The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

This quick-reference guide provides beginners and content creators with instant access to meanings for all 78 Rider-Waite-Smith tarot cards. Written and researched by Finbarre Snarey.

The Fool Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a traveller at a cliff edge with a white dog and bright sun.

The Fool

Uncharted

The Magician Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a figure raising a wand above a table with the four suit symbols.

The Magician

Agency

The High Priestess Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a seated figure between black and white pillars holding a scroll.

The High Priestess

Veiled

The Empress Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a crowned woman seated among wheat, trees and flowing water.

The Empress

Verdancy

The Emperor Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing an armoured ruler on a stone throne decorated with ram heads.

The Emperor

Stewardship

The Hierophant Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a religious figure blessing two kneeling followers above crossed keys.

The Hierophant

Lineage

The Lovers Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing two nude figures beneath an angel, sun and mountain.

The Lovers

Concord

The Chariot Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing an armoured charioteer above black and white sphinxes.

The Chariot

Advance

Strength Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a woman gently holding a lion beneath an infinity symbol.

Strength

Composure

The Hermit Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a robed figure on a mountain holding a lantern and staff.

The Hermit

Seclusion

Wheel of Fortune Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a symbolic wheel surrounded by a sphinx and four winged beings.

Wheel of Fortune

Vicissitude

Justice Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a seated figure holding an upright sword and balanced scales.

Justice

Measure

The Hanged Man Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a haloed figure hanging by one foot from a wooden frame.

The Hanged Man

Reorientation

Death Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing an armoured skeleton riding a white horse and carrying a black flag.

Death

Shedding

Temperance Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a winged figure pouring water between two cups beside a pool.

Temperance

Calibration

The Devil Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card showing a horned figure above two loosely chained people on a pedestal.

The Devil

Entanglement