Angels: When angels appear it indicates important messages which could come in the form of inspiration, divine messages, clarity, communication, higher thoughts, purpose and opening awareness.
Ankh: The ankh symbol means "life" other meanings include: protection, royalty, honour, sacred, hidden wisdom, power and authority. This sign deals with immortality and balance, also with the opening of a new view. From the symbol itself the loop on the top is a symbol of the sun, with the horizontal line beneath it representing the horizon of the earth. The loop itself can be seen as a portal to other dimensions. The Egyptians speak of the ankh being a key that unlocks the realms of the dead.
Arches: are symbolic of openings for opportunities, passage-ways, new directions, protection and initiations. Ask yourself if you are ready to cross over from one phase into another in your life when you see arches.
Armour: Armour deals with preparation and strength. The armour also deals with protection, mostly of self. In most Tarot decks the knights are in full armour.
Arms: Knowledge is power when we take it in with open arms. The figures in the Judgement card are accepting higher knowledge with open arms. We become powerful ourselves when willing to take this declaration and move to a higher level.
Backs turned: Backs turned is often a time of turning away from past events.
Bandage: The bandage indicates the wounds coming from hard knocks.
Baton: The Baton is a symbol of balance and they are sacred scrolls of knowledge.
Beard: The Emperor’s beard is a symbol of his experience. We see masculine figures of authority or father figures with long white beards. It reassures us that this man has acquired years of experience and wisdom. He is worth listening to as he offers us the gift of his own life example. When we heed the advice of our elders we can often avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Bed: A place where we are most vulnerable and where we can let our defences down. Beds symbolise our dreaming life, and the thoughts of fantasy. When the bed unfolds in your reading, pull the covers back and take a good look at what's going on in the surrounding cards for more clarity. You need to define the deeper meanings lurking around.
Bench: Here is the need to sit back, relax and take a moment to examine the details in a situation from a calm point of view.
Bird: These are creatures of the air, so they symbolise higher thoughts, matters of the spirit and freedom. The bird symbol is a message that you are rising to a higher level and that you need to free yourself from bondage.
Blindfold: There is an unwillingness to face the truth, an inability to accept the facts or to see things clearly. It could also be a sign that something is being hidden from you. You need to be honest with yourself, do some research to get a different perspective.
Boats: Boats deal with deeper thoughts and the motion these thoughts produce. There could be travel or movement in a different direction.
Bridge: Bridges take us from one point to another or from one side to the other. In a reading a bridge tells us that there are ways and means in which to accomplish something but we need to take the steps needed.
Brick Wall: The brick wall is a symbol that you have been holding yourself back or positive events have been prevented from flowing forth due to negative or incorrect thinking. It’s an obstacle or some kind of hindrance.
Bull: The Bull is a symbol of power, royalty, stability, force and potency. You are dealing with some powerful forces when you see the bull in your reading. It is shown in the World and Wheel card because the bull (Taurus) is one of the fixed signs of the zodiac. The bull also carries symbolic meanings of resistance to change, being stubborn and been inflexible.
Butterfly: A universal symbol for transformation. Butterflies go through several changes and transformation before they develop into their final state of beauty. We as humans can do the same thing to reach our end goal and to obtain a better way of thought and living.
 | Caduceus: This symbols meaning deals with balance, health, duality (union of opposites), proper moral conduct, protection and cosmic energy. It may also indicate you are joining forces with another party in order to heal. |
Castle: The symbolic meaning deals with goals and obtaining our desires. Castles are physical representations of our need to build (block by block) upon a strong foundation in order to obtain our goals. It could also mean sheltering ourselves or limiting ourselves from reaching our goals.
Cat: Cats deal with watchfulness, awareness, psychic ability and perception. There are energies at work that you may not be aware of, but you can certainly tap into. You need to keep your wits about you and be aware of all the sides to the story in a situation.
Chains: Chains deals with restriction, bondage, conflict and slavery. Chains are a message that we may be in a situation where we have become a slave to our thoughts, vices or to others.
Children: Children represent promise, hope, fresh starts, new beginnings, new ideas, and a fresh way at looking at the world. Children are full of promise for the future. This could mean the beginning of a new venture, the promise of a new beginning, or it could literally mean children are on their way (new births or adoptions).
City/Village: Cities and villages represent centres or gatherings of people, thoughts, energy and ideas. They are a symbol of the culmination of a group that meets for a common goal. They also symbolise protection, harmony and team-work.
