THE

CHINESE

TAROT DECK

by Jui Guoliang

Text by Stuart R. Kaplan

Published by
U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
Stamford, CT 06902 USA

 1989, 2013 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

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CHINESE TAROT DECK

INTRODUCTION TO TAROT
The complete seventy-eight-card tarot pack
is divided into two sections: twenty-two Major
Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana cards. The
Major Arcana are allegorical cards and are also
known as the Triumphs, the Greater Arcana,
the Higher Arcana and the Atouts.
The Minor Arcana are divided into four suits:
swords, staves, cups, and coins. In each suit,
are four court cards: king, queen, knight and
page; and ten numbered cards. Todays ordinary
playing cards descend from the Minor Arcana of
the tarot. The knight and page were combined
to form the jack of the fifty-two-card deck and
swords became spades; staves, clubs; cups, hearts
and coins, diamonds.
Transliteration of Chinese to English spelling
varies according to source, and was reformed in
the early 1980s. For example, the city name of
Beijing was formerly spelled Peking. The spelling
used here for Chinese names is that most
commonly found in published sources, the transliteration used before the reform.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

O THE FOOL The Fool, in China, is seen as
foolish and comic, but is also considered a kind
and honorable person.
Divinatory Meanings: Folly. Lack of discipline.
Immaturity. Irrationality. Frivolity. Delirium.
Frenzy. Enthusiasm. Naivety.
3

Reverse Meanings: Bad decision. Apathy.

Hesitation. Negligence.
I THE MAGICIAN The Magician holds a
flaming sword and a bowl of steaming water.
Magic is used in Chinese folklore for curing
wounds and illness, and for gaining love and
power.
Divinatory Meanings: Originality. Imagination.
Self-reliance. Self-confidence. Deception.
Reverse Meanings: Weakness of will. Ineptitude.
Insecurity. Delay. The use of ones skills for
destructive ends.
II HIGH PRIESTESS Shi Tai is the Chinese
title for an abbess. The High Priestess uses
prayer beads to guide her in chanting a specific
number of mantras, or meditational prayers.
Divinatory Meanings: Wisdom. Sound
judgment. Serenity. Objectivity. Intuition. Self-
reliance. Emotionlessness. Platonic relationships.
Reverse Meanings: Ignorance. Shortsightedness.
Selfishness. Passion. Physical ardor. Acceptance of
superficial knowledge.
III THE EMPRESS The Empress holds a
peony, called Flower of Riches and Honors, and
symbol of yang, the male principle, a reference
to her consort, the Emperor. A phoenix is
behind her, a symbol of peace and prosperity,
used as an ornament by empresses of China.
Divinatory Meanings: Feminine progress.
Fruitfulness. Accomplishment. Marriage. C
hildren.
Feminine influence. Ability to m
otivate others.
4

Reverse Meanings: Vacillation. Lack of interest.

Lack of concentration. Infertility. Infidelity.
IV THE EMPEROR Two splendid dragons
decorate the wall behind the Emperor, as symbols
of strength and goodness. The five-clawed dragon
was the emblem of imperial power.
Divinatory Meanings: Worldly power. Confidence. Wealth. Stability. Authority. Indomitable
spirit. War-making tendencies. Male influence.
Reverse Meanings: Immaturity. Ineffectiveness.
Indecision. Weakness of character. Failure to
control petty emotions.
V HEAVENLY MASTER Chang Tao Ling,
or the Heavenly Master, was the first great teacher
of Taoism and was known as a great healer and
magician. He holds a censer. On his robe is the
symbol of yin-yang, the unity of male and female
principles, an emblem of creation. Around the
yin-yang sign are the eight diagrams, or hexagrams
(some concealed), that denote the elements
of nature and corresponding qualities: heaven,
untiring strength and power; standing water
(for example, lakes and swamps), pleasure and
satisfaction; fire, brightness and elegance; thunder,
movement and exciting power; the wind and
wood, flexibility and penetration; water flowing
(for example, rain and streams), peril and difficulty;
hills and mountains, repose and interruption; and
earth, capaciousness and submission. The diagrams
also represent certain animals. The medallion
protects its wearer from misfortune.
Divinatory Meanings: Ritualism. Mercy.
Forgiveness. Inspiration. Compassion. I nactivity.
5

