Complete List of Tarot Card Names: All 78 Cards Explained
Learning tarot card names is the first step to reading the cards. This guide provides a complete list of all 78 tarot card names, from The Fool to the King of Pentacles, with explanations of their meanings and how to use them in readings.
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If you are new to tarot, the first thing you will notice is the fascinating array of names each card carries. From The Fool to the King of Pentacles, every tarot card name is a doorway into a world of symbolism and insight. Understanding these names is the essential first step in learning how to read the cards. A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, each with a unique title that hints at its deeper meaning. These names are not random; they are drawn from archetypes, numbers, and elemental associations that have been refined over centuries.
This guide will walk you through every single tarot card names list, dividing them into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. You will learn why each name matters, how they guide your interpretations, and practical tips to memorize them all. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this comprehensive resource will help you master the language of tarot.
What Are Tarot Card Names?
Tarot card names are the titles given to each of the 78 cards in a standard tarot deck. These names serve as the primary identifier for the card and often provide the first clue to its meaning. For example, when you draw The Star, the name alone suggests themes of hope, inspiration, and renewal. Similarly, The Tower immediately evokes ideas of sudden change or upheaval.
The names are not arbitrary. They are deeply rooted in Western esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, alchemy, and astrology. The Major Arcana cards, numbered 0 through 21, have names that represent major life themes and spiritual lessons. The Minor Arcana cards, numbered Ace through Ten within four suits, have names that combine a number (or court title) with a suit name, such as Three of Cups or Knight of Swords.
Understanding the structure of these names helps you quickly categorize a card's energy. A card like Death (Major Arcana) signals a significant transformation, while Five of Pentacles (Minor Arcana) points to material hardship or feeling left out in the cold. By learning the names, you build a mental map of the entire deck, making readings faster and more intuitive.
The 22 Major Arcana Card Names in Order
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each with a powerful name that represents a key stage in the soul's journey, often called The Fool's Journey. These names are the most recognizable in tarot and carry profound archetypal energy. Below is the complete list of Major Arcana tarot card names in their traditional order, starting with The Fool (0) and ending with The World (21).
- The Fool (0): New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity. The name suggests a leap of faith into the unknown.
- The Magician (I): Manifestation, resourcefulness, power. This name indicates mastery over the elements and the ability to turn vision into reality.
- The High Priestess (II): Intuition, mystery, hidden knowledge. The name evokes the guardian of the subconscious and secret wisdom.
- The Empress (III): Abundance, fertility, nurturing. This name represents the divine feminine and connection to nature.
- The Emperor (IV): Authority, structure, stability. The name signifies leadership, order, and a father figure.
- The Hierophant (V): Tradition, spiritual wisdom, conformity. This name points to established beliefs and guidance from institutions.
- The Lovers (VI): Love, harmony, relationships, choices. The name directly relates to matters of the heart and value alignment.
- The Chariot (VII): Determination, willpower, victory. The name suggests overcoming obstacles through sheer force of will.
- Strength (VIII): Inner strength, courage, patience. This name emphasizes gentle power and resilience.
- The Hermit (IX): Solitude, introspection, inner guidance. The name calls for a period of reflection and seeking inner truth.
- Wheel of Fortune (X): Destiny, luck, cycles, turning points. The name indicates the ever-turning wheel of fate and change.
- Justice (XI): Fairness, truth, karma, balance. The name represents cause and effect, and making decisions with integrity.
- The Hanged Man (XII): Surrender, new perspective, letting go. The name suggests a voluntary pause to see the world from a different angle.
- Death (XIII): Transformation, endings, new beginnings. Despite its name, this card rarely means physical death; it symbolizes profound change.
- Temperance (XIV): Balance, patience, moderation. The name encourages finding the middle path and blending opposites.
- The Devil (XV): Bondage, materialism, shadow self. The name points to unhealthy attachments and the things that hold you back.
- The Tower (XVI): Sudden change, upheaval, revelation. The name signals a dramatic breakdown that leads to breakthrough.
- The Star (XVII): Hope, inspiration, renewal, healing. The name brings a sense of calm and spiritual guidance after turmoil.
- The Moon (XVIII): Illusion, fear, the subconscious. The name warns of deception and the need to trust your intuition.
- The Sun (XIX): Joy, success, vitality, positivity. The name radiates warmth, happiness, and achievement.
- Judgement (XX): Rebirth, inner calling, absolution. The name indicates a moment of reckoning and a fresh start.
- The World (XXI): Completion, accomplishment, fulfillment. The name signifies the successful end of a major life cycle.
Each of these names is a key that unlocks a wealth of symbolic meaning. When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, its name alone can set the tone for the entire interpretation.
The 56 Minor Arcana Card Names by Suit
The Minor Arcana contains 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards: Ace through Ten, plus four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). The names in the Minor Arcana follow a consistent pattern: [Number or Court Title] of [Suit Name]. This structure makes them easy to learn once you understand the suits.
Suit of Wands (Fire)
The Suit of Wands represents passion, creativity, ambition, and action. The element of Fire fuels these cards. Here are the tarot card names for the Wands suit:
- Ace of Wands
- Two of Wands
- Three of Wands
- Four of Wands
- Five of Wands
- Six of Wands
- Seven of Wands
- Eight of Wands
- Nine of Wands
- Ten of Wands
- Page of Wands
- Knight of Wands
- Queen of Wands
- King of Wands
The numbered cards progress from the spark of an idea (Ace) to the burden of responsibility (Ten). The court cards represent different personalities or aspects of yourself related to fire energy.
