Meanings tarot cards self-insight
What are the meanings of tarot cards in relation to self-insight? We are all sometimes in a situation where we think, 'Why am I acting like this anyway? Why can't I make a decision? Why am I so dejected? What stage of my life am I in now? How can I best act in this situation?'
What we are often not aware of is that our inner attitude, our emotions and feelings, also influence the way we present ourselves to the outside world. Sometimes we very consciously behave completely differently to the outside world, putting on a mask to avoid as much as possible finding out what is really on our minds.
And sometimes, on the contrary, we get completely carried away by our emotions and cannot control ourselves, making everyone else right sees what we feel inside.
What is wisdom now? All 78 tarot cards have an insightful value that clarifies what is going on inside and what is the best thing to do now.
The texts below have previously appeared in the book The Intuitive Tarot.
The book is now sold out, but can still be ordered second-hand via the link below.
For more interesting articles on tarot, see the Tarot Blog.
Copyrights of the Rider Waite Tarot on this page: U.S. Games Systems.
Explanation
It can sometimes be useful to ask a question of an insightful nature first and then a question related to the future, love, work, well-being, etc. Depending on what is on your (or someone asking you for advice) mind at the time.
Methods:
- Sit with your cards in a place where the atmosphere is good, light a candle and/or incense if you feel comfortable doing so.
- With eyes closed, shuffle the cards as you ask your question.
- Spread the cards (blind) on the table.
- Open your eyes and choose the card that 'jumps out' for you.
- Grab this card and look up its meaning in the chart below.
- Look at the card, read the short description and see what feeling it triggers in you - in relation to your question. Don't think about it too long; your first reaction contains the answer!
Major Arcana
0. The Fool
Insight Value: Possibly you are at a point where you want to start something new but are still a bit uncertain about it. Don't be afraid to fail, but dare to take the leap into the unknown without fear. As long as you keep listening to your intuition, nothing will go insurmountably wrong. Feel free to experiment or take a gamble. Provided it feels right!
Opinions:
- do something no one expects
- dare to be more open to the new
- dare to let go of the old if that feels right
- know your limits
- try to trust your intuition more
- shirk commitments you don't feel good about (anymore)
- don't let yourself be constrained or dictated to by others
- go your own way!
- The Magician
Insight Value: Possibly the time has come to take a little more action. Actually, you know very well what you want and maybe even how you want it. It's time to show this to the outside world too. Dare to use your own creativity and willpower to solve your problems or realise your ideas.
Opinions:
- do what needs to be done
- work out your plans
- dare to promote yourself, show what you can do!
- don't be afraid to be in the spotlight
- make use of your talents and skills
- dare to be creative
- dare to make decisions
- use your willpower
- The High Priestess
Insight Value: You may be starting to become increasingly aware of your own spiritual talents and learning to trust your intuition more and more. Be patient and wait calmly for what is to come so that you can respond calmly, guided by your own inner voice. You would do well to further develop your own intuitive talent. Look around you and make connections between what you see.
Opinions
- listen to your own intuition
- learn to be patient
- immerse yourself in spirituality
- discover your hidden talents and use them!
- keep your composure
- observe!
- The Empress
Insight Value: Possibly you are aware of growth and development and probably a beautiful new beginning; a proverbial (or maybe even literal) birth. Dare to be confident that the situation you are currently in will turn out well, after all, this is the ultimate fertility card!
Opinions:
- learn to enjoy what you have
- belief in the (coming) results of what you do
- go outside, take a walk, enjoy nature or work in the garden
- pay attention to your family and/or home life
- move
- develop your creative talents
- The Emperor
Insight Value: You may be aware that you sometimes look at things a bit too rationally and let your head rule your heart. Certainty, security, order and structure are probably of great importance to you. You possess the capabilities to fulfil your desires because you have a strong willpower and a great sense of responsibility. But perhaps you could try being a little less strict, both for yourself and others. Where does this attitude come from?
