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 the 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.

MAJOR ARCANA

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, 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, defenseless, 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, vigor, 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, 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, labor, 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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