Meanings of the Cards
1. The Juggler
Will, Will-Power, Dexterity;
Reversed: Will applied to evil ends, Weakness of Will, Cunning, Knavishness.
2. The High Priestess
Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education;
Reversed: Conceit, Ignorance, Unskilfulness, Superficial Knowledge.
3. The Empress
Action, Plan, Undertaking Movement in a matter, Initiative;
Reversed: Inaction, Frittering away of power, Want of Concentration Vacillation.
4. The Emperor
Realisation, Effect, Development;
Reversed: Stoppage, Check, Immature, Unripe.
5. The Hierophant or Pope
Mercy, Beneficence Kindness, Goodness;
Reversed: Over-kindness, weakness, Foolish exercise of generosity.
6. The Lovers
Wise Dispositions, Proof, Trials Surmounted;
Reversed: Unwise Plans, Failure when put to the test.
7. The Chariot
Triumph, Victory, Overcoming obstacles;
Reversed: Overthrown, Conquered by Obstacles at the last moment.
8. Themis, or Justice
Equilibrium, Balance, Justice;
Reversed: Bigotry, Want of Balance, Abuse of Justice, Over-severity, Inequality, Bias.
9. The Hermit
Prudence, Caution, Deliberation;
Reversed: Over-prudence, Timorousness, Fear.
10. The Wheel of Fortune
Good Fortune, Success, Unexpected Luck;
Reversed: Ill-Fortune, Failure, Unexpected Ill-Luck.
11. Strength, or Fortitude
Power, Might, Force, Strength, Fortitude;
Reversed: Abuse of Power, Overbearingness, Want of Fortitude.
12. The Hanged Man
Self-sacrifice, Sacrifice, Devotion, Bound;
Reversed: Selfishness, Unbound, Partial sacrifice.
13. Death
Death, Change, Transformation, Alteration for the worse;
Reversed: Death just escaped, Partial change, Alteration for the better.
14. Temperance
Combination, Conformation, Uniting;
Reversed: Ill-advised combinations, Disunion, Clashing interests, &c.
15. The Devil
Fatality for Good;
Reversed: Fatality for Evil.
16. The Lightning-struck Tower
Ruin, Disruption, Over-throw, Loss, Bankruptcy;
Reversed: These in a more or less partial degree.
17. The Star
Hope, Expectation, Bright promises;
Reversed: Hopes not fulfilled, Expectations disappointed or fulfilled in a minor degree.
18. The Moon
Twilight, Deception, Error;
Reversed: Fluctuation, slight Deceptions, Trifling Mistakes.
19. The Sun
Happiness, Content, Joy;
Reversed: These in a minor degree.
20. The Last Judgment
Renewal, Result, Determination of a Matter;
Reversed: Postponement of Result, Delay, Matter re-opened later.
0. The Foolish Man
Folly, Expiation, Wavering;
Reversed: Hesitation, Instability, Trouble arising herefrom.
21. The Universe
Completion, Good Reward;
Reversed: Evil Reward, or Recompense.
22. King of Sceptres
Man living in the country, Country Gentleman, Knowledge, Education;
Reversed: A naturally good but severe man, Counsel, Advice, Deliberation.
23. Queen of Sceptres
Woman living in the country, Lady of the Manor, Love of Money, Avarice, Usury;
Reversed: A good a virtuous Woman, but strict and economical, Obstacles, Resistance, Opposition.
24. Knight of Sceptres
Departure, Separation, Disunion;
Reversed: Rupture, Discord, Quarrel.
25. Knave of Sceptres
A Good Stranger, Good News, Pleasure, Satisfaction;
Reversed: Ill News, Displeasure, Chagrin, Worry.
26. Ten of Sceptres
Confidence, Security, Honour, Good Faith;
Reversed: Treachery, Subterfuge, Duplicity, Bar.
27. Nine of Sceptres
Order, Discipline, Good Arrangement, Disposition;
Reversed: Obstacles, Crosses, Delay, Displeasure.
28. Eight of Sceptres
Understanding, Observation, Direction;
Reversed: Quarrels, Intestine disputes, Discord.