Reserve. Tendency to cling to ideas and principles even after they are outdated. Conformity.
Reverse Meanings: Foolish exercise of generosity.
Impotence. Vulnerability. Frailty. Unorthodoxy.
Renunciation.
VI THE LOVERS The Lovers card shows
the Cupids of China, the god of harmony
and the goddess of union. Twin lotus flowers
on one stalk, a pair of bats, and a toad are all
symbols of a happy marriage.
Divinatory Meanings: Love. Beauty. Perfection.
Harmony. Trust. Romance. Deep feeling.
Optimism. Freedom of emotion. Testing someone.
Reverse Meanings: Failure to meet the test.
Separation. Frustration in love and marriage.
Interference. Fickleness. Unwise plans.
VII THE CHARIOT A passionate warrior
raises his spear against the forces of evil. A dragon
draws his chariot.
Divinatory Meanings: Adversity, possibly already
overcome. Conflicting influences. Vengeance.
Success. Possibly, a voyage or journey. Escape.
Rushing to a decision.
Reverse Meanings: Failure. Sudden collapse of
plans. Unrealistic plans.
VIII STRENGTH Strength portrays Wu Sung,
a legendary hero who slew a tiger.
Divinatory Meanings: Strength. Courage.
Energy. Resolution. Defiance. Action. Zeal.
Reverse Meanings: Pettiness. Impotence. Sickness. Lack of faith. Abuse of power.
6

IX THE HERMIT In ancient times, scholars

often retreated from the world, living in remote
villages or in the mountains. There they would
write literary works and play music. Boys often
acted as their servants and scribes.
Divinatory Meanings: Counsel. Knowledge.
Solicitude. Prudence. Vigilance. Circumspection.
Self-denial. Withdrawal. Regression.
Reverse Meanings: Imprudence. Prematurity.
Incorrect advice. Failure caused by dullness.
Over-prudence resulting in unnecessary delay.
X WHEEL OF FORTUNE The Wheel of
Fortune is the yin-yang sign and the eight hexagrams. (See V Heavenly Master.) Around it are
four creatures: a tiger, symbol of dignity and sternness; a phoenix (see III The Empress); a dragon
(see IV The Emperor); and a tortoise, symbol of
the universe. Together, the four creatures form
the quadrants of the sky.
Divinatory Meanings: Destiny. Fortune.
Outcome. Culmination. Good or bad luck,
depending on influences of nearby cards.
Inevitability.
Reverse Meanings: Bad luck. Broken sequence.
Outside influence not contemplated.
XI JUSTICE Wei To is a bodhisattva in
Buddhism, a soul whose compassion is such that
it postpones complete enlightenment and retains
a personality in order to help bring others to
enlightenment. Wei To is depicted in full armor,
with a spear, as a defender of B
uddhist principles.
Divinatory Meanings: Justice. Balance.
Harmony. Equity. Righteousness. Virtue. Honor.
7

Reverse Meanings: Bias. False accusations.

Bigotry. Severity in judgment. Intolerance.
Unfairness. Abuse.
XII HANGING GHOST In ancient China,
being treated badly, with no recourse to justice,
was a reason for suicide. The Hanging Ghost is
the soul of a person who was wronged. It exhorts
people to be kind to one another.
Divinatory Meanings: Life in suspension.
Transition. Change. Reversal of the mind
and in ones way of life. Apathy and dullness.
Abandonment. Renunciation. The changing of
lifes forces.
Reverse Meanings: Lack of sacrifice. Unwillingness to make the necessary effort. Egotism.
False prophecy. Useless sacrifice.
XIII DEATH Yama, portrayed on Death,
is the ruler of the Buddhist hell. The soul that
passes before him is not doomed to stay in
hell forever, but will pass through various trials
before being reincarnated as a human or animal.
Divinatory Meanings: Transformation.
Clearing away the old to make way for the new.
Unexpected change. Alteration. The ending of
a familiar situation or friendship. Financial loss.
Beginning of a new era.
Reverse Meanings: Stagnation. Slow changes.
Partial change. Inertia. Narrowly avoiding a
serious accident.
XIV TEMPERANCE A monk prays in a
temple. Buddhist nuns and monks begin monastic
life by shaving their heads and making nine burns
8

