficulty. Relationship problems with friends or loss of friends. Regret over decisions. Disillusionment. Deceit. Treachery. Betrayal. Unexpected troubles from unexpected places. Nearby cards can reveal whether your fault or not. Something has been lost, but something can be redeemed. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Despondency. Failure to look at the bright side.
Numerology - 5 is the midpoint between 0 and 10 and therefore represents a mid-point. Usually an unstable number. Turning point or change in the air. The pentagram has 5 stars depicting the head and outstretched arms and legs.
Six of Cups - Past memories and future dreams. Help on the way from friends, family, or mentor. Memory and nostalgia. Long held dream may become reality. Old friendship or love rekindled. Dream materializes. Learning to live in harmony. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Living in the past. Dwelling on the past.
Numerology - 6 represents the resolution of the unsettled state of 5. It represents new balance, harmony, cooperation.
Seven of Cups - Deceit, broken promises, lying. The illusion of success, but not permanent. Relationship difficulties. Selfishness. Possessiveness. Disloyalty. Vanity. Drunkenness. Substance abuse. Physical abuse. Daydreaming with nothing coming to fruition. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Too many choices resulting in inactivity.
Numerology - Seven is the number of spiritualism or introspection. It means action, movement, or change for good or bad.
Eight of Cups - Regeneration. Change is in the air. Something has run its course. Something close to your heart is no longer working. Leave the past behind for the unknown. Don't stagnate. Move on to a deeper level. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Clinging on after something is over.
Numerology - 8 represents material accomplishment, success, power.
Nine of Cups - Sensual satisfaction. Wish card. Dream will be realized. Wish will come true. Something close to the heart. Precious, treasured, sensual moment. All five senses. Enjoy relationships and commit to realizing a dream. Positive time for making things happen. Good health time. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Not giving enough, hoarding, foolish, vain, conceited, jealous.
Numerology - Nine is the last single digit in the series 1-10. It signals near-completion of a cycle or wisdom gained at the end of a cycle.
Ten of Cups - Contentment, happy home life. Good relationships. Enjoyment of ordinary pleasures. Permanent satisfaction. Enjoying the fruits of work on relationships. Emotional commitment. New love or revival of old love. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Insecurity, instability of relationships.
Numerology - 10 represents the final ending or goal. The cycle has ended and a new cycle is beginning.
Page of Cups - Young woman with brown hair and brown or blue eyes. New emotional beginnings. Emergence of new feelings. Change of heart. New talent or idea. Immature ideas. Potential and possibility. Early stages of something. New contacts socially. Message with news or opportunity. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Emotional withdrawal, selfish.
Knight of Cups - Young man with brown hair and brown or gray eyes. The lover. Time to pursue ideals. Intense, but with a calm exterior. Spirit of romance entering life. Upsurge of romantic or artistic traits. Becoming lost in fantasy world. Emotionally sensitive man. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Emotionally inhibited, evil, merciless.
Zodiac Sign - Pisces.
Queen of Cups - A woman with light brown hair and blue eyes. The beloved. Don't ignore feelings. Control over emotions. Someone entering your life who is attractive and magnetic. You enter someone's life and they think you are attractive and magnetic. Need to delve into your own feelings. Emotionally sensitive woman. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Holding back emotions in some cases.
Zodiac Sign - Scorpio
King of Cups - A man with blonde or light brown hair and blue eyes. One who both loves and fears. Strong desire to be involved with other people, but fear of the danger. Someone in your life afraid of commitment or deep involvement, or you have those traits. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Cold and withdrawn, dishonest, double dealing.
Zodiac Sign - Cancer
Suit of Wands
Wands - Imagination and creativity - Element Fire
Ace of Wands - Time is ripe for new creative endeavor. Upsurge in energy. New undertaking. New initiative. Vigor. Natural force. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Stagnation, boredom.
Numerology - 1 represents a beginning, start, birth, new cycle.