Opinions:
- create order and regularity in your life
- keep your composure
- state your limits but also respect those of others
- think with your mind instead of your feelings
- don't let yourself be bossed around by someone close to you
- stand up for yourself
- The High Priest
Insightful value: You may have reached a point where you may have an interest in good advice. Feel free to ask for help. This is probably also a good time to delve into a religion that appeals to you and trust your own inner counsellor. Sometimes the High Priest actually advises you to guide and advise another person. Besides advising you to ask for or offer help, this card almost always represents adherence to norms and values and your own traditions.
Opinions:
- lead a traditional life
- Immerse yourself in a religion or spirituality
- dare to ask for advice
- be prepared to support others
- be loyal
- teach yourself discipline
- The Beloved
Insight Value: Possibly the time has come when you are faced with an important choice. When making a decision, consider whether you are fully behind it. Whether you are looking at your own needs first and foremost. Of course, sometimes it is good to take someone else into account as well, but when making this choice, it is important that you feel good about it. That you stand completely behind your decision because it is right for you and not because someone else wants it.
Opinions:
- dare to make choices
- act on your feelings
- pay attention to your relationship or love
- do what is right for you
- don't number yourself away for another
- The Zegewagen
Insight Value: You may be ready to leave the old behind and throw yourself wholeheartedly into the new. You know what you want and also how to achieve your goal. Just be careful not to outrun yourself or overestimate yourself. If you encounter any obstacles, come to terms with the fact that now may not be the right time to take further action. Don't lose sight of your goal but try again at a later - better - time.
Opinions:
- take initiative
- overcome your inner conflict
- go straight to the point
- control your emotions
- don't give up
- maintain self-confidence
- be strong-willed
- don't throw away old shoes before you have new ones
- The Force
Insight value: Possibly it is time to tap into your inner strength and subtly yet clearly signal what you are and what you definitely do not like. Remember that you usually achieve more with patience and calmness than when you immediately start roaring on your back legs. Never show your weak link but do try to spot those of the competitor or opponent.
Opinions:
- be patient
- count to 10...
- keep faith with yourself
- keep courage
- be tolerant
- keep your eyes open and observe
- be tactful
- The Hermit
Insight Value: You may feel the need to spend some time alone. In doing so, dare to make your own decisions and don't let yourself be pushed or influenced by others. Feel free to say 'no' when asked something you don't want to do. Don't make up an excuse either but just dare to say honestly that you don't feel like it. If you are struggling with important issues, withdraw for a while and find the answers within yourself. After all, this is the only place where your answers can be found.
Opinions:
- take time for yourself
- say 'no' when you don't feel like doing something
- be discreet
- don't be rushed
- meditate
- gain self-knowledge
- immerse yourself in spirituality
- Wheel of Fortune
Insight Value: You may have been walking around in the same circle for a long time and have more or less accepted that the situation is the way it is. Right now is the time when you can break this vicious circle. Remember that nobody else determines your fate. Happiness is your own making! Jump off the eternally turning wheel now and dare to take a completely different path!
Opinions:
-don't accept what you don't feel good about
- dare to open new doors yourself
- be open to change
- dare to take control
- take a different path
- don't wait, take action
- The Justice
Insight value: Possibly at this time it is very important to be honest, both with those around you and with yourself. What do you want and what do you absolutely not want. What have you learnt from previous experiences? Have you always acted correctly or have you perhaps let yourself down here and there? And was it always someone else's fault? What was your own part in any conflicts? Judging is allowed, provided it is fair. Also towards yourself. Only then will we really be able to learn from the past and ensure that mistakes made earlier will not be made again in the future.
Opinions:
- take responsibility for your own actions
- be rational
- be objective
- take stock of yourself
- make choices based on your mind
- be honest with yourself and others at all times
- be just
- know the law of cause and effect
- The Hanged Man
Insightful value: You may feel like you are standing still and a lot is being asked of your patience. Bear in mind that sometimes it is necessary to look at things from a completely different perspective and take a completely different approach. Free yourself from a hopeless situation or sacrifice something of yourself to be able to move forward. Note: not immediately. While waiting, take the time to think about how you could do things differently. Rushing things now could only backfire.
