While there are many and varied definitions for tarot cards, there are some standard guides to follow for generally unified definitions. In the late 19th century, the Order of the Golden Dawn updated ancient tarot decks in an attempt to establish conformity that fairly represented the vast diversity of the tarot tradition. It is from this modern work of cards that the following definitions are drawn.

The Fool: Associated with fertility and the primal energy of spring with connotations of birth, rebirth and transformation, the Fool represents making a new start to life.

The Magician: Full of trickeries, the Magician is a wheeler and dealer; he says one thing but means another. He is known to be a thief, but just what he is stealing remains a mystery. High Priestess: Change and movement dominate this card. It also represents female intuition. The Empress: Representative of every kind of love, the Empress symbolizes fertility, growth, and caring. The Emperor: This is the alpha male with all its insinuations of dominance, immaturity, impulsive behavior and a lack of respect for authority.

The Heirophant: Dogmatic and traditional, this card represents a benevolent teacher. The Lovers: Beyond the obvious implications of love and romance, this card is really about choice - is this really what is wanted? The Lovers highlights doubt or hesitation regarding a situation. The Chariot: Travel and change define this card. It is all about control that will result in getting what is wanted. It also defines a defense of what is wanted.

Strength: This card typically means passion - passion for life, passion for love, work, and play. The Star: This card is card generally indicates that dreams and aspirations will come true. There is a sense of well being and confidence in the definition of the Star. It points to success in life. The Sun: Wealth, success, and happiness define this card.

The Moon: Deception, chaos and confusion dominate the meaning of this card. These things can have benefits as well as cast doubts as this card indicates that secrets will be kept secret. Judgment: The definition of the Judgment card is that of conclusion. Resolution of a situation is expected when this card is revealed.

The World: This card signifies that upon resolution of a situation, moving to a new place, either literally moving to a new location, or figuratively moving to a new stage in life, is next.