Two of Wands - Work is underway. Balance between action and passivity. Potential not fulfilled yet. Energy, enterprise, passion, with balance. New venture starting on firm foundation. Many opportunities but outcomes not clear yet. Good advice being given and received. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Not doing something important, failure.
Numerology - 2 represents duality, the combing of two 1's, the concept of self and other.
Three of Wands - Completion of the first phase. End result reached but necessary for new beginning. Satisfaction or disappointment in end result. Taking the lead. Going places others can't go. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Something has gone wrong. Disappointment.
Numerology - 3 is the number of the triad (triangle), an important religious symbol. It generally means cooperation, peace, harmony, success.
Four of Wands - A time to reap rewards. Celebration. Congratulations. Harvest time. Work turns into a viable entity. Initial success, but more work to do. Holiday period of rest and relaxation. Warning not to bask in success for too long. Cooperating with others. Conclusions based on experience and knowledge. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Fear of loss of security or something being taken away, uneasiness, unreliability, anxiety.
Numerology - 4 represents completion. It is the number of order and structure. It represents father, mother, son, daughter - the completion of family. There are 4 compass directions and 4 elements. It represents material reality.
Five of Wands - Struggle and frustration. Annoyance. Writer's block. Artist's block. Petty irritations. One step forward and two steps back. Tricky and confusing relationships. Tough competition. Don't back off. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Something inadvertently gone wrong.
Numerology - 5 is the midpoint between 0 and 10 and therefore represents a mid-point. Usually an unstable number. Turning point or change in the air. The pentagram has 5 stars depicting the head and outstretched arms and legs.
Six of Wands - Public acclaim and success. Recognition by others. Promotion at work. Article published. Acknowledgment by authority.
Reversed - Could be public criticism, demotion.
Numerology - 6 represents the resolution of the unsettled state of 5. It represents new balance, harmony, cooperation.
Seven of Wands - Stiff competition. Courage to face obstacles. Improve on past accomplishments. Change in profession. Struggle with self image. Influence over subordinate. Healthy and creative conflict. Promotion through planning. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Could be bogged down in detail.
Numerology - 7 is the number of spiritualism or introspection. It means action, movement, or change for good or bad.
Eight of Wands - Action and excitement. Desire for expansion. Full speed ahead. Busy, productive period. No more delays. Fortune is on your side. Things happening quickly. Quick message or sign. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Nothing ever comes to fruition. Stagnation. Untrustworthiness.
Numerology - 8 represents material accomplishment, success, power.
Nine of Wands - Inner strength. Strong internal resources. Courage. Integrity. Wisdom through experience. Struggle with the hope of victory in the face of hardship. Often doubting, worrying, and fear preceding victory. Could mean a need to face fears or admit faults and turn to inner strength. Concerned with exterior appearance. Stubborn and obstinate. Competitive. Accumulation of strength and courage, but always with a doubting nature. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Not noting danger signs, a recent problem.
Numerology - Nine is the last single digit in the series 1-10. It signals near-completion of a cycle or wisdom gained at the end of a cycle.
Ten of Wands - Oppressive burdens. Overreached limits. Selfishness. Failure. Lying. Malice. Slander. Envy. Stubbornness. Disruption. Joy and excitement trapped in reality. Find a way to lessen the burden. Don't take the burdens of others. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - A feeling of relief from burden. Generosity. Self-sacrifice.
Numerology - 10 represents the final ending or goal. The cycle has ended and a new cycle is beginning.
Page of Wands - Messenger with creative ideas. Something in its infancy. Eagerness. New ideas. Inspiring person sparks creativity. Study, learning, artistry. Initial spark of interest. Flame that can be fanned into something important. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Withdrawn, shy.
