The Beginners Guide to Tarot - The Court Cards
Next up on our tarot adventure is the court cards, there are four in each suit and each holds a different meaning depending on the suit its a part of.
So using a Rider Waite deck these cards are the Paige, Knight, Queen and King. There may be some variation between types of deck, but they’ll all still have similar or the same meanings. Also the four suits are Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Again these may vary slightly depending on your deck, but the meanings should still be the same.
Suit of Wands
The suit of Wands in tarot is a powerful and dynamic representation of creativity, passion, and inspiration. Symbolizing the element of fire, this suit ignites our inner flame and drives us to pursue our goals and dreams with enthusiasm. Wands are often associated with action, indicating that taking decisive steps towards our desires is essential. With their vibrant energy, the Wands encourage us to tap into our intuition, embrace our authentic selves, and embark on exciting adventures. Whether it be starting a new project, pursuing a creative endeavor, or embracing our spiritual path, the suit of Wands serves as a catalyst for growth and transformation, empowering us to manifest our desires and embrace our full potential.
King - Main Themes: courage, leadership., power, entrepreneur.
Queen - Main Themes: courage, feminine power, creative, passion.
Knight - Main Themes: passion, adventure, charisma, travel.
Paige - Main Themes: creative new energy, travel, message, exciting news, new passion.
Suit of Cups
The enchanting suit of cups in tarot represents matters of the heart, emotions, and deep connections. With their delicate design and elegant symbolism, cups cards invite us to explore the realm of intuition and the world of feelings. Each card depicts a chalice overflowing with water, symbolising abundance, love, and creative energy. This suit beautifully delves into matters of love, relationships, and emotional well-being.
King - Main Themes: love, compassion, generosity, kindness, fatherly and paternal.
Queen - Main Themes: sensitive, emotional, kind, caring, feminine, maternal.
Knight - Main Themes: romance, knight in shining armour, prince charming, offer or opportunity.
Paige - Main Themes: new love, message of love or happiness, an emotional start.
Suit of Swords
The suit of Swords in tarot holds an intense and dynamic energy. Representing the element of air, Swords delve into the realm of intellect, communication, and challenges. Each card within this suit presents a unique perspective on mental turmoil, conflicts, and the power of the mind to overcome obstacles. The suit of Swords prompts us to face truth head-on, cut through illusions, and seek clarity amidst chaos. It teaches us that even in the midst of adversity, our intellect is a powerful tool that can guide us towards resolution and growth.
King - Main Themes: intelligence, logic, leader, truth, integrity.
Queen - Main Themes: intelligence, sharp mind, quick thinker, logic.
Knight - Main Themes: hasty, speed, aggression, pushing forward.
Paige - Main Themes: new ideas, truth, fairness, news, travel by air and a spirited child.
Suit of Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles in the Tarot represents the element of Earth, symbolising material wealth, abundance, and groundedness. It embodies practicality, security, and the fruits of our labour. The Pentacles cards invite us to connect with the physical world and our material needs, highlighting the importance of financial stability and the manifestation of our desires. Associated with career, business ventures, and the tangible aspects of life, the suit of Pentacles reminds us to cultivate a healthy relationship with money, to appreciate the comforts it can provide, while also encouraging us to remember the importance of generosity, gratitude, and finding abundance in simple pleasures.
King - Main Themes: security, authority, power, discipline, fatherly, abundance.
Queen - Main Themes: Mother Earth, practical, secure, dependable, homey, motherly.
Knight - Main Themes: routines, practical, Conservative, methodical.
Paige - Main Themes: manifestation, news about money, student, trust.
I hope you got to learn something new from this post! The next few will look at each of the suits individually and the meanings of the final 10 cards per suit. I am also turning these hints into a helpful printable which I will have available at the end of the final tarot post!