Tarot Card Meanings: A Guide to All 78 Cards — LUMA

Upright and reversed tarot meanings

Upright does not automatically mean good news, and reversed does not automatically mean bad news. An upright card often shows its theme more directly. A reversed card can point to resistance, something internal, a delay, or an invitation to look again.

The Lovers upright may speak about choice and connection. Reversed, it does not have to mean a breakup; it might ask whether both people are still choosing one another honestly. Read the orientation in the context of the question, not as a fixed verdict.

Major arcana and minor arcana

The 22 major arcana cards tend to mark larger themes and turning points: the Fool setting out, the Lovers making a choice, Death ending one chapter so another can begin. When one appears, it can be worth asking whether the situation is bigger than a passing task.

The 56 minor arcana cards stay close to ordinary life. Wands concern action and drive, Cups feelings and relationships, Swords thought and conflict, and Pentacles work, resources, and material reality. Numbered cards often show a developing situation; court cards can describe a person, role, or attitude.

Reading for love, work, and self-reflection

For love, separate the question: are you asking about someone's actions, the relationship as it is, or why you cannot let go? The same card changes emphasis with the question. For work, look beyond whether you will succeed: where is your effort going, what is stuck, and what can you adjust next?

For self-reflection, questions such as “What am I avoiding right now?” or “How can I care for this anxiety?” are often more useful. A card is an opening for reflection, not a substitute for your decision.

Start with these cards

• The Fool
• The Lovers
• The Star