on their scalps with joss sticks. The bell behind him

is rung to mark periods of prayer and meditation,
and it symbolizes stillness and veneration.
Divinatory Meanings: Moderation. Temperance.
Patience. Accommodation. Harmony. Fusion.
Management. Adjustment. Good influence.
Reverse Meanings: Discord. Conflict of interest.
Hostility. Inability to work with others.
XV THE DEVIL A horse-headed demon
and a bull-headed demon hold chains and a
spear with which to torment the souls during
their trials in hell. The horse-headed demon is
also associated with the thunderbolt, the blow
of which is like Buddhist doctrine, which dispels
illusion and wickedness.
Divinatory Meanings: Subordination. Ravage.
Bondage. Malevolence. Subservience. Downfall.
Weird experience. Bad outside influence or
advice. Black magic. Unexpected failure.
Reverse Meanings: Release from bondage.
Divorce. Recognition of ones needs by another
person. Overcoming severe handicaps.
XVI THE TOWER A tower is struck by the
god of thunder and the goddess of lightning.
The cock-headed god is winged and wields a
mallet and chisel, and stands on drums. He kills
the unrighteous, assisted by the lightning goddess,
who flashes light to blind the victim.
Divinatory Meanings: Complete and sudden
change. Breaking down of old beliefs. Abandonment of past r elationships. Severing of a
friendship. Changing ones opinion.
9

Reverse Meanings: Continued oppression. Living

in a rut. Entrapment in an unhappy situation.
XVII THE STAR The Star depicts the god
of longevity, an old man who is represented by
the star Canopus, in the constellation Carina.
He holds the peaches of the miraculous tree that
blossoms only once every three thousand years,
and he is accompanied by a stag. Cranes are an
emblem of longevity.
Divinatory Meanings: Hope. Faith. Inspiration.
Bright prospects. Mixing of the past and present.
Optimism. Insight. Good omen. Spiritual love.
Astrological influence. Pleasure.
Reverse Meanings: Disappointment. Pessimism.
Bad luck. Lack of opportunity. Stubbornness.
Imbalance.
XVIII THE MOON The Moon represents
the female essence of nature. The goddess of
the moon holds a hare, an emblem of longevity.
Divinatory Meanings: Deception. Twilight.
Obscurity. Intuition. Disillusionment. Danger.
Bad influence. Ulterior motives. False friends.
Reverse Meanings: A minor deception recognized before damage is done. Trifling mistakes.
Overcoming temptation.
XIX THE SUN A Chinese legend relates that
in ancient times there were nine suns in the sky.
Scorched by the suns, Earth was almost bare
and lifeless. Hon Yi, husband of the moon goddess, took his bow and arrow and shot down
eight of the nine suns. With only one sun in the
sky, Earth was saved.
10

Divinatory Meanings: Accomplishment.

Contentment. Success. Favorable relationships.
Love. Joy. Devotion. Achievement.
Reverse Meanings: Unhappiness. Loneliness.
Possibly a broken engagement or marriage.
Cancelled plans. Triumph delayed.
XX CONFUCIUS The teachings of Confucius emphasize benevolence, a sense of duty,
sincerity, justice, and wisdom. The philosophy
is based on the tenet that the universe and
humanity are regulated by a moral order.
Divinatory Meanings: Atonement. Judgment.
Self-perspective. Rejuvenation. Rebirth.
Improvement. Development. Promotion.
Reverse Meanings: Disappointment. Failure to
face facts. Indecision. Divorce. Procrastination.
Theft. Alienation of affections.
XXI THE UNIVERSE Kuan Yin is the
goddess of benevolence and salvation. She helps
people out of the abyss of misery and leads
them to paradise.
Divinatory Meanings: Attachment. Completion.
Perfection. Ultimate change. Synthesis. Fulfillment.
Capability. Triumph in undertakings. Rewards of
hard work. Admiration of others.
Reverse Meanings: Imperfection. Failure to
complete the task one starts. Lack of vision.

11

THE MINOR ARCANA

THE SUIT OF SWORDS
KING OF SWORDS The king is attended
by two men, sheltered by an umbrella, and armed
with a sword.
Divinatory Meanings: An active and
determined person. Experienced. Controlled.
Commanding. A professional man. Highly
analytical person. Justness. Force. Superiority.
Reverse Meanings: A person who may pursue
a matter to ruin. Conflict. Selfishness. Sadism.
A dangerous or wicked person. One who causes
unnecessary disturbance and sadness.
QUEEN OF SWORDS The queen holds a
sword. Her attendants carry fans decorated with
phoenixes.
Divinatory Meanings: Quick-witted. Intensely
perceptive. A subtle person. May signify a widow
or woman of sadness. Mourning. Privation.
Absence. Loneliness. Separation.
Reverse Meanings: Narrow-mindedness.
Maliciousness. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness.
A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person.
KNIGHT OF SWORDS The knight escapes
his enemies on a magical flying horse.
Divinatory Meanings: Bravery. Skill. The
strength and dash of a young man. Heroic action.
Impetuous rush into the unknown.
Reverse Meanings: Incapacity. Imprudence.
Dispute or ruin over a woman. Impulsive.
12

