Below are the iconography and Tarot concepts behind the cards. Below each card image is the traditional Tarot card name. To learn more about how to read Tarot, check out this site that shows 10 great sites to learn from... https://www.thetalko.com/best-sites-learning-tarot/
RULebook
card meanings
STAVES
CUPS
ORBS
BLADES
CLASS
CARDS
The Class cards are the Minor Arcana in Tarot decks. Each Class of cards is described in its own page, along with card descriptions. Click on the icons below to see the page for those cards.
QUEST
CARDS
The Quest cards are the Major Arcana in Tarot decks. They represent the life lessons, karmic influences and the big archetypal themes that are influencing one's life and their soul's journey to enlightenment. The Major Arcana card meanings are deep and complex –in beautiful ways! These cards truly represent the structure of human consciousness and hold the keys to life lessons passed down through the ages.
The Quest cards include 21 numbered cards and 1 unnumbered card (the Jester). Ero, the Jester, is the main character of the Quest cards and makes his journey through each of the cards, meeting new teachers and learning new life lessons along the way, and eventually reaching the completion of his journey with The Dragon card. This is known as Ero's Quest and is a helpful way of understanding the story line of the Quest Tarot card meanings.
Hope, Life, Unity, Victory
The Goddess of Light represents the best of all things. This card does not have a number, it belongs to no class and is not a Quest card. Drawing this card in a reading could mean positive omens and a bright future.
This is the 80th card of the Questeros deck, and is not a part of traditional tarot decks.
Adwanis, the Goddess of Light (within the name is the word Dawn rearranged), is a hybrid of animal, angel, and humanity. She rises above the world, beyond its mortal influences. In her left hand she wields a stave fused with a blade, unifying might and magic. In her right hand she holds forth a Cup fused with an Orb, unifying the darker side of Questeros with the lighter side. Her four wings represent the importance of all four classes/suits working together to achieve a common goal to defeat the darkness. Behind her the sun shines brighter than on any other card, for she brings the greatest hope to the world in a time of need.
THE FOOL
Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, a free spirit
The Jester has no number – he has unlimited potential – and so does not have a specific place in the sequence of the Quest cards. The Jester can be placed either at the beginning of the Quest cards, or at the end. Part of the theme of Questeros is the Jester's journey through a major quest, and as such, he is ever present and needs no number.
On the Jester Quest card, a young goblin stands on the edge of a cliff, without a care in the world, as he sets out on a new adventure. He is gazing forward and is seemingly unaware that he is about to step off an edge into the unknown. On his back is a small backpack containing everything he needs – which isn’t much. The white rose on the pommel of the dagger in his left hand represents his youth and inexperience. At his feet is a small white hyena, representing loyalty and protection, that encourages him to charge forward and learn the lessons he came to learn. The mountains behind the Jester symbolise the challenges yet to come. They are forever present, but the Jester doesn’t care about them right now; he’s more focused on starting his Quest.
THE MAGICIAN
Manifestation, resourcefulness, power, inspired action
The Warlock card is numbered One – the number for new beginnings and opportunities – and associates with the planet of Mercury. In Ero's Quest, this character pushes Ero the Goblin to embark upon a Quest to slay The Dragon.
The Warlock stands with one arm stretched upwards towards the Universe, and the other pointing down to the earth. His positioning represents his connection between the spiritual realms and the material realms. The Warlock uses this relationship to create and manifest his goals in the physical realm (and his magic). He is the conduit that converts energy into matter. The Warlock's robe is white, symbolising purity, and his cloak is red, representing worldly experience and knowledge. On the table in front of him are the four items from the Questeros suits – a cup, pentacle globe, a sword and a stave – each symbolising one of the four elements – water, earth, air and fire. It is also a sign that he has all the tools (and elements) he needs to manifest his intentions into being. Above his head is the infinity symbol weaved from magic, and around his waist is a snake biting its own tail – both of which identify that he has access to unlimited potential. And in the foreground is an array of foliage and flowers, symbolising the blossoming and fruition of his ideas and aspirations.
