Here are the standard meaning of each card. However, none of this is set in stone. The best way to read Tarot cards is to go with your basic instinct as to what each card means.

I found it helpful to learn the basic meanings of each card and then go with my intuition when it comes up in a reading. For example, in one reading, the Queen of Cups might be celebrating, but in another reading, you might get a distinct feeling of sadness.

Also, no two decks are equal. If you get a different interpretation of a card in your deck than is the standard meaning, go with what you feel. The cards are merely tools, not divination themselves. The divination comes from what you get from the cards.

Click on the headers below to get an overview of each category and then click on the specific card for its meaning.