Suit of Cups (Water)
The Suit of Cups governs emotions, relationships, intuition, and love. The element of Water flows through these cards. The names are:
- Ace of Cups
- Two of Cups
- Three of Cups
- Four of Cups
- Five of Cups
- Six of Cups
- Seven of Cups
- Eight of Cups
- Nine of Cups
- Ten of Cups
- Page of Cups
- Knight of Cups
- Queen of Cups
- King of Cups
Cups cards often deal with matters of the heart. The name Two of Cups, for example, immediately suggests partnership and mutual attraction, while Five of Cups points to loss and disappointment.
Suit of Swords (Air)
The Suit of Swords represents intellect, conflict, truth, and decisions. The element of Air rules the mind. The tarot card names for Swords are:
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
Swords cards can be challenging. The name Three of Swords clearly indicates heartbreak, while Ace of Swords signifies a breakthrough in clarity or truth.
Suit of Pentacles (Earth)
The Suit of Pentacles relates to money, career, health, and the material world. The element of Earth grounds these cards. The names are:
- Ace of Pentacles
- Two of Pentacles
- Three of Pentacles
- Four of Pentacles
- Five of Pentacles
- Six of Pentacles
- Seven of Pentacles
- Eight of Pentacles
- Nine of Pentacles
- Ten of Pentacles
- Page of Pentacles
- Knight of Pentacles
- Queen of Pentacles
- King of Pentacles
The name Ace of Pentacles suggests a new financial opportunity, while Ten of Pentacles points to long-term wealth and family legacy.
By learning the names within each suit, you can quickly associate a card with its elemental theme. For instance, any card with the name 'Cups' will involve emotions, and any card with 'Swords' will involve thoughts or challenges.
Why Tarot Card Names Matter in Readings
In a tarot reading, the name of a card is your first and most immediate clue to its message. Before you even look at the imagery or consult a guidebook, the name sets the context. For example, if you draw The Lovers, you instantly know the reading involves a relationship, a choice, or a deep connection. If you draw Ten of Swords, you understand that a painful ending or rock-bottom moment is being highlighted.
Card names also help you quickly assess the energy of a spread. A reading dominated by Major Arcana names like The Tower, Death, and Judgement suggests a period of profound transformation. In contrast, a spread full of Minor Arcana names like Three of Cups, Six of Wands, and Ace of Pentacles points to everyday joys, successes, and new opportunities.
Furthermore, the names of court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) indicate different personality types or aspects of yourself. The name Queen of Cups evokes a nurturing, emotionally mature figure, while Knight of Wands suggests a passionate, impulsive adventurer. By internalizing these names, you can deliver readings that are both accurate and nuanced, without needing to memorize every single detail.
Common Variations in Tarot Card Names Across Decks
While the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck is the most widely used system, not all tarot decks use identical tarot card names. Some decks, especially those based on older traditions like the Tarot de Marseille, may use alternative titles. For example, The High Priestess is sometimes called The Papess in historical decks, referencing a female pope. Similarly, The Hierophant may be named The Pope.
Court card names can also vary. In some decks, the Page is called Princess, and the Knight is called Prince. This is common in decks based on the Thoth tradition, created by Aleister Crowley. For instance, the Thoth deck uses Princess of Cups instead of Page of Cups.
Additionally, some modern decks rename cards to fit a specific theme. A deck focused on nature might call The Empress 'The Gardener' or The Star 'The Lighthouse.' While these variations can be creative, the underlying archetype remains the same. If you are learning tarot, it is helpful to start with a standard RWS deck so you can easily transfer your knowledge to other decks later.
Historically, tarot was known as trionfi or tarocchi, and the cards were used for games before divination. The names we use today were largely standardized by occultists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Understanding these variations can deepen your appreciation for the deck's rich history.
How to Memorize Tarot Card Names Effectively
Memorizing all 78 tarot card names may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to help you learn the names quickly:
- Group by Suit: Focus on one suit at a time. Learn all 14 Wands names, then move to Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. This chunking method prevents overwhelm.
- Use Mnemonics: Create a story or phrase for each suit. For example, for Wands: 'Ace starts a fire, Two plans the journey, Three expands the horizon...' This links the number to the name.
- Flashcards: Write the card name on one side and a keyword on the other. Review them daily. Apps like Anki can help with spaced repetition.
- Practice with a Deck: Shuffle your deck and try to name each card as you flip it over. Start with the Major Arcana, then add the Minor Arcana.
- Learn the Numbers: The numbered cards (Ace to Ten) follow a progression. Ace is a new beginning, Two is balance, Three is growth, Four is stability, Five is conflict, Six is harmony, Seven is challenge, Eight is movement, Nine is near-completion, Ten is culmination.
- Court Card Roles: Remember that Pages represent messages and new beginnings, Knights represent action and adventure, Queens represent nurturing and inner mastery, and Kings represent authority and leadership.
By dedicating a few minutes each day to these techniques, you will soon have all 78 names at your fingertips. This foundation will make learning the deeper meanings of each card much easier.
Further Exploration
Mastering tarot card names is the gateway to a deeper understanding of the entire tarot system. As you have seen, each name—whether it is The Fool or the Three of Pentacles—carries a specific energy that guides your interpretation. By familiarizing yourself with the 22 Major Arcana names and the 56 Minor Arcana names organized by suit, you build a solid foundation for any reading.
Remember that the names are just the beginning. As you continue your tarot journey, you will discover the rich symbolism, numerology, and elemental associations behind each title. Use this guide as a reference whenever you encounter a card whose name you need to recall. With practice, these names will become second nature, allowing you to read with confidence and intuition.
For entertainment purposes only. The content on this page is based on interpretive traditions and should not be considered professional advice. Outcomes are not guaranteed. Always consult a qualified professional for medical, legal, or financial matters.