The Complete Tarot Cards List: 78 Meanings & Spiritual Framework (2026)

The Master Tarot Cards List: The Major Arcana

### The 22 Pillars: The Major Arcana List

To understand the structure of a complete tarot cards list, we must start with the 'Big Pictures'—the archetypes that define our human experience. These 22 cards represent the Fool’s Journey, a symbolic path from innocence to enlightenment:

0 The Fool: New beginnings, innocence, spontaneous action.
I The Magician: Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.
II The High Priestess: Intuition, sacred knowledge, the subconscious.
III The Empress: Femininity, beauty, nature, abundance.
IV The Emperor: Authority, establishment, structure.
V The Hierophant: Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, tradition.
VI The Lovers: Love, harmony, relationships, choices.
VII The Chariot: Control, willpower, success, determination.
VIII Strength: Courage, persuasion, influence, compassion.
IX The Hermit: Soul-searching, introspection, being alone.
X Wheel of Fortune: Luck, karma, life cycles, destiny.
XI Justice: Justice, fairness, truth, cause and effect.
XII The Hanged Man: Pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives.
XIII Death: Endings, change, transformation, transition.
XIV Temperance: Balance, moderation, patience, purpose.
XV The Devil: Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction.
XVI The Tower: Sudden change, upheaval, chaos, revelation.
XVII The Star: Hope, faith, purpose, renewal, spirituality.
XVIII The Moon: Illusion, fear, anxiety, subconscious.
XIX The Sun: Positivity, fun, warmth, success, vitality.
XX Judgement: Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution.
XXI The World: Completion, integration, accomplishment, travel.

You are sitting in a quiet room, the soft glow of a candle flickering against the edges of a fresh deck. You pull a card, and for a moment, your heart flutters—is it a warning or a promise? This 'shadow pain' of misinterpretation is something every seeker feels. You aren't just looking for a list of definitions; you are looking for a mirror. The Major Arcana functions as the 'soul' of the deck, highlighting major life lessons and karmic influences that shape your current reality.

When you see these cards appear, take a deep breath. They don't predict a fixed fate; they reveal the energy currently moving through your life. According to the archetypal analysis at Labyrinthos, the Major Arcana acts as a narrative of self-actualization. If you feel overwhelmed, remember that 'The Fool' is card zero for a reason—it is the space where all possibilities exist before we define them.

The Suit of Cups: Navigating Your Emotional World

### The 14 Cards of the Suit of Cups

In the realm of the tarot cards list, the Suit of Cups corresponds to the element of water. It governs your emotions, relationships, and creative pulses. These cards speak to the heart's fluidity and its capacity for both deep joy and profound sorrow:

Ace of Cups: New love, emotional awakening, creativity.
Two of Cups: Unified love, partnership, attraction.
Three of Cups: Celebration, friendship, community.
Four of Cups: Meditation, contemplation, apathy.
Five of Cups: Regret, failure, disappointment, pessimism.
Six of Cups: Revisiting the past, childhood memories, innocence.
Seven of Cups: Opportunities, choices, wishful thinking.
Eight of Cups: Disappointment, abandonment, withdrawal.
Nine of Cups: Contentment, satisfaction, gratitude.
Ten of Cups: Divine love, blissful relationships, harmony.
Page of Cups: Creative opportunities, intuitive messages.
Knight of Cups: Creativity, romance, charm, imagination.
Queen of Cups: Compassionate, caring, emotionally stable.
King of Cups: Emotionally balanced, compassionate, diplomatic.

From a psychological perspective, the Suit of Cups represents our 'internal landscape.' When we struggle with these cards, it often reflects a 'shadow pain' involving a fear of vulnerability. For instance, pulling the Five of Cups might trigger an immediate sense of loss, but its mechanism is actually an invitation to process grief so that you can turn around and see the two cups still standing.

Learning to read the Cups is an exercise in emotional intelligence (EQ). It’s about acknowledging that feelings are data, not always directives. By understanding the suit's progression from the spark of the Ace to the mastery of the King, you begin to see your emotional patterns as a manageable cycle rather than a series of chaotic waves. As noted by Tarot.com, the elemental association with water reminds us that emotions must flow to remain healthy.