Knight of Wands - Young man with blonde hair and blue or gray eyes. Energy and action. Adventure, extravagance. Strong intuition. Vivid imagination. Turning ordinary into extraordinary. Someone entering your life who is strong, creative, confident. Successful. No regrets. May be related to a big move of some sort. Change in relationship. Quarrel in relationship. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Angry, shy, withdrawn, cruel, intolerant, prejudiced, ill-natured.
Zodiac Sign - Sagittarius
Queen of Wands - A woman with light red or blonde hair and blue or brown eyes. Generosity and strength. Satisfying relationships and home life. Not a risk taker. Does not like to lose. Someone available and nurturing. Generous friend. Shares good fortune. Loyal. Dependable. Impatient with fools. Might represent a lucky break or great opportunity. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Shy, angry, withdrawn, domineering, revengeful.
Zodiac Sign - Leo.
King of Wands - A man with sandy hair and blue or brown eyes. Charismatic leader. Positive outlook. Natural leader. Infectious optimism. Ambitious. Competitive. Encourages others. Believes in himself and expects followers. Might mean something has come to fruition. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Shy and withdrawn.
Zodiac Sign - Aries
Suit of Swords
Swords - Life Challenges - Element Air
Ace of Swords - The old order changes. Dramatic change. Strong beginning. Sweeping change. May seem initially negative. New circumstances. Out of evil something good will come. Strong signal of powerful good or evil, intentionally brought about. Can be epitome of justice or epitome of wrath. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Cowardice, neglect, evil.
Numerology - 1 represents a beginning, start, birth, new cycle.
Two of Swords - Tension and anxiety. Ignoring strife and conflict. Hoping it will go away. Not acknowledging problems. Balance of two strong ideas. Being caught in a storm. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Confusion, not knowing what to do.
Numerology - 2 represents duality, the combing of two 1's, the concept of self and other.
Three of Swords - Tension released. Heart broken. Disappointment. Sadness. Inevitability. Loss. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Recovery from a loss.
Numerology - 3 is the number of the triad (triangle), an important religious symbol. It generally means cooperation, peace, harmony, success.
Four of Swords - Recuperation, convalescence. Time for relaxation and release of tension. Time has come to rest for a while. A period of quiet after the storm. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Unrest, nervousness, absence, sorrow.
Numerology - 4 represents completion. It is the number of order and structure. It represents father, mother, son, daughter - the completion of family. There are 4 compass directions and 4 elements. It represents material reality.
Five of Swords - Accept victory and defeat. Warning for treachery, deceit, arrogance. Something bigger than you in your life. Assess the strength of your opponent. Turn away if necessary. Stay away from situation with no hope of victory. Swallow pride and move out of bad situation. Spite, unrest, vileness of nature. Failure, anxiety, defeat. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Being childish or petty. Regrets impeding progress.
Numerology - 5 is the midpoint between 0 and 10 and therefore represents a mid-point. Usually an unstable number. Turning point or change in the air. The pentagram has 5 stars depicting the head and outstretched arms and legs.
Six of Swords - Move away from strife. Find an agreeable solution. Move either physically or mentally from problems. Calm after the storm. Extend modified by surrounding cards. Travel, probably over water.
Reversed - Stagnation, not going anywhere.
Numerology - 6 represents the resolution of the unsettled state of 5. It represents new balance, harmony, cooperation.
Seven of Swords - Time for tact rather than aggression. Stealth or underhandedness. Discretion. Wisdom of acting with caution. Don't reveal your whole hand. Use caution about your intentions or feelings. Someone revealing your secrets. Someone taking something from you at your expense. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Someone doing something dishonorable or dishonest. Someone lying.
Numerology - 7 is the number of spiritualism or introspection. It means action, movement, or change for good or bad.
Eight of Swords - Difficulties in becoming free from restriction. The end of old or inappropriate ways. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. Disadvantages either way you turn. Look for signs and realize that you are not trapped. Frustration. The need for patience. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - You will find the way out of tough situation.
Numerology - 8 represents material accomplishment, success, power.
