List of Mnemonic Devices to Remember The Meanings of The Tarot Cards

Last Updated: August 8, 2023

Navigating the world of Tarot can sometimes feel like venturing into a mystifying labyrinth, especially when you’re trying to remember the intricate details and meanings of 78 unique cards.

However it is possible to transform this seemingly Herculean task into an achievable endeavor thanks to mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are techniques that people use to help them improve their ability to remember something. They’re basically memory tools that allow you to recall and retain information more efficiently.

There are many ways to apply mnemonic devices to the learning of Tarot cards, and different techniques will work better for different people. The key is to find a method that resonates with you personally and makes the memorization process more engaging and effective.

In my approach, I devised mnemonic devices for each card by selecting words that resonate with the card’s meaning. The initial letters of these words, when arranged, spell out the name of the card itself.

This was not an easy exercise as I am no Shakespear but it really helps me so I hope it can help you too.

Mnemonic devices to remember the meanings of the Major Arcana Cards

The Fool: Free, Open, Optimistic, Limitless
The Magician: Manifests Abilities, Generates Inspiration, Commands Influence, Actions Noteworthy
The High Priestess: Hidden Insights Guide Her; Perception Reveals Intuition, Esoteric Secrets, Sacred Silence
The Empress: Every Mother’s Presence Radiates Eternal Sensitivity, Sincerity
The Emperor: Establishes Mandates, Powers Extend, Ruler Orders, Regulates
The Hierophant: Harmony In Ethics Reveres Observance; Faith And Nurturing Traditions
The Lovers: Love Overcomes Various Emotional Roads
The Chariot: Courage Harnesses Action, Riding Inevitably Over Turbulence
Strength: Staying True, Remaining Earnest, Nurturing Gratitude Through Hope
The Hermit: Heightened Enlightenment Reflects Meditation, Inner Tranquility.
Wheel of Fortune: When Every Event’s Expected, Life Offers Fortune, Opportunity, Reward, Triumph, Unity, Nourishment, Eternity
Justice: Judgment Unveils Scales, Truth Is Clearly Expressed.
The Hanged Man: Having Accepted Necessary Growth, Endure Delay, Make Adjustments Now.
Death: Dying Emerges A Transformation; Hop
Temperance: To Every Matter, Patience, Equanimity, Rightness And Nuance Can Emerge
The Devil: Desire’s Excess Vexes, Incites Limitations
The Tower: Total Overhaul, Every Wall Eventually Rumbles
The Star: Shining Through Adversity, Radiance
The Moon: Mirages Obscure Our Navigation
The Sun: Success Uplifts Naturally.
Judgement: Justly Unveiling Deeds, Generating Evolutionary Manifestations, Evoking New Transitions.
The World: Wholeness, Oneness, Realized; Life’s Dance

Written by Lizzie Burgess

I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.