How-to Guides · 6 min · 2026-07-15
How to read 40 numbered cards (pips) in the Minor Arcana — the meanings of numbers 1–10 across four suits.
When you first start learning Tarot, you may find the numbers (also known as "pip cards" or pips) difficult to grasp — they may seem similar, but each card actually has a unique and interconnected meaning.
The key to understanding these 40 numbered cards is to master the number patterns from 1 to 10 and how they are expressed differently through the four suits (Wands - Action, Cups - Emotions, Swords - Intellect, Pentacles - Matter).
The four Aces all represent new opportunities, untapped possibilities — like a seed full of potential. However, whether it's a good start depends on the context and how you use it.
Ace of Wands: The beginning of action and creation
Ace of Cups: The beginning of relationships and intuition
Ace of Swords: The beginning of clear thinking and intellectual challenges
Ace of Pentacles (Coins): The beginning of the materialization of ideas and financial opportunities In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer.
Card number 2 shows two forces exist. It can be an opportunity or a challenge — depending on how you balance them. If used well, you achieve 1+1>2 efficiency; otherwise, it will lead to opposition and deadlock.
Two of Wands: two options for action
Two of Cups: Combination and harmony in relationships
Two of Swords: Opposition between two sides, deadlock
Two of Pentacles: Balance two financial forces, adapt to change
Number 3 marks preliminary cooperation and minor achievements. From the combination of 1 and 2, the elements begin to mature in each substance.
Three of Wands: Cooperation in action, initial results
Three of Cups: Partnership in relationship, celebration together
Three of Swords: Difficulties and pain begin to form
Three of Pentacles: Cooperation in work, projects with preliminary results When several cards repeat a theme, treat the pattern as emphasis rather than certainty.
Four points make up a basic shape (tetrahedron), so the number 4 represents stability, fixedness, and solidity.
Four of Wands: Settlement after action, celebration of success
Four of Cups: Retreat, meditation, emotional quiet
Four of Swords: Quiet amidst chaos, rest
Four of Pentacles: Solid finances, material stability For a cleaner reading, translate the symbol into one observable choice or behavior.
Number 5 often brings loss or difficulty — the result of self-reflection following the stabilization of number 4.
Five of Wands: Conflict in action, competition
Five of Cups: Emotional loss, sadness
Five of Swords: Conflict causes harm, victory brings tears
Five of Pentacles: Financial difficulties, feelings of deprivation If the card feels abstract, ask what it changes in the next small decision.
After stabilization (4) and self-reflection (5), you enter the sharing, giving and compromising phase.
Six of Wands: Share honor with everyone
Six of Cups: Giving emotions, memories and tolerance
Six of Swords: Heal from damage, gradually recovering
Six of Pentacles: Share crap, be generous and fair The strongest interpretation usually connects image, position, and question in one sentence.
Number 7 is a period of introspection, deep reflection and continued effort.
Seven of Wands: Resist difficulties, fight to win
Seven of Cups: Falling into dreams, self-reflection in imagination
Seven of Swords: Effort amidst difficulties, strategy
Seven of Pentacles: Contemplating the results of labor, waiting for the harvest
Number 8 represents re-evaluation, strong energy and decisive action.
Eight of Wands: Quick action, high capacity
Eight of Cups: Reevaluate your feelings, leave to find something deeper
Eight of Swords: Restriction, feeling of being held back
Eight of Pentacles: Work diligently, study and master When an interpretation feels too dramatic, narrow it to the practical step it actually supports.
Number 9 brings accomplishment and independent experience — you take responsibility, enjoy yourself, or bear the consequences.
Nine of Wands: Overcoming difficulties alone, resilient
Nine of Cups: Independence in joy, personal satisfaction
Nine of Swords: Suffering alone, worrying at night
Nine of Pentacles: Financial freedom, enjoy your achievements In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer.
Number 10 is the end of cycles and transformation. It ends one phase and opens the next.
Ten of Wands: The burden of action is too great and needs to be let go
Ten of Cups: Complete happiness in family relationships
Ten of Swords: Pain ends and transforms into hope
Ten of Pentacles: Financial achievements, legacy — but also warns of materialistic over-ambition that needs to be transformed
Read deeper
Instead of memorizing individual cards, follow the denominator across the four suits. you may notice that:
Thanks to this approach, the 40 cards no longer feel overwhelming — they become a logical, consistent, and memorable system.
Reference source: zhihu.com — Tarot study guide and the meaning of the numbers
Reading note: Check these meanings against the cards beside them before settling on one keyword.
Source: Zhihu
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