Dear Tarot student,
The keywords and correspondences for each of the 78 Tarot Keys in this post can be seen as an extended Little White Book (LWB).
I would advise against doing readings based on keywords alone. As a beginner, you will probably receive more accurate guidance by allowing the images of the deck to speak to you intuitively.
However, keywords can sometimes help trigger deeper insights and provide clarity when we feel that the cards are not making much sense.
Keywords also add to our internal database of Tarot knowledge. I like to think of each keyword as a memory hook that you can use to sort situations and things you encounter in everyday life.
Learning Tarot correspondences is a lifelong pursuit and extremely valuable once we start using the Tarot for Pathworking and personal/spiritual development.
The aim of any serious student of the Tarot should be to embody each of the 78 Keys in full awareness so that they are all on tap at any given moment. This is how you can truly make the Tarot work for you. Please be patient as this level of mastery usually takes years to achieve.
You will notice that I have not included reversed Tarot card meanings here. This is because I believe that the upright card contains the full spectrum of meanings and that turning cards upside down can block natural visual clues. A better way of reading the cards is to learn to sense the flow of energy between you, your question and the vibration of each arcanum, as well as how the energy flows between the cards.
THE FOOL
Astrological correspondence: Uranus
Element: Air
Archangel: Uriel
Keywords: innocence, new beginnings, blind faith, a childlike sense of wonder,
foolishness, boldness, carelessness, feeling carefree
THE MAGICIAN
Astrological correspondence: Mercury
Archangel: Raphael
Keywords: communication, adaptation, cunning, skill, mastery, craft, trickery, indecision, deceit
THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Astrological correspondence: The Moon
Archangel: Gabriel
Keywords: divine knowledge, mystery, wisdom, prophecy, the subconscious, a need for approval, codependency, bipolar disorder
THE EMPRESS
Astrological correspondence: Venus
Archangel: Anael
Keywords: beauty, creativity, fertility, selfishness, motherhood, infidelity, smothering, luxury, flirting, chaos
THE EMPEROR
Astrological correspondence: Aries
Archangel: Camael
Keywords: fatherhood, organisation, ambition, rational thought, leadership, irresponsibility, anger issues, authority
THE HIEROPHANT
Astrological correspondence: Taurus
Archangel: Anael
Keywords: tradition, legacy, religion, education, convention, fanaticism, blind devotion, servitude, society, weight gain
THE LOVERS
Astrological correspondence: Gemini
Archangel: Raphael
Keywords: choice, friendship, love relationship, true love, conflict, a relationship ending, indecision, poor choices
THE CHARIOT
Astrological correspondence: Cancer
Archangel: Gabriel
Keywords: willpower, self-control, self-discipline, co-creating destiny, success, lack of focus, loss of direction, pressure, determination, lack of self-discipline
STRENGTH
Astrological correspondence: Leo
Archangel: Michael
Keywords: strength, magnanimity, power, courage, conviction, compassion, doubt, cowardice, blind rage, weakness, pride
THE HERMIT
Astrological correspondence: Virgo
Archangel: Raphael
Keywords: contemplation, (life) review, deliberation, insight, teaching, self-awareness, service,
isolation, withdrawal, feeling rejected
WHEEL Of FORTUNE
Astrological correspondence: Jupiter
Archangel: Sachiel
Keywords: good fortune, unexpected rewards, timing, unexpected problems, curve balls, success, karma, destiny, luck, expansion
JUSTICE
Astrological correspondence: Libra
Archangel: Anael
