Tarot Card Combinations

One of the most searched for topics on my site is tarot card combinations. Presumably people are searching for definitive meanings given by a combination of two or more cards.

The problem is, given there are 78 cards in a standard tarot deck, there are 6,006 (78×77) possible tarot card combinations – and that’s just pairs. There are 456,456 (78x77x76) triple possibilities. That’s why you don’t see books, websites or tarot combination PDF files that contain all that information.

Everyone has a unique way of intuiting the cards, which makes tarot combinations very subjective. And then let’s add in the variety of decks as well. As you can see, providing a prescriptive list of the meanings of card combinations is nigh on an impossible task. If I could do it, I would have already done it.

So…lovelies, the best way to know the combined meaning of a pair of cards is to work it out yourself. You can use one or more of the following methods:

Tarot Card Numerology

1. Card numbers. Use basic numerology to arrive at a single meaning.

Example: What energy surrounds me today? I got the Page of wands and the Tower (oo-er – see why I don’t like reading for myself?).

So interpreting the cards as a two-card spread; the Page of Wands shows an adventure into the unknown, a possible important message and courage to try something new and take a risk. The Tower points out that if I don’t clear out some negativity, it will be done for me. There could be some sort of crisis ahead, but it is beneficial, long-term.

So to get a combined meaning, I turn to numerology.

The Page of Wands is card number 11 in the suit of Wands. The Tower is 16. Add up the digits 1+1+1+6 = 9. The energy of the number nine is “Universal love, eternity, faith, Universal Spiritual Laws, the concept of karma, spiritual enlightenment…”

This helps me to understand that whatever takes place, I must keep my heart open, be receptive and surrender to the power of universal law.

Read my article on Tarot Numerology

Tarot card combinations Page of Wands + Tower

Tarot Card Imagery

2. Look at the combined images. We can see a young person looking at an unfolding disaster. She’s too far away to help. She sees that raining down from the sky are golden Yods. These, she knows are divine blessings. Thus, the events taking place are necessary and cleansing. Therefore the combined meaning, is again along the lines of spiritual law. What needs to happen will happen and all is well.

Intuition

3. Use your intuition. I can’t help you with this one. You have to look at the two cards and intuit the message. Play around with a story as I did with the images above. What is happening? What have the cards in common? How do they make you feel? Does one mitigate the other? Are they mutually supportive or opposing? What does your gut tell you?

Let’s try another example. After the appearance of the Tower, I feel as if I need a little more guidance. So my question is:

“What advice can tarot offer to me right now?” The Ten of Wands and the Knight of Pentacles.

Tarot card combinations 10 of Wands + Knight of Pentacless

Okay, well the basic interpretation of this two-card spread is that the Ten of Wands tells me I must keep going; moving towards my goal. The process is coming to an end. The Knight of Pentacles: similarly keep working, pay attention to detail and don’t say too much.

Numerically, we have a 10 and a 12, so 1+0+1+2 = 4. The energy of the number four is “Number 4 resonates with the vibrations and energies of practicality, organization and exactitude, service, patience, devotion, application, pragmatism, patriotism, dignity, trust, worthiness, endurance, loyalty, mastery, building solid foundations, conservatism, determination, production and hard work.” 

How’s that for spot on confirmation of those two cards?

Looking at the combined images, we see the man carrying the staves, completely ignoring the bloke on the horse. I think that this means that they are simply both getting on with their own tasks and ignoring distractions.

What does your intuition say about this tarot combination? Mine tells me to stop getting distracted, finish up this post and get out into the fresh air with my dogs. And watch out I don’t trip up or get run over crossing the road on my way to the woods.

Tarot Card Combinations That Show Cheating

Tarot Card Combinations for Money

Deck used: Universal Waite – original drawings by Pamela Coleman Smith, recoloured by Mary Hanson-Roberts.


Digiprove sealCopyright protected by Digiprove © 2017
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

25 thoughts on “Tarot Card Combinations

  1. Mish

    Hi I’m sorry to reply to an older thread. I did a three card reading. I have some questions about the cards. Can anyone please point me in the right direction or just a hint of insight?

