Tarot · Keywords

Tarot card keywords: all 78, upright and reversed

The short words for every card, love — the ones you reach for mid-reading when the picture is there but the word has gone. Upright and reversed, all seventy-eight.

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Major Arcana Cups Swords Wands Pentacles How to use them

The whole deck, one word each

If you only ever keep one word per card, keep this one. The full lists are below.

The FoolbeginningsThe MagicianskillThe High PriestessintuitionThe EmpressabundanceThe EmperorstructureThe HierophanttraditionThe LoversloveThe ChariotwillpowerStrengthcourageThe HermitsolitudeWheel of FortunecyclesJusticefairnessThe Hanged ManpauseDeathendingsTemperancebalanceThe DevilattachmentThe Towersudden changeThe StarhopeThe MoonillusionThe SunjoyJudgementawakeningThe WorldcompletionAce of Cupsnew loveTwo of CupspartnershipThree of CupsfriendshipFour of CupsapathyFive of CupsgriefSix of CupsnostalgiaSeven of CupschoicesEight of Cupswalking awayNine of CupscontentmentTen of Cupslasting happinessPage of CupscuriosityKnight of CupsromanceQueen of CupscompassionKing of Cupsemotional balanceAce of SwordsclarityTwo of Swordsa stalemateThree of SwordsheartbreakFour of SwordsrestFive of SwordsconflictSix of Swordsmoving onSeven of SwordsstrategyEight of Swordsfeeling trappedNine of SwordsanxietyTen of Swordsan endingPage of SwordscuriosityKnight of SwordsambitionQueen of Swordsclear thinkingKing of SwordsauthorityAce of Wandsa sparkTwo of WandsplanningThree of WandsexpansionFour of WandscelebrationFive of WandscompetitionSix of WandsvictorySeven of Wandsstanding your groundEight of WandsspeedNine of WandsresilienceTen of WandsburdenPage of WandsenthusiasmKnight of WandspassionQueen of WandsconfidenceKing of WandsvisionAce of Pentaclesa solid new startTwo of PentaclesjugglingThree of PentaclesteamworkFour of Pentaclesholding onFive of Pentacleshard timesSix of PentaclesgenerositySeven of PentaclespatienceEight of PentaclesdiligenceNine of Pentaclesself-sufficiencyTen of PentacleslegacyPage of Pentaclesa studentKnight of PentaclesreliabilityQueen of PentaclesnurturingKing of Pentaclesabundance

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Keywords are for when you are reading for yourself. If you would rather I read it, type your question and I will turn a card on it, free.

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The Major Arcana: keywords

The twenty-two big cards, the ones most readers learn first.

The FoolUPRIGHTbeginnings, trust, a leap, freedomREVERSEDrecklessness, hesitation, a jump you keep postponing
The MagicianUPRIGHTskill, will, resourcefulness, focusREVERSEDscattered effort, trickery, talent left unused
The High PriestessUPRIGHTintuition, mystery, inner knowing, patienceREVERSEDsecrets, ignoring your gut, surface noise
The EmpressUPRIGHTabundance, nurture, sensuality, creativityREVERSEDsmothering, creative block, neglecting yourself
The EmperorUPRIGHTstructure, authority, stability, protectionREVERSEDcontrol, rigidity, a power struggle
The HierophantUPRIGHTtradition, teaching, belonging, commitmentREVERSEDrebellion, outgrown rules, your own path
The LoversUPRIGHTlove, union, choice, alignmentREVERSEDdisharmony, temptation, a choice avoided
The ChariotUPRIGHTwillpower, momentum, victory, directionREVERSEDlost control, scattered aim, forcing it
StrengthUPRIGHTcourage, gentleness, patience, inner powerREVERSEDself-doubt, harshness, fear running the show
The HermitUPRIGHTsolitude, reflection, wisdom, guidanceREVERSEDisolation, withdrawal, refusing counsel
Wheel of FortuneUPRIGHTcycles, change, fate, turning pointsREVERSEDresistance to change, a down cycle, bad timing
JusticeUPRIGHTfairness, truth, cause and effect, decisionsREVERSEDunfairness, dishonesty, avoiding accountability
The Hanged ManUPRIGHTpause, surrender, a new view, letting goREVERSEDstalling, pointless sacrifice, resisting the pause
DeathUPRIGHTendings, transformation, release, renewalREVERSEDresisting change, lingering, a door half-closed
TemperanceUPRIGHTbalance, moderation, healing, patienceREVERSEDexcess, imbalance, rushing, extremes
The DevilUPRIGHTattachment, temptation, shadow, compulsionREVERSEDrelease, breaking free, reclaiming power
The TowerUPRIGHTsudden change, upheaval, revelation, truthREVERSEDaverting disaster, fear of change, delayed collapse
The StarUPRIGHThope, healing, renewal, inspirationREVERSEDdiscouragement, lost faith, disconnection
The MoonUPRIGHTillusion, intuition, dreams, uncertaintyREVERSEDconfusion lifting, fear released, truth surfacing
The SunUPRIGHTjoy, success, warmth, clarityREVERSEDdimmed joy, delays, overconfidence
JudgementUPRIGHTawakening, reckoning, renewal, a callingREVERSEDself-doubt, harsh self-judgment, ignoring the call
The WorldUPRIGHTcompletion, wholeness, achievement, travelREVERSEDunfinished business, delays, seeking closure