Opinions:
- dare to change your mind
- use waiting time to think calmly
- be patient
- don't try to frantically come up with solutions
- look at things from a different perspective
- dare to let go, so you can move forward again
- do not get stuck in hopeless situations
- delete the word 'self-pity' from your dictionary
- Death
Insight Value: Possibly the time has come when it is necessary to draw a line under the past. Even though you may find it difficult, now is really the time to leave the old behind and be open to the new. Often people find it difficult to bring closure to the past, so they cling frenetically to things (or people) that have had their best days and add nothing more. In this case, continuing to put off saying goodbye is only delaying execution and will ultimately bring more grief than deciding to close certain things for yourself now.
Opinions:
- dare to exit the past!
- get rid of things that are no longer needed
- be open to change and innovation
- stop clinging to things that are really over
- break off friendships and/or relationships when they really no longer add anything to your existence
- The Moderation
Insightful value: It may be especially important now to do everything in moderation. Don't just be frugal with food and drink, but also use your time and energy sparingly. Before you know it, you will be through your reserves; who knows how long you will have to last! Try to keep everything in balance, body and mind, income and expenses, work and (night) rest. Listen to your body and your own inner needs. When you act on these, the rest will happen automatically.
Opinions:
- learn self-control
- be tolerant of your environment
- pay attention to your health
- take rest when you need it!
- be moderate with everything
- slow down
- The Devil
Insight Value: Possibly you feel emotionally trapped or restricted by something or someone who is not a good influence on you. Probably you feel dominated or controlled and want to free yourself from this, but are not sure how. Remember that where there is a will there is always a way and it is always possible to free yourself from a situation you are uncomfortable with. Maybe this means the end of a friendship or relationship, but...would you actually miss him/her? Sometimes this card represents a mental or physical addiction you need to pay attention to or an obsession you have for something or someone.
Opinions:
- Get rid of obligations that do not affect you well
- Free yourself from an awkward situation, it can be done!
- remain independent and self-sufficient at all times
- stop bad habits
- use your sense of humour
- Do not be materialistic or dependent on other earthly pleasures (sex, pleasures)
- don't despair!
- don't feel guilty!
- The Tower
Insight Value: You may soon be forced to say goodbye to something that has not worked well for you for some time or that has consumed you completely. This could involve either an exhausting relationship or a time- and energy-consuming job. Most likely, the parting has presented itself so unexpectedly that you experience it as a loss rather than a release, which it actually is. Try to recognise that it couldn't go on like this any longer and that this 'loss' will ultimately do you more good than you may think now.
Opinions:
- don't despair
- see setbacks as learning moments!
- dare to let go of old situations, otherwise something may happen that will make you
do have to let go...
- look not only at what is lost, but also at what you still have
- dare to let go of old ways of living and thinking
- The Star
Insight value: you may have gone through a difficult period and things finally seem to be improving. Keep holding out hope for a better future, as this is the beginning of a better time. The more hope you keep, the more good things will appear on your path. You do well to be kind and helpful to those around you, without expecting anything in return. When you truly help others selflessly, your ultimate reward will probably be greater than you could ever imagine. Besides, those who expect nothing will not be disappointed.
Opinions:
- keep hope
- use your creativity in every possible way
- dare to give without demanding anything in return
- open your heart
- meditate or undertake other spiritual activities
- The Moon.
Insightful Value: You may have come to a point in your life where you need to pay attention to your inner fear or insecurity. Has something happened in the recent past - or perhaps very early on - that you have hidden away very deeply in order not to have to think about it again? Remember that you cannot run away from your fear or insecurity. It will always haunt you, rearing its ugly head at the most unexpected moments, and in this way it will continue to hinder your further development. Dare to face the confrontation and you will notice that all this time you were mostly afraid of the fear. If necessary, ask for help in processing your trauma.
Opinions:
- don't kid yourself
- confront your fear instead of running away from it
- Pay attention to your dreams, they contain messages for you!
- develop your intuition
- Don't be too floaty, keep both feet on the ground despite spiritual pursuits
- keep positive thinking, avoid depression
- look around you carefully; who can be trusted and who cannot?
- The Sun
Insight Value: Possibly you are feeling happy and content and you are acting positively and optimistically towards those around you. It is also likely that you are actually optimistic about everything that is coming next and that is good. Remember that positive thoughts will in turn attract positive energy. Keep having faith not only in the future, but definitely in yourself and don't let your goodness be abused.