Cloak: The mantel of discretion.
Clouds: The basic meaning of cloud is revelation. Consider out of the mists of your deepest thoughts a bright idea comes from nowhere. Depending on the card, clouds can also symbolise confusion or clouded judgement they also represent higher thoughts and messages from the divine, dreams, illusions, transitions and mystery.
Cross: The High Priestess bares this symbol at her heart, meaning that at the heart of her very being she is intimate with the ways of nature, knowledge, and the universe.
Crown: The crown, a symbol of authority, command and royalty.
Cups: The cups transferring the waters in the Temperance card are a symbol of finding the right mix, keeping in motion and going with the flow. As Christ turned water into wine, so we are able to transform any situation into something different by tempering our thoughts and actions in such a way as to bring about the results we desire.
Dog: A man’s best friend. Symbol meaning deals with fidelity, honesty, loyalty and truth. You are on the right track as dogs are symbolic of stability and righteousness.
Dove: The dove indicates hope, purity and a powerful symbol of love, aspiration and ascension.
Eagle: The Eagle in the World card is the symbol of the Seeing Eye.
Elements: The Magician has all the elements: air, fire, water and earth. He is the master of these tools.
Falcon: The symbol meaning pertains to higher vision, superiority, potency, vibrancy and power. It is a rising above the mundane.
Falling: Falling in the cards mean absolute loss of control. There is no railing or net to save you. When you're free-falling there's not one thing that can be done but fall and hope for the best when you land.
Feather: Feathers deal with higher thought and expresses intuitive wisdom.
Feet: Feet are symbolic of a pilgrimage and make reference to our spiritual walk. In the Temperance card the right foot (consciousness) is dipped into the water which is symbolic of the subconscious. The left foot (unconsciousness) is settled on land which is a signal to ground ourselves. This card is all about balance.
Fire: Fire is a symbol of both creative and destructive power. The cultural symbol meanings are: energy, transformation, passion, ambition, inspiration and power.
Fish: The fish is featured on all the cups court cards because it’s meaning deals with emotion, intuition and creativity. You need to be aware of the nature of the water. Is the water unpredictable and fast flowing, stagnant or calm.
Flag: The flag is an announcement to change, something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts, the flag is about "in-your-face" transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear.
Flame: The flame is a symbol of illumination. It reminds us that there is no darkness, only an absence of light. When we carry the light in our hearts and minds, lower level energy will always be dispelled.
Flowers: Flowers are all about opening up and receiving the light of love, joy, beauty, growth, sensitivity and the unfolding of compassion into our lives. They remind us of the good times, the sweet smell of success, and the beauty that surrounds us if we open up to their presence.
Globe/World: Achievement is imminent; we have the whole world "at our fingertips." It is also a symbol of comprehension, getting the idea, or grasping the "bigger picture." The globe is also a geometric aspect of the circle which deals with infinity, completion, cycles and totality.
Grapes/Grapevines: Symbol meanings of grapes and grapevines deal with fertility, abundance, transformation and blessings. They are considered the fruit of the earth and are symbolic of youthfulness.
Green grass: Green grass indicates the fertile soil of ingenuity and inspiration.
Halo: A symbol of enlightenment and gaining higher awareness and insight.
Hammer: The hammer or the act of hammering is a sign of getting the point across, or getting the job done. It’s also the symbol of force, action, masculinity and creativity. It may also mean we need to hammer out the details relating to work or a project.
Hand: Power, force, domination, protection these are primary symbol meanings relating to the hand. Hands are historically seen as points of transmission, meaning we give and receive from hands (energetically and physically). The hand pointing heavenward in the Hierophant is a sign of benediction, meaning your spiritual needs will be met.
Head: There is no struggle or discomfort on the Hanged Man’s face. He knows the outcome will lead to his benefit of spiritual knowledge.
Heart: Symbol of love, joy, affection, truth, courage and conscience. The symbolic heart is the centre of existence, physically speaking it pumps out life to the rest of the body. Take notice what the centre of your focus is. What do you love most, that which is positive or negative?
Hoe: Symbolically this deals with work, resourcefulness, accomplishment. Are you using the tools that are available to you? Are you doing things the hard way and on your own, maybe you need to recruit some help to make things easier?
Holy Grail: The Queen of Cups is the keeper of the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail been the actual cup from which the Nazarene drank at the last supper. The angels who dwell with her are always guarding its contents of spiritual enlightenment.
