Every tarot card tells a story—it reflects your journey, emotions, choices, and truth. In this list, you’ll find each card’s keywords, symbolism, classical element, and upright and reversed meanings. All interpretations are based on the timeless imagery of the Universal Waite deck, thoughtfully integrated with Ceerly’s own visual style.
If you’ve ever asked, “What does each tarot card mean?” or “How can I start learning tarot as a beginner?”, you're not alone. Just click on any card below to uncover its meaning.
Element:
Fire
The suit of wands carries the spark of fire. it’s about movement, ambition, and the energy that pushes you forward. These cards tap into your drive to create, lead, grow, and take bold steps. Whether it’s about your career, a personal goal, or a dream you can’t shake, Wands speak to the part of you that craves purpose and momentum.
Upright, Wands show confidence, vision, and energy. For example, the Ace of Wands may show the beginning of a creative spark or a new project. The Ten of Wands in upright position shows hard work and persistence. Reversed, however, Wands might point to burnout, lack of direction, or holding back due to fear. What do Wands mean in tarot when they show up reversed? Often, it’s a nudge to check in with your inner hesitation or scattered energy.
This suit reminds you that passion fuels progress — but it can also burn out if not managed well. Whether you’re chasing a dream or wondering about your next step, Wands cards push you to ask: “What motivates me to keep going?”
Need clarity on action? Yes/No tarot readings are ideal for quick decisions and direction.
Element:
Water
The suit of cups represents your emotional world — how you feel, connect, and care for yourself and others. The meanings of Cups often center around relationships, family, love, intuition, and emotional healing. If you're asking “What do Cups mean in tarot?”, think about what moves your heart.
When upright, Cup cards bring warmth, compassion, and emotional growth. The Ace of Cups shows new feelings or beginnings in love. The Ten of Cups brings harmony and emotional fulfillment. But when reversed, Cups might signal emotional blocks, miscommunication, or insecurity.
Water flows, and so do emotions. Cups teach us to trust our inner voice and not bottle things up. Whether you're looking for clarity in love or peace in your heart, Cups guides you to ask: “ What do I truly feel about this situation?”
Wondering about your love life? A love tarot reading matches this suit's emotional and relational energy.
Element:
Air
The Suit of Swords cuts through confusion. These cards represent your mind, your thoughts, beliefs, communication, and challenges. Swords are the most mentally active suit in the tarot, often highlighting moments of clarity, but also conflict.
Upright Swords highlight truth, mental strength, and decision-making. The Ace of Swords brings breakthroughs. The Six of Swords suggests healing after difficulty. But reversed, Swords may point to inner turmoil, harsh self-talk, or confusion. What does it mean when a Sword card is reversed? Often, it signals a need to gently examine your thoughts.
Air is the element of intellect, and Swords encourage you to think clearly, but not coldly. They challenge you to ask: “ Am I being honest with myself and others?”
Feeling mentally stuck? A single card can help clear mental fog or offer insight.
Element:
Earth
Pentacles ground you. This suit of pentacles focuses on the material side of life — career, finances, home, health, and long-term goals. It shows what you're building and what you need to feel secure.
When Pentacle cards are upright, they show progress, responsibility, and practical success. The Ace of Pentacles might point to a new job or financial opportunity. The Nine of Pentacles stands for self-sufficiency and reward for hard work. While you pick a reversed pentacle card, it could mean poor planning, insecurity, or financial setbacks. So, what on earth does it mean when a Pentacle card is reversed? Usually, it’s a sign to slow down and strengthen your base.
Earth is steady and dependable, so are you. The suit of Pentacles reminds you that lasting growth comes from patience. Whether you're saving, investing, or planting seeds for the future, this suit asks: “What am I doing today to build a more secure tomorrow?”
What should you focus on today? A tarot daily reading gives grounded, practical guidance.
Element:
Spirit
The Major Arcana cards are the heart of the tarot deck. They represent big moments, life-changing experiences, and turning points on your journey. These 22 cards begin with The Fool (card 0) and end with The World (card 21), forming a symbolic journey of personal and spiritual growth.
Each card in this group holds deep meaning. The Lovers can speak of important relationships or major choices, while The Tower might signal sudden changes or a breakdown of old patterns. These cards speak less to daily events and more to the bigger picture, such as your decisions, and spiritual development.
. In a reading, an upright Major Arcana card usually points to growth, opportunities, or important realizations. A reversed card might show resistance, delays, or missed lessons. Thus, you can see that the general meaning of the Major Arcana is about your soul's evolution.
If several Major Arcana cards appear in one reading, it often signals a meaningful or fated time in your life. These cards encourage reflection: What lesson is life teaching me right now?
What’s your soul learning now? A 3-card spread reveals your life lessons and deep transformation.
Looking to go further with your Tarot journey? Try these free Ceerly tarot tools designed for both beginners and experienced readers.
Feeling stuck or needing quick insight? Use this tool to draw a random tarot card instantly. It's perfect for daily reflection or when you’re short on time.
Wondering what two cards mean together? This tool helps you decode card combinations and uncover layered messages in your spreads.