Four of Cups

Element: Water

Imagery: A seated figure beneath a tree, focused on three cups while a fourth is offered by a divine hand.

General Themes: Emotional withdrawal, dissatisfaction, introspection, and gratitude.

Four of Cups Upright

Upright, this card asks—no, BEGS—you to re-enchant your life! It’s easy to get stuck and feel like your life is going nowhere fast. What’s needed is a change in perspective. Instead of fixating on what you don’t have, take a breath, look around you, and notice what you do have.

Look at the figure in the card. His arms are crossed and he’s looking away from three golden cups right in front of him. He doesn’t even notice the fourth cup, a divine offering, practically falling into his lap. He’s miserable!

And to think, if only he’d look up. Take a deep breath. Uncross his arms and look around. He’d see that the world is conspiring in his favor. If this isn’t an invitation to practice the art of joy and curiosity, I don’t know what is.

Consider where you put your time and energy. Also consider where your mind goes most often. Are these thoughts generative and life-affirming? Or do they restrict flow?

Take a moment. Look up. And be open to everyday magic and synchronic happenings. Seems like a better way of going about life than always looking for what you lack.

Four of Cups Reversed

Reversed, this card offers an opportunity to clear through stagnation and old perspectives. Step back and look at your life. Really look. Don’t just look for what’s missing. Notice what’s there, especially the things that enhance the quality of your life. Make a list if you need to. You’ll find you have rather a lot more than you realized.

New opportunities and energetic shifts will come from this pause.

At its most magical, this card is about shifting out of scarcity into an abundance mentality. Pure gratitude floods your heart and you’ve learned not to take your life and healthy relationships for granted. This shift is everything. Suddenly, you can enjoy the bounty of the three golden cups before you and trust that the fourth one will find you when you’re ready.

You’ll be surprised how magnetic gratitude can be. It’s revitalizing. It’s contagious. It’s an invitation for good things to come into your life.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Four of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A garlanded archway supported by four wands; figures celebrate beneath it.

General Themes: Stability, homecoming, communal harmony, a safe container for joy.

Four of Wands Upright

Like the Three of Cups, the Four of Wands is a celebration card. It’s time to appreciate the good things in life. Honor even the little things and take time out of your life to celebrate the really big stuff. Have some fun!

You have reached a state of stability and sustainable abundance. It’s safe to let down and relax now. Center yourself—think of your body as hearth and home, the root of your abundant spirit. The more you ground yourself in what matters, the more you will flourish.

Four of Wands Reversed

The Four of Wands reversed still carries the joyous energy of its upright form. Here, though, it’s more about inner harmony, something we don’t celebrate enough. It is no small thing to find your way back to yourself. Some people never do. So take this time to honor this pivotal moment.

Now is the time to release worry and negative self-talk. Just because things don’t seem to be moving forward in the outer world doesn’t mean you aren’t growing. The deepest work is quiet, almost imperceptible—and the longest lasting. So enjoy the process and release the need to control the outcome, a temptation which is often at the root of worry and negativity.

In its most alarming form, it can reflect a time of instability and upheaval, particularly in your personal life. Your life feels like it’s turned upside down! But, as with the Hanged Man, this card offers a new perspective. Look at things from a new vantage point and see what this topsy-turvy energy can teach you. Maybe you’ve needed to loosen up or let go of things you can’t control to restore harmony. Maybe this friction shows you what you need to remove from your life in order to thrive. Pause and take in the scene. The answers will come. And when they do—celebrate.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Four of Swords

Element: Air

Imagery: A figure lies in repose within a church; three swords hang above, one rests below.

General Themes: Rest, recovery, mental stillness, sanctuary.

Four of Swords Upright

I call this the radical self-care card of the deck. It’s an invitation to enjoy guilt-free self-care and self-love. It’s okay to take time for yourself. We live in a world that values extroversion and external markers of growth, so it can feel strange to turn inward and focus on healing—two things which are hard to quantify or explain in the context of the status quo.

