Tarot Biblical Meanings

The Major Arcana

Each of the original twenty-two cards in a Tarot deck is known as the Major Arcana. While not originally biblical, we can connect them to specific biblical meanings (Christian mysticism, scripture, moral or spiritual lessons) and keywords through their symbols, numbers, and archetypes. The following is an overview of the 22 original cards with their possible biblical meanings or associations. 

The Fool. O

The Tarot Fool is God before anything existed, infinite and full of potential. The Fool reminds us that our birthright is to walk unafraid, in light and love, with God, and that we can hope to expect the very best for and from ourselves and others with childlike trust. With the innocence of a child, we can depend on our loving parents (the female and male aspects of God) and take any new path with faith and optimism.

Read more »

The Magician, I

The Tarot Magician represents the first moment of creation, the initial act of manifesting "As above, so below." Through intention and will, we can perform the magic to transform our lives. The secret to making wise decisions and creating anything of value is to take our fears and apprehensions to God. We must check in with our creator to ensure that what we decide to manifest in the World gives glory to God by being served up from our highest selves to benefit others.

Read more »

The High Priestess, II

The Tarot High Priestess is connected to the Virgin Mary and is always aware and understands that there are spiritually two sides to everything. She is highly empathic, privy to spiritual secrets, and seeks to shine a spiritual light on the very depths of both sides of an issue to help others emerge from the shadows. However, many will oppose her due to her sensitivity to the spirit world. She prays to God, her connection to universal consciousness, for equilibrium and humility so as not to become self-serving but, instead, an instrument of peace. The High Priestess always suggests paying attention to your dreams and opening your mind to the unseen.

Read more »

The Empress, III

Regardless of her anxieties, the Tarot Empress carries God in her heart and never forgets to offer thanks to God for every abundance in her life, no matter how small. The Empress prays to be a blessing to others. She knows that blessings are to be shared on earth and are a measure of heavenly reward. But she also knows that without the flame of thankfulness in her heart and a passion for nurturing others, she and those she nurtures would be left in the shadows. Some say the Tarot Empress represents Mother Nature, symbolizing the union between God the Mother (feminine) and God the Father (masculine). Others say she is the feminine side of Jesus, the man who loved unconditionally and taught others to do the same. 

Read more »

The Emperor, IV

The Tarot Emperor represents the law of nature (according to logic and order). He prays to God to recognize and respect the needs of others under his authority and to help him make right and fair decisions as a leader. He is, like Jesus, the fatherly shepherd who provides for and protects his followers. Understanding that he, too, is subject to the law, he asks God, his steadfast companion, for guidance in being a proper and respectful citizen as he goes about his daily tasks. Whether he is rich or poor, he lets go of envy. The Emperor prays not to be selfish or egotistical but to reign and be reigned over while allowing God's law to rule over all.

Read more »

The Hierophant, V

The Tarot Hierophant represents God's everlasting grace. Reminiscent of ancient bards, he is a teacher and storyteller. The Hierophant prays to God for understanding and compassion when listening to others. He prays that he is not overly critical or fanatic. He prays that his actions reveal tolerance and reflect the love that God has for all his children. He does this while defending his beliefs and freeing himself from anything that would turn him away from God's will. However, he may struggle from time to time with pride, which is often related to his traditional (old-school) viewpoints. The danger is in using those traditions to manipulate others for the sake of power over the flock.

Read more »

The Lovers, VI

The Tarot Lovers represent Adam and Eve's creation and subsequent fall from grace and exile from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were to rely directly on God's word for their knowledge of good and evil. However, God gave Adam and Eve (Adam's second wife) free will to make their own choices. They chose to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge (of good and evil), which disrupted the relationships between humans and God, between male and female, and between humans and the natural world. Still, God promised to return to the earth as a human to heal these breakages through grace. The Lovers card may also represent the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus treasured dearly.

Read more »

The Chariot, VII

The Tarot Chariot represents God helping to carry us forward to where we could not otherwise go on our own. This card's meaning isn't so much about the person commanding the chariot as it is the road or path s/he is on. It's about always being aware of our path or journey in life. We must keep our ethics, beliefs, hopes, love, compassion, and faith close to us, regardless of the path we are on. As long as we do this, all paths have the support of our creator.

Read more »

Strength, VIII

The Tarot Strength card says true strength is found in understanding, empathy, and compassion. Inner power isn't inherited physically but spiritually, and it is a gift from God. Strength is about having the compassion to reach out to others, talk to them, listen to them, and help without fear, prejudice, or brutality.

Read more »

The Hermit, IX

The Tarot Hermit reveals that when we are alone, we find true religion in our heart of hearts. Being alone (not lonely) is an opportunity to be upfront and personal (one-on-one) with God. The Hermit suggests we don't need others to tell us about the word of God. God does this when s/he gets us alone. All we need to do is be still and listen. In the original Hermit cards, the Hermit held a sand clock (not a lantern), implying that taking time is necessary to hear the voice of God. 