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Mish, what do you want to ask? Tell me the question, the basic circumstances surrounding it, and the cards you drew. I’m not going to do full interpretation but if you describe what you felt when you turned the cards, I can give you a few pointers.

      Reply
  2. Maria

    Hello. First, thank you for interpreting cards.

    I just got my first cards, the Green Witch tarot. I asked how my week will be next week because of a possible second job interview. It gave me The King of Cups, The Chariot reversed, and the Queen of Cups. I’m nervous about getting reversed cards.

    Thank you again for your time.

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi there,

      I’m not going to interpret your cards for you. Sorry. However, I can help you interpret them by yourself. First of all, what do you think the cards mean in the context of your question? What spread did you use? List out the cards and tell me what you think they mean one-by-one.

      Use the information given in the article to help you.

      Reply
  3. Ili

    Hi,

    I just wanted to let you know that I really like your post on reading tarot cards combination. I personally don’t use numerology but I can see that it is very helpful. In my experience, I have noticed getting all 3s or 10s on a reading.

    Thank you for this insightful post,
    Ili

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      You are very welcome.Lli. Threes tend to relate to the ending of minor life cycles… so things like a change of duties in work, or a shift in the dynamics of a relationship. Tens, as you know, are about completion and preparation for the next major life cycle.

      Reply
  4. Liana Monroe

    Hello, I am new (to tarot) I just (got) my cards 2 weeks ago. I asked the cards where I need to focus my energy to find contentment and pulled 3 cards. I pulled 9 of pentacles, queen of swords, and 9 of cups.
    First I noticed I pulled 2 nines meaning-fruition or attainment probably coming by things,gifts, tangible items (pentacles) leading to feelings of abundance and pleasure (cups)? If I stay clear headed and stay strong (queen of swords). Just wanted to hear from someone experienced if this seemed close to right or what interpretation someone knowledgeable might have.

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Liana, welcome to the addictive world of tarot 🙂

      Firstly, it’s very difficult for another reader to interpret cards that you have pulled for yourself. The reason being is that they are personal to you, so that first glimmer of understanding you get is almost always the right one. However, here’s my take:

      The Nine of Pentacles is about experiencing contentment. Completely. That single card answers your question in that it tells you to be content right where you are. That you don’t need stuff (stuff needs cleaning). The only thing you need to focus on is that feeling of contentment. The more you acknowledge how contented you are, the more contentment will be part of your days.

      The Queen of Swords refers to you keeping a cool and clear head. To be honest with yourself, to experience clarity. To trust your ‘knowing’.

      The Nine of Cups means finding appreciation and pleasure in the moment. Right now. It’s close to the Nine of Pentacles but differs in that the Nine of Pentacles is focused on the material world, while the Nine of Cups is focused on the emotional.

      They are very good cards to answer your question. However, my advice while you are learning, is to stick with one or two cards for now.

      Good luck.

      Reply
  5. Tshering

    Hello,I wish you could help me interpret when these cards come out.
    So I had recently went for a tarot reading(An audition was my main concern) and the cards that I pulled out were:
    Two of swords-The lovers-Nine of pentacles-The fool-Judgement-10 of swords.
    What does these cards signify regarding my audition? And oh yes I even did a yes or no reading and I picked King of Swords supported by 4 of pentacles,4 of swords,10 of pentacles.Does this mean a yes or a no?
    And as for me,I am a Gemini (31 May) sun sign.I am so very interested in this audition and like its my career,my dream.Thank you💜

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi there,

      So you went for a reading? What did the tarot reader tell you? And, given the information, I offered in the article, what do you think your cards mean? Also, if you were looking for a yes/no answer why did you draw more than one card?

      I’m sorry if these questions seem a little harsh, but I cannot interpret your reading for you. Can you see that, in effect, you have asked me to interpret 10 cards for you? Do you know how long that would take?

      https://tarot-study.info/i-wont-interpret-your-tarot-cards/

      Reply
  6. Liddyb

    Hello, I recently started studying Tarot and find it immensely interesting! However, I pulled an interesting spread that I’m not sure how to read.
    I am currently in a budding relationship with someone I deem as a soulmate. He had a difficult past and suffered loss; his past has left him with a degree of trust and attachment issues concerning close relationships. Being fully aware of this, I am very patient, although I do refer to the deck when I am confused about his lack of communication.
    Yesterday I felt anxious about the relationship and looked to the deck to give me some clarity.
    I focused on what he thinks of our relationship or love?
    The first card I drew—Two of Cups (center)
    then I drew—Ace of Cups (left)
    and then–Eight of Wands (right)

    I drew another card following the Eight of Wands for clarification and drew the Page of Pentacles.