Keywords: justice, legal matters, marriage, divorce, lawsuits, harmony, homeostasis, dispute, equality, inequality, decision-making
THE HANGED MAN
Astrological correspondence: Neptune
Element: Water
Archangels: Gabriel and Asariel
Keywords: a new perspective, dreams, illusion, delusion, the silver screen, sacrifice, futility, depression, punishment, devotion
DEATH
Astrological correspondence: Scorpio
Archangel: Azrael
Keywords: change, transformation, death of the ego, initiation, endings, clinging to the past, refusal to change, obsession
TEMPERANCE
Astrological correspondence: Sagittarius
Archangel: Sachiel
Keywords: art, alchemy, union, compromise, moderation, harmony, cooperation, impatience,
discord, competition, frustration, clumsiness
XV THE DEVIL
Astrological correspondence: Capricorn
Archangel: Cassiel
Keywords: temptation, addiction, codependency, abuse, overcoming temptation, freedom, facing your fear, finding balance
THE TOWER
Astrological correspondence: Mars
Archangel: Camael
Keywords: trauma, destruction, acts of God, danger, accident, puberty (boys), suffering, surgery, war, natural disasters, testosterone, erectile dysfunction
THE STAR
Astrological correspondence: Aquarius
Archangels: Cassiel and Uriel
Keywords: hope, renewed faith, optimism, help, harmony, community, transparency, disappointment, negativity, unfulfilled hopes
THE MOON
Astrological correspondence: Pisces
Archangels: Asariel and Sachiel
Keywords: illusion, delusion, fantasy, secrets, fear, betrayal, secrets revealed, awareness, addiction, confusion
THE SUN
Astrological correspondence: The Sun
Archangel: Michael
Keywords: happiness, success, rewards, prosperity, glory, courage, victory, burnout, pride, delayed success
JUDGEMENT
Astrological correspondence: Pluto
Element: Fire
Archangels: Azrael and Jeremiel
Keywords: renewal, finality, a life-changing choice, summation, remorse, regrets, resolution, indecision, life review
THE WORLD
Astrological correspondence: Saturn
Element: Earth
Archangel: Cassiel
Keywords: cycles, nature, perfection, attainment, self-realization, recognition, stagnation, lack of closure, unfinished business, recompense
SUIT OF WANDS
ACE OF WANDS
Element: Fire
Keywords: optimism, inspiration, a new venture, sap rising, impotence, pessimism, powerlessness
TWO OF WANDS (Mars in Aries)
Keywords: determination, sparring partner, steady course, equal partnership, loss of interest, straying, misgivings, conflict, domination
THREE OF WANDS (Sun in Aries)
Keywords: enterprise, networking, great purpose, creativity, arrogance, creative block, unrealistic expectations
FOUR OF WANDS (Venus in Aries)
Keywords: celebration, joy, successful completion of the phase of a venture, exhausted resources, lack of freedom
FIVE OF WANDS (Saturn in Leo)
Keywords: rivalry, conflict, challenge, struggle, opposition, relief, uprising, creative block, infertility
SIX OF WANDS (Jupiter in Leo)
Keywords: triumph, success, arrogance, subjugation, conquest, achievement, reward, victory, pride, defeat, submission
SEVEN OF WANDS (Mars in Leo)
Keywords: courage, determination, standing up for oneself, opposition, fighting for a cause, passivity, vulnerability, self-doubt
EIGHT OF WANDS (Mercury in Sagittarius)
Keywords: speed, excitement, acting/speaking without thinking, messages, messengers, slowing down, apathy
NINE OF WANDS (Moon in Sagittarius)
Keywords: defending oneself, being guarded, refusal to compromise, defenceless, mustering strength, allowing the past to dictate the future, feeling drained
TEN OF WANDS (Saturn in Sagittarius)
Keywords: oppression, a need to delegate, being under pressure, inspiration blocked, burn-out, over-worked, all work and no play, strong sense of responsibility
PAGE OF WANDS (Fire)
