Knight of Cups

Element: Water

Imagery: A knight rides calmly while holding a cup before him, often crossing a quiet landscape that suggests emotional or spiritual quests.

General Themes: Romance, emotional pursuit, intuition, creativity, following the heart.

The Knight of Cups Upright

The Knight of Cups is a lover, not a fighter. You could say he is the Warrior of Love, championing meaningful connection and joyful passion. What is life without the sweeter things to soften the heartaches?

This card is a delicious invitation to invest in your personal life more and the world of passion—not your vocational passion or passion project, as with the other cards, but your Eros energy and sensuous side.

Seek out beauty and harmony. Fill your life with things that bring softness and soothing. Flowers in your home. Perfume that makes you feel beautiful. Even a coffee mug that a loved one gifted you—all of these are things that return you to the present and reconnect you to your body and emotional life.

Let your inner romantic be your guide. This card isn’t just about romance. It’s about romanticizing your life (in a healthy way, of course). Take a moment every day to pause and appreciate what makes your day magical. Tune into the little things that bring you joy. This will keep you open to new experiences and healthy connections.

The Knight of Cups Reversed

On the other hand, there’s such a thing as romanticizing your life too much and getting lost in daydreams. Don’t just fantasize about what you want, actively work on bringing those things into your life. Sometimes it’s as simple as doing an energetic check-in and seeing where stagnant energy is keeping you from being open to new relational energy. Sometimes it’s as simple as slowing down and practicing self-care so you have the energy to cultivate and tend healthy relationships. We often don’t tend our inner and personal lives in the same way we do our professional lives. But your personal life can’t grow if you don’t leave space for it to develop.

This card can also appear when you are allowing yourself to fully feel what you need to feel. This is where the Warrior of Love comes in. He wants you to free yourself by expressing your emotions in healthy ways and acknowledging that you have a heart and a body, as well as a head. This reversal wants you to embody Eros energy, but in a more grounded way—not the hyper-fantasy of romance, but by figuring out what it means to wake up and love your life every day.

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!

Knight of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A knight rides a rearing horse across a desert landscape, holding a wand as if charging forward with enthusiasm and momentum.

General Themes: Action, passion, bold movement, adventure, impulsive energy, pursuing inspiration.

The Knight of Wands Upright

The Knight of Wands, much like the Knight of Swords, is about seizing the moment and charging forward. Only this card is a touch more grounded than the Knight of Swords. The energy is there for you to take this opportunity to make things happen. It’s time to pursue your passion!

Likewise, now is a great time for an adventure. This is not a card for the shy or demure. Put yourself out there and watch the Universe match your energy. Just don’t get reckless. The Wands carry a lot of fire energy, so it’s best to temper it. Tend the spark rather than burn too hot. Balance your enthusiasm and inspiration with some old-fashioned common sense and you will go far.

The Knight of Wands Reversed

In reverse, this card is a caution sign. Avoid impulsive behavior and chaotic energy. Think things through before making a rash decision. You might be itching for a change when you get this card, or otherwise anxious to get going. Resist that urge—slow down and examine where this panic energy is coming from. Once you get to the root of your restlessness, you can move forward in a healthier way.

You might find yourself in a high-drama situation that seems to have no end. Don’t feed the flames here. Withdraw energy and remove yourself from the situation. Chances are, you’ll find that the chaos fades when you stop feeding it. Turn your attention to your passions instead and develop a realistic plan to grow them.

At the same time, this card can sometimes appear when you’ve been burning too hot and need to step back from whatever it is you’re working on. It is important to know when to work and when to rest.

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!

Knight of Swords

Element: Air

Imagery: A knight charges forward on a galloping horse with sword raised high as storm clouds swirl in the background.

General Themes: Determination, intensity, intellectual drive, decisive action, rushing toward truth or confrontation.

The Knight of Swords Upright

This is an intense card! Like the Eight of Wands, the Knight of Swords wants movement and action. So dive into those passion projects…just stay centered as you do so. Sometimes this card is a caution not to get carried away. The knight is literally trying to rein in his horse, so you might want to rein in your enthusiasm just a bit.

