A Beginner’s Guide to Tarot Card Meanings and Spreads

Beginner's Guide to Tarot Meanings and Spreads | California Psychics

What is Tarot?

Tarot is an important psychic tool with a long and deep history. Made up of 78 cards that all have their own meaning, Tarot can help in all aspects of life, and is often used to answer questions and give guidance in difficult situations. Tarot is more than just a deck of cards than can help you plan your future, it is a window into your inner self, and a tool to help you manifest your desires.

Related: Future Love Tarot Spread

Tarot Cards

A Tarot deck, of which there are many different varieties, is always made up of 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana are made up of four suits, Swords, Coins, Staffs, and Vessels, or other similar names that will be elaborated on in the sections below. Each card is an archetype with its own individual meaning that can be read on its own. When read with other cards, and in specific readings, the meaning evolves and transmutes, but will always hold to its core message. A Tarot Psychic will be able to explain how each of the cards work with each other.

Related: How to Use Tarot Playing Cards

Major Arcana

The Major Arcana, also known as the Trumps, are numbered 0 to 21. The Major Arcana Tarot cards tell a story starting with The Fool and ending with The World and is a metaphor for one’s journey through life. Many call this “The Fool’s Journey.” While the Fool enters the story carefree, spontaneous, and ready to take on anything, he is also oblivious. By the end of the journey, the Fool reenters the world, no longer foolish nor oblivious. He is accomplished and more actively involved in the world and aware of his surroundings.

Pay close attention when you get a Major Arcana card in a reading. It usually has an important lesson for you that is directly tied to your question. If you are doing a spread, the Major Arcana card meanings take precedent, and the Minor Arcana card meanings will ladder up to the Major Arcana cards present.

Minor Arcana Suits

If the Major Arcana is the star of the story, the Minor Arcana are the juicy details. The Minor Arcana, or Lesser Arcana, is made up of 56 cards divided into four suits. The suits are more traditionally known as Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles, but the names vary depending on the deck. For example, The California Psychics Tarot Deck uses a couple of alternative names which are listed below.

Suit of Staffs

Staffs are more commonly referred to as Wands, but they are also called rods, staves, batons, and clubs in a traditional deck of playing cards. This suit aligns with the Fire element and the astrological signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Overall, Staffs represent action. Other keywords associated with this suit are passion, inspiration, ambition, growth, and power. They usually represent careers and creativity. When this suit comes up in a reading, action is required.

Suit of Vessels

Vessels, most commonly known as Cups, are also known as chalices, goblets, and hearts in a traditional deck of playing cards. This suit aligns with the Water element and the astrological signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio.

Vessels represent emotions. Other keywords associated with this suit are love, intuition, connections, and your subconscious. They usually represent relationships and feelings. When this suit comes up in a reading, it is time to listen to your gut and follow your intuition.

Suit of Swords

Swords are sometimes also known as blades, knives, or spades in a traditional deck of playing cards. This suit aligns with the Air element and the astrological signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Swords represent thoughts. Other keywords associated with this suit are present force, aggression, movement, and intellectual endeavors. They tend to represent communication and conflict. When this suit comes up in a reading, a plan is needed.

Suit of Coins

Coins are most commonly referred to as Pentacles but also known as discs and diamonds in a traditional deck of playing cards. This suit aligns with the Earth element and the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Coins represent the material world. Other keywords associated with this suit are completion and abundance. They usually represent business, finances, education, and things you can psychically touch. When this suit comes up in a reading, use your common sense.

Tarot Spreads

Each Tarot card has a message that can easily answer a question were it to be drawn on its own. As explained above however, when drawn in combination, the Major and Minor Arcana cards create a much more complete picture of any question that you could ask them. This is the purpose of Tarot spreads. Tarot can answer many questions for you, and flesh out the details of any situation you may need guidance for. Read on for a few of California Psychics’ favorite Tarot spreads.

My Future Love Tarot Spread

The Year Ahead Tarot Spread

The Soulmate Tarot Spread

A Halloween Tarot Spread

A Tarot Spread for Hard Times

Click here for more Tarot spreads.

Other Tarot Resources

Tarot is a powerful psychic tool that can help you in many ways. If you’re interested in learning more about Tarot, check out some of California Psychics’ other Tarot content below.

How to Ask the Right Questions During a Tarot Reading

Meaning of the Fool’s Journey

How to Use Playing Cards as Tarot

Embracing Opportunities with the Help of Tarot

Understanding Tarot

You can learn more about Tarot here.


Looking for a deeper connection to Spirit? A tarot card reading is your answer. Tarot cards give you a direct connection to Spirit so you receive profound insights into your past, present, and future. Our tarot card psychics interpret Spirit’s messages for you so you know what you’re getting is the unadulterated truth.

Find a tarot card psychic or learn more about tarot card readings.


About California Psychics
California Psychics is the most trusted source of psychic readings. We have delivered over 6 million discreet and confidential psychic readings by phone since 1995. More than a prediction, we are your guide for life’s journey. Serenity, happiness, and success are just a phone call away. With over 400 psychics online to choose from, you’re sure to find the best psychics for you. Call one of our trusted and accurate psychics today! Confidential and secure, real psychics, accurate predictions, 100% guaranteed.

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