The Suit of Cups: keywords

Feeling, love and what the heart is doing.

Ace of CupsUPRIGHTnew love, an open heart, emotional renewal, tendernessREVERSEDfeelings held back, a heart running dry, love offered but not received
Two of CupsUPRIGHTpartnership, mutual attraction, a bond of equals, making upREVERSEDimbalance, a broken rhythm, a bond that has gone one-sided
Three of CupsUPRIGHTfriendship, celebration, community, joy sharedREVERSEDoverindulgence, gossip, a third person in the way, feeling left out
Four of CupsUPRIGHTapathy, contemplation, boredom, an offer overlookedREVERSEDwaking up, saying yes again, choosing what you actually want
Five of CupsUPRIGHTgrief, regret, disappointment, dwelling on lossREVERSEDacceptance, turning around, forgiveness, moving on
Six of CupsUPRIGHTnostalgia, childhood, innocence, kindness, an old connectionREVERSEDliving in the past, outgrown patterns, a memory kinder than the truth
Seven of CupsUPRIGHTchoices, fantasy, wishful thinking, too many optionsREVERSEDclarity, a firm decision, illusions falling away
Eight of CupsUPRIGHTwalking away, seeking more, leaving what no longer fulfillsREVERSEDfear of leaving, drifting back, staying out of habit
Nine of CupsUPRIGHTcontentment, a wish granted, satisfaction, pleasureREVERSEDsmugness, empty indulgence, a wish that didn't satisfy
Ten of CupsUPRIGHTlasting happiness, family, harmony, emotional fulfillmentREVERSEDa picture-perfect front, family tension, values pulling apart
Page of CupsUPRIGHTcuriosity, a sweet message, creative beginnings, intuitionREVERSEDemotional immaturity, a creative block, a message delayed
Knight of CupsUPRIGHTromance, an offer from the heart, charm, following a feelingREVERSEDmoodiness, unrealistic promises, a charmer who doesn't stay
Queen of CupsUPRIGHTcompassion, emotional wisdom, intuition, calm careREVERSEDgiving until empty, moods running the day, lost boundaries
King of CupsUPRIGHTemotional balance, calm leadership, generosity, steadinessREVERSEDfeelings suppressed, coldness, manipulation, a calm that's only on the surface

The Suit of Swords: keywords

Thought, truth and the hard conversations.