Nine of Swords - Unfounded fears and nightmares. The situation is not as bad as you fear. The thing you fear most has not happened yet, but you are afraid. The feeling of impotence. The feeling of isolation and helplessness. Feelings of doom, failure, guilt. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Feelings of doom, but not as severe.
Numerology - Nine is the last single digit in the series 1-10. It signals near-completion of a cycle or wisdom gained at the end of a cycle.
Ten of Swords - The end of a situation or phase. End of relationship or job. Leaving home. Changes in attitudes. Disruption. Failure. Insecurity. Abrupt end to something that is not working anymore. Being stabbed in the back by others. The end of a tragic situation. Find a way to take advantage of this change. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Freedom from the torment. Surviving in hard times.
Numerology - 10 represents the final ending or goal. The cycle has ended and a new cycle is beginning.
Page of Swords - Young woman with light hair and blue eyes. New beginnings mentally. Idle chatter and gossip. The first stages of a relationship. Mundane chatter that leads to something more. New idea that needs time and attention. Look ahead and solidify ideas. Wisdom and strength not apparent at first. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Inattention, bursts of temper, uneven personality, frivolousness.
Knight of Swords - Young man with dark hair and eyes. Welcome changes that may be disruptive. Someone entering life and causing disruption, then abruptly leaving. Someone single-minded and preoccupied with one thing. Shake-up of the status quo. New mental development. Changes through study or job. Knight in shining armor. Someone who sweeps you off your feet. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Mood swings, uneven temper.
Zodiac Sign - Gemini
Queen of Swords - A woman with gray hair and brown eyes. Suffering with dignity and resignation. One who knows pain but bears it with dignity. Civilized and cool and avoids ugly scenes. Disappointment and discouragement when reality is not ideal. Courageous. Idealistic. Aloof. No shows of fear or dismay. Determined person of power, but who has barriers. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Mood swings, uneven temper, narrow-minded, cruel, deceitful but with friendly exterior.
Zodiac Sign - Aquarius
King of Swords - A man with brown hair and brown eyes. Authority figure. Firm but fair. Intellectual abilities. Truth and social justice. Someone who outwits his opponents with wit and intellect. Can be domineering. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Someone who angers easily and is out of control, selfish, and cruel.
Zodiac Sign - Libra.
Suit of Pentacles or Coins
Pentacles or Coins - Money and Potential - Element Earth
Ace of Coins - Gift or financial opportunity. Opportunity for new start. Financial surprise that appears like magic. Good luck. Successful dividend through hard work. The possibilities of real achievement. Indication that you are ready to embark on something new and profitable. A new doorway opening up. New start in money matters. Unexpected gift or inheritance. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Hard times financially. Not time to start something new yet.
Numerology - 1 represents a beginning, start, birth, new cycle.
Two of Coins - Change and versatility. Might mean change of work or same work in different place. Juggling more than one thing at once. Fluctuation and change materially for good or bad. Creative solutions to material problems. Nothing is certain financially. The feeling that you are walking a tightrope. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Losing control of the situation.
Numerology - 2 represents duality, the combing of two 1's, the concept of self and other.
Three of Coins - Initial completion of work. A certain level of achievement has been reached. Something concrete has been achieved at work or home, but more work is needed. The basic structure is sound but details need attention. Progress in business matters. Learning new skills, developing new abilities. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Not working hard. Expecting others to take care of it.
Numerology - 3 is the number of the triad (triangle), an important religious symbol. It generally means cooperation, peace, harmony, success.
Four of Coins - The card of the miser. Holding on too tightly. Strong commitment and success in financial or business matters. Gain of money or influence. Fear of parting with money or resources. Overwhelming desire for security causing stagnation. Fear of loss. Fear of emotional hurt. Suspicious. Prejudiced. Wanting what others have. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Letting go of possessions or letting go emotionally.