This is a time to examine your life and release anything that is causing undue stress, or to find a way to not let a stressful situation hijack your nervous system. The card indicates that the only solution right now is to slow down and tend your inner life.

Remember: sometimes the best thing you can do is practice self-care. All healthy changes come from within first. As that old witchy saying goes: as within, so without.

Four of Swords Reversed

This card is a major caution sign! Similar to its upright form, the reversal asks you to practice self-care. Only here, it is BEGGING you to slow down and take care of yourself OR ELSE. Seriously. If you don’t slow down now, life will make you stop—and never in the way you want it to.

Reversed, this isn’t just a card about radical self-care but intensive rest. Think of your soul as a hospital patient or someone who is on enforced bedrest. You need to recharge and allow your system to heal. Period. Everything else comes after that.

Your soul will thank you.

Don’t be afraid to protect your solitude and interiority here. In fact, doing so is a necessary part of healing. Take your self-care as seriously as you do everything else. OR ELSE.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Four of Pentacles

Element: Earth

Imagery: A figure clutches coins to their chest, head, and feet, guarding material resources.

General Themes: Security, conservation, control of resources, scarcity mindset.

Four of Pentacles Upright

This card appears when a scarcity mindset creeps in. You don’t need to hold on so tightly to your resources. In fact, the more you try to hold onto your wealth—both literal and metaphorical—the more it leaks out of you. It seems counterintuitive, but if you loosen up, you don’t lose that hard-earned wealth; you’ll add to it.

The Four of Pentacles invites us to cultivate an abundance mindset. It’s a reminder that you are a capable, empowered being who has the ability to nurture and maintain wealth in all things. So loosen up!

This card can also signal that you are being stingy with yourself energetically, not just monetarily. When it appears, ask yourself where you feel restricted in your life. Often, we tighten our energy when we want to feel safe or in control. Examine the situation and allow yourself to breathe into the discomfort. Notice how flowing allows for more abundance and insight than restriction.

Four of Pentacles Reversed

Reversed, the message is much the same: cultivate an abundance spirit. There is a greater sense of safety in this card’s reversal, however, as if the figure no longer needs to hold on so tightly to their resources.

Release your need for control and security. Again, it seems counterintuitive, but the harder you hold on to your assets, the more you restrict growth—if you let go, the more abundance you create naturally through the return of flow. In other words, prosperity comes from living in harmony with your true nature and nurturing energies that feed your interests.

This card in reverse can also appear when you’ve successfully outgrown your scarcity mentality. Keep staying open, keep flowing, keep nourishing that which feeds your soul.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Three of Cups

Element: Water

Imagery: Three women raise cups in a circle, surrounded by harvest imagery.

General Themes: Celebration, shared joy, emotional integration.

Three of Cups Upright

This is a card of celebration and connection. Enjoy it!

Reconnect with yourself and those you love. Honor the relationships in your life and the magic that comes from joyful relationality.

This card is an invitation to party! Relax, have fun, and spend time with people who make your life better. Upright, this card can also ask you to embrace a celebratory spirit, even if you’re just going about your daily tasks. How can you invite more fun and connection into your life?

I always think of the Three Graces in Greek mythology when I see this card: Beauty, Charm, and Joy. Invoke their bounty when they appear. This is not a card for playing it safe or being demure. Be loud in your enthusiasm and the world will respond.

Three of Cups Reversed

Reversed, this card is still very much a relational card. Instead of seeking out company, however, this card asks you to find joy in solitude. This is the time to nourish your internal life and relish some much-needed alone time.

Self-care is your priority right now, as are creative endeavors, so don’t hesitate to carve out time for either. Healthy relationships come out of a relationship to the self, so don’t neglect the importance of tending to your needs. In fact, this card asks you to celebrate it!

