Card library
Tarot Card Meanings: Complete Symbolism Guide
Explore the symbolism and interpretation of each tarot card. Understand its upright and reversed message and how it guides your love, work, and personal readings.
Quick answer
In short
The tarot deck has 78 cards: 22 major arcana for overarching life lessons and 56 minor arcana for daily circumstances. Each card offers distinct nuances whether it appears upright or reversed and depending on its position in the spread.
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Tarot structure and card interpretation
The tarot deck consists of 22 major arcana —representing major life lessons and psychological archetypes— and 56 minor arcana dealing with everyday experiences and practical decisions. At Oráculo, we interpret each symbol constructively and without fatalism: cards highlight reflection patterns, but decisions always remain in your hands.
Tarot suits and symbol groups
- Major Arcana: core life lessons, growth stages, and turning points.
- Wands: energy, ambition, initiative, and creativity.
- Cups: emotions, relationships, love, and intuition.
- Swords: intellect, clarity, truth, and communication.
- Pentacles: material resources, work, finances, and stability.
Tarot card deck directory
The major arcana represent core archetypes and life lessons. The minor arcana reflect day-to-day situations and practical choices; we are expanding the deck progressively with dedicated interpretations and concrete examples.
Major Arcana (22 cards)
- The Fool (0)
- The Magician (I)
- The High Priestess (II)
- The Empress (III)
- The Emperor (IV)
- The Hierophant (V)
- The Lovers (VI)
- The Chariot (VII)
- Justice (VIII)
- The Hermit (IX)
- Wheel of Fortune (X)
- Strength (XI)
- The Hanged Man (XII)
- Death (XIII)
- Temperance (XIV)
- The Devil (XV)
- The Tower (XVI)
- The Star (XVII)
- The Moon (XVIII)
- The Sun (XIX)
- Judgement (XX)
- The World (XXI)
Minor Arcana
Spreads to read these cards
Example reading
Past/Cause · upright
Present/Current Situation · upright
Future/Outcome · upright
In a three-card reading, drawing The Fool in Past/Cause, Strength in Present/Current Situation, and Six of Wands in Future/Outcome suggests that a brave initiative approached with discipline leads to visible recognition.
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Frequently asked questions
How many cards are in a tarot deck?
A complete deck has 78 cards: 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana divided into four suits (wands, cups, swords, and pentacles).
What is the difference between major and minor arcana?
Major arcana represent universal archetypes and milestone lessons. Minor arcana describe day-to-day situations, emotional nuances, and practical steps.
Are reversed cards always negative?
No. They usually indicate internalized energy, temporary delays, or an invitation to reflect before acting, rather than a negative outcome.