Opinions:
- remain optimistic at all times
- be creative
- keep working on your happiness; stagnation is decline nothing can be taken for granted!
- focus on your family life and children
- look for the sun!
- The Verdict
Insight Value: Possibly the time is ripe to reinvigorate something that was previously in the doldrums. You are likely to be liberated from a difficult situation in which misunderstanding or insecurity played a role, or you liberate yourself from it. After that, everything will get better, provided you remain honest both to yourself and to others. If things need to be talked out, above all admit your own shortcomings.
Opinions:
- forgive yourself and others
- be open to conciliatory conversations
- dare to start with a clean slate
- Pick up old projects or friendships that have fallen by the wayside
- be firm
- be fair but just
- The World
Insight Value: You may feel that you have reached your goal. That you have concluded a certain period in which you have learned a lot and are now ready to move on with your life on a better and higher level. Although you have already gone through the most important life lessons, you would be wise to remain open to new ones. After all, no one is ever really out of the woods.
Opinions:
- always keep your goal in mind
- live in harmony with yourself and your environment
- learn from everything you experience
- keep expanding your horizons, stay open to new opportunities, you can go far!
- go abroad or maintain contacts with friends and/or family abroad
Minor Arcana, Rods
Rod Ace
Insightful value: Possibly you are quite ready to start something new and are willing to create opportunities for this yourself.
Rod two
Insight value: You may have already achieved some things and are facing a new dilemma. Keep making new plans, together with someone else if necessary! Meanwhile, don't forget to enjoy what you have already achieved. How so: is this everything!
Rod three
Insightful value: You may have tried your best to get a project off the ground before and it looks like you will soon be able to complete it successfully. Although there is still hard work to be done, you would be wise to be a bit more confident of a successful outcome.
Rod four
Insightful value: Possibly right now it is a good idea to spend some (more) time with others. You probably also need a little extra time to feel welcome and enjoy pleasant company. Dare to take the first step yourself!
Rod five
Insight Value: You may have found yourself in a situation where you face some competition and feel the need to prove yourself. A sense of indecision gnaws at you. Feel free to rise to the challenge. At worst, you lose and learn from it.
Bar six
Insight Value: You may have gone through a difficult period and now, thanks to your own willpower and perseverance, a better period is dawning. Are you in need of more appreciation?
Rod seven
Insight value: You may feel criticised or attacked. Stick to your opinion and don't deviate from it.
Rod eight
Insightful value: Possibly the projects you have been working on before suddenly take off. You probably try to plan and steer things in the right direction, but it turns out that it is better not to steer anything and just let things come as they come.
Bar nine
Insight Value: It is possible that certain experiences in the past have made you cautious and somewhat aloof towards those around you. Caution can't hurt, but try not to see bears everywhere; not everyone is out to cause you grief or trouble. By shutting the door in advance, you also keep nice things out.
Bar ten
Insight value: Possibly you are busy with so many different things at the same time that you completely misallocate your energies and therefore make mistakes. Try to check for yourself whether everything you do is really necessary. Can you really not transfer anything to someone else, postpone it or just delete it?
Bars Squire
Insight Value: Possibly you are ready for something new. When you get phone or e-mail offering you a fun or even exciting proposal, don't hesitate and dare to accept the proposal or invitation, who knows where it could lead.
Rod Knight
Insight value: You may be a bit impatient regarding a particular situation. Remember that acting quickly is sometimes necessary, but taking hasty decisions will often not yield the desired result.
Rod Queen
Insight Value: You may do well to make yourself helpful, generous and cordial to those around you. Take time for someone when they ask you for advice and, if necessary, offer help or motivate them to take action themselves.
Rod King
Insightful value: You may do well to make yourself strong-willed and trustworthy towards those around you and think for yourself about the future and how you would like to plan certain things.
Minor Arcana, Swords
Swords Ace
Insightful value: Possibly the time has come for you to make an important decision, to finally tie the proverbial knot. Approach the choice rationally and think carefully about the consequences.