This is also one of the cards that asks you to cultivate divine receptivity. It’s not about going out and doing all the things, but nourishing openness and creating a life that allows good things to enter. Let go and relax. Trust that the Three Graces will find you when you aren’t trying so hard to find them.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Three of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A figure stands on a cliff with three planted wands, watching ships move outward.

General Themes: Expansion, anticipation, the results of earlier choices.

Three of Wands Upright

The Three of Wands is an expansive card. Wands are all about raw energy and potential, so it’s important to take advantage of that energy when it appears; otherwise, it will disperse. This card specifically wants you to explore new horizons. Those could be a literal invitation to travel, get out of your comfort zone, or try something new.

More often, the Three of Wands invites you to cultivate an expansive mindset. Look at the world around you from a fresh perspective. Reimagine a situation and look for ways to encourage stagnant energy to flow.

This is a time to dream big and explore your potential. Think about the best possible outcome and go after it. Embody your hopes and dreams. Feel them deep in your bones, then work on bringing them into the world.

Three of Wands Reversed

When reversed, this card specifically wants you to focus on the present moment. Stay grounded and don’t get carried away longing for greener pastures someplace else. Sometimes the best way to move forward with your life is to stay rooted in the here and now.

Keep your gaze forward. The past is in the past. Focus on your present moment and trust that it will help you create a more positive future. This includes editing your self-talk and internal monologue. Does it welcome change and flow? Or do negative thought patterns stifle creative energy? Your energy flows where your thoughts go, so direct them toward forward movement and grounded healing.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Three of Swords

Element: Air

Imagery: A heart pierced by three swords beneath storm clouds.

General Themes: Painful clarity, grief, truth that wounds but has the potential to liberate.

Three of Swords Upright

This card speaks of tremendous heartbreak. And this isn’t the type of heartbreak that magically goes away. In fact, when we talk about healing from heartbreak, we seldom discuss the fundamental truth of this kind of pain: healing looks a lot like like learning to live with the emotional scarring. In other words, we don’t have to forget the pain, but we have to learn to let our heart grow around the wound.

At its most empowering, the Three of Swords is an invitation to embody relational expansiveness. Healing is honoring the history you lived through and not letting it shut you down emotionally.

Embodied feeling offers transcendence. It might sound counterintuitive, but feeling what you need to feel allows you to free yourself from those heavy emotions. As tough as this card is, at its heart (pun intended), it’s about remaining expansive and open even when feelings are difficult. Those difficult feelings remind you that you’re human.

Three of Swords Reversed

Upright, this card explores how to survive serious heartbreak. Reversed, it symbolizes a profound release of pain. The three swords slide out of the upside-down heart, suggesting an effortlessness to this movement, which often happens after time, space, and processing have done their work. It doesn’t mean that you will never feel the pain of that heartbreak again, only that it no longer controls your life.

This card reversed ushers in a period of emotional recovery. Embrace the process. Go slow. Be quiet. Allow yourself to recharge and don’t feel the need to rush out of this liminal space.

It’s also important during this time to resist the temptation to indulge in negative thinking. That only reopens the wounds. Let go, move on, and feel the relief that comes from letting past pain stay in the past.

Move forward with emotional clarity and an open heart.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Three of Pentacles

Element: Earth

Imagery: Three figures work together within a sacred architectural space.

General Themes: Skill, collaboration, building something meaningful with others.

Three of Pentacles Upright

This card emphasizes meaningful collaboration and hard work. It’s not about hard work for the sake of hard work, but productive labor. There’s a magic to applying yourself to your craft, day in, day out. The Three of Pentacles is an invitation to bring your dream to life. You have the vision and the ability; now you just need to apply yourself. This isn’t a time for shortcuts, vision without action, or self-doubt. Apply yourself, and the seeds you plant will sprout.

It might not feel like you are making progress in the moment. The key is to embrace the process. Think of it as a form of conjuring. The time, energy, and effort you put into your task will ultimately pay off.