Read more »

The Wheel, X

The Tarot Wheel card displays the four ancient Hebrew letters known as the Tetragrammaton. Latin translates them as YHWH, Yahweh, or Jehovah (the name of God). There are four winged creatures in the corners of the card: an eagle, a man, a bull, and a lion (symbolizing Jesus, the lion of Judah), which support the throne of God in the first chapter of Ezekiel. The two-edged sword represents the word of God, and the clouds refer to Jesus' return, often depicted as coming through the clouds.

Read more »

Justice, XI

The Tarot Justice reminds us that there is a consequence for everything. All primary religious scriptures consistently point to this. The biblical lesson the Tarot Justice provides is one of forgiveness because life will not always be fair. An "eye for an eye" just doesn't work in the realm of spiritual development. Neither do absolutes. There are no absolutes, including Heaven or Hell. We tend to view consequences based on our earthly judgments, which are often influenced by prejudices stemming from negative emotions and biases. Negative emotions are of no benefit to either the betrayer or the betrayed, which is why justice should always be accompanied by forgiveness. Forgiveness lifts the veil and frees us to see the truth, allowing all to heal by enabling us to use our conscience in considering what is just and what isn't. 

Read more »

The Hanging Man, XII

The Tarot Hanging Man is about surrendering the pursuit of material wants and gain and redirecting your footsteps toward God. When you suspend yourself from the way you think things should be or want them to be, you'll be able to see how you've been making useless sacrifices. These sacrifices are not necessarily huge ones, like Jesus dying on the cross. They can be other things, like spending time and money trying to achieve or maintain the status quo. Pausing to meditate on your relationship with God can help you gain perspective and clarify your priorities. In other words, it's time to crucify the ego.

Read more »

Death, XIII

Many people fear death. However, for the redeemed, losing one's body is no loss but rather a transformation from one World to the next, a "going home." It is through the symbolic death of Jesus that we are given the gift and hope of rebirth. You'll be happy to know the Tarot Death card is rarely about physical death.

Read more »

Temperance, XIV

Throughout your life, you'll be engaged in many roles, and balancing aspects of your personality while playing these roles and becoming a whole person is the idea behind the Tarot Temperance card. However, it's not just about focusing on the parts you love about yourself. It's about facing aspects you don't care for (the alcoholic, over-eater, gambler, drug addict, sexaholic, shopaholic) and becoming moderate in all things. The best help for this is to realize that good can come from evil by allowing God's will to become your own. Also, in later card versions, the image of the archangel Michael (an angel of protection) has been added.

Read more »

The Devil, XV

The Tarot Devil represents the fallen angel, Lucifer, who tempted Eve in the garden to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Therefore, the Tarot Devil represents anything we are tempted by (Jesus being tempted for forty days and forty nights in the desert) and anything that will try to prevent us from walking the straight and narrow path to redemption. 

Read more »

The Tower, XVI

In France, during the 16th century, the Tarot Tower was known as La Maison Dieu (The House of God). It wasn't so much a tower as it was a temple or church. There's a biblical story about the Tower of Babel, where humans tried to construct a tower to heaven (a highly egotistical endeavor). God was displeased. He..." confused the language of all the earth, and from there...spread them all over the Earth (Genesis 11:9).

Read more »

The Star, XVII

The Tarot Star represents the star of Bethlehem and David. Like a star, Jesus is the light of the World. The star represents the light that washes us pure, gives us hope, and is the source of all inner strength.

Read more »

The Moon, XVIII

The Tarot Moon represents Jesus at Gethsemane and humanity's struggle with the power of faith. It also represents the struggle over how we react to our fears. We often want to analyze and understand "Why?", "How?", and "What?". Sometimes, it's better to go with God's power and mystery. Stop fearing. Stop reacting. Go with the flow. Have faith in the confusion.

Read more »

The Sun, XIX

The Tarot Sun represents Jesus as the "Son" (the light of the World) radiating through you, filling you up with endless joy. Divinity isn't just about the radiance of God from without, but the light of God radiating from within that shines a joyful light on others. It goes both ways, which is the true union of God and people. It is in this union that we know true freedom and abundance.

Read more »

Judgement, XX

Some say the Tarot Judgement card refers to the final judgment (as in The Last Day when the dead receive eternal life), while others associate it with rebirth or karma. However, Judgement can represent a calling (or wake-up call) that leaves you finally understanding you're here for a divine purpose and can leave earthly securities and worries behind. You can start over, reinvent your life, and live your truth with renewed hope, prayer, and faith.