29. Seven of Sceptres
Success, Gain, Advantage, Profit, Victory;
Reversed: Indecision, Doubt, Hesitation, Embarrassment, Anxiety.
30. Six of Sceptres
Attempt, Hope, Desire, Wish, Expectation;
Reversed: Infidelity, Treachery, Disloyalty, Perfidy.
31. Five of Sceptres
Gold, Opulence, Gain, Heritage, Riches, Fortune, Money;
Reversed: Legal proceedings, Judgment, Law, Lawyer, Tribunal.
32. Four of Sceptres
Society, Union, Association, Concord, Harmony;
Reversed: Prosperity, Success, Happiness, Advantage.
33. Three of Sceptres
Enterprise, Undertaking, Commerce, Trade, Negotiation;
Reversed: Hope, Desire, Attempt, Wish.
34. Deuce of Sceptres
Riches, Fortune, Opulence, Magnificence, Grandeur;
Reversed: Surprise, Astonishment, Event, Extraordinary Occurrence.
35. Ace of Sceptres
Birth, Commencement, Beginning, Origin, Source;
Reversed: Persecution, Pursuits Voilence, Vexation, Cruelty, Tyranny.
36. King of Cups
A fair Man, Goodness, Kindness, Liberality, Generosity;
Reversed: A Man of good position, but shifty in his Dealings, Distrust, Doubt, Suspicion.
37. Queen of Cups
A fair Woman, Success, Happiness, Advantage, Pleasure;
Reversed: A Woman in good position, but intermeddling, and to be distrusted; Success, but with some attendant trouble.
38. Knight of Cups
Arrival, Approach, Advance;
Reversed: Duplicity, Abuse of Confidence, Fraud, Cunning.
39. Knave of Cups
A fair Youth, Confidence, Probity, Discretion, Integrity;
Reversed: A Flatterer, Deception, Artifice.
40. Ten of Cups
The Town wherein one resides, Honour, Consideration, Esteem, Virtue, Glory, Reputation;
Reversed: Combat, Strife, Opposition, Differences, Dispute.
41. Nine of Cups
Victory, Advantage, Success, Triumph, Difficulties surmounted;
Reversed: Faults, Errors, Mistakes, Imperfections.
42. Eight of Cups
A fair Girl, Friendship, Attachment, Tenderness;
Reversed: Gaiety, Feasting, Joy, Pleasure.
43. Seven of Cups
Idea, Sentiment, Reflection, Project;
Reversed: Plan, Design, Resolution, Decision.
44. Six of Cups
The Past, passed by, Faded, Vanished, Disappeared;
Reversed: The Future, that which is to come, Shortly, Soon.
45. Five of Cups
Union, Junction, Marriage, Inheritance;
Reversed: Arrival, Return, News, Surprise, False projects.
46. Four of Cups
Ennui, Displeasure, Discontent, Dissatisfaction;
Reversed: New Acquaintance, Conjecture, Sign, Presentiment.
47. Three of Cups
Success, Triumph, Victory, Favourable issue;
Reversed: Expedition of business, Quickness, Celerity, Vigilance.
48. Deuce of Cups
Love, Attachment, Friendship, Sincerity, Affection;
Reversed: Crossed desires, Obstacles, Opposition, Hindrance.
49. Ace of Cups
Feasting, Banquet, Good Cheer;
Reversed: Change, Novelty, Metamorphosis, Inconstancy.
50. King of Swords
A Lawyer, a Man of Law, Power, Command, Superiority, Authority;
Reversed: A Wicked Man, Chagrin, Worry, Grief, Fear, Disturbance.
51. Queen of Swords
Widowhood, Loss, Privation, Absence, Separation;
Reversed: A Bad Woman, ill-tempered and bigoted, Riches and Discord, Abundance together with Worry, Joy with Grief.
52. Knight of Swords
A Soldier, a man whose profession is arms, Skilfulness, Capacity, Address, Promptitude;
Reversed: A conceited fool, Ingenuousness, Simplicity.