Three of Pentacles Reversed

The reversal of this card asks you to slow down. Take your time with new projects. Things might feel stagnant, so it is important that you examine where the energetic blockage is and move from there.

In its upright form, this card encourages collaborative work. Here, the card gives you permission to work solo, if you need to, or at least on a smaller scale, both socially and in terms of the scope of your project.

Return to the basics. Find your inspiration in the daily practice of showing up, even if you don’t have all the answers yet. Let new inspiration come from your devotion to your craft and from practicing the fundamental skills that got you where you are. They will come when the universe knows you’re willing to do the work.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Two of Cups

Element: Water

Imagery: Two figures exchanging cups beneath a caduceus and lion’s head. Behind them, a home is tucked into a lush landscape.

General themes: Mutual recognition, balanced relationship, emotional reciprocity.

Two of Cups Upright

This is one of the most auspicious cards when it comes to relationships, including romantic ones. The Two of Cups offers a promising foundation for any union. It is the embodiment of Eros Energy, in which love is all around you and within you. You can safely be vulnerable. 

In romance, this card speaks of mutual attraction and connection that has the potential to blossom into something more. Now is the time to cultivate loving partnerships and embrace new connections. This isn’t just about passion, but a bone-deep soul connection that can grow into a healthy, loving relationship in which both partners feel their freest and happiest. More than the Lovers card, the Two of Cups speaks of lasting romantic harmony with the right person.

In a non-romantic context, it can refer to an affectionate or healthy bond, such as a strong friendship or even a solid workplace camaraderie that fosters innovative and productive working relationships. Or, more deeply, it can refer to an opening to self and a blossoming healthy self-love. In any case, the Two of Cups reflects your openness to fruitful relational energies that make your life better.

Two of Cups Reversed

Reversed, this card is all about self-love. It is still a generous card, reminding you that love is all around you and within you—but you may need to focus a little more on that last part. Self-love, including self-care, is the foundation for all healthy relationships. It’s an old metaphysical truth that your outer landscape is a mirror of your inner landscape. If you cultivate a verdant inner garden and love even the wounded parts of yourself, the rest of the world will reflect that abundance and joy.

This card is an invitation to cultivate your communication skills. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself and others. How can you be gentler or more compassionate to yourself? Think about how your energy affects those around you. Awareness is key—understanding your relationship to yourself will help you understand your relationship to others. 

Be open to new perspectives. They will help you heal. Soften your gaze and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Two of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A figure holds a globe while grasping one wand and facing another fixed to a wall. He gazes out into the distance. The sea and mountains are in the background. 

General themes: Expansion vs. security; vision and ambition.

Two of Wands Upright

This card ushers in a time of expansive curiosity. The whole world is before you, though you might not be quite ready to make the leap or dive into your next adventure. Explore your options so that when you are ready to move forward, you can be confident in the direction you’ve chosen. 

Be excited, but don’t get carried away. Notice that the figure looks out on the horizon, but their feet are firmly planted on the earth. This moment is for grounded self-discovery. Seek balance in your daily life, even as you nourish your vision of the future. Remember, a strong foundation will lead to new opportunities and more abundance in the long run. 

When you’re ready, take that calculated risk with the full belief that you can make magic happen. 

Two of Wands Reversed

When this card shows up reversed, it’s an invitation to slow down. Don’t rush ahead, and definitely don’t dive into any new projects until you’re sure they’re right for you. Take it slow and learn the ins and outs of your new endeavor. 

Likewise, it may be an invitation to explore your inner horizons. The expansiveness of the upright version of the Two of Wands is turned inward here. This is a time to focus on personal development. If you’re itching for a fresh start, consider shifting your perspective rather than fantasizing about bigger shakeups, like a location or career change. Sometimes the next adventure is right where you’re planted—if you stay open to the unexpected.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Two of Swords

Element: Air

Imagery: A blindfolded figure holds crossed swords. The sea and the moon are behind her.

