Jim’s Blog – Game Prep Advice – Tarot Cards

Recently, I read “The Ultimate Game Master’s Guide” by James D’Amato (which I highly recommend to new and old game masters alike). James suggests the use of tarot cards when preparing a roleplaying game session, to help guide your creativity when crafting scenes, encounters and character hooks. I thought this idea was brilliant, as previously I had been hunting down spark tables fitting for my game to ignite creativity before each session. However, the use of tarot cards is a tool which can be transferred between most types of games. The problem I ran into was the absence of screen reader accessible tarot card generators online. So, I made one.

In this blog you will find everything you need to generate a tarot card and begin prepping the next session of your game! Use percentile dice (2d10 to make a d100) and roll for your tarot card. There are only 78 tarot cards, so re-roll any result of 79 or higher. Each set of ten results is listed as heading level 1 and the cards are heading level 2, so you can quickly find your result.

These tarot cards are not here to provide you the content for your session, that is the responsibility of your imagination. The interpretations provided for each card are a framework to silhouette the shape of your campaign and allow you to paint the details, revealing its true form.

1 to 10

1. The Fool

A symbol of new beginnings and limitless potential. The Fool steps into the unknown with innocence and trust. He represents spontaneity, risk-taking, and a fresh start. Often associated with journeys—both literal and spiritual.

2. The Magician

The power of manifestation. The Magician channels energy from the universe to make change in the world. He embodies willpower, skill, resourcefulness, and the ability to turn ideas into reality.

3. The High Priestess

Guardian of hidden knowledge and intuition. She encourages stillness, reflection, and trusting your inner voice. A call to explore mysteries, dreams, and subconscious truths.

4. The Empress

Motherhood, fertility, and abundance. The Empress nurtures growth—whether it’s in the form of relationships, art, nature, or children. She’s a symbol of sensuality and creation.

5. The Emperor

Structure, authority, and protection. The Emperor rules with logic and strength, representing the father archetype. He encourages stability, discipline, and leadership.

6. The Hierophant

Tradition, conformity, and spiritual institutions. Often connected to religious or educational structures. He can represent mentors, ritual, or a need to align with community values.

7. The Lovers

Represents meaningful relationships, choices made from the heart, or moral dilemmas. While commonly linked to romance, it also explores union, duality, and alignment of values.

8. The Chariot

Willpower, drive, and triumph over obstacles. The Chariot urges you to take control of your path and steer toward your goal with confidence and focus.

9. Strength

Inner power, courage, and compassion. Strength is quiet resilience rather than brute force—calm under pressure, graceful perseverance.

10. The Hermit

Solitude, soul-searching, and wisdom gained from reflection. Often appears when you must seek inner guidance or take time away from external noise.

11 to 20

11. Wheel of Fortune

Cycles, fate, and sudden change. Life’s highs and lows are in motion—what’s up must come down, and vice versa. It suggests luck, karma, and forces beyond your control.

12. Justice

Balance, fairness, truth. A card of accountability and ethical action. It may appear when you are called to make a decision or face the consequences of your choices.

13. The Hanged Man

Letting go, surrender, and new perspectives. Stasis is not failure—it’s reflection. This card asks you to stop resisting and see things from a different angle.

14. Death

Endings that lead to new beginnings. Often misunderstood, Death signifies transformation, letting go of what no longer serves you, and embracing change.

15. Temperance

Moderation, harmony, and integration. Balance extremes, take a measured approach, and blend diverse aspects of life into a cohesive whole.

16. The Devil

Temptation, addiction, material bondage. The Devil reflects illusions, fear, and harmful attachments. It’s a call to examine what controls you.

17. The Tower

Sudden upheaval and the collapse of illusions. While traumatic, it clears the way for truth and growth. The Tower brings radical honesty and necessary change.

18. The Star

Hope, renewal, spiritual guidance. A gentle, healing presence that reassures you the worst is behind you. Stay inspired, trust in your path.

19. The Moon

Uncertainty, illusions, and intuition. The Moon blurs truth with shadow, asking you to tread carefully and listen to your inner knowing.

20. The Sun

Joy, clarity, and success. A powerful card of optimism and energy. It illuminates your path, celebrates growth, and brings confidence.