Swords two
Insight Value: Possibly you are trying to protect yourself for fear of getting hurt (again). Doubt and uncertainty are taking hold of you. Retreat for a while and don't let others influence you.
Swords three
Insight Value: Possibly there is an old grief that you carry with you or a new grief that touches your heart. Probably a choice needs to be made that may hurt emotionally, but which you know with your mind is better.
Swords four
Insight value: You may need a rest, to retreat or distance yourself and reflect. Listen to your body. Remember that stress can also cause physical symptoms, try to avoid this.
Swords five
Insight value: There may have (been) an argument or goodbye in which meanness, recrimination and humiliation were not shunned. Try to deal with this. These kinds of arguments are always nasty, even if you are the one who 'won'. There are really only losers here.
Swords six
Insight value: You may have a tendency to run away, wanting to bring closure to a difficult past and leave it behind, but not quite sure how (yet).
Sifting swords
Insight value: You may try to avoid a certain topic and avoid certain confrontations by keeping things quiet. Bear in mind that if certain issues are not voiced, they will always 'stick'.
Swords eight
Insight value: Possibly you feel caught up in your own emotions and don't know it all for a while. Avoid an actual depression and try to keep looking forward no matter what!
Swords nine
Insight value: You may be worrying too much about issues that can best be solved in the end. Rather spend your energy on solving your problems - step by step - than fretting about them.
Swords ten
Insight Value: Possibly you have gone through a very difficult period and are in the process of crawling out of a deep valley. You succeed, it's time for a new beginning!
Swords Squire
Insight Value: Possibly you are a bit suspicious and wary at the moment. Pay attention to your self-control; a disagreement can also sometimes clear the air, provided it is discussed calmly with each other.
Swords Knight
Insight value: Possibly there is an atmosphere of aggression and fighting. Do not act impulsively by screaming and shouting but try to be above the 'attack' as much as possible. Anything you say now is a priori 'wrong' and will mostly backfire for this reason.
Swords Queen
Insight value: Possibly you would do well to make yourself a bit more independent and adopt a more rational attitude rather than an emotional one. Try to learn from the past.
Swords King
Insightful value: You may do well to adopt a more detached attitude and be a bit more on your game.
Minor Arcana, Cups
Cups Bait
Insight Value: Possibly feel happy and content. Enjoy all the beauty around you and feel free to be grateful for it. Love, happiness and health often come as gifts.
Cups two
Insight Value: Possibly someone has come into your life that you are slowly but surely growing towards. Don't rush, but let this friendship grow step by step, it is likely to be permanent! If there is an argument with someone you have known for some time: are you open to reconciliation?
Cups three
Insight Value: Possibly you feel happy and enjoy being with others at parties or other social gatherings. Probably there is a happy-end after a somewhat difficult period or there is something else to celebrate. Either way; enjoy it!
Cups four
Insight Value: Possibly you are not satisfied with the current state of affairs and are in dire need of a change or breaking a rut. Don't sulk and pout for too long, as this will not change the situation. Look around you and take action!
Cups five
Insight Value: Possibly you are very sad and grieving about something or someone from the past. You probably feel a lot of grief for a loss you suffered or regret a wrong decision you made. Despite your grief, try to keep looking forward and remain open to the new things that will come your way. You cannot change the past, but the future is largely in your own hands!
Cups six
Insight Value: You may often think back to the past and have fond memories of the past. It might be a good idea to reconnect with someone you haven't seen or spoken to for a while or to resume an old lifestyle.
Sifting cups
Insight value: Possibly you fantasise about certain things you would like to do or own. Try not to harbour false hopes and remain realistic in what is achievable and what is not, this is to avoid disappointment.
Cups eight
Insight Value: Possibly there is a difficult goodbye and you are about to turn your back on the old familiar. Follow your intuition, even if things are a bit uncertain now, everything will become clear soon.
Cups nine
Insight Value: Possibly you are content with everything you have achieved and with what you own. You are probably generous and helpful, but...only when people ask you for something or do you sometimes offer to help someone on your own as well? Be honest with yourself and ask yourself in which areas you could be more active or show more self-initiative.