General themes: Stalemate, avoidance, suspended judgment.

Two of Swords Upright

This is a card about feeling stuck in limbo. The figure can’t see—they are literally blindfolded—and so, seem unable to make a clear decision. This could be for many reasons. Either you don’t have all the information you need, so the path forward seems unclear, or your options appear equally good (or bad). You could also have some avoidance issues! There is something about this situation that makes you hesitant to act.

The most important thing is to get moving, however hard it may seem. The only wrong choice is no choice. If your hesitation stems from a lack of information, investigate a little more—your feelings, the situation, both sides of the equation. You will need a balance of logic and feeling for this, as echoed by the sea and land in the background of this image.

In the end, life is messy. There are no easy choices, so do your best and keep moving forward.

Two of Swords Reversed

Although sword cards reflect the intellectual realm, this card asks you to tap into your intuition. Rather than make a decision right this minute, embrace this liminal space. This is fertile ground to look to your inner guild and recenter yourself. 

Something is clouding your judgment, so pull back and clear your head before you make any decisions. Trusting your gut can feel messy, but it will lead to better results in the long run here. 

This card might appear when you are in a difficult situation with seemingly no resolution, or when you feel burned out or overloaded. That’s why it’s important to pull back and take stock of things. 

But don’t stay in the liminal space too long. Like its upright form, this card, reversed, ultimately asks you to clear your mind so you can move forward with clarity. 

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Two of Pentacles

Element: Earth

Imagery: A figure goggles coins bound by an infinity symbol. In the background are ships on turbulent seas.

General themes: Balance, adaptability, managing material demands.

Two of Pentacles Upright

Two of Pentacles Upright is the proverbial juggler of the tarot. It celebrates flexibility and balance, especially when you are juggling a lot—there’s that word again—or grappling with several pressing issues. Of course, when we are overwhelmed, it is easy to get stressed and uptight. This card tells us to loosen up! The best approach here is to stay flexible and fluid. In fact, letting go a little bit will help you see things in a different light—and find more long-lasting solutions.

Life is always changing, so it's best to move with it! Even better, cultivate more work-life balance and resist the urge to overwork. Sometimes we take on more than we should out of nervous energy or because we’ve conditioned ourselves to always be doing something. Instead, do less but better and welcome in a more fluid way of being. Be like a tree: bending and swaying in the wind, rather than breaking. 

Two of Pentacles Reversed

When this card appears reversed, it wants you to focus on your priorities. There will always be one more thing to do and one more promise to make. Before you do, pause and ask yourself if it’s a worthwhile commitment. Chances are, people-pleasing is behind the temptation to take on more than you can handle.

Let go of distractions. They only weigh you down. Part of maintaining balance is being honest about what you can realistically juggle day in, day out. Often, we think doing more makes us more productive or successful. In reality, success comes from balance and alignment. 

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Tarot Resources

Below is a list of valuable tarot resources I’ve found supremely helpful and nourishing in my own tarot journey. It’s in no particular order, and I add to it as I delve deeper into the magic of the cards.

Books

• Jessa Crispin’s The Creative Tarot: A Modern Guide to an Inspired Life

• Bridgit Esselmont’s Intuitive Tarot

• Eden Gray’s A Complete Guide to the Tarot

• Jessica Hundley, Penny Slinger, Johannes Fiebig & Marcella Kroll’s Tarot: TASCHEN’s Library of Esoterica Book 5

• Esther Joy Archer & Holly Adams Easley’s The History of Tarot Art: Demystifying the Art and Arcana, Deck by Deck

• Michelle Tea’s Modern Tarot: Connecting with Your Higher Self through the Wisdom of the Cards

• Benebell Wen’s Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth

Websites & Podcasts

• The Little Red Tarot

• The Tarot Professor

• Wildy Tarot Podcast

Tarot resources on history, storytelling, symbolism, interpretation.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Ace of Cups

Element: Water

Imagery: A floating hand holds a chalice that overflows with water. A dove springs from the overflowing cup. The water flows down into a lotus-filled pool.