Be decisive in your actions and intellectual clarity, but don’t rush into anything foolishly. Think of yourself as a grounded conjurer who can cut through the noise and see the heart of the matter. There’s no need to force a confrontation here. Sometimes, the insight is enough to restore boundaries or help you move forward.

The Knight of Swords Reversed

The reversal of this card is a sign to slow down. Like right now. Don’t go charging ahead until you cool off and look at the situation logically and with emotional distance. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you say or do something you can’t undo.

Get grounded and rethink your game plan. Trust your intelligence and experience to guide you through this moment, and don’t hesitate to gather your resources and supporters. It is more important to think everything through and have a solid plan than to try to solve things on your own or fix them immediately. Slowing down here ensures a better outcome.

Focus on realignment instead of brute force to resolve this issue. Remember, if you are whole and aligned within, it is easier to navigate the external world.

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!

Page of Cups

Element: Water

Imagery: A young figure gazes at a cup from which a fish unexpectedly appears, suggesting imagination and emotional surprise.

General Themes: Emotional openness, intuition, creativity, sensitivity, messages from the heart.

Page of Cups Upright

The Page of Cups is another playful card, celebrating new connections and inspirations. Creativity is flowing and new friends pop up in unexpected places—like the fish peeking out of the Page’s cup in this card.

Be open to possibility here. This is a highly fertile time for matters of the heart and intuition. Let them guide you as you move forward here. Likewise, stay curious! So much of the Page energy is about being open to new things and cultivating an eternal sense of wonder. You can do this by nourishing your creative life.

Page of Cups Reversed

The Page of Cups reversed comes when you might be feeling disconnected from yourself or your emotions. Be gentle with yourself here and pull back. Once you feel more centered, let your feelings guide you.

Again, nurture your creativity. It will bring you back to yourself. Sometimes we get so focused on being productive or getting through the day that we forget to tend our inner life. Take a minute—or five—to feed your soul.

This is also a wonderful invitation to get spontaneous! Sweep away stagnant energy by getting playful and whimsical. The simple act of play can be a powerful antidote to self-doubt.

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!

Page of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A youthful figure stands in a desert landscape holding a flowering wand, looking at it with curiosity and excitement.

General Themes: Curiosity, creative spark, exploration, new inspiration, adventurous spirit.

Page of Wands Upright

The Page of Wands upright is an invitation to embrace your adventurous spirit. Make ‘yes’ your spell. What feels fun and exciting? What sparks your curiosity or inspires you? Go there.

Notice the figure on the card, however. Their feet are firmly planted on the ground. Get excited—get carried away, even! Just make sure to also cultivate grounded exuberance. It will take you farther. Think of this as a time to lay the foundation for future adventures and explorations. Instead of burning hot and then burning out, look for sustainable expansiveness.

Like the Fool, the Page of Wands asks you to embrace new things without expectations. Don’t go into a situation expecting a certain outcome. Instead, be curious, be open, and see what happens. You’ll be surprised at the magic you encounter!

Page of Wands Reversed

The reversal of this card asks you to expose your softer, more whimsical side. Enjoy a period of daydreaming and conjuring. Instead of venturing out into the world, explore your inner landscape and allow your mind to roam freely.

Embrace the excitement of new beginnings. Enjoy this moment before things are fully in motion. Watch the seed sprout and reach to the sky before it knows that it is a sunflower. See the green shoots sprouting from the Page’s wand in this card? Sometimes a fresh start sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Appreciate it.

Lastly, don’t stress about setbacks. Use them to get clear about what you want. Every bump in the road is a lesson that makes sure you’re moving in the right direction.

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!

Page of Swords

Element: Air

Imagery: A youthful figure stands alert with a raised sword, winds swirling through the landscape as clouds move behind them.

General Themes: Curiosity of the mind, vigilance, communication, learning, intellectual exploration.

Page of Swords Upright

You are a budding intellect in this card, full of new insights and sharp perceptions. It is important to nourish this new critical thinking muscle with the Page of Swords. You might still be learning to trust yourself, so this card comes as encouragement. This is true not just for your literal smarts but also for the psychic stuff—dreams, instincts, those sharp insights that come out of nowhere. Trust those.