Ace of SwordsUPRIGHTclarity, a breakthrough, the truth said plainly, a clean decisionREVERSEDconfusion, harsh words, a truth bent to suit someone
Two of SwordsUPRIGHTa stalemate, an avoided choice, a truce, holding stillREVERSEDthe decision breaking through, information overload, the truce ending
Three of SwordsUPRIGHTheartbreak, grief, a painful truth, sorrow that needs roomREVERSEDhealing begins, releasing pain, a hurt slowly mending
Four of SwordsUPRIGHTrest, recovery, retreat, quiet contemplationREVERSEDrestlessness, burnout, coming back from a pause
Five of SwordsUPRIGHTconflict, a hollow victory, winning at a price, tensionREVERSEDmaking peace, walking away, regret after an argument
Six of SwordsUPRIGHTmoving on, a transition, leaving trouble behind, recoveryREVERSEDresisting change, unfinished business, a journey delayed
Seven of SwordsUPRIGHTstrategy, secrecy, getting away with something, going it aloneREVERSEDcoming clean, being found out, a conscience stirring
Eight of SwordsUPRIGHTfeeling trapped, self-limiting beliefs, powerlessness, indecisionREVERSEDrelease, a new perspective, freeing yourself
Nine of SwordsUPRIGHTanxiety, worry, sleepless nights, fear that feeds on itselfREVERSEDhope returning, reaching out, worries easing
Ten of SwordsUPRIGHTan ending, the worst is over, a painful finish, releaseREVERSEDrecovery, survival, refusing to let go
Page of SwordsUPRIGHTcuriosity, new ideas, a sharp mind, watchfulnessREVERSEDgossip, all talk, hasty words, scattered thinking
Knight of SwordsUPRIGHTambition, speed, decisive action, saying it straightREVERSEDrecklessness, rushing in, words that wound, scattered force
Queen of SwordsUPRIGHTclear thinking, honesty, independence, perceptionREVERSEDcoldness, bitterness, harsh judgment, a closed heart
King of SwordsUPRIGHTauthority, fairness, intellect, a sound judgmentREVERSEDmisused power, manipulation, rigid thinking

The Suit of Wands: keywords

Drive, nerve and what you want enough to chase.

Ace of WandsUPRIGHTa spark, fresh desire, a bold start, creative fireREVERSEDa stalled launch, delays, a spark that won't catch
Two of WandsUPRIGHTplanning, a wider horizon, the first big decision, ambitionREVERSEDfear of leaving the familiar, plans kept small, hesitation
Three of WandsUPRIGHTexpansion, foresight, waiting for ships, progress abroadREVERSEDdelays, plans that fall short, frustration with slow results
Four of WandsUPRIGHTcelebration, homecoming, a milestone, joy shared with othersREVERSEDtension at home, a party postponed, feeling unwelcome
Five of WandsUPRIGHTcompetition, friction, clashing egos, a scrambleREVERSEDavoiding conflict, a truce, tension finally easing
Six of WandsUPRIGHTvictory, recognition, public praise, confidence earnedREVERSEDself-doubt, a fall from favor, needing approval too much
Seven of WandsUPRIGHTstanding your ground, defending a position, courage under pressureREVERSEDexhaustion, giving in, feeling overwhelmed by opposition
Eight of WandsUPRIGHTspeed, swift news, movement, things finally happeningREVERSEDdelays, crossed wires, rushing, energy scattered
Nine of WandsUPRIGHTresilience, persistence, one last push, guarded strengthREVERSEDburnout, paranoia, defenses that have become walls
Ten of WandsUPRIGHTburden, overwork, responsibility, carrying too muchREVERSEDsetting down the load, delegating, release from duty
Page of WandsUPRIGHTenthusiasm, curiosity, an exciting message, a free spiritREVERSEDrestlessness, a false start, ideas never followed through
Knight of WandsUPRIGHTpassion, adventure, bold action, impulsive energyREVERSEDrecklessness, haste, a temper, plans abandoned midway
Queen of WandsUPRIGHTconfidence, warmth, magnetism, determined independenceREVERSEDjealousy, self-doubt, a fire turned inward or demanding
King of WandsUPRIGHTvision, leadership, bold decisions, an entrepreneur's spiritREVERSEDarrogance, impatience, a vision without follow-through

The Suit of Pentacles: keywords

Work, money, the body and the home.

