Rev. Colleen Irwin

The Court Cards in Tarot—Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings—represent people, personality traits, and evolving aspects of ourselves. They embody different levels of mastery within their suits: Wands (fire), Cups (water), Swords (air), and Pentacles (earth). Whether they signify individuals, energies, or life stages, these cards provide insight into how we think, act, feel, and lead.

Understanding the roles of the Court Cards enhances Tarot readings, offering clarity on how various influences shape our experiences. Below is a high-level breakdown of each suit before diving into the specifics in separate deep-dive posts.

Wands – The Fire of Passion and Creativity

Wands represent ambition, creativity, and action. The Court Cards of this suit embody leadership, enthusiasm, and boldness in their pursuit of goals.

• Page of Wands: Excitement for new adventures and creative ideas.
• Knight of Wands: Bold, adventurous, and sometimes reckless in pursuit of passion.
• Queen of Wands: Confident, passionate, and inspiring, radiating charisma and leadership.
• King of Wands: Visionary, bold, and driven by creativity and ambition.

This suit urges us to embrace our inner fire and take courageous steps forward.

Cups – The Waters of Emotion and Intuition

Cups govern relationships, intuition, and emotional depth. Their Court Cards reflect varying degrees of emotional intelligence and connection.

• Page of Cups: Emotional openness, intuitive exploration, and new relationships.
• Knight of Cups: Romantic, idealistic, and driven by emotions and dreams.
• Queen of Cups: Deeply intuitive, compassionate, and emotionally mature.
• King of Cups: Emotionally wise, balanced, and deeply understanding of relationships.

The Cups Court Cards guide us in matters of love, creativity, and inner awareness.

Swords – The Winds of Intellect and Truth

Swords symbolize logic, communication, and mental clarity. The Court Cards of this suit navigate ideas, strategy, and conflict resolution.

• Page of Swords: Intellectual curiosity, seeking truth, and learning through observation.
• Knight of Swords: Fast-thinking, communicative, and sometimes overly aggressive in ideas.
• Queen of Swords: Intelligent, perceptive, and clear in thought and communication.
• King of Swords: Analytical, strategic, and authoritative in thought and judgment.

This suit teaches us to wield knowledge wisely and seek truth in all matters.

Pentacles – The Earth of Stability and Prosperity

Pentacles represent the material world, stability, and responsibility. The Court Cards of this suit emphasize practicality, discipline, and success.

• Page of Pentacles: Practical beginnings, financial awareness, and new material pursuits.
• Knight of Pentacles: Hardworking, determined, and focused on steady progress.
• Queen of Pentacles: Grounded, resourceful, and deeply connected to the material world.
• King of Pentacles: Practical, wealthy, and successful in material and financial endeavors.

Pentacles encourage us to nurture our ambitions and create lasting security.

The Court Cards in Tarot provide a mirror to different aspects of ourselves and the people around us. They guide us through our personal development, from the fresh energy of the Pages to the commanding presence of the Kings. Whether they appear as personalities in our lives or as evolving traits within ourselves, these cards offer valuable insight into growth, challenges, and leadership.

By understanding each suit’s unique influence, we can better interpret their messages and integrate their wisdom into our journey.

Which suit do you feel most connected to right now?