The Suit of Wands: Passion and Creative Action

### The 14 Cards of the Suit of Wands

The Suit of Wands represents the element of fire in your tarot cards list. This is the energy of inspiration, passion, and raw ambition. While Cups are about how you feel, Wands are about how you act:

Ace of Wands: Inspiration, new opportunities, growth, potential.
Two of Wands: Planning, making decisions, discovery.
Three of Wands: Expansion, foresight, overseas opportunities.
Four of Wands: Celebration, joy, relaxation, homecoming.
Five of Wands: Conflict, competition, disagreements, tension.
Six of Wands: Success, public recognition, victory, self-confidence.
Seven of Wands: Challenge, competition, protection, perseverance.
Eight of Wands: Speed, action, air travel, movement.
Nine of Wands: Resilience, grit, last stand, persistence.
Ten of Wands: Burden, extra responsibility, hard work, stress.
Page of Wands: Inspiration, ideas, discovery, limitless potential.
Knight of Wands: Energy, passion, inspired action, adventure.
Queen of Wands: Confidence, independence, social butterfly.
King of Wands: Natural-born leader, vision, entrepreneur, honor.

When the 'fire' of the Wands shows up in your reading, it’s often a call to move. This suit addresses the 'Ego Pleasure' of achievement and the social status that comes with being a visionary. However, the shadow side of Wands is burnout. Think of the Ten of Wands—carrying too many logs at once. It’s a literal representation of the modern 'hustle culture' that many 25–34-year-olds feel burdened by.

To master the Wands is to learn the art of sustainable passion. You don't have to set the world on fire every day; sometimes, you just need to keep the hearth warm. If you find yourself frequently pulling the Five of Wands, it might be time to evaluate if your environment is fostering healthy competition or toxic friction. This suit reminds us that our energy is a finite resource that requires intentional direction.

The Suit of Pentacles: Security and Material Abundance

### The 14 Cards of the Suit of Pentacles

In our comprehensive tarot cards list, the Suit of Pentacles (or Coins) represents the element of earth. These cards focus on the material world: finances, work, physical health, and long-term security. They are the 'grounding' force of the deck:

Ace of Pentacles: A new financial opportunity, manifestation, abundance.
Two of Pentacles: Multiple priorities, time management, adaptability.
Three of Pentacles: Teamwork, collaboration, learning, implementation.
Four of Pentacles: Conservatism, security, frugality, boundary-setting.
Five of Pentacles: Financial loss, poverty, isolation, insecurity.
Six of Pentacles: Giving, receiving, sharing wealth, generosity.
Seven of Pentacles: Long-term view, sustainable results, investment.
Eight of Pentacles: Apprenticeship, repetitive effort, mastery, skill.
Nine of Pentacles: Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency, financial independence.
Ten of Pentacles: Wealth, financial security, family, long-term success.
Page of Pentacles: Manifestation, financial opportunity, skill development.
Knight of Pentacles: Hard work, productivity, routine, conservatism.
Queen of Pentacles: Nurturing, practical, providing financially, security.
King of Pentacles: Wealth, business, leadership, security, abundance.

The psychology of Pentacles revolves around our 'Safety and Security' needs. For many in their late 20s and early 30s, these cards reflect anxieties about career progression and financial stability. The 'Aha!' moment comes when you realize that Pentacles aren't just about money—they are about value. What do you value enough to spend your time on?

If you are feeling stuck, the Eight of Pentacles suggests that mastery takes time, while the Seven of Pentacles asks you to pause and look at how far your 'garden' has grown. According to the foundational guides at Biddy Tarot, these cards encourage us to build foundations that last. They remind us that spiritual growth is difficult if our physical needs are in a state of constant upheaval.

The Suit of Swords: Logic, Truth, and the Mind

### The 14 Cards of the Suit of Swords

The Suit of Swords represents the element of air. On any tarot cards list, these are often the most misunderstood cards because they deal with the intellect, logic, and—frequently—conflict and mental struggle:

Ace of Swords: Breakthroughs, new ideas, mental clarity, success.
Two of Swords: Difficult decisions, weighing options, an impasse.
Three of Swords: Heartbreak, emotional pain, sorrow, grief.
Four of Swords: Rest, relaxation, meditation, recuperation.
Five of Swords: Conflict, disagreement, competition, win at all costs.
Six of Swords: Transition, rite of passage, moving on, departure.
Seven of Swords: Betrayal, deception, getting away with something.
Eight of Swords: Negative thoughts, self-imposed imprisonment.
Nine of Swords: Anxiety, nightmares, fear, depression.
Ten of Swords: Backstabbing, defeat, crisis, betrayal.
Page of Swords: New ideas, curiosity, thirst for knowledge.
Knight of Swords: Action-oriented, driven, intellectual, fast-paced.
Queen of Swords: Independent, unbiased judgement, clear boundaries.
King of Swords: Intellectual power, authority, truth, discipline.

The Suit of Swords addresses our deepest 'Shadow Pain': the fear that our thoughts can trap us. Cards like the Eight or Nine of Swords depict mental states where we feel paralyzed by anxiety. Psychologically, this suit is about the 'power of the word' and the double-edged nature of logic. It can cut through deception, but it can also wound the heart.