General themes: Emotional openness, grace, relational flow.

Ace of Cups Upright

The cups are all about feelings and intuition. The Ace of Cups is a gentle celebration of new relationships or the revelation of new feelings. As an Ace, this card points to the potential for a new relationship or a breakthrough in your relational energy. It can even signal an inner opening to the self. Love is all around you when The Ace of Cups appears. As with all Cup cards, it is important to honor your feelings here.

You’re brimming with creativity! It should come as no surprise that emotions are deeply tied to our creative, generative selves. This card celebrates inspiration—it is everywhere, within and without. Keep nourishing it and see what magic comes from your openness.

Ace of Cups Reversed

The Ace of Cups Reversed is much like the Ace of Wands Reversed. It speaks of new possibilities emerging, this time in relational matters. You’re not quite ready to bring these feelings into the world yet. They need to be tended in the quiet of your own heart and nourished with your time and attention. Think of this as self-love and self-care time. You can’t bring love into your life if you don’t first love and tend to yourself. 

Conversely, the reversal of this card can indicate that you are emotionally blocked. What emotions are you suppressing? What difficult feelings are you avoiding? Nothing good comes from ignoring your fears or anxieties. Be gentle with yourself as you explore and remove blockages. 

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Ace of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A floating hand holds a living wand sprouting leaves. In the distance is a castle sitting amidst an open landscape. 

General themes: Creative spark, libido, vocation, inspiration

Ace of Wands Upright

The Ace of Wands, in its upright form, is an energetic card, as are all Wand cards. It speaks to a new influx of energy that feels exciting and a little wild. The best way to utilize this energy is to stay spontaneous and get moving. This card is all about building momentum and taking advantage of this vital force, encouraging you to make your dreams come true.

Nourish that spark of inspiration so the flame doesn’t go out. It matters less here where you go as long as you get moving. Don’t waste the potential of this Ace energy. Forward movement is more important than the destination. Pay special attention to the things that ignite your passions and excite your senses.

It’s time for a delicious transformation!

Ace of Wands Reversed

Reversed, The Ace of Wands is still energetic but signals a slower-moving transformation. New possibilities are emerging, but it is too soon to tell which direction you should move in. Protect this incubation period, as it will lead to a more fertile project when you are ready to bring it into the world. 

Work slowly and quietly on these new developments. Talking about them right now would take away from your ability to conjure. Then, when it is time to take action, be loud, be bold, and don’t hesitate!

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Ace of Swords

Element: Air

Imagery: A sword stands upright, crowned with victory wreaths. A mountain terrain is in the background.

General themes: Truth, clarity, ethical decision.

Ace of Swords Upright

The Ace of Swords celebrates new insights and great ideas. The Swords are about the intellect and a clear mind, so whatever you’re thinking about, you’ve got the right idea. A bright idea, in fact!

Expect a creative breakthrough, a chance to turn a bright idea into a reality, or an unexpected insight that changes your perspective on a tricky situation. This card is all about mental clarity—trust what your mind is telling you here, not your heart.

Lastly, The Ace of Swords Upright asks you to have faith in your abilities. You might not feel quite confident yet, but an Ace is always a promise to trust your ideas as they will bear fruit. It’s easy to second-guess yourself or overthink a situation to death. Trust yourself. 

Ace of Swords Reversed

When this card appears reversed, it invites you to take a step back and clear your head. You might be too close to a situation to see it clearly or your emotions are clouding your judgement. Take your time and be deliberate about your next step. If something about this situation makes you feel rushed, walk away.

Another way to read this reversal is that you have new ideas percolating. You might not be ready to voice them yet or birth them into the world, but they’re definitely worth looking at. Nurture and protect them during this gestation period. You’ll know when it’s time to take action.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Ace of Pentacles

Ace of Pentacles Upright

Element: Earth

Imagery: A floating hand holds a golden coin over a garden path and archway.