    Although it is a three card spread, I did not pull with the intention of creating a past, present, future timeline. I pulled more for clarity on the question.
    I clearly understand the relationship between the two of cups and ace of cups—however, I am confused on how to interpret the Eight of Wands followed by a Page of Pentacles.

    I am a Virgo, earth sign–so perhaps Page is me? But how does that correlate to the Eight of Wands?

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Liddyb, I think this is what happens with most new readers. I certainly always did the same thing. As soon as I drew a card that I couldn’t quite interpret in the context of the question and the other cards, I’d draw another ‘for clarification’. Every single time it caused more confusion and I never, ever got that clarity I was looking for.

      Sooo….put it aside and ignore it. Go back to the three cards and think about what they mean to you. Remember they are a snapshot in time and reflect your energy, not his. That doesn’t mean you can’t get an answer to your question but the answers are within your intuition. Do you see what I mean?

      I’m not explaining it properly. The cards aren’t directly reflecting what he feels about you, but what your deeper self already knows about how he feels. Does that make sense?

      You have these two ‘love’ cards followed by an action card. What does the Eight of Wands mean, generally speaking? Events happening quickly. So why is he not communicating? Because he senses your intensity. He is attracted to you too, but it also feels as if things are getting away from him. It’s all going too fast. Remember that the Eight of Wands is also called ‘the arrows of love’. I think AE Waite described them thus.

      So, I would allow him his space and the time he needs. Wait for him to make the moves, even to the point that you demonstrate a little disinterest. Your anxiety causes a shift that he can sense; he feels it as pressure. Imagine having those wands rain down on you. Too much to deal with.

      In future, if you decide to use three cards, then stick with three cards. The fourth won’t help you. However, take a sneaky look at the bottom card left in the deck – not always – but sometimes it will clarify the question and the reason why it is being asked, not necessarily the answer. Often the question is more important than the answer. If you can understand why you need to ask, you already have the solution.

      I’ve probably confused you even more 🙂

      Reply
      1. Liddyb

        Thank you, Troi. No, you didn’t confuse me more, and I enjoy your insights.
        The fourth card I pulled a bit after the spread was laid because I still felt anxious, which might be why I felt that it represented me…a fixation on something not yet tangible and delicate.
        Thank you again,
        Love and Light 🙂

        Reply
        1. Troi Post author

          Indeed, Liddyb, that’s why we keep drawing cards. However, if you set your intention to draw three, stick to three. If you set the intention to draw three plus one, that’s different. If you assign it a position meaning before you begin, there will be less confusion. Also if you get an immediate feeling as to what the card means for you, then you’ve nailed it, and there’s no need to worry about the combination 🙂

          Hope it all works out for you.

          Reply
  7. Kellie

    Hi Troi. I just discovered your site and I’m finding a lot of helpful info here. Thankyou! I would also like some advice, if possible….I did a card Reading to find out someone’s romantic feelings for me. We have just recently broken up after 4months, and I have been told by a trusted psychic that I was with the right man, him, and we should have been together a while back. I am the first real relationship he has had since his divorce 5years ago. Ok, the main card I pulled was Hermit. I then pulled 2 clarifications cards, High Priestess and Emperor. Any help would be appreciated. I though maybe he misses me heaps, and thinks I’m not within reach anymore? Thanks

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Kellie,

      Drawing the Hermit in response to the question, “What are his feelings about me?” means that he’s probably not ready to A. Admit how he feels, or B. He is more concerned about some inner work he is processing at this time, or C. He really wants to be alone right now.

      The High Priestess indicates that deep down you already know the answer.

      The Emperor – I’m not too sure about. There may be fatherhood issues. Maybe he has children and his concerns for them are uppermost for him right now?