PAGE OF SWORDS The page is a valiant

youth.
Divinatory Meanings: Vigilance. Agility. S
pying.
A discreet person. An active youth. A lithe figure.
A person adept at perceiving, discerning, and
uncovering the unknown.
Reverse Meanings: An imposter revealed.
Illness is also possible. Powerlessness in the face
of stronger forces. Lack of preparation.
TEN OF SWORDS A Taoist priest launches
an attack with ten magical swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Ruin. Pain. Affliction.
Mental anguish. Desolation. Misfortune.
Disappointment.
Reverse Meanings: Benefit. Profit. Improvement.
Passing success. Temporary favor. Momentary
advantage.
NINE OF SWORDS A youth struggles
against swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Miscarriage. Anxiety over
a loved one. Worry. Despair.
Reverse Meanings: Suspicion. Slanderous gossip.
Shame. Scruple. Timidity. Shady character.
EIGHT OF SWORDS Four warriors holding
two swords each assume a defensive stance.
Divinatory Meanings: Crisis. Calamity. Domination. Imprisonment. Turmoil. Bad news.
Criticism. Sickness. Calumny.
Reverse Meanings: Treachery in the past.
Difficulty. Hard work. Depression. Disquiet.
Accident. Fatality.
13

SEVEN OF SWORDS Three men and a

woman battle with swords.
Divinatory Meanings: New plans. Wishes.
Fortitude. Perseverance. Hope. Confidence.
Fantasy. Partial success.
Reverse Meanings: Arguments. Uncertain
counsel or advice. Circumspection. Slander.
SIX OF SWORDS Three women pose gracefully with swords.
Divinatory Meanings: A trip or journey.
Headstrong attempts to overcome difficulties.
Expedient manner. Success after anxiety.
Reverse Meanings: Stalemate. Unwanted
proposal. Confession. Declaration.
FIVE OF SWORDS A youth dexterously
handles five swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Conquest. Defeat.
Destruction of others. Degradation. Adversary
may arise. Revocation. Infamy. Dishonor.
Reverse Meanings: Uncertain outlook. Weakness.
Possible misfortune befalling a friend.
FOUR OF SWORDS In an autumn landscape,
two men rest after a martial arts match.
Divinatory Meanings: Respite. Rest after illness.
Repose. Replenishment. Solitude. Retreat.
Reverse Meanings: Circumspection. Precaution.
Economy. Guarded advancement. Desire to
recover what is lost.

14

THREE OF SWORDS A girl runs through

falling leaves, balancing a sword between two
swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Absence. Sorrow.
Disappointment. Strife. Removal. Dispersion.
Diversion. Opposition. Separation. Delay.
Reverse Meanings: Distraction. Confusion.
Disorder. Mistake. Incompatibility. Anxiety. Loss.
TWO OF SWORDS A girl dances, holding
two swords. Dogwood blossoms and green willow
boughs denote spring.
Divinatory Meanings: Balanced force. F
irmness.
Concord. Stalemate. Affection.
Reverse Meanings: Duplicity. Misrepresentation.
Treachery. False friends. Lies.
ACE OF SWORDS A man practices martial
arts, exhibiting skill and discipline.
Divinatory Meanings: Great determination.
Initiative. Strength. Activity. Excessiveness.
Triumph. Fertility. Prosperity. Deep emotions.
Reverse Meanings: Debacle. Tyranny. Disaster.
Self-destruction. Violent temper. Infertility.

THE SUIT OF STAVES

KING OF STAVES The king of staves is
attended by two maids of honor. One carries coral,
an emblem of longevity and official promotion.
Divinatory Meanings: An honest and conscientious person. Mature. Wise. Devoted.
Friendly. Sympathetic. Educated. A gentleman.
15

Reverse Meanings: Severity. Austerity.