The Mentor levitates in front of a grove of pomegranite trees. The sorceress is able separate conscious and subconscious realms, the seen and the unseen, and serves to keep casual onlookers out. Only those she allows may enter. The pomegranates are a symbol of abundance, fertility and the divine feminine. The Mentor wears a blue robe with a star on her chest. The magical crown above her head is both a symbol of her divine knowledge and her status as a divine ruler. In her lap, she holds a scroll with the letters TORA, signifying the Greater Law (according to A. E. Waite). It is rolled tightly, signifying that this sacred knowledge is both explicit and implicit, it will only be revealed when the student is ready to look beyond the material realm. The crescent moon weapon at her feet symbolises her connection with the divine feminine, her intuition and subconscious mind, and the natural cycles of the moon.
THE PRIESTESS
Intuition, sacred knowledge, divine feminine, the subconscious mind
On either side of the Mentor stand two pillars, marking the entrance to this sacred, mystical temple. One pillar is black with the letter B (Boaz, meaning ‘in his strength’) and the other is white with the letter J (Jachin, meaning ‘he will establish’). The black and white colours of the pillars symbolise duality – masculine and feminine, darkness and light – stating that knowledge and acceptance of duality are required to enter this sacred space.
THE EMPRESS
Femininity, beauty, nature, nurturing, abundance
The Centaur is a beautiful, full-figured horse/woman hybrid with blonde hair and a peaceful aura about her. On her head, she wears a crown of five stars, showing her connection with the mystical realm and the cycles of the natural world. Her torso armor is patterned like pomegranates, symbolic of fertility, and has a cover made of flowing, red velvet. A brand of the symbol of Venus is on her rear thigh, it is the planet of love, creativity, fertility, beauty and grace – the essence of the Centaur.
A beautiful, lush forest and winding stream surround the Empress, signifying her connection with Mother Earth and life itself. She draws her sense of peace from the trees and the water and is rejuvenated by the energy of nature. In the foreground, golden wheat springs from the soil, reflecting abundance from a recent harvest.
If the Centaur is the Mother archetype of the Tarot deck, the Dwarf King is the Father. He sits upon a large stone throne, adorned with three rams’ heads (symbolic of his connection with Aries and the planet Mars). In his right hand, the Dwarf King holds a heavy warhammer engraved with an ankh, the Egyptian symbol of life, and in his left is an orb representing the world over which he rules. He wears a red tunic, indicative of his power, passion and energy for life. In addition, he wears a pieces of armour, suggesting that he is protected from any threat (and any emotional response or vulnerability). His long braided beard is symbolic of his age-old wisdom and experience, and along with his gold-horned helm, he is an authority figure who demands to be heard.
THE EMPEROR
Authority, establishment, structure, a father figure
Behind his throne looms a tall, impenetrable mountain range, signifying that he is backed by a solid foundation but resistant to making any changes unless he deems it necessary. Beneath one of the peaks flows a small waterfall, giving some hope that despite his tough exterior, he is still an emotional being – it will just take a lot of digging and trust to open him up to his softer side.
THE HEIROPHANT
Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition,institutions
The Necromancer is a religious figure sitting between two pillars of a sacred temple. He wears three layers of clothing – purple, black, and white – and a three-tiered skull crown, both representing the three worlds over which he rules (the conscious, sub-conscious and super-conscious). In his left hand, he holds a triple sceptre that signifies his religious status. He raises his right hand in a religious blessing, with two fingers pointing towards Heaven and two towards Earth. It just so happens that this is also the somatic gesture required to animate the zombies in front of him.
Before him kneel two deceased followers. The Necromancer believes their bodies are merely vessels, which can now be better served in his undead army. This imagery speaks to a shared group identity and a rite of passage to enter the next level. The crossed keys at the Hierophant’s feet represent the balance between the conscious and subconscious minds and the unlocking of mysteries, which only he has access to.