When these cards appear, they are usually asking you to look at your mental narrative. Are you being honest with yourself? Are you overthinking a simple situation? The Swords teach us that while the mind is a wonderful servant, it is a terrible master. Clarity often comes not by thinking harder, but by stepping back into the 'rest' of the Four of Swords. Use this part of the list to identify where you might be standing in your own way.

The Quick-Reference Interpretation Matrix

### Interpreting the Tarot: A Practical Matrix

When you are referencing a tarot cards list, it’s helpful to have a quick-glance system for decision-making. Below is a foundational matrix to help you disambiguate the 'vibe' of each suit and its corresponding life area:

Suit / Category	Element	Life Realm	Primary Question	Core Shadow	Yes/No Lean
Major Arcana	Ether/Spirit	Destiny/Soul	What is the lesson?	Fatalism	Varies (Strong)
Suit of Cups	Water	Emotions/Love	How do I feel?	Escapism	Likely Yes
Suit of Wands	Fire	Action/Drive	What should I do?	Burnout	Usually Yes
Suit of Pentacles	Earth	Money/Body	What is the cost?	Greed/Fear	Solid Yes
Suit of Swords	Air	Mind/Logic	What is the truth?	Paranoia	Often No/Caution

It is also important to address the modern 'Balatro' confusion. If you are here because of the popular video game Balatro, please note that while the game uses tarot cards as 'consumable' power-ups, their functions in the game (like turning cards into Hearts or enhancing Mult) do not reflect their traditional occult meanings. Traditional tarot is a system of reflection, not a gaming mechanic for poker hands. Similarly, collectibles like 'Fairyloot' tarot cards are beautiful artistic interpretations, but the 78-card structure remains the universal standard for actual readings.

To deepen your practice, don't just memorize the list. Try to 'feel' the element. When you pull a Pentacle, touch something physical—a stone or a coin. When you pull a Cup, sip some water. This sensory anchoring helps the brain move from rote memorization into intuitive knowing. You aren't just reading cards; you are learning to read the language of your own life.

FAQ

1. How many cards are in a standard tarot cards list?

A standard tarot cards list contains exactly 78 cards. This includes 22 Major Arcana cards, which represent major life themes, and 56 Minor Arcana cards, which represent the day-to-day events and emotions of human existence.

2. What is the difference between Major and Minor Arcana?

The Major Arcana is a set of 22 cards that illustrate 'The Fool's Journey,' representing significant archetypal forces and karmic lessons. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits (Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords) that deal with the mundane aspects of life.

3. Do reversed tarot cards always have a negative meaning?

While some readers view reversed cards as 'negative,' they usually represent internalized energy, delays, or a need for introspection regarding the card's theme. A reversal is a nudge to look deeper, not a sign of impending doom.

4. What is the best way to memorize tarot card meanings?

Memorizing a tarot cards list is easiest when you learn the 'system' rather than individual definitions. Focus on learning the meaning of the four elements and the numerological significance of numbers 1 through 10, then combine them.

5. Which card in the tarot cards list is the most powerful?

The most 'powerful' card is subjective, but many consider 'The World' to be the most positive as it represents total fulfillment. 'The Fool' is also uniquely powerful because it contains the potential of all other cards combined.

6. What is the difference between Oracle and Tarot cards?

Tarot decks have a fixed 78-card structure with specific suits and archetypes. Oracle decks are free-form, meaning the creator decides the number of cards and the themes, making them more varied and less 'systematic' than tarot.

7. Can I use a regular deck of cards for a tarot reading?

Yes, you can use a regular 52-card deck of playing cards (Cartomancy). Hearts correspond to Cups, Diamonds to Pentacles, Clubs to Wands, and Spades to Swords. However, you will lack the 22 Major Arcana archetypes found in a traditional tarot cards list.

8. What do the court cards represent in a reading?

Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) represent different levels of maturity or specific people in your life. They can also represent facets of your own personality that you are currently expressing or need to develop.

9. Are there specific 'Yes' or 'No' tarot cards?

In a Yes/No reading, active cards like the Sun or the Aces are usually a 'Yes,' while restrictive cards like the Three of Swords or the Ten of Swords are often a 'No.' However, the context of your question is always the most important factor.

10. What is the best tarot deck for a beginner to start with?

The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck is widely considered the best for beginners because its imagery is highly illustrative and most modern tarot cards lists and guides are based on its symbolism.

References

biddytarot.com — Biddy Tarot Card Meanings

labyrinthos.co — Labyrinthos: Tarot Card Meanings List

tarot.com — Tarot.com: Minor Arcana Cards