Horn: The horn, a symbol of a forceful announcement, a joyous, boisterous, victorious, triumphant announcement. They signal to all within ear-shot that something has happened or is about to happen soon. Horns can be a victory or an oncoming attack.
Horse: Featured on all the Knight cards, the symbol meaning deals with strength, motion, action, vitality and powerful balance. The horse also has a charging nature. In a reading, this gives us pause to consider where we are charging to and why.
House: In houses we live, die, play, cry, grow, hide, dream, the list goes on. As such, they are symbols of our deepest secrets and the tenderest part of our hearts. They also deal with protection. When houses jump up into our vision in a reading it may be a sign that our security is threatened, or it may convey the opposite, and we should not be concerned with safety as we are already protected.
Ice: Ice symbolic meaning deals with isolation, patience, waiting, distance and objection. In Tarot it gives the feeling of separation and is also used to portray a time of deep contemplation or a process of growth that is not perceived until much later.
 | Inverted five-pointed star: The five-pointed star or Pentagram is a symbol of harmony amongst all the elements. Inverted, this symbol means disharmony, error and maligned thought. |
Keys: Keys unlock things, and as such, they represent knowledge, intellect and the uncovering of things that are hidden from us. When keys come into our reading we may need to ask if we are locking up our potential, or if we feel something is being locked away from us. The keys in the Hierophant card symbolise the keys to spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
Knap sack: Is the Fool taking little time to consider the practical matters of his journey with his little knap sack or does it contain something far greater than consumables. He is young and only starting on his journey so he has no worries but he needs to consider the journey ahead and prepare properly.
Lantern: When the lantern of the Hermit comes shinning on our awareness it is a symbol of clarity coming through and life revealing precious gifts to us. It also carries with it all the symbol meanings that deal with light; it is the vehicle for intelligence, truth, life and illumination.
Legs crossed: The leg positioning seen in the Hanged Man card is used for suspension to uncross. The World card is its opposite. This crossing indicates that you have used your diversity to your advantage. You are at a cross road and are now complete.
 | Lemniscate: The infinity symbol: the endless and eternal nature of energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it simply continues on forever in motion. |
Lightning: The symbolic meaning of lightning deals with instant and divine intervention. It’s a message for you to wake up and pay attention to your surroundings.
Lily: The lily has symbolic meanings of purity, fertility and vulnerability and the freedom to be ourselves, as well as allowing others to be as they are too. In a reading, the lily can signal growth, development and a quality of innocence in our lives.
Lion: The symbolic meaning deals with strength, courage, royalty, protection and for the beastly needs of the flesh. These are the physical needs and cravings we all have. When the lion roars at you in a reading consider the level of your courage. Are you doing things in faith or flesh, protecting yourself or others, or are you being stubborn or strong.
Lizard: With symbolic meanings of renewal, vision, enlightenment and rebirth. The lizard suns itself on these cards to signify the importance of vision in the midst of action. The lizard is a tiny reminder that big results come from small, conscious efforts.
Lobster: Also depicted as a crab or crayfish in other decks, the Lobster deals with cycles, regeneration and protection. These creatures cast off their shells for new ones, when they come crawling into your reading you need to look at what protection you may need for your path ahead.
Man: The man in the World card signifies an angel and spiritual power.
Moon: The moon is a sign of femininity, the softer, intuitive side of all of us. The moon deals with cycles, time, psychic power, reflection and emerging from one phase into another. The moon is very powerful; it affects the realms of nature and our body fluids in subtle ways. When you pull this card ask yourself if you are allowing the moon to influence your direction in life when you should be listening to your intuition.
Mountains: Mountains deal with triumph and challenge. How far away are your mountains and how high are you prepared to climb to reach your goals.
Nudity: Nudity is the ultimate form of external expression, trust and vulnerability and the letting go of your guard. There's nothing to hide once your clothes are off. Nudity is a powerful expression it gets the point across that trust and love is being shared.
Ocean: The oceans deal with infinite possibilities. It’s the essence of vastness, mystery and depth. You need to acknowledge that there are higher powers from the universe at work in your life when you pull a card with the ocean in it. You need to release your control in order to allow these powers to open up new opportunities for you.