Somewhat excessive and exaggerated ideas.
Dogmatic. Deliberate.
QUEEN OF STAVES The queen of staves
is accompanied by two women, who carry a
golden censer and a peacock fan. The peacock is
a symbol of beauty and dignity.
Divinatory Meanings: A sympathetic and
understanding person. Friendly. Loving. Chaste.
Practical. Charm and grace. Gracious hostess.
Reverse Meanings: Jealousy. Deceit. Infidelity.
Unstable emotions. Fickleness. Resistance.
KNIGHT OF STAVES The knight is an old,
honored general. He stands on a tiger carpet as
a sign of his prowess.
Divinatory Meanings: A journey. A
dvancement
into the unknown. Alteration. Flight. Absence.
Change of residence.
Reverse Meanings: Interruption. Unexpected
change. Quarreling. Breakup of personal relationships. Rupture.
PAGE OF STAVES The page is an old man
leaning on a staff. Behind him are cypresses
wrapped in fog.
Divinatory Meanings: A loyal person. An envoy.
Emissary. Trusted friend. A stranger with good
intentions. A bearer of important news.
Reverse Meanings: Indecision. Reluctance.
Instability. A gossip. Bearer of bad tidings.
A person who may break your heart. Displeasure.

16

TEN OF STAVES A Taoist priest exercises his

magic using a rod. Golden leaves of autumn fall
around him.
Divinatory Meanings: Excessive pressures.
Problems soon to be resolved. Possibly using
power for selfish ends.
Reverse Meanings: Difficulties. Intrigues.
A traitor. Deceiver. Some losses will occur.
NINE OF STAVES A young warrior braves
the attack of nine magic staves.
Divinatory Meanings: Expectation of difficulties and changes. Deception. A pause in a
current struggle.
Reverse Meanings: Obstacles. Adversity. Delays.
Disaster. Ill health.
EIGHT OF STAVES An exhibition of martial
arts is taking place. An old man supervises,
stressing that control, not haste, is essential.
Divinatory Meanings: Swift activity. Sudden
progress or movement. Speed. Hastily made
decisions. Too rapid advancement.
Reverse Meanings: Thorns of dispute. Jealousy.
Harassment. Stagnation. Domestic quarrels.
SEVEN OF STAVES A maker of staves shows
his wares at the market. The roses tumbling over
the wall herald success.
Divinatory Meanings: Success. Gain. Overwhelming odds surmounted. Advantage.
Reverse Meanings: Anxiety. Embarrassment.
Hesitancy causing losses. Perplexity
17

SIX OF STAVES A matriarch is leading her

disciples to fight heretics.
Divinatory Meanings: Conquest. Triumph.
Good news. Advancement. Expectation. Desires
realized as a result of efforts.
Reverse Meanings: Indefinite delay. Fear.
Apprehension. Disloyalty. Superficial benefit.
FIVE OF STAVES Five old men dispute the
aesthetics of ancient paintings.
Divinatory Meanings: Unsatisfied desires.
Labor. Violent strife. Obstacles.
Reverse Meanings: Trickery. Contradictions.
Complexity. Involvement.
FOUR OF STAVES An old man displays his
skills in handling staves. Plum blossoms in the
background symbolize happiness.
Divinatory Meanings: Romance. Society.
Harmony. Newly acquired prosperity. T
ranquility.
The fruits of labor. Rest after strife.
Reverse Meanings: Loss of full tranquility.
Unfulfilled romance. Insecurity. Tarnished beauty.
Incomplete happiness.
THREE OF STAVES An instructor in the
martial arts demonstrates a maneuver.
Divinatory Meanings: Practical knowledge.
Business acumen. Enterprise. Negotiations.
Trade. Commerce.
Reverse Meanings: Assistance with an ulterior
motive. Diminishing adversity.

18

TWO OF STAVES An elderly couple awaits the

visit of children and grandchildren. The bamboo
behind them means filial affection and long life.
Divinatory Meanings: Mature individual.
Ruler. Attainment of goals and needs. Boldness.
A dominant personality.
Reverse Meanings: Sadness. Trouble. Restraint
caused by others. Loss of faith. Surprise.
ACE OF STAVES A venerable scholar searches
for the source of the river. Mountains, clouds and
pine trees form the backdrop.
Divinatory Meanings: Creation. Start of an
undertaking. Fortune. Inheritance. Birth of a
child. Beginning of a meaningful experience.
An adventure.
Reverse Meanings: False start. Cloudy outlook.
Unrealized goal. Decadence. Empty existence.
Vexation. Cancellation of plans.