Ace of PentaclesUPRIGHTa solid new start, a seed of security, an opportunity you can holdREVERSEDa missed opening, shaky footing, plans with no ground under them
Two of PentaclesUPRIGHTjuggling, balance, adapting, keeping two things in motionREVERSEDoverload, dropped balls, too many plates spinning at once
Three of PentaclesUPRIGHTteamwork, craft, skilled work recognized, building something togetherREVERSEDpoor coordination, work unseen, a team pulling in different directions
Four of PentaclesUPRIGHTholding on, saving, security, control over what you haveREVERSEDloosening your grip, generosity returning, or fear of loss tightening
Five of PentaclesUPRIGHThard times, feeling left out in the cold, worry, a lean seasonREVERSEDrecovery, help accepted, the worst of the winter passing
Six of PentaclesUPRIGHTgenerosity, giving and receiving, fairness, help that flowsREVERSEDstrings attached, one-sided giving, debts of gratitude
Seven of PentaclesUPRIGHTpatience, assessing progress, long-term effort, waiting for the harvestREVERSEDimpatience, effort without reward, wondering whether to keep going
Eight of PentaclesUPRIGHTdiligence, mastery, practice, careful skilled workREVERSEDperfectionism, boredom, cutting corners, work without heart
Nine of PentaclesUPRIGHTself-sufficiency, comfort earned, independence, quiet luxuryREVERSEDoverworking for appearances, dependence, a garden that feels lonely
Ten of PentaclesUPRIGHTlegacy, family, lasting wealth, roots that hold generationsREVERSEDfamily strain, an inheritance quarrel, foundations cracking
Page of PentaclesUPRIGHTa student, a new plan, curiosity about the practical, a promising startREVERSEDprocrastination, a plan that stays on paper, lack of follow-through
Knight of PentaclesUPRIGHTreliability, routine, hard work, slow and steady progressREVERSEDstuck in a rut, stubbornness, boredom, work without joy
Queen of PentaclesUPRIGHTnurturing, practical care, a warm home, generosity that keepsREVERSEDself-neglect, smothering, work-home imbalance, giving until empty
King of PentaclesUPRIGHTabundance, stability, leadership, success built to lastREVERSEDgreed, rigidity, status over substance, control through money

How to use a keyword without reading flat

Say the word, then ask it a question. "Independence" on its own is a label. "Where are you holding yourself apart, and is it protecting you or costing you?" is a reading.

Pick the one that stings. When a card has four words and one of them makes you look away, that is the one the card is using today.

Let the cards next to it choose. The same card means different words beside different neighbours. The Three of Swords beside a Ten of Cups is not the Three of Swords beside a Five of Pentacles.

Keywords are a handle, not the card. When a reading goes thin, it is usually because the words got read out instead of looked at. Each card's own page has the full meaning when you want more than a handle.

Questions about tarot keywords

What are tarot keywords?

A handful of words that hold a card’s core meaning, so you can recall it fast. They are a handle, not the whole card. Every card above carries its upright words and its reversed words.

Do I need to memorise all 78?

No. Most readers learn the twenty-two Major Arcana first, then one suit at a time. The keywords are there so you can look one up mid-reading without losing your thread.

Why do keyword lists differ from deck to deck?

Because a keyword is a summary, and summarisers differ. A list is one reader’s shorthand for a picture that holds more than a list can. These are mine, at this table, and they match the full meanings on each card’s own page.

Are reversed keywords just the opposite of upright ones?

Rarely. Reversed usually means the same force blocked, turned inward or on its way out. That is why each card below has its own reversed words rather than the upright ones negated.

How do I use keywords without reading flat?

Say the keyword, then ask it a question. "Independence" becomes "where are you holding yourself apart, and is it protecting you or costing you?" The word opens the door; the question is the room.

Which card has the most keywords?

They differ by card, because some cards genuinely carry more. The point is not how many words there are, but which one lands when you look at your own question.

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When the word is not enough

Bring me the card and what you were asking it. The first card is free, and I read it for your question, not for a list.