Cups ten
Insight Value: You may have achieved the feeling of 'coming home'. Are you living with those you love or has a wish come true? Remember that not everything can be taken for granted and that you too will have to do your best to keep things as nice as they are now. Be thankful, something this nice is not for everyone. This is usually the ideal family card.
Goblets Squire
Insightful value: You may be proposed or receive an invitation. Try to be open to this. Be careful not to be fooled with sweet talk, or...are you perhaps such a charmer yourself?
Goblets Knight
Insightful value: Possibly you are in a good mood. When you radiate this positivity to the outside world, you also attract new positive energy with it. He who does good meets good...
Cups Queen
Insight value: You might do well to listen to your intuition a bit more and pay more attention to your dreams, perhaps they contain messages for you.
Bekes King
Insightful value: You may do well to be understanding compassionate and helpful to those around you. However, don't let yourself get carried away by your emotions and watch out for temptations!
Minor Arcana, Pentacles
Pentacles Ace
Insightful value: Possibly you feel rich in all respects. Wealth can certainly be related to a happy love life or good health, but of course also to a windfall financially. Keep looking around you carefully not to miss that great opportunity for something new and in the meantime, count what you have instead of what you are missing!
Pentacles two
Insight Value: You may find yourself in a somewhat unstable position. Especially on the financial front, you may need to cut corners for a while as you may have a tendency to sometimes fill one hole with another. This is also not a good time to make important decisions emotionally. Do you perhaps adapt too much to others? And if so, why do you do that?
Pentacles three
Insight Value: Possibly you are ready to climb higher and show what you can do. Do this on your own and have confidence in yourself.
Pentacles four
Insight value: You may feel too much need for certainty and find it difficult to make yourself vulnerable. Remember that not everything can be planned. Try to be a little looser in life and dare to let things take their course a little more. Precisely when you try to hold on to everything too tightly, there is a chance that things (or people) will actually move away from you.
Pentacles five
Insight Value: You may find yourself in a somewhat uncertain period financially, emotionally or physically. Feel free to ask someone for help when you feel you can't manage by yourself. Or are you afraid that this will require you to make an effort yourself and break certain patterns?
Pentacles six
Insight value: You may find yourself in a situation where you are supported or where you support another person. Keep in mind that giving and taking can also become unbalanced and help offered can sometimes be handled too easily. Beware of taking anything for granted or demanding something in return for certain help.
Pentacles seven
Insight Value: Possibly you are having some trouble with patience at the moment. This card shows that everything needs time to grow and that doing nothing and waiting is sometimes more beneficial to the situation than forcing things.
Pentacles eight
Insight value: You may have just started something new and are at the very beginning of the proverbial ladder (again) or are planning to start something soon. Feel free to take your time to learn everything quietly or get to know someone. Don't think about what it might lead to, the most important thing now is to enjoy what you are doing.
Pentacles nine
Insightful value: You may have everything you could wish for and enjoy everything you have achieved in peace. You may feel a bit lonely from time to time, but remember that you yourself are the one who made certain choices and can change things back. Are you also rich mentally/emotionally?
Pentacles ten
Insight Value: Possibly you are happy with what you own and have achieved. Look around you and see what wealth you possess. This cannot be expressed in money; safety, wisdom, security. Often this card also refers to important family ties and life lessons learned that you can pass on again, as well as material wealth. Do you spend enough time with your immediate family? Your parents? Your children? Grandchildren?
Pentacles Tawny
Insight Value: You may be ready to start something new, to improve your financial position or start a new education or course. The time seems ripe for it!
Pentacles Knight
Insight value: Possibly you need stability and security. Slowly but surely, you seem to (want to) create a solid foundation. Above all, take your time and do what feels right.
Pentacles Queen
Insight Value: You may do well to make yourself helpful and caring towards those around you. Be willing to work for what you love to achieve, you will be able to enjoy it later! Let only those you really care about - and truly appreciate - share.
Pentacles King
Insightful value: You may do well to make yourself reliable, consistent and protective of those around you. Say what you think and do what you say. Be caring to those you love, but nevertheless keep clearly stating your boundaries and don't let your kindness be abused.
Copyrights of the Rider Waite Tarot on this page: U.S. Games Systems.
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