THE LOVERS
Love, harmony, relationships, values alignment, choices
Two star-crossed lovers, an Elven Ranger and a Human Assassin, stand in a lush, vibrant jungle representing life and fertility. Both are enveloped by the vines of the jungle, but are blinded by the love they have for one another, and the charming sorcery of the succubus in the background. The man looks to the woman, who in turn is watching the succubus. This shows the path of the concious to the subconcious to the super-concious, or from physical desire to emotional needs to spiritual concerns (as the succubus has a god-like control over her victims).
The mound of vines in the center is rather phallic and represents the eruption of passion that happens when man and woman meet in full, unabated love for one another.
THE CHARIOT
Control, willpower, success, action, determination
The Paladin card shows a brave warrior mounted atop a charging lion. He wears a robe decorated with bright stars (representing what is coming into being), holds his sword held high (demonstrating strength of will) and a lions head-shaped helm (a spiritual transformation). The golden helm also signals victory, success and spiritual evolution. Although he appears to be controlling the lion with reins, they hand loose – symbolizing that he controls through the strength of his will and mind as opposed to just physical strength.
The Paladin stands tall – there’s no sitting down for this guy, as he’s all about taking action and moving forward. Above his head the sun shines down upon him with not a cloud in sight, suggesting his connection to the celestial world and the Divine will. In the background sits a darker lion, representing duality, positive and negative and, at times, opposing forces. Behind the Paladin there is a large city,representing the life he strives to protect while charging ahead toward his goals and intentions.
JUSTICE
The stoic Valkyrie stands in front of a range of mountains, posed with strength, confidence, and balance. She is blind, her eyes lost years ago in battle, yet she is ready to deliver justice. She symbolizes balance, law and structure.
The Valkyrie holds a sword in her right hand, showing the logical, well-ordered mindset necessary to dispense fair justice. The sword points upwards – expressing a firm and final decision – and the double-edged blade signifies that our actions always carry consequences. The scales on the shield in her left hands show that intuition must balance that logic and are a symbol of her impartiality. She wears a crown with one large eye on it, representing well-ordered thoughts, and a red robe. Small white wings pops out from beneath her clothing as a reminder of the spiritual consequences of your actions, which will come swiftly once judged.
Justice, fairness, truth, cause and effect, law
THE HERMIT
An aging man stands alone on the top of a mountain. The snow-capped range symbolises his spiritual mastery, growth and accomplishment. He has chosen this path of self-discovery and, as a result, has reached a heightened state of awareness.
In his right hand, he holds a lantern with a six-pointed star inside; it is the Seal of Solomon, a symbol of wisdom. As the Hermit walks his path, the lamp lights his way – but it only illuminates his next few steps rather than the full journey. He must step forward to see where to go next, knowing that not everything will be revealed at once. In his left hand, the side of the subconscious mind, the Druid holds a long staff (a sign of his power and authority), which he uses to guide and balance him.
Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, a turning point
The Deck of Fate card shows a circle of cards, with three figures around it. Four Hebrew letters – YHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), the unpronounceable name of God – are printed on some of the card backs. There are also the letters TORA, thought to be a version of the word Torah, meaning ‘law’, or TAROT, or even ROTA (Latin for ‘wheel’).Other cards have the alchemical symbols for mercury, sulphur, water and salt – the building blocks of life and the four elements – and represents formative power.
On the outer circle is a snake, the Egyptian god Typhon (the god of evil), descending on the left side. The snake also represents the life force plunging into the material world. On the right side a demon with hands spread out,who welcomes souls to the underworld. And above the circle of cards is a mighty, flying Chimera, representing knowledge and strength. In the corners of the card are four fixed signs of the Zodiac written in the clouds: Aquarius is the two wavy lines on the top left, Scorpio is the M on the right, Leo is the circle with a hook on the lower right, and the circle with the horns is Taurus on the bottom left.
An Elven female warrior wears a white dress, showing her purity of spirit, and a belt and crown of flowers that represent the fullest, most beautiful expression of nature. Over her head is the symbol of infinity, representing her infinite potential and wisdom.