53. Knave of Swords
A Spy, Overlooking, Authority;
Reversed: That which is unforeseen, Vigilance, Support.
54. Ten of Swords
Tears, Affliction, Grief, Sorrow;
Reversed: Passing Success, Momentary Advantage.
55. Nine of Swords
An Ecclesiastic, a Priest, Conscience. Probity, Good Faith, Integrity;
Reversed: Wise distrust, Suspicion, Fear, Doubt, Shady character.
56. Eight of Swords
Sickness, Calumny, Criticism, Blame;
Reversed: Treachery in the Past, Event, Accident, Remarkable Incident.
57. Seven of Swords
Hope, Confidence, Desire, Attempt, Wish;
Reversed: Wise Advice, Good Counsel, Wisdom, Prudence, Circumspection.
58. Six of Swords
Envoy, Messenger, Voyage, Travel;
Reversed: Declaration, Love proposed, Revelation, Surprise.
59. Five of Swords
Mourning, Sadness, Affliction;
Reversed: Losses Trouble (same signification, whether reversed or not.)
60. Four of Swords
Solitude, Retreat, Abandonment, Solitary, Hermit;
Reversed: Economy, Precaution, Regulation of Expenditure.
61. Three of Swords
A Nun, Separation, Removal, Rupture, Quarrel;
Reversed: Error, Confusion, Misrule, Disorder.
62. Deuce of Swords
Friendship, Valour, Firmness, Courage;
Reversed: False Friends, Treachery, Lies.
63. Ace of Swords
Triumph, Fecundity, Fertility, Prosperity;
Reversed: Embarrassment, Foolish and Hopeless Love, Obstacle, Hindrance.
64. King of Pentacles
A dark Man, Victory, Bravery, Courage, Success;
Reversed: An old and vicious Man, a Dangerous Man, Doubt, Fear, Peril, Danger.
65. Queen of Pentacles
A dark Woman, a generous Woman, Liberality, Greatness of Soul, Generosity;
Reversed: Certain Evil, a suspicious Woman, a Woman justly regarded with Suspicion, Doubt, Mistrust.
66. Knight of Pentacles
A useful Man, Trustworthy, Wisdom, Economy, Order, Regulation;
Reversed: A brave Man, but out of Employment, Idle, Unemployed, Negligent.
67. Knave of Pentacles
A dark Youth, Economy, Order, Rule, Management;
Reversed: Prodigality, Profusion, Waste, Dissipation.
68. Ten of Pentacles
House, Dwelling, Habitation, Family;
Reversed: Gambling, Dissipation, Robbery, Loss.
69. Nine of Pentacles
Discretion, Circumspection, Prudence, Discernment;
Reversed: Deceit, Bad faith, Artifices, Deception.
70. Eight of Pentacles
A dark Girl, Beauty, Candour, Chastity, Innocence, Modesty;
Reversed: Flattery, Usury, Hypocrisy, Shifty.
71. Seven of Pentacles
Money, Finance, Treasure, Gain, Profit;
Reversed: Disturbance, Worry, Anxiety, Melancholy.
72. Six of Pentacles
Presents, Gifts, Gratification:
Reversed: Ambition, Desire, Passion, Aim, Longing.
73. Five of Pentacles
Lover or Mistress, Love, Sweetness, Affection, Pure and Chaste Love;
Reversed: Disgraceful Love, Imprudence, License, Profligacy.
74. Four of Pentacles
Pleasure, Gaiety, Enjoyment, Satisfaction;
Reversed: Obstacles, Hindrances.
75. Three of Pentacles
Nobility, Elevation, Dignity, Rank, Power;
Reversed: Children, Sons, Daughters, Youths, Commencement.
76. Deuce of Pentacles
Embarrassment, Worry, Difficulties;
Reversed: Letter, Missive, Epistle, Message.
77. Ace of Pentacles
Perfect Contentment, Felicity, Prosperity, Triumph;
Reversed: Purse of Gold, Money, Gain, Help, Profit, Riches.