Read more »

The World, XXI

The Tarot World represents the wedding (union) between the Jesus within us and the resurrected Jesus who returns. Everyone is fully united into the body (church) of Christ, and God's plan for the universe is complete. The World may also represent the beginning of a new heaven on earth, whatever that means to you (a new start, a new mountain to climb in faith).

Read more »

The Minor Arcana

The Suit of Wands (Fire / Spirit / Action)

 

Represents ambition, faith in action, and Godly works.

 

  • Ace: New beginnings in faith, divine inspiration (Genesis 12:1 – Abram called).
  • Two: Planning, partnership, seeking God’s guidance (Proverbs 16:3).
  • Three: Growth, mission, spreading God’s word (Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples”).
  • Four: Stability, celebration, Godly order (Psalm 122:1 – Joy in the Lord’s house).
  • Five: Conflict, testing of faith (James 1:2 – “Count it all joy… trials”).
  • Six: Victory, recognition, reward for faithful service (1 Samuel 18:7 – David praised).
  • Seven: Perseverance, spiritual endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
  • Eight: Swift action, Godly movement, obedience (Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous).
  • Nine: Vigilance, spiritual preparedness (1 Peter 5:8).
  • Ten: Burden, responsibility, trusting God (Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens”).
  • Page: Messenger, learning God’s ways (Luke 2:52 – Jesus grew in wisdom).
  • Knight: Courageous action, defending faith (Ephesians 6:13 – Armor of God).
  • Queen: Wise leadership, nurturing through God’s wisdom (Proverbs 31:26).
  • King: Authority, righteous rule (Psalm 72:1–2).

 

 

Cups (Water / Emotions / Relationships)

 

Represents love, faith, mercy, and emotional/spiritual connection.

 

  • Ace: Divine love, spiritual joy (1 John 4:7).
  • Two: Godly partnership, covenant (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
  • Three: Celebration, fellowship, gratitude (Psalm 133:1).
  • Four: Discontent, spiritual apathy (Revelation 3:15–16).
  • Five: Loss, mourning, hope in God (Matthew 5:4).
  • Six: Nostalgia, memory, God’s guidance from the past (Deuteronomy 32:7).
  • Seven: Choices, discernment (Proverbs 3:5–6).
  • Eight: Leaving behind, spiritual growth (Philippians 3:13-14).
  • Nine: Contentment, fulfillment, answered prayers (Psalm 23:5).
  • Ten: Emotional fulfillment, family blessing (Psalm 128:3–4).
  • Page: Faithful messenger, young believer (Luke 1:76).
  • Knight: Devoted action, love-driven pursuit (Song of Solomon 2:7).
  • Queen: Compassion, nurturing faith (Proverbs 31:26).
  • King: Emotional wisdom, Godly leadership (Psalm 78:72).

 

 

Swords (Air / Intellect / Conflict)

 

Represents truth, discernment, and spiritual warfare.

 

  • Ace: Divine truth, revelation (John 8:32).
  • Two: Decision-making, discernment (James 1:5).
  • Three: Heartbreak, trials, sorrow (Psalm 34:18).
  • Four: Rest, meditation, trust in God (Matthew 11:28).
  • Five: Conflict, temptation (Ephesians 6:12).
  • Six: Transition, spiritual journey (Psalm 23:3).
  • Seven: Deception, stealth, God’s guidance (Proverbs 11:3).
  • Eight: Restriction, bondage, deliverance (Psalm 18:19).
  • Nine: Anxiety, worry, prayer (Philippians 4:6).
  • Ten: Defeat, crisis, redemption (Romans 8:28).
  • Page: Messenger, seeking knowledge (Luke 2:52).
  • Knight: Courage in spiritual battle (2 Timothy 4:7).
  • Queen: Wisdom, discernment (Proverbs 31:26).
  • King: Authority, justice (Psalm 72:1–2).

 

 

Pentacles (Earth / Material / Work)

 

Represents work, provision, health, and stewardship of God’s creation.

 

  • Ace: Prosperity, God’s blessing (Philippians 4:19).
  • Two: Balance in work and faith (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
  • Three: Collaboration, building Godly foundations (Exodus 31:1–6).
  • Four: Stewardship, holding tightly, material caution (1 Timothy 6:10).
  • Five: Poverty, struggle, divine help (Matthew 25:35).
  • Six: Generosity, Godly giving (Luke 6:38).
  • Seven: Patience, faith in growth (James 5:7).
  • Eight: Skill, diligence (Proverbs 22:29).
  • Nine: Prosperity, self-sufficiency in faith (Psalm 128:2).
  • Ten: Legacy, family blessing (Proverbs 13:22).
  • Page: Learner, stewardship of resources (Luke 16:10).
  • Knight: Action, work for God’s kingdom (Colossians 3:23).
  • Queen: Nurturing wealth, fruitful care (Proverbs 31:16).
  • King: Responsible leadership, righteous governance (Psalm 72:1–2).

Traditional Tarot Meanings