Tarot cards serve as a profound tool for self-reflection, spiritual guidance, and understanding the energies surrounding personal ambitions. The query regarding "what tarot card meanings going after what you want" relates directly to the suits and specific cards that symbolize drive, determination, and the manifestation of desires. According to the provided source data, the Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, each offering insights into the journey of life and the pursuit of goals. The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards representing life's karmic and spiritual lessons, acting as a mirror to the soul and a key to inner wisdom. These cards often highlight long-term patterns and significant turning points in one's journey toward greater meaning and understanding. In contrast, the Minor Arcana includes 56 cards that reflect daily trials, tribulations, and practical aspects of life, offering guidance on current issues and temporary influences.
When focusing on the theme of "going after what you want"—which encompasses ambition, drive, career success, and the pursuit of personal goals—the Tarot provides specific elemental associations and card interpretations. The Minor Arcana is organized into four suits, each representing different aspects of human experience and energy. Understanding these suits is essential for interpreting cards related to ambition and manifestation. The source data explicitly outlines the elemental associations and general meanings of these suits, which form the foundation for reading cards related to desire and action.
The Suit of Wands: The Spark of Fire and Ambition
The suit of Wands is the primary indicator of energy, passion, and the drive to pursue goals. According to the source data, Wands carry the spark of Fire. This suit is described as being about "movement, ambition, and the energy that pushes you forward." It taps into the drive to create, lead, grow, and take bold steps. Whether regarding a career, a personal goal, or a persistent dream, Wands speak to the part of the individual that craves purpose and momentum. When interpreting the meaning of Wands in a reading, the upright position generally signifies confidence, vision, and energy. For example, the Ace of Wands may indicate the beginning of a creative spark or a new project, serving as a potent symbol of initiation.
Conversely, reversed Wands might point to burnout, lack of direction, or holding back due to fear. The source data suggests that when Wands appear reversed, it often serves as a nudge to check in with inner hesitation or scattered energy. This suit reminds the seeker that passion fuels progress but can also burn out if not managed well. Therefore, in the context of "going after what you want," the presence of Wands suggests that the necessary fire and drive are present or need to be ignited and managed effectively.
The Suit of Pentacles: Material Manifestation and Success
While Wands provide the energy, the suit of Pentacles relates to the tangible results of that energy. The source data identifies Pentacles as the suit of the Earth element, generally relating to work, material matters, and financial prosperity. Cards within this suit often indicate the practical side of achieving goals. Specific cards are noted for representing career success. The Magician, Three of Pentacles, and Ten of Pentacles are highlighted as representing career achievement and success. The Chariot is also mentioned for showing determination and willpower, while the World indicates completion and accomplishment. These cards suggest that "going after what you want" involves not just desire but also the practical application of skills and the manifestation of efforts into material reality.
The Suit of Cups: Emotional Motivation and Connection
Ambition is often fueled by emotional desires and connections. The suit of Cups, associated with the Water element, relates to emotions, feelings, and relationships. The source data lists specific cards that represent love, such as The Lovers, Two of Cups, and Ten of Cups. The Empress is noted for representing nurturing love and fertility, while the High Priestess indicates intuitive connection. In the context of pursuing goals, Cups can represent the emotional satisfaction derived from success or the supportive relationships that encourage one to go after their desires. The Two of Cups, specifically, suggests a partnership that aids in achieving one's wants.
The Suit of Swords: Intellect and Overcoming Challenges
The pursuit of goals is rarely without obstacles. The suit of Swords, associated with the Air element, relates to intellect, truth, and challenges. While the source data does not list specific Sword cards for career success in the same way it does for Pentacles or Wands, the general description of the Minor Arcana as reflecting "trials and tribulations" implies that Swords play a role in addressing mental blocks or conflicts that may hinder progress. Understanding the Swords helps the seeker navigate the mental landscape of their ambition.
Major Arcana Cards and the Journey of Ambition
The Major Arcana cards represent the overarching spiritual lessons encountered while pursuing one's path. Cards such as The Magician (often associated with manifestation and willpower) and The World (completion) are vital in understanding the full cycle of "going after what you want." The source data explains that the Major Arcana forms a symbolic path, often described as the Fool's Journey, exploring themes of challenge, temptation, loss, strength, and growth. When Major Arcana cards appear in a reading regarding goals, they point to significant life events or major turning points that are shaping the soul's journey toward enlightenment and individuation.
Reversed Cards and Blocked Energy
When interpreting Tarot cards regarding ambition, the position of the card is crucial. The source data explains that reversed tarot cards often indicate blocked energy, internal challenges, or the need for introspection. They can represent the shadow aspect of a card's meaning or suggest that the individual is resisting the card's spiritual lesson and guidance. For example, a reversed Wand might indicate that the energy to pursue a goal is present but blocked by fear or burnout, requiring a shift in approach or a period of rest.
Interpreting the Cards for Personal Growth
The Tarot is described as the "storybook of our life" and a "mirror to our soul." When consulting the Tarot about going after what one wants, the process involves looking at the imagery and symbols and trusting intuition. The source data advises beginners to start by studying each card's basic meaning in both upright and reversed positions and then consider how it relates to the question. It is emphasized that Tarot is best used as a tool for guidance and self-discovery rather than fortune-telling. It can highlight potential outcomes and offer advice, but actions and choices ultimately shape the future.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tarot offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of pursuing personal and professional goals. The suit of Wands provides the necessary energy and drive, while the suit of Pentacles grounds these ambitions in material reality and success. The suits of Cups and Swords address the emotional and mental aspects of the journey. Combined with the profound lessons of the Major Arcana, these cards offer a roadmap for navigating the path of ambition. By understanding the imagery, symbolism, and elemental associations, individuals can gain insight into their drive, identify potential blocks, and align with the spiritual lessons necessary to achieve their desires. The Tarot remains a timeless tool for introspection, offering guidance that empowers individuals to actively shape their destiny.