The Empress
In the Health position
Hidden health; physical and emotional.
Meaning: A kind, capable woman. One who instills confidence in others. A beneficial influence. A strong role model. A woman who promotes and encourages the potential of those around her. A peacemaker and diplomat. An intelligent, calm, mature personality. Determination and dignity. One who teaches by example. A nurturing, considerate person who gives much to the community. Confidence. Empathy. A matriarch. Guidance and support. A mother figure. Security, comfort, and appreciation. Fertility. Personal development.
Return to Top
Death
In the Health position
Visible health; physical and emotional.
Meaning: Evolution. Change, death, and transformation. A natural end to a situation, whether it be positive or negative; for example, the card may refer to the end of a relationship, illusion, financial source, or the completion of a project. Closure. Releasing of the past. The end of an era. Necessary change. Freedom that allows for renewal. Sudden change brings fears of the unknown, but ultimately alters life in such a way as to initiate new growth. May mean death, a fear of death, or a brush with death. Natural course and progression of life. Lastly, Death is sometimes portrayed as a beautiful and dignified figure since dying can be seen as a blessing in release from suffering.
Return to Top
Three of Wands
In the Attitude position
Hidden mental attitude.
Meaning: Speculation. Launching of a new enterprise. Investigating new directions. Exploring adventure. Distributing energy and resources. A gamble on the unknown. Diversifying. Optimism. Expansion. Broadening horizons. Taking the initiative. Trade and negotiations. Research. Educated decisions.
Return to Top
Ace of Cups
In the Attitude position
Visible mental attitude.
Meaning: Joy, well-being, nourishment, and beauty. Fertility, creation, and devotion. Protection. The beginning of a blessed, fruitful phase in life. May refer to a cause, project, or idea with soul. The card of true love. Marriage of equals which is of benefit to those people close to the couple or their cause. A force for good. Consummated union. The well of love, art, devotion, and compassion. Divine inspiration and protection. Brave heart. A great love that even if unrequited or thwarted still bestows the creative and transformative power, heights, and knowledge that otherwise would remain unknown.
Return to Top
The Star
In the Relationships position
Hidden relationships.
Meaning: Hope. Inspiration. Guiding star. Moment of grace and peace. Freedom. Early signs of life taking on a new pattern. Freedom after trials. Chance for escape. First sign of dawn. Release. Self-reliance. Clever, inspired ideas. Listening for direction. A quickening. Salvation. Empowerment. Destiny. A time of farseeing. Taking steps to save one's self‹not giving into resignation. Enlightened idea. Planning. Thaw of the ice. Return of life force. Rejuvenation. Drawing strength from nature.
Return to Top
Justice
In the Relationships position
Visible relationships.
Meaning: Deliberating. Search for truth and justice. Weighing an issue or situation. Striving for balance and equilibrium. Remaining impartial or centered, and so capable of fair judgment. Insight. Honesty and honour. Discriminating logic. The value of order. The triumph of reason. Appropriate response. Karma. Law of cause and effect. Negotiating. Equal partnerships. Legal affairs. Favourable judgment in legal matters. Selfgovernment. Having the inner strength and confidence not to be swayed by the opinions of others. Internal balance achieved by being temporarily unattached to an outcome. Having the patience to allow Justice time to determine Her course. Having the courage, strength, and conviction to uphold and implement justice. Taking the right action, even if unpopular or costly. The card can relate to civil justice or the concept of divine justice.
Return to Top
The World
In the Career position
Hidden career.
Meaning: Ascension. Opening to a higher dimension. Culmination and synthesis. Enlightenment. Attaining a broader view of life. Moving beyond the personal to become aware of the interconnected nature of life. Harmony and perfection. Peace and freedom of thought. Inspiration and comprehension. Ecstasy. Glimpses, however brief, of the great mysteries of life. Being able to appreciate the larger scene or patterns in life. Faith. Epiphany. A heightened sense of being alive. Purpose. Confidence. Completion. Enjoying life and anticipating its curves. Unencumbered by the trivial. Being in control of one¹s fate. Intelligence. Independence. Determination and stability. Strength and enthusiasm. Intuition and spiritual heights. Crowning achievement. Reward and promotion. Graduation. Lasting happiness. As the last of the major arcana, the Universe represents the height of a progression. The Universe card is associated with the four evangelists, Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John, who in turn are equated with incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension, respectively.
Return to Top
The Magician
In the Career position
Visible career.
Meaning: Talent and intelligence. A higher-comprehending mind. Purpose and skill. Independent thinker. Self-rule. Freedom. A person who is a force of art and creativity. Intuition. An inspiring, powerful voice. Commitment and communication. Eloquence and persuasion. Charm, confidence, and control. Talent that carries responsibility and casts one in an otherworldly light. Leadership and influence. Showmanship and dexterity. An ambiguous card, as the magician is also a trickster, a shadowy ringmaster, and a juggler. The unevolved magician character is a creature of appetite, impulse, and manipulation. Disregard of others and self-aggrandizing behaviour (resembling the rock star gone awry).
Return to Top
Knight of Cups
In the Spirit position
Hidden spiritual path.
Meaning: A romantic man. A considerate, creative, artistic sort. Musician, poet, diplomat. A promising proposal or collaboration. An opportunity to learn via a friend or lover. Broadening horizons. New philosophies. Gifts and romance. Loyalty. Sound, romantic advice. Imagination and empathy. Marriage proposal. Reciprocated love. Traditionally the messenger of true love.
Return to Top
Queen of Cups
In the Spirit position
Visible spiritual path.
Meaning: A woman of imagination. Romantic, compassionate air. One who encourages the dreams and talents of others. Generosity and care. A loyal lover. A genuine heart. Virtue. Protection. A cultured, refined woman who is wise in matters of the heart. For a male querent she can represent true love; for a woman a romantic confidant or rival. Even as rival she is just and honest, believing in fair play.
Return to Top
Seven of Swords
In the Outcome position
Outcome of the present path.
Meaning: Resignation. Acceptance. Limited success. Releasing of the old renews the spirit. Rejecting outside expectations for an individually fashioned lifestyle. End of an ordeal. Negotiations. Independent thinking. Confidence. Release from the grip of material questing for higher pursuits.
Return to Top