Keywords: good news, pleasure, optimism, vigour, excitement, irresponsibility, immaturity, foolhardiness
KNIGHT OF WANDS (Leo)
Keywords: departure, adventure, separation, foolish haste, conquest, seduction, insensitivity, self-assurance, bragging, empty promises
QUEEN OF WANDS (Aries)
Keywords: charisma, enterprise, confidence, success, independence, jealousy, diva, demanding, irritability
KING OF WANDS (Sagittarius)
Keywords: visionary ability, ambition, passion, leadership, professionalism, education, insensitivity, ruthlessness
SUIT OF CUPS
ACE OF CUPS
Element: Water
Keywords: new love, unconditional love, pleasure, bliss, blocked love/sadness, feeling disconnected, lack of trust, heartbreak
TWO OF CUPS (Venus in Cancer)
Keywords: partnership, marriage, harmony, friendship, engagement, divorce, conflict, disagreement, a relationship ending
THREE OF CUPS (Mercury in Cancer)
Keywords: friendship, partying, dancing, pregnancy, happiness, celebration, joy, overindulgence, promiscuity, infidelity
FOUR OF CUPS (Moon in Cancer)
Keywords: apathy, dissatisfaction, boredom, tears, withdrawal, empty feelings, renewal, end of discontent, appreciation
FIVE OF CUPS (Mars in Scorpio)
Keywords: loss, regret, disappointment, grief, feeling unappreciated, lack of faith, renewed faith, end of regret
SIX OF CUPS (Sun in Scorpio)
Keywords: the past, looking back, nostalgia, old friends, friendships rekindled, soul mates, soul family, childhood
SEVEN OF CUPS (Venus in Scorpio)
Keywords: addiction, confusion, escapism, daydreaming, clarity, direction, resolve, focus
EIGHT OF CUPS (Saturn in Pisces)
Keywords: moving on, leaving, breaking up, disappointment, restlessness, feeling stuck, commitment phobia
NINE OF CUPS (Jupiter in Pisces)
Keywords: contentment, wishes fulfilled, joy, pleasure in the little things, gluttony, excess, obesity, greed
TEN OF CUPS (Mars in Pisces)
Keywords: communion, true love, harmony, lasting happiness, opposition, dissolution, family strife, differences
PAGE OF CUPS (Water)
Keywords: imagination, party invites, intuition, vulnerability, youthfulness, immaturity, procrastination, laziness, insecurity
KNIGHT OF CUPS (Scorpio)
Keywords: arduous suitor, passion, new love, poetry, artistic person, seduction, devotion, flattery, deception, a conman
QUEEN OF CUPS (Cancer) Keywords: empathy, psychic ability, virtue, wisdom, gullibility, dependency, emotional manipulation, fickleness
KING OF CUPS (Pisces)
Keywords: emotional maturity, caretaker, caring, open-minded, compassion, generosity, liberal, narcissism, sleaziness, apathy, dishonesty, addictive personality
SUIT OF SWORDS
ACE OF SWORDS
Element: Air
Keywords: mental energy, inspired thought, innovation, focus, courage, discipline, clairvoyance, illusion, defeat, stupidity, forcefulness
TWO OF SWORDS (Moon in Libra)
Keywords: stalemate, impasse, being in limbo, uncertainty, friendship, delay, false friends, a forced decision, avoiding responsibility
THREE OF SWORDS (Saturn in Libra)
Keywords: heartache, infidelity, loss, sorrow, rupture, separation, recovery, release, pain ending, unreciprocated love
FOUR OF SWORDS (Jupiter in Libra)
Keywords: rest, relaxation, illness, recovery, bed rest, relief, recuperation, solitude, meditation, healing, revitalization, holiday
FIVE OF SWORDS (Venus in Aquarius) Keywords: defeat, hollow victory,
betrayal, sabotage, a sneak attack, vindication, traitor exposed, cutting one’s losses
SIX OF SWORDS (Mercury in Aquarius) Keywords: science, objectivity,
problems resolved, calm waters, smooth sailing, warning of rough seas, surprise, revelation, cancelled travel
SEVEN OF SWORDS (Moon in Aquarius) Keywords: cunning, making plans,
trickery, theft, cheating, cleverness, covetous desire, constructive criticism,