General themes: Manifestation, embodiment, practical beginnings.

Ace of Pentacles Upright

The Ace of Pentacles is an invitation to begin again. The clouds have parted, the sun—here, a golden pentacle—is shining, and a whole new world beckons to you just beyond the verdant archway. Opportunities abound!

Pentacles often represent financial situations and worldly concerns, so this card is always a good omen when it comes to career opportunities or anything else that nourishes an abundant life. 

The potential for abundance is there, but, as with all Ace cards, you need to act on that energy, or it will dissipate. Aces invite you to strike while inspiration is there,e and you will succeed. Trust this influx of creative energy and invest in your vision. It will bear fruit.

Ace of Pentacles Reversed

When this card is reversed, it cautions against impulsive financial investments or risky career moves. Even if something seems like a sound idea, the chances are that it is too good to be true. Ask yourself: Do you have all the facts? What are the drawbacks to this venture? What’s the fine print here? Take a step back and examine the situation from all perspectives, including the vibes. If a picture-perfect scenario is giving you the creeps, listen to that feeling. 

Similarly, this is a call to get organized and serious about the work you want to do. Are you putting in the work to make this successful? Have you planned and prepared sufficiently? What do you need to do to make this work? Slow down and examine the viability of your vision. You might need to focus your ideas or redirect your energy entirely. 

This card can also signal setbacks. If you keep hitting roadblocks, pause to listen to what the setbacks are telling you. You might be on the wrong road entirely.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

The Tens

The Tens represent the official end of a cycle. You’ve gone from the early potential of the Aces to the full fruition of your current storyline. This is a card that ushers in strong emotions. They’re either heavy emotions or ones of cleansing and abundance. 

These last cards in the number series can signal the end of a major life event or the beginning of a new one. It can also reflect something as simple and profound as a fundamental shift in perspective. As with all things, the close of one chapter is also the start of a new one. As such, the Aces and the Tens often work hand in hand.

In the end, the Tens offer space to reflect on lessons learned, wisdom gained, and a broader perspective of the world as you close out this cycle. 

Ten of Pentacles

Ten of Swords

Ten of Wands

Ten of Cups

Image Description: Starry background with the words, “The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot: The Tens: Journey’s End, Broader Perspectives, New Beginnings.”

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

The Nines

The Nines usher in a final chapter. Things are coming full circle, and you’re about to complete an important stage in your life, but you’re not quite there yet. These cards might also reflect a need for closure or a sense of resolution before you can move on to the next chapter of your life. 

While the Eights are about reflecting on what you’ve accomplished and perhaps what you’re missing in your life, the Nines invite you to metabolize your life experiences as a way to find closure. It’s time to reflect on how your actions have shaped your present state in both good and bad ways. 

Nine of Pentacles

Nine of Swords

Nine of Wands

Nine of Cups

Image Description: Starry background with the words, “The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot: The Nines: Coming Full Circle, Seeing Closure, Moving On.”

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

The Eights

The Eights ushers in a time of contemplation. These cards often depict a more mature figure who has to let things go or see their situation differently to move forward. These cards ask you to face some hard realities without utilizing the craftiness of the Sevens. 

Interestingly, the Eights also feature the only card in the tarot deck that does not include a human figure or a part of a human figure. The Eight of Wands is about pure energy and movement, as depicted by the eight wands flying through the air. 

As such, the Eights are about action but with more gravitas than the energy of the Aces. They invite the reader to consider how their mindset and habits shape their reality. You will enjoy abundant good energy if you can release your self-limiting beliefs. It’s up to you to decide where you want to focus your time and attention.  

Eight of Pentacles

Eight of Swords

Eight of Wands

Eight of Cups

Image Description: Starry background with the words, “The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot: The Eights: Contemplation, Maturation, Change in Perspective.”

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!