Numerology - 4 represents completion. It is the number of order and structure. It represents father, mother, son, daughter - the completion of family. There are 4 compass directions and 4 elements. It represents material reality.
Five of Coins - Loss of wealth or faith. Financial difficulties. Pay more attention to both material and spiritual aspects of life. Don't lose faith or belief in goodness. Hard times when those around you are wealthy. Unforeseen expenses. Time to transcend limitations. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Overcoming financial problems, saving money.
Numerology - 5 is the midpoint between 0 and 10 and therefore represents a mid-point. Usually an unstable number. Turning point or change in the air. The pentagram has 5 stars depicting the head and outstretched arms and legs.
Six of Coins - Generosity and charity. Success in business or material success. Give when you can and take when you must. You are in a position of giving or receiving what you need. Power, rank, influence. Recovery of losses. Getting help. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Being uncharitable or possessive.
Numerology - 6 represents the resolution of the unsettled state of 5. It represents new balance, harmony, cooperation.
Seven of Coins - The need to decide. New avenue opening up. A choice between two paths of action, one of which is tried and true, and the other unknown. Time to direct energy one way or the other. Seeing the results of hard work and deciding what to do next. You are at a crossroads. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Working hard but nothing has come to fruition. Not enough effort.
Numerology - 7 is the number of spiritualism or introspection. It means action, movement, or change for good or bad.
Eight of Coins - Learning new skills. New direction in career. Change in direction involving change or study. Skill and discipline required to succeed in new things. Time to study something that you are inspired by. The use of knowledge for benefits. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Laziness.
Numerology - 8 represents material accomplishment, success, power.
Nine of Coins - Success and enjoyment. A calm period in which you can enjoy the fruits of your work. Ability to be happy even when alone. Proud of achievements. At peace with yourself. Recognition by peers. Security, happiness, contentment. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Insecurity.
Numerology - 8 represents material accomplishment, success, power.
Ten of Coins - Passing on of positive traditions. As you sow, so you shall reap. The need to continue investing time and effort. Something needs to become firm. Time to buy a home or put something substantial in place for future use. Inheritance or money. Support and love from those close to you. Something that will live on after you are gone. Pinnacle of success. Prosperous. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Insecurity. Indecisiveness.
Numerology - 10 represents the final ending or goal. The cycle has ended and a new cycle is beginning.
Page of Coins - Young woman with brown or red hair and dark eyes who goes after what she wants. Mature, methodical. Small beginnings. Opportunities exist, but start small. The need for hard work and diligence. Time to develop seriousness and thoughtfulness in yourself. Someone reliable arrives that helps plant the seed for bigger rewards. Taking on responsibility. The desire for different work. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Lack of intelligence. No common sense. Unreliable.
Knight of Coins - A young man with dark hair and dark eyes. Slow but steady progress. Increase in the material. Patience and perseverance. Someone with reliability and steadiness entering your life or you may need these qualities. The need to stay with it at work. Someone absorbed in a subject. Slow to anger, but furious when finally provoked. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Possessive person not good with money.
Zodiac Sign - Virgo
Queen of Coins - A woman with dark hair and eyes. Love of luxury. Someone who can work hard, but equally enjoy the sensual pleasures. May be time to pay attention to your own sensual needs. Enjoys good food, good company, and takes time to appreciate beauty. Wealthy, generous, charitable, charming. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Possessive person not good with money, afraid of failure, moody, changeable.
Zodiac Sign - Taurus.
King of Coins - A man with dark eyes and dark hair. Financial security and stability. Very material-oriented. Someone who has worked hard and is pleased with his achievements. Someone who enjoys the fruits of his success. Someone ambitious and determined. In pursuit of riches. You may need these qualities. Generous, strong, high moral character if surrounding cards support this. Otherwise may be too material. Willing to work hard for desired goals. Extent modified by surrounding cards.
Reversed - Lacking common sense. Not good with money, dull, grasping, unpleasant.
Zodiac Sign - Capricorn
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