THE SUIT OF CUPS

KING OF CUPS The king raises his cup as
a toast to the dragon behind him, a symbol of
imperial power.
Divinatory Meanings: Responsibility and
creativity. Learned person. Religious person.
Scientist. A considerate person, kind and reliable.
Liberal manner. Interest in the arts and sciences.
Reverse Meanings: Artistic temperament.
Double dealing. Scandal. Loss. Ruin. Injustice.
A crafty person without virtue.

19

QUEEN OF CUPS The queen is an imperial

concubine, dancing drunkenly. A phoenix crown
is on her head, cranes and pines are painted on
the screen behind her, and the carpet is decorated with a phoenix.
Divinatory Meanings: A warm-hearted and
fair person. Beloved and adored. Good friend
and mother. Devoted wife. P
ractical. Honest.
Loving and intelligent. Gift of vision.
Reverse Meanings: Dishonesty. Unreliability.
Vice.
KNIGHT OF CUPS The knight is a general
drinking alone. He wears armor under the red
robe.
Divinatory Meanings: An invitation or opportunity may soon arise. Advancement. Attraction.
Inducement. Challenge. Proposal.
Reverse Meanings: Subtlety. Artifice. Trickery.
A sly and cunning person. A person capable of
swindling.
PAGE OF CUPS The page, seated on a mat,
drinks wine. Outside, it is raining and misty.
Divinatory Meanings: A studious and
intent person. Reflective. Meditative. Loyal.
Willingness to offer services and efforts.
Reverse Meanings: Deviation. Susceptibility.
Temporary distraction. Seduction. A flatterer.
TEN OF CUPS Chung Kuei, shown juggling bowls, is a legendary figure whose power
over evil demons protects people from harm.

20

Divinatory Meanings: Home. Joy. Pleasure.

Peace. Love. Contentment. Good family.
Honor. Esteem. Virtue.
Reverse Meanings: Loss of friendship.
Unhappiness. Family quarrel. Pettiness. Rage.
Difference of opinion.
NINE OF CUPS Chu Wenjun was a scholar
from a rich family. She became a wineseller in
order to enjoy a tranquil life and freedom from
fame and gain.
Divinatory Meanings: Success. Advantage.
Well-being. Abundance. Good health.
Difficulties surmounted.
Reverse Meanings: Mistakes. Material loss.
Imperfections. Misplaced trust. False freedom.
Opposition. Differences.
EIGHT OF CUPS The eight cups symbolize
the eight famous poets and artists of the Tang
Dynasty, as sung in Tu Fus verse: A Drinking
Melody by the Eight Gods.
Divinatory Meanings: Discontinuance of effort.
Disappointment. Abandonment of previous
plans. Shyness. Modesty. Abandoned success.
Reverse Meanings: Effort continued until full
success is attained. Festivity. Gaiety.
SEVEN OF CUPS A youth dreams of coins
and precious gems.
Divinatory Meanings: Fantasy. Imagination.
Daydreams. Foolish whims. Wishful thinking.
Illusionary success.

21

Reverse Meanings: Desire. Determination. Will

power. A goal nearly attained. Intelligent choice.
SIX OF CUPS A drunken man juggles six
cups, spilling their contents. The empty cups
signify the loss of childhood, joy, and pleasure.
Divinatory Meanings: Memories. Past influences. Nostalgia. Faded images.
Reverse Meanings: The future. Opportunities
ahead. Coming events. New vistas. Plans that
may fail.
FIVE OF CUPS A warrior drinks alone in a
shabby tavern, trying to dispel his melancholy.
Divinatory Meanings: Partial loss. Regret.
Friendship without real meaning. Inheritance.
Incomplete union or partnership.
Reverse Meanings: Hopeful outlook. Favorable
expectations. New alliances. Affinity. Return of
an old friend. Reunion.
FOUR OF CUPS Su Tung Po (Su Shih) was
a well-known poet of the Sung Dynasty. He was
not successful, in spite of his brilliance, and he
often drank to alleviate depression. The orchids
on the painting symbolize aloofness from political
concerns and material pursuits.
Divinatory Meanings: Weariness. Aversion.
Disgust. Disappointment. Bitter experience.
Stationary period in life.
Reverse Meanings: New possibilities. New
relationships. New approaches to old problems.
New knowledge.

22

THREE OF CUPS A general toasts his victory.