      I’m not getting the ‘missing you heaps/out of reach’ vibe – sorry 🙁

      When drawing clarification cards, stick to just one – the more you draw, the more confusing it becomes 🙂

      Do come back and let me know how it turns out. Good luck.

      Reply
  8. Chris

    So I had a reading and the 3 of swords and death card came up under the relationship/love category. I felt like the reader was stalling to explain. Do you have any insight on what this could mean? Thank you in advance!

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Chris,

      You probably know already what this means. The Three of Swords, for me, is always to do with misunderstanding and miscommunication. Certainly that may lead to a broken heart, but not necessarily. Swords are always to do with thought processes, not so much with emotions. So I would think that there has been some kind of breakdown in how you connect to a particular person. One of you has possibly got the wrong end of the stick.

      Death points to inevitable endings. Certainly it might be the end of a relationship, but it might also be the end of one phase and the beginning of another. You will know deep down whether the relationship is grinding to a halt, or whether there is a way to rescue it.

      Were there any other cards? Was it specifically a relationship reading, or a general one? Don’t forget that relationships can include friendships and colleagues as well.

      Reply
      1. Chris

        Thank you for getting back to me. Yes the other card was 3 of wands. The man with his back turned. Strange because the first two cards being death and 3 of S was given to me in another reading a several months back…

        Reply
  9. Allison

    I got a tarot reading for love on July 7th and the first two cards pulled were the hierophant and the fool. These are contrasting cards from what I’ve read and considering that man I like(I’m single) our age and our occupation opposes each other. I am young, he’s 16 years my senior. I’m a college undergraduate, he is the interim director at my university. According to my reader, I should give him time but when that time comes go for it. The second set of cards was the fool again and then the devil. My reader said that she foresees a very passionate, sexy kind of relationship that will be a great influence in my life, whether it is a short lived or long lived passion.

    I’d appreciate more insight on this love reading. I also know that the cards do have zodiac signs relative to them so if it helps, my ascendant is Leo, my sun is Cancer and my moon is Virgo. The man I’m interested is also a Cancer sun as well(I don’t know his other aspects)

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Allison,

      It’s interesting that all four cards are Major Arcana. This indicates that this man is in your life so that you are able to learn an important life lesson or two.

      The Fool and the Hierophant appearing together immediately tell me that he is your guide and mentor while you are the young person, ready to absorb all of life’s experiences. He has been along the path you are travelling and you can choose to follow his guidance or to make your own way. This combination do not necessarily indicate that this is a love match, but it could mean a friendship. It could also mean that you are misreading the situation and thinking that there is more to this than a mentor/student relationship.

      The Fool and the Devil indicates that you are possibly obsessed with this man, or will become so. The Fool rushes in gladly in order to experience all that this relationship may offer, but the Devil shows that you will be in over your head, unhealthily attached, and your head/heart is, and will be, ‘hooked’. Yes, it will be a passionate relationship (may not be physical), and yes, again, if you can’t extricate yourself, it will go on until something breaks the bond. It could be extremely unbalanced and one-sided. The Devil card, in this context, is a warning that you are getting yourself into something you won’t easily get out of.

      I know exactly how you feel, I have been right there where you are and ended up married to my ‘older man’. I gave up my previous marriage, my home, and broke up our family to be with him. We were together for ten years, and I was obsessed. He filled my every waking thought. It was not healthy and it ended badly. I’m still relatively young and he’s dead. Your cards fit my situation perfectly.

      Nothing I say is going to make you change your mind, so you have to go on and do what you feel is right for you.

      Good luck.

      Reply
      1. Allison

        Thank you for your input. We’re both single and I’ve only ever dated one person and that was 2 years ago and it seems like he’s been out of a relationship for a bit as well. He’s invited me to talk to him more although a relationship doesn’t seem possible at the moment.

        The obsession thing is quite sounds about right, but it doesn’t feel like a unhealthy burning need(which I have felt before and I’m aware that it not something I should indulge in too much). I have distanced myself from him as my reader for the tarot suggested that this is something that will need time but if that time comes, I should have the courage to jump in and take risk(and I am not a risk taker at all so I took the fool as a sign that I should let myself take more risk).

        Thanks again! I only started getting into the tarot but it’s really magical!

        Reply

Leave a Reply to Allison Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.