The Ranger gently strokes an Owlbear on the top of its head. Even though it is known to be ferocious and wild, the woman has tamed this wild beast with her calming, loving energy. The Owlbear is a symbol of raw passions and desires, and in taming him, the woman shows that animal instinct and raw passion can be expressed in positive ways when inner strength and resilience are applied. She doesn’t use force or coercion; she channels her inner strength to subdue and subtly control the dangerous beast.
STRENGTH
Strength, courage, persuasion, influence, compassion
The Assassin card shows a man suspended with a taut rope from a T-shaped cross of a ship's mast. He is hanging upside-down, viewing the world from a completely different perspective, and his facial expression is calm and serene, suggesting that he is in this hanging position by his own choice.
The dropping sun forms a halo around his head, symbolising new insight, awareness and enlightenment. His right foot appears to be bound to the mast, but his left foot is actually controlling his position. His left leg is bent at the knee and tucked in behind his right leg. His arms are bent, with hands held behind his back holding a pair of daggers, forming an inverted triangle. He appears to be suspended in time, almost appearing as a sacrifice until you realize his position is entirely of his own doing and within his ability to change.
THE HANGING MAN
Pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives
The Death Knight card shows a true Messenger of Death – a skeleton dressed in black armour, riding a white horse. The skeleton represents the part of the body which survives long after life has left it; the armour symbolises invincibility and that death will come no matter what. Its dark colour is that of mourning and the mysterious, while the horse is the colour of purity and acts as a symbol of strength and power. The horse's caparison is decorated with a white, five-petal rose, reflecting beauty, purification and immortality and the number five representing change. Together, these symbols reveal that death isn’t just about life ending. Death is about endings and beginnings, birth and rebirth, change and transformation. There is beauty in death, and it is an inherent part of being alive.
DEATH
Endings, change, transformation, transition
A royal figure appears to be dead on the ground, while a young woman, child and cleric plead with the skeletal figure to spare them. But, unfortunately, death spares no one. In the background, a boat floats down the river, akin to the mythological boats escorting the dead to the afterlife. On the horizon, the sun sets between two towers, in a sense dying each night and being reborn every morning.
TEMPERANCE
Balance, moderation, patience, purpose
The Fairies card shows several winged beings, they represent both masculine and feminine natures. The environment depicts life (flowers), death (skull), and energy (fire). One faerie sits on the edge of the brewing pot, expressing the need to stay grounded, while the other two are pouring liquids in, showing the need to be in flow.The potion they are creating is symbolic of the flow and alchemy of life.
At the top of the card is a candle atop the skull depicting a glowing light, a symbol of taking the Higher path and staying true to one’s life purpose and meaning.
THE DEVIL
Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction, sexuality
A Demon (and the Devil) are linked to the occult and have become a scapegoat for all things considered ‘evil’.This Demon has the wings of a vampire bat, an animal that sucks the lifeblood out of its prey, symbolic of what happens when you give in to your raw desires. He has a hypnotic stare which ‘magnetises’ and entrances those who come near him, bringing them under his power. Above him is an inverted pentagram – a sign of the darker side of magic and occultism. He raises his right hand in the Vulcan Salute – a Jewish blessing, later made famous by the film series, Star Trek. His left hand controls the flames that rage around the chamber.
Beneath the Demon stands male and female humanoids, both scantily clad and chained to a wall. They appear to be held here against their will – but note that the chains are thin and could easily be broken. Each has small horns on their head, like the devil’s, a sign that they are becoming increasingly like him the longer they stay here. Both have tails, a further symbol of their animalistic tendencies and raw instincts, and the grapes and the fire on their respective tails signify pleasure and lust.
THE TOWER
Sudden change, upheaval, chaos, revelation, awakening
This card shows a tall tower perched on the top of a rocky mountain. Lightning strikes set the building alight, summoned by the central figure? Two people leap from the windows, head first and arms outstretched. It is a scene of chaos and destruction. The Tower itself is a solid structure, but because it has been built on shaky foundations, it may only takes one bolt of lightning to bring it down. It represents ambitions and goals made on false premises.