Path: Paths deal with the directions we choose to travel in any phase of our life; be it in your career, family, love or spirituality. These are our life journeys and they begin with the first small step we choose to take. They indicate beginnings, endings and the steps we take in-between that create the life we are living
Pillars: When you see pillars in your reading it is a sign that going between may be more to your advantage than taking a left or right road. Don’t see things as black or white another option with a new and different perspective may be needed.
Pitcher: When the pitcher shows up in your reading, hold it by the handle and ask yourself what kind of vessel are you, what are the contents in your pitcher. See the pitcher as your body. The contents in the pitcher hold what you have in your heart and your life. Is it for good or bad?
Ploughed Fields: "As we sew, so shall we reap." Ploughed fields are a symbol of time. Patience is required while we wait for the results we are expecting from our labours. Nothing in nature can be rushed.
Pomegranates: Pomegranates deal with abundance, fertility, lusciousness, generosity and union. It’s a feminine symbol and is associated with female sexuality. When we see pomegranates in our reading it is time to tap into the luxurious side of life, there is richness and abundance everywhere.
Purple ribbon: This is an ancient symbol for balance and unity.
Rabbit: Rabbits deal with good judgement and are impulsive and fast. They are social and grounded creatures. This is a good sign to gather family and friends around you now, but also a time to look before you leap.
Rain: When rain comes pouring into your reading it is time for cleansing. Rain washes away all the dirt leaving everything fresh and clean. Rains symbolic meaning is one of clearing and washing away the old in order to accept the new.
Rainbow: Rainbows are indicators of bright health. If you are looking for the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow you need to have balance of wisdom and insight.
Ram: The ram is a symbol of Aries, the astral ruler of the Emperor. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac. The head of the ram has symbolic meanings of authority, determination, action, initiative and leadership. When the ram butts into your reading, it is a sign to take responsibility, get up, take action, and get motivated to accomplish your goals.
Rivers, Streams and Waterfalls: Water is a symbol of emotion and the subconscious. Therefore, rivers and waterfalls deal with the constant running and flowing movement of our emotions and the stirring movements of our deeper minds. You must not let your emotions run away from you when you see rivers, streams or waterfalls in your reading.
Robe: The white robe in the Strength card is a sign of strength and purity.
Rose: A symbol of purity and beauty, the promise of new beginnings and hope. You need to take the thorns into consideration, with the promise of new hope there may be a few pricks from the thorns, which can be painful ordeals that need to be dealt with. You have beauty that is ready to unfold in your heart, make time to enjoy it.
Ropes: Ropes deal with binding, confinement and restriction. Ropes have knots and you can get all tied up in them. In the Hanged Man case however, the rope has a purpose, it serves as a necessity in order to pull away from your internal knots. When you are all tied up, you are forced into a state of non-action and this is precisely the answer to your problem. The more you struggle with the ties that bind you, the tighter the knots become.
Scale: The scale is a symbol of equality and balance. When the scale weighs itself into your reading you know a part of your life is out of balance. When the scale is tipped more to one side some corrective action is needed to bring the scales back in balance.
Scroll: The scrolls symbolic meaning deals with knowledge that is carried down from era to era. They are symbols of ancient wisdom and sacred knowledge, usually of a secretive nature. When the scroll flashes at you in a reading it is time to get in touch with the facts that are hidden, get to the source of knowledge and educate yourself about what is going on in the situation pertaining to your reading.
Shells and Shellfish: Shells and shellfish deal with cycles, regeneration and protection. These creatures are lunar symbols; they cast off their shells for new ones. When shells surface in the Queen of Cups card, you may need some kind of protection for the path you are on.
Shield: Shields deal with defence, protection and covering up. Even in the midst of the most happy and abundant times the shield is a message for you to protect yourself from over-indulgence. It’s also a signal for you to make preparations to shield and protect that which you value the most; family, friends and your future.
Ship: Ships deal with travel and journeys. When a ship sails into your reading, take into consideration where your thoughts are travelling. What kind of baggage are you carrying around, and are you taking the best course for your thoughts and emotions?
Skull: The skull is a symbol of movement and change. Some cultures see the skull as the seat of the mind, the home of our thoughts. The skull can also mean the death of unwanted thoughts.
Snail: Snails deal with steady footing and stability. Snails carry their homes on their backs which is symbolic of carrying your security in your heart. The progress is slow, but it is steady footed. Featured in the Nine of Pentacles, stability and success did not appear overnight it came at a snail's pace.