When you do this, you don’t have to be so guarded. You can trust yourself to make the right call. This, in turn, means you can move through the world in a different way. You are free to explore, knowing you are safe.

Now here is where it gets really fun…trusting your intellect also means you have permission to get curious! Explore what nourishes you mentally and focus on expansion. When you aren’t stuck in hypervigilance, life opens up around you, often presenting new opportunities for growth and development.

Page of Swords Reversed

This reversal is seriously asking you to let your guard down. The good news is that when it appears, it means you are safer than you realize in whatever situation you are grappling with. Sometimes, we get so used to surviving, negotiating, and planning for future scenarios that we move through life closed off, always prepared for the next battle, like the figure in the card, sword always at the ready. You don’t really need to do that, however.

Use your strong mind to imagine more nourishing possibilities. Instead of searching for threats, search for joy, adventure, and whimsy. Lay down your sword and see how life responds to your openness and curiosity.

This card can also appear reversed when you are struggling to communicate difficult feelings, and so remain perpetually guarded. Express yourself in healthy ways so your emotions don’t leak out in negative ways. It is better to be direct and solution-focused than to bottle anything up.

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!

Page of Pentacles

Element: Earth

Imagery: A young figure stands in a fertile landscape holding a pentacle with focused attention, contemplating its potential.

General Themes: Study, dedication, manifestation, practical learning, new opportunities in the material world.

Page of Pentacles Upright

All Pages usher in an exciting new chapter. Like the Aces, they represent raw potential, only now it is ready to be embodied and brought to life. The Page of Pentacles reflects an auspicious time to develop new creative projects.

The Page, like the Fool, is very much a novice, so use this time to embrace the learning process. Remember when you were once new at something and how you eventually grew into mastery through simple practice and steady devotion. You’re at a starting point here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build something wonderful if you stay open and curious.

Let your inspiration guide you. This is not a time to get bogged down in little details or potential setbacks. Focus, instead, on the potential of this new idea and see where it takes you.

Page of Pentacles Reversed

Reversed, this card wants you to learn from past mistakes. Go forward into your new adventures with the wisdom from your experiences. It is one thing to feel like a novice, charting new territory, but another to walk blithely into a new chapter without having learned anything from the last one. That will only lead to you recreating the same story to your detriment. 

Likewise, be excited about your new project—but stay grounded. This might caution you to do your homework or plan a little more before diving into things. Be honest about what is sustainable for you to grow. A good way to do that is to refocus on the things that revitalize and energize you. 

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!

Five of Pentacles

Element: Earth

Imagery: Two figures struggle through snow beneath a stained-glass window.

General Themes: Remembering support exists; you are not alone.

Five of Pentacles Upright

The Five of Pentacles is a card of despair and isolation. Typically, you pull it when you are feeling left out in the cold, like the figures in the card. This could be because you are feeling disconnected from loved ones or because you are disconnected from your true self.

Like all Fives, this card flips the script on how we read upright cards. It comes to shake us up after the security of the Fours. Suddenly, you feel less secure and might struggle to make your way in the world. Remember, tarot is all about energy, so this could be literal (you got fired from your job or you’ve been iced out of your social circle), but more often than not, it’s about an energetic freeze.

As with all things, a return to your soul center is required. Let go of outer scarcity and turn to your inner light. See the stained-glass window in the image that shines a light on the figures trudging through snow? That’s the card’s promise that warmth and connection are within reach, if only we look up.

Five of Pentacles Reversed

This card is like a deep exhale after holding your breath for a bit, waiting to see how things will pan out. You survived. The sad energy of the upright form is banished in this card’s reversal.

You’ve come back to yourself after an ordeal. Heal. Decompress. And appreciate being on the other side of things. Remember this too: you are never truly alone. That stained-glass window above the figures always promises light and belonging if we’re willing to reach for it.

In fact, the Five of Pentacles in reverse is a somber reminder that abundance and connection come first and foremost from being true to self. Return to your inner light and everything else will follow.

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 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!