Encyclopedia
The 78 Cards
The Major and Minor Arcana - element, astrology, numerology, upright and reversed meanings, and the Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism behind each, written for reflection rather than fortune-telling.
Major Arcana
22The Fool
beginnings, innocence, spontaneity
The Magician
manifestation, willpower, skill
The High Priestess
intuition, inner knowing, mystery
The Empress
abundance, nurturing, fertility
The Emperor
authority, structure, leadership
The Hierophant
tradition, spiritual guidance, shared belief
The Lovers
union, love, alignment of values
The Chariot
determination, willpower, control
Strength
courage, inner strength, patience
The Hermit
introspection, solitude, inner guidance
Wheel of Fortune
change, cycles, turning point
Justice
fairness, truth, accountability
The Hanged Man
surrender, new perspective, pause
Death
transformation, endings, release
Temperance
balance, moderation, patience
The Devil
attachment, addiction, materialism
The Tower
sudden change, upheaval, revelation
The Star
hope, faith, renewal
The Moon
illusion, intuition, the unconscious
The Sun
joy, vitality, clarity
Judgement
awakening, reckoning, renewal
The World
completion, fulfillment, wholeness
Suit of Wands
Fire14Ace of Wands
inspiration, new creative spark, potential
Two of Wands
planning, future vision, personal power
Three of Wands
expansion, foresight, progress
Four of Wands
celebration, harmony, homecoming
Five of Wands
competition, conflict, friction
Six of Wands
victory, recognition, public success
Seven of Wands
defending your position, perseverance, conviction
Eight of Wands
swift movement, momentum, rapid change
Nine of Wands
resilience, perseverance, boundaries
Ten of Wands
burden, responsibility, overload
Page of Wands
curiosity, enthusiasm, discovery
Knight of Wands
action, passion, adventure
Queen of Wands
confidence, warmth, vitality
King of Wands
leadership, vision, boldness
Suit of Cups
Water14Ace of Cups
new love, emotional openness, intuition
Two of Cups
mutual attraction, partnership, union
Three of Cups
celebration, friendship, community
Four of Cups
apathy, contemplation, discontent
Five of Cups
grief, loss, regret
Six of Cups
nostalgia, innocence, memory
Seven of Cups
choices, fantasy, illusion
Eight of Cups
walking away, seeking meaning, departure
Nine of Cups
contentment, satisfaction, wish fulfilled
Ten of Cups
harmony, lasting happiness, family
Page of Cups
curiosity, creative spark, intuitive messages
Knight of Cups
romance, idealism, following the heart
Queen of Cups
empathy, emotional depth, intuition
King of Cups
emotional balance, compassionate leadership, diplomacy
Suit of Swords
Air14Ace of Swords
clarity, breakthrough, truth
Two of Swords
stalemate, difficult choice, truce
Three of Swords
heartbreak, grief, painful truth
Four of Swords
rest, recovery, retreat
Five of Swords
conflict, hollow victory, defeat
Six of Swords
transition, moving on, passage
Seven of Swords
strategy, stealth, self-deception
Eight of Swords
self-imposed limitation, feeling trapped, powerlessness
Nine of Swords
anxiety, nightmares, dread
Ten of Swords
painful ending, rock bottom, betrayal
Page of Swords
curiosity, mental energy, vigilance
Knight of Swords
drive, ambition, decisive action
Queen of Swords
clear perception, independence, honesty
King of Swords
intellectual authority, clear judgment, ethical reason
Suit of Pentacles
Earth14Ace of Pentacles
new opportunity, material seed, prosperity
Two of Pentacles
balance, juggling priorities, adaptability
Three of Pentacles
collaboration, craftsmanship, skill
Four of Pentacles
security, holding on, conservation
Five of Pentacles
hardship, loss, exclusion
Six of Pentacles
generosity, giving and receiving, charity
Seven of Pentacles
patience, long-term view, assessment
Eight of Pentacles
diligence, skill development, craftsmanship
Nine of Pentacles
self-sufficiency, abundance, refinement
Ten of Pentacles
legacy, lasting wealth, family
Page of Pentacles
studiousness, new venture, curiosity
Knight of Pentacles
reliability, diligence, routine
Queen of Pentacles
nurturing, practicality, resourcefulness
King of Pentacles
abundance, leadership, stability