Divinatory Meanings: Resolution of a problem.
Conclusion. Solace. Healing. Satisfactory result.
Compromise.
Reverse Meanings: Excessive pleasures. Overabundance. Superfluity. Loss of prestige. Lack of
appreciation.
TWO OF CUPS Li Po, the great poet of the
Tang Dynasty, sips his wine while savoring the
beauty of a moonlit night. He wrote a famous
poem in which he invited the moon to join him
in drinking.
Divinatory Meanings: Love. Friendship
beginning or renewed. Passion. Engagement.
Understanding. Cooperation. Partnership.
Marriage.
Reverse Meanings: Unsatisfactory love. False
friendship. Troubled relationship. Divorce.
Separation. Crossed desires. Misunderstanding.
ACE OF CUPS A woman scholar enjoys the
chrysanthemums in her garden. Chrysanthemums
signify ease and retirement.
Divinatory Meanings: Great abundance. Fulfillment. Perfection. Joy. Fertility. Productiveness.
Beauty and pleasure. Favorable outlook.
Reverse Meanings: Change. Erosion. Instability,
Sterility. Unrequited love. Clouded joy. False heart.
Inconsistency.

23

THE SUIT OF COINS

KING OF COINS The king sits on his throne,
enjoying the fragrance of incense.
Divinatory Meanings: An experienced and
successful leader. A person of character and intelligence. Business acumen. M
athematical ability.
Reliable partner. Wise investment. Ability to
acquire money and valuable possessions.
Reverse Meanings: Corruption. Using any
means to achieve the desired end. Avarice.
Unfaithfulness. An old and vicious man. Peril.
Thriftlessness.
QUEEN OF COINS The queen is seated
before a screen decorated with a phoenix.
Divinatory Meanings: Prosperity and wellbeing. Generosity. Security. Liberty. Grace.
Dignity. A noble soul.
Reverse Meanings: False prosperity. Suspense.
Suspicion. Responsibilities neglected. Vicious
person. Distrustful person. Fear of failure.
KNIGHT OF COINS The general is fully
armored. A flag is behind him.
Divinatory Meanings: A mature and r esponsible
person. Reliable. Methodical. Patient. P
ersistent.
Ability to conclude a task. L
aborious. Organized.
Reverse Meanings: Stagnation. Inertia. Lack of
determination or direction. Narrow-mindedness.
Idleness.
PAGE OF COINS An old man stands before
his high-walled and secure home.
24

Divinatory Meanings: Deep concentration and

application. Scholarship. Reflection. Desire for
new ideas. A do-gooder. Bearer of news.
Reverse Meanings: Failure to recognize obvious
facts. Dissipation of ideas. Illogical thinking.
Rebelliousness. Wastefulness.
TEN OF COINS Chao Kung Ming is the
god of wealth. Astride a black tiger, he defends
the people from injustice and helps the poor
and those who are kindly.
Divinatory Meanings: Riches. Safety. Family
matters. Ancestry. Inheritance. Home.
Reverse Meanings: Bad odds. Possible loss.
Hazard. Robbery. Loss of inheritance.
Dissipation. Gambling.
NINE OF COINS The god Liu Hai,
accompanied by a toad that sits on his back, is a
sign of success and fortune.
Divinatory Meanings: Accomplishment.
Discernment. Discretion. Foresight. Prudence.
Material well-being. Love of nature.
Reverse Meanings: Roguery. Danger. Storms.
Bad faith. Possible loss of a valued friendship or
a treasured possession.
EIGHT OF COINS A greedy trader picks up
coins from the ground. The image is of a person
seeking prosperity through windfalls, rather than
through work.
Divinatory Meanings: Apprenticeship.
Craftsmanship. Quickness to learn. Candor.
Modesty. Handiwork. Personal effort.
25

Reverse Meanings: Lack of ambition. Vanity.

Disillusionment. Usury. Hypocrisy. Flattery.
Intrigue.
SEVEN OF COINS A nun begs for alms.
In Buddhism, the flywhisk symbolizes the
command not to kill, as one brushes away flies
rather than killing them.
Divinatory Meanings: Ingenuity. Growth.
Handiwork. Progress. Successful dealings.
Money Treasure.
Reverse Meanings: Impatience. Uneasiness.
Imprudent actions. Loss of money. Unwise
investments.
SIX OF COINS A warrior tosses coins in
order to predict the future.
Divinatory Meanings: Generosity. P
hilanthropy.
Charity. Gratification. Gifts.
Reverse Meanings: Avarice. Selfishness. Envy.
Jealousy. Bad debt. Unpaid loans.
FIVE OF COINS The image of a corrupt
official warns that it is better to go bankrupt
than to succumb to blackmail.
Divinatory Meanings: Destitution. Loss. F
ailure.
Error. Mistress. Lover.
Reverse Meanings: Reversal of bad trend.
New interest in matters. Overcoming ruin.
Disharmony in marriage or love interests.
FOUR OF COINS A plump boy bearing
coins is a sign of coming prosperity.
26

Divinatory Meanings: Love of material wealth.