The following additional remarks may be serviceable to the to the inexperienced Cartomance
Reversed: They are chiefly taken from Etteilla.
24. Knight of Sceptres
This card is not to be read singly; it means the Departure of the card which follows it.
Reversed: Again, notice the card which follows it; if a Woman, Quarrel with a Woman; if Money, then Loss of Money, &c.
25. Knave of Sceptres
Reversed: Notice between what cards the News falls, which will show whence it comes, and of what nature it is.
34. Deuce of Sceptres
Reversed: If the cards fall 49 Reversed:, 34 Reversed:, you will be surprised by a change. If 47, 49 Reversed:, 34 Reversed:, it will be happy; but the reverse if they fall 54, 49 Reversed:, 34 Reversed:
38. The Knight of Cups
This shows the arrival of the card which follows it, as 38, 54, the arrival of affliction or grief; 38, 39, the visit of a fair young man, etc.
43. Seven of Cups
Explains the card which follows; thus, 43, 30, 33, The idea of attempting some undertaking. This will again be modified by the following cards.
44. Six of Cups
Shows either that what precedes it is past, has occurred already; or if Reversed:, what is going to happen.
46. Four of Cups
The following cards might show what the displeasure or anxiety was about; the preceding cards, whence it originated.
51. Queen of Swords
This is not necessarily to be taken by itself; it may signify that the person symbolised by the cards near it has just lost, or is likely soon to lose, wife or husband. In some instances it may merely signify that if two people are married, the one will die some time before the other, but not necessarily that the event will occur immediately.
53. Knave of Swords
Reversed: If 72, 53 Reversed: An unexpected present. If 53 Reversed:, 54, unexpected grief, etc.
55. Nine of Swords
Reversed: The card following will show whom or what to distrust, &c..
56. Eight of Swords
Reversed: Shows Treachery or Deceit in the past, and will be explained by the neighbouring cards.
57. Seven of Swords
Reversed: The cards which come next will show whether it will be good to follow the advice given or not. Also, the preceding cards will show from whom, and why, the advice comes.
60. Four of Swords
Reversed: The cards near will show whether it is health or money that requires care.
61. Three of Swords
Reversed: May show simply that something is lost, or mislaid for a time.
62. Deuce of Swords
Reversed: If confirmed by the other cards may simply mean that the friends are not of much use to the inquirer in the matter under consideration.
65. Queen of Pentacles
Reversed: (If this card does not signify any particular person). If 65 Reversed:, 31 Reversed:, It is not said that there will be a Lawsuit. If 31 Reversed:, 65 Reversed:, If you gain your case you won't be much the better for it.
67. Knave of Pentacles
Reversed: Consult the following cards to see in what the person is prodigal. If 67 Reversed:, 57 Reversed:, it may simply mean that the person is too fond of giving advice, intermeddles too much with other people's business.
71. Seven of Pentacles
Reversed: The next card will show the reason of the anxiety, and so on.
73. Five of Pentacles
Shows simply that there is some one whom the person loves.
The Court-Cards, and especially the Kings and Queens, may be taken to represent persons; in this case their additional meaning should not be read. The Swords represent very dark people; Pentacles, those not so dark; Cups, rather fair people; Wands or Sceptres, those much fairer, and so on. Many Wands together might signify feasting, many Cups lovemaking, Swords quarrelling and trouble, Coins or Pentacles money.
Where the mode of reading the cards requires that the person consulting should be represented, he should take one of the Kings to represent himself, according to his complexion. If a lady consults the cards, let her take one of the Queens; if she be rather fair, the Queen of Cups; if she be very fair, the Queen of Wands or Sceptres. If the inquirer be quite a youth or a boy, let him take one of the Knights; if a very young girl, let her take the Knave, etc. Etteilla's plan was to take two of the Keys for Significators, that answering to the Pope for a man, that answering to the High Priestess for a woman; but I do not think this is so well. The worst of Etteilla's system is that he so completely destroys the meanings of the Keys in his attempted rearrangement of them, as to make them practically useless for higher occult purposes.
Next: Methods of Divination