This is my standard set of keywords/phrases for the post-Golden Dawn/Rider-Waite-Smith interpretation of Tarot. It’s the one most Tarot readers and deck designers work from these days. This list reflects my own experience with decks such as the Universal Waite, the Robin Wood, and the Druid Craft.
Major Arcana
0 Fool
beginning, taking risk, trusting, spontaneity, apparent folly, the world in the egg, innocence
1 Magician
conscious awareness, expression of spirit in the world, focus of power, manipulation of power, channeling the energies, will
2 High Priestess
turning inward, discovering inner self, tasting non-being, vessel-ness, unconscious, mystery initiation
3 Empress
mother, nurturance, earth abundance, sensual nature, sexuality, birth, creativity
4 Emperor
fathering, structure, security, protection, rules, authority
5 Hierophant
conformity, teaching of tradition, blessing of belief, initiation, marriage
6 Lovers
sexuality, relationship, oneness from two-ness, choice about belief, commitment to integration
7 Chariot
victory, will and control of ego, self-assertion, being in charge, travel
8 Strength
strength, patience, gentle power, compassionate leadership, tolerance
9 Hermit
contemplation, guidance from wisdom, solitude, shining your light
10 Wheel
luck, circle of change, turning point, destiny shift, movement
11 Justice
justice, responsibility, decision with compassion, cause and effect
12 Hanged Man
surrender, suspension, sacrifice to spiritual transformation, at peace with process
13 Death/Transformation
letting go, ending, transition, death of the old, inexorable forces
14 Temperance/Alchemy
temperance, balance, mixing elements well, health, harmony
15 Devil
materialism, bondage, hopelessness, ignorance
16 Tower
sudden change, release, downfall, revelation, demise of the ego
17 Star
hope, inspiration, serenity, energetic generosity, letting it flow, healing
18 Moon
fear, illusion, imagination, deception, bewilderment
19 Sun
assurance, greatness, enlightenment, vitality
20 Judgment/Rebirth
rebirth, judgment, inner calling, absolution, forgiveness
21 World/Universe
integration, fulfillment, oneness, accomplishment
Minor Arcana—The Courts
Wands
Page of Wands
news of career/business, courage, daring, optimism, rashness, impulsiveness
Knight of Wands
ambition, changes in the air, new enterprise, enthusiasm, optimism, impatience
Queen of Wands
inspired leadership, strong-willed, self-assertive, sexual passion, versatility
King of Wands
wit, charm, enterprise, charisma, competitive, communicator
Swords
Page of Swords
sudden or upsetting news, decisiveness, mental stimulation, fairness
Knight of Swords
swift, impulsive action, conflict, sudden change, decisive action, mental challenges
Queen of Swords
intellectual, aloof, domineering, logical, diplomatic, determination, loneliness
King of Swords
cool rationality, fairness, truth, judgment, aggression, discrimination
Cups
Page of Cups
invitation, new love, warmth, attraction, creative imagination, emotional sensitivity
Knight of Cups
romance, artistry, seduction, empathy, moodiness, intuition
Queen of Cups
empathy, moodiness, mysticism, introspective, emotional
King of Cups
compassion, trust, dignity, reserve, a good listener, caring counselor
Pentacles
Page of Pentacles
willingness to learn, small financial gain, patience, persistence
Knight of Pentacles
travel over land, material progress, dependability, conservative measures
Queen of Pentacles
sensible, fertile, wealth-builder, home-body, common sense, nurturing
King of Pentacles
security-minded, reliable, kindly, financial advice, perseverance, wealth
Minor Arcana—Numbered Cards
Wands
Ace of Wands
start of a project, career potential, fire of will ignited
2 of Wands
business prospects/potential, but some waiting involved, elements are combined, but no sign of the ship coming in
3 of Wands
successful enterprise, trading, new creations/ambitions flourish
4 of Wands
completion, stability, success at home
5 of Wands
strife, friendly competition, exciting challenges
6 of Wands
victory, success in career
7 of Wands
valour, advantage over opposition
8 of Wands
swiftness (in all directions, not just one), promotion
9 of Wands
strength, endurance, wounded but still standing
10 of Wands
oppression, burden, carrying the load for others
Swords
Ace of Swords
new idea, clarity of purpose begins, clouds parting, new challenge
2 of Swords
dilemma, contemplating a decision, diplomacy
3 of Swords
sorrow, emotional pain, regret
4 of Swords
truce, rest from conflict, healing wounds
5 of Swords
defeating others, empty victory, gloating
6 of Swords
travelling away from strife, respite from conflict, guidance
7 of Swords
cleverness, strategic planning, manipulating with mind, stealing
8 of Swords
interference, feeling trapped, unaware of opportunity
9 of Swords
cruelty, nightmare, anguish of the mind (possibly illusionary)
10 of Swords
ruin, bottom of the pit, end of suffering, game over
Cups
Ace of Cups
new gift of joy, new relationship potential, shift into happiness
2 of Cups
love, finding partner, relationship flowing
3 of Cups
celebration with friends, abundance of love
4 of Cups
luxury, comfort, maybe taken for granted, boredom
5 of Cups
disappointment, love lost, empty cups
6 of Cups
simple pleasures, lovely memories, reunions
7 of Cups
lost in fantasy, pleasure abused, addiction
8 of Cups
mourning, moving on, leaving a relationship
9 of Cups
happiness, pleasure fulfilled, satisfaction
10 of Cups
satiety, total fulfillment at all levels
Pentacles
Ace of Pentacles
a small gift of wealth, new opportunity to increase wealth, beginning of harvest
2 of Pentacles
ups and downs of prosperity or mood, wandering, juggling
3 of Pentacles
skill development, building up, business growth, craftsmanship
4 of Pentacles
power, defending abundance, fortress mentality
5 of Pentacles
worry, fear of loss/poverty, change for the worse
6 of Pentacles
success, influence, gain radiating out, generosity
7 of Pentacles
failure to thrive, harvest not ready, danger of loss
8 of Pentacles
prudence, cunning, obsessed with detail, sometimes apprenticeship
9 of Pentacles
gain, good harvest, building wealth, social status
10 of Pentacles
accumulated wealth, legacy, old age