apology, analysis, taking notes
EIGHT OF SWORDS (Jupiter in Gemini) Keywords: self-limiting thoughts,
allowing the past to dictate the future, blame, being trapped, bondage, forced
restraint, release, empowerment, overcoming obstacles, mental freedom
NINE OF SWORDS (Mars in Gemini) Keywords: anxiety, despair, worry,
pressure, guilt, depression, hopelessness, faith, trust, unfounded fears, promise, end to suffering
TEN OF SWORDS (Sun in Gemini) Keywords: rock bottom, grief, sorrow,
death, tears, failure, defeat, pain, perseverance, turning things around, no way but up
PAGE OF SWORDS (Air)
Keywords: curiosity, journalism, a spy, upsetting news, penetrating insight, quick changes, decisiveness, conspiracy, gossip, blackmail
KNIGHT OF SWORDS (Aquarius) Keywords: skilfulness, ambition, assertiveness, control, harsh words, black or white mentality, confrontation
QUEEN OF SWORDS (Libra) Keywords: sarcasm, ambition, widowhood, painful experiences that lead to wisdom, loss, keen insight, determination, cruelty, intolerance, resentment, barrenness
KING OF SWORDS (Gemini) Keywords: authority, command, objectivity, law, order, balanced judgement, sound advice, cynicism, intimidation, injustice, a keen mind but a cold heart
SUIT OF PENTACLES
ACE OF PENTACLES
Element: Earth
Keywords: a gift, the seed of prosperity, successful new beginnings, sound investments, greed, loss, poverty, poor planning
TWO OF PENTACLES (Jupiter in Capricorn)
Keywords: stress, material expansion, lots of balls in the air, ups and downs, loss of balance, juggling finances, debt, financial mismanagement, making choices on the fly
THREE OF PENTACLES (Mars in Capricorn)
Keywords: accomplishment, working together, high standards, dignity, pulling rank, poor effort, lack of ambition
FOUR OF PENTACLES (Sun in Capricorn)
Keywords: power, stability, satisfaction, guarding one’s possessions, security, a miser, money troubles, tightening one’s belt
FIVE OF PENTACLES (Mercury in Taurus)
Keywords: poverty consciousness, worry, dis-ease, seeking help, neglect of the body, feelings of unworthiness, fear of rejection
SIX OF PENTACLES (Moon in Taurus)
Keywords: presents, gifts, a bonus, an inheritance, charity, everything you need to succeed is available to you, wastefulness, wishful thinking, stinginess
SEVEN OF PENTACLES (Saturn in Taurus)
Keywords: period of growth, patience, waiting, planning, nurturing, hopelessness, delay, poor harvest
EIGHT OF PENTACLES (Sun in Virgo)
Keywords: craftsmanship, skill, training, apprenticeship, labour, fulfilling work, artisan, cheating, a pretender, misuse/lack of skills
NINE OF PENTACLES (Venus in Virgo)
Keywords: financial independence, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, well-deserved success, pride, luxury, showing off, financial setbacks, overspending
TEN OF PENTACLES (Mercury in Virgo) Keywords: legacy, comfort, wealth, security, home, old money, money problems, family disputes, robbery
PAGE OF PENTACLES (Earth)
Keywords: a serious and hard-working student, new enterprise or business venture, good financial news, beginning education, unexpected expense, moodiness, waste, laziness
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES (Taurus)
Keywords: dependability, practicality, trustworthiness, convention, perseverance, idleness, apathy, boredom, stubbornness, dullness
QUEEN OF PENTACLES (Capricorn)
Keywords: nurturing, generosity, fidelity, sensuality, resourcefulness, wealth, entitlement, greed, irresponsibility
KING OF PENTACLES (Virgo) Keywords: commitment, organization, stability,
fair, loyal, good business person, fraud, greed, embezzlement, short-sightedness, lack of business acumen
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