Hoarder. Usurer. Skinflint. Inability to share.
Reverse Meanings: Setbacks in material matters.
Opposition to further gain. Suspense and delay.
Spendthrift.
THREE OF COINS An archer shoots arrows
through the centers of coins.
Divinatory Meanings: Great skill in trade
or work. Mastery. Perfection. Artistic ability.
Dignity. Renown. Rank. Power.
Reverse Meanings: Sloppiness. Mediocrity.
Money problems. Commonplace ideas. Lack of
skill. Preoccupation.
TWO OF COINS A pair of coins symbolizes
engagement. The palm trees, weeping willows,
and full moon all indicate a happy marriage for
the couple.
Divinatory Meanings: Difficulty in launching
new projects. New troubles. Embarrassment.
Reverse Meanings: Literary ability. Agility in
handling matters. Simulated enjoyment.
Enforced gaiety. Letter. Message.
ACE OF COINS A scholar holding a gold
coin is content with his placid and wealthy life.
Divinatory Meanings: Perfection. Attainment
Prosperity. Felicity. Bliss. Gold. Treasures. The
combination of material and spiritual riches.
Reverse Meanings: Prosperity without
happiness. Misused wealth. Wasted money.
Corruption by money. Miserliness. Greed.
Fools gold.
27

THE TEN-CARD SPREAD

The ten-card spread is a slightly altered
version of the Ancient Celtic Method described
by Arthur Edward Waite in The Pictorial Key to
the Tarot.
The person seeking an answer to a question is
known as the questioner or querent. The questioner sits at a table opposite the diviner and both
persons maintain a serious attitude.
The questioner should concentrate on the
specific question to be answered. This question is
stated aloud to the diviner while the questioner
shuffles the face-down deck. The shuffling must
be done by the person seeking an interpretation
or predictionnot by the diviner. When the questioner is satisfied with the shuffling, the deck is
placed face down in front of the diviner. The cards
are always viewed from the diviners position.
Beginning with the top card as number one,
the second card as number two, and so on, the
diviner turns over the first six cards, one at a
time, placing them face up on the table in the
sequence shown in the diagram.
The cards with pictures upside down to the
diviner are said to be reversed, and therefore,
the reverse meanings apply to them. Generally,
if more than half the cards are reversed, the
diviner may find a better reading is obtained by
moving the reversed cards to upright positions.

28

10
3

8
5
7

The significance of the cards in the ten-card

spread is as follows.
Card 1: Present position. Atmosphere in
which the questioner is presently working and
living. Influences on the questioner. This card
also represents the questioner.
Card 2: Immediate influence. The influences
or obstacles that lie just ahead. This card crosses
the questioner.
Card 3: Goal or destiny. The ultimate goal or
destiny of the questioner. The best that can be
accomplished by the questioner based on existing circumstances. This card may also represent
the questioners aim or ideal in regard to the
question. This card crowns the questioner.
Card 4: Distant past foundation. Past events
and influences that form a foundation for
29

the present events. This card is behind the

questioner.
Card 5: Recent past events. The sphere of
influence or events that has passed or is just
passing. The card may represent distant past
influences exerting pressure on recent events.
This card is beneath the questioner.
Card 6: Future influence. The sphere of
influence that is coming into being in the near
future. This card is in front of the questioner.
After reading the preceding six cards,
the diviner turns over the next four cards from the
deck, placing them one above the other in a line
to the right of the previous six cards, as shown
in the diagram.
Card 7: The questioner. The questioners
present position or attitude within the circumstances. This card is used to place the questioner
in proper perspective.
Card 8: Environmental factors. The questioners
influence on other people and his or her social
position in life. Tendencies and factors that exist
with respect to other persons who may have an
effect on the questioner.
Card 9: Inner emotions. The inner hopes,
hidden emotions and secret desires, fears and
anxieties of the questioner. Includes thoughts
that will arise in the future.
Card 10: Final results. The culmination and
outcome of the influences revealed by the other
cards in the spread, provided events and influences continue as indicated.

NOTES

For our complete line of tarot decks,

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and other inspirational products
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