The lightning represents a sudden surge of energy and insight that leads to a break-through or revelation by the central wizard. It is summoned from above, rather than within, symbolizing energy flowing down from the Universe.. The people are desperate to escape from the reckless mage, leaping from the tower, not knowing what awaits them as they fall. The falling wizards could recover, however, as there is always the chance for divine intervention. Perhaps the hand in the center window will help them... perhaps it won't.
THE STAR
Hope, faith, purpose, renewal, spirituality
A legion of soldiers guards a forest and lake from an unseen force. The leader wields a large shield emblazoned with a star, surrounded by 7 others. The soldiers represent hope and faith, protecting the lone woman in the background.
The woman is alone and unarmored, representing her vulnerability and purity under the vastness of the starry night sky. Behind her shines one large star, representing her core essences.
THE MOON
Illusion, fear, anxiety, subconscious, intuition
The Moon card shows a full moon in the night’s sky, positioned behind a very calm rogue. The Moon is a symbol of intuition, dreams, and the unconscious. Its light is dim compared to the sun, and only slightly illuminates the path to higher consciousness, represented by the thieves scaling the keep on the left.
In the foreground is a small pool, representing the watery, subconscious mind. A large crayfish crawls out of the pool, symbolising the early stages of consciousness unfolding. Two content wolves devour a recent kill, representing the wild aspects of our mind, while the rogue in the forefront represents a tamer aspect.
The Order of the Faith are a group of skilled, focused monks that seek to provide both guidance and protection the The Realm. Behind the serious, focused monk in the forefront the card radiates with optimism and positivity. A large, bright sun shines in the sky, representing the source of all life on Earth. Underneath, four sunflowers grow tall behind a brick wall, representing the four suits of Questeros and the four elements.
A white unicorn charges forward in the desert, a sign of purity and strength in a very desolate and unforgiving environment.
THE SUN
Positivity, fun, warmth, success, vitality
The Bard flies overhead, equipped with a set of magical armor providing the bright, angel like wings. The Bard blows upon its trumpet, but is it the sound of support for the living, or despair for the dead?
Below the trumpet, and the sounds of judgement, three people stand at a grave site, arms outspread and looking up to the Bard, hoping to get its aid. In the background is an extensive mountain range, signifying the insurmountable obstacles and the impossibility of avoiding judgement.
JUDGEMENT
Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution
THE WORLD
The Dragon card represents completion, an understanding of the world one lives in. A large female green dragon floats in space, her long serpentine tail wrapping about the card to represent a continual cycle of successful completions and new beginnings. The Dragon's ability to fly in space allows it to travel anywhere in the world, an accomplishment many people seek.
Around the Dragon are constellations in space, representing the astrologies also depicted in the Deck of Fate card. Both the Dragon and the Deck of Fate speak to the cyclical nature of your life and your progression through its cycles. The four fixed signs of the Zodiac—Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio, are symbolic of the four elements, the four suits of the Questeross, four compass points, four seasons, and the four corners of the Universe. They are here to guide you from one phase to the next, bringing balance and harmony to your journey.
Completion, integration, accomplishment, travel
Doom, Chaos, Loss, Broken, Defeat
The God of Darkness represents the worst of all things. This card does not have a number, it belongs to no class and is not a Quest card. Drawing this card in a reading could mean grave warnings and reason to be concerned.
This is the 79th card of the Questeros deck, and is not a part of traditional tarot decks.
Nekradis is the God of Darkness in Questeros (within the name is the word Dark spelled backwards). He dwells in the deepest chasm in the ocean, shown here from the dark water and air bubbles above him. This is symbolic for the darkness dwelling deep in our subconcious minds that is sometimes unleashed unexpectedly. In each of his four hands he is destroying the symbols that represent the classes, pouring the life from a Cup, crushing the essence of the Orb, brandishing the broken Blades of warriors he has destroyed, and snapping the magic of a Stave. His long and tangled appendages represent the chaos and confusion he thrives upon.