Snake: Snakes deal with renewal, rebirth and development mainly because they shed their skin during each cycle in growth. They are cold-blooded and depend on their environment for their body temperature. This is a symbolic message that you must be adaptive, flexible and adjust as best you can to your circumstances. When the snake slithers into your reading you may need to ask yourself if you need to shed a part of yourself to allow further growth, or possibly you need to be a little more flexible in a situation.
Snow: "Out in the cold," isolation and exposure to harsh conditions or it can mean clean, crystal clear and quiet. When the flakes fall into your reading you can either see the snow as isolation or as a fresh clean start.
Sphinx: Symbolic meaning deals with guardianship and protection of the secrets of life. The physical structure been part man part beast is a symbol of the senses. In a reading it is asking you to use all of your senses to determine the secrets that may be holding you back.
Staff: Staffs deal with support, stability and direction. It is a symbolic representation of the number one, and as such it carries a meaning of new beginnings, first-attempts, single-mindedness of purpose in thought and deed.
Stained Glass: Stained glass is symbolic of perception and how your vision (the mental, physical and spiritual) can change according to your views and beliefs. Seeing stained glass in your reading is a sign that you need to be honest about your view of a situation. Are you seeing things clearly, or looking at things through an unclear point of view?
Star: The star symbol meaning deals with shedding light on your life, offering you navigation when you need it. You can look to a higher source for direction or illuminate your own way with the starry light from within yourself.
Sun: The sun is a symbol of expansion, growth, energy and creativity. The rising sun is a symbol of new beginnings. The mid-day sun indicates going full force in creative activities. The setting sun indicates endings or transition.
Sunflower: The Sunflower always faces the sun. It looks to the light for any answers and guidance. When the sunflower faces you in your reading it’s time to look away from the dark negativity side in your life and look to the light and positive side of things.
Sword: The sword in the Justice card represents double-edged action of right-thought and right-action. The blade cuts through and questions all cloudy thinking you may have about a situation. By cutting through the fluff you are able to be clear and identify the areas of your life that need closer examination.
Throne: The Throne is a chair for someone who is in supreme power of authority.
Tomb: Tombs deal with the laying to rest the thoughts and things that no longer serve us. Do not get the wrong impression when you see the tomb in your reading. It has very little to do with physical death. You need to free yourself from tomb-like belief systems which mostly occur after much time of stagnation.
Towers: Towers represent stagnation. The Tower tells us that if we build our lives upon false illusions, or settle for something lesser, they will inevitably come crashing down upon us.
Tree: "As above, so too below." The root of a tree grows deep underground yet reaches for the skies with its branches. "A man is judged by his fruits." What kind of fruit are you producing?
Triangle: In ancient Egypt the triangle was seen as a symbol of intelligence and indicated the capacity for love. The Buddhists use this as a tool to invoke the energy of love. The triangle also deals with the love represented in the mother, father, child union, the holy trinity as well balance and creativity.
 | Uroboros/Snake: The serpent swallowing its own tail is symbolic of cycles; it’s also the infinite nature of energy. The meaning in the Magician card is that energy is endless and your ability to manipulate energy is the key. |
Wall: Walls deal with the need for privacy. They also deal with separating one area from another. When you see a wall in your reading take notice of the surrounding cards and see what area of your life needs to be kept separate from another.
Water: Water is a symbol of emotions and subconscious it also symbolises purity, cleansing and rebirth. It is associated with the moon too which causes its symbolism to lean towards femininity.
Waterfall: Waterfalls deal with the constant running and flowing movement of your emotions and your deeper mind. They rush down at such speeds that they take everything with them in their path. When they come crashing into your reading you need to ask yourself if you are in control of your thoughts and emotions or are they controlling you.
Wheat: Wheat is a universal sign for nourishment. In the Empress card you see the Empress in all her nurturing glory. Bounty is harvested so that growth can take place. She tells you that the seeds you sow, you shall also reap.
Wheel: The Wheel is a symbol for mobility and cycles. It is symbolic of the natural flow of energy when used in ritual. It enables man to perform more efficiently when working. Our lives move in the same turning and flowing motion as the Wheel.
Wolf: The wolf is a symbol of loyalty and intelligence. When the wolf bears its teeth at you in a reading ask yourself where your loyalties are lying. You need to stop been so predictable and be true to yourself.
Wreath: Wreaths symbolise completion, victory and infinity (circle). Success is achieved in the Strength card. The battle against primal urges has been won and there is harmony in the heart.