21 to 30

21. Judgement

Rebirth, reflection, and reckoning. A moment of awakening—when you’re called to rise, leave the past behind, and step into a higher version of yourself.

22. The World

Completion, fulfillment, and cosmic unity. The World represents achievement after a long journey. It’s the final step of the Fool’s path, indicating wholeness and integration.

23. Ace of Cups

The start of deep feelings—new love, joy, or spiritual awakening. A gift of emotional abundance.

24. Two of Cups

A powerful connection—often romantic, but can be any meaningful partnership. Mutual respect and balance.

25. Three of Cups

Community, celebration, shared joy. Friendship and coming together to mark good times.

26. Four of Cups

Discontent and introspection. You may be closed off to opportunities or emotionally withdrawn.

27. Five of Cups

Loss and grief. Mourning what’s gone, often missing what still remains.

28. Six of Cups

Nostalgia, childhood memories, innocence. A return to simple joys or a literal person from the past.

29. Seven of Cups

Illusion, fantasy, overwhelming choices. Too many options can obscure clarity.

30. Eight of Cups

Leaving behind something unfulfilling. A quest for deeper meaning or spiritual truth.

31 to 40

31. Nine of Cups

Emotional contentment and wishes fulfilled. Often called the “wish card.”

32. Ten of Cups

Emotional harmony, happy family, lasting love. The pinnacle of emotional fulfillment.

33. Page of Cups

Innocent love, creativity, emotional openness. A message of affection or new emotional experiences.

34. Knight of Cups

The romantic idealist, acting on passion or artistic drive. A dreamer on a quest for beauty.

35. Queen of Cups

Emotionally intuitive and nurturing. Deep empathy and sensitivity.

36. King of Cups

Calm, wise leadership over emotions. Offers compassion without being overwhelmed.

37. Ace of Pentacles

The seed of prosperity—new job, financial opportunity, or health improvement.

38. Two of Pentacles

Balance and juggling responsibilities. Adaptability and time management.

39. Three of Pentacles

Teamwork and collaboration. Recognized skill and shared goals.

40. Four of Pentacles

Clinging to stability or material wealth. Possessiveness, fear of loss.

41 to 50

41. Five of Pentacles

Hardship, loss, or feeling left out. A call to seek help or reevaluate resources.

42. Six of Pentacles

Charity, generosity, and the balance of giving and receiving.

43. Seven of Pentacles

Patience and long-term investment. Waiting for results of hard work.

44. Eight of Pentacles

Skill-building, dedication, and mastery. Steady labor toward a goal.

45. Nine of Pentacles

Independence, luxury, and self-sufficiency. Enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.

46. Ten of Pentacles

Legacy, long-term success, family wealth. Stability built over time.

47. Page of Pentacles

Student or beginner’s energy. Curiosity about financial or educational matters.

48. Knight of Pentacles

Methodical and dependable. Focused on results through steady progress.

49. Queen of Pentacles

Nurturing provider, practical and caring. Blends home life with material success.

50. King of Pentacles

Financial leadership and stability. Wise, grounded, and materially successful.

51 to 60

51. Ace of Swords

A breakthrough, new idea, or truth revealed. Clarity of thought.

52. Two of Swords

Stalemate, blocked emotions. Indecision and needing to choose between paths.

53. Three of Swords

Heartbreak, betrayal, sorrow. Painful truths and emotional wounds.

54. Four of Swords

Rest, retreat, recovery. Time needed to heal or reflect.

55. Five of Swords

Conflict, ego, and hollow victories. Winning at a cost.

56. Six of Swords

Transition, moving on from difficulty. A journey toward peace.

57. Seven of Swords

Secrecy, deception, stealth. Acting alone or taking what’s not yours.

58. Eight of Swords

Feeling trapped by fear or mental limits. Illusions of confinement.

59. Nine of Swords

Anxiety, guilt, and sleepless nights. Inner torment.

60. Ten of Swords

Final defeat or betrayal. Hitting rock bottom, but with a chance to rebuild.

61 to 70

61. Page of Swords

Curiosity and sharp thinking. A thirst for knowledge or challenging norms.

62. Knight of Swords

Swift action, assertiveness, sometimes recklessness. Charging ahead toward a goal.

63. Queen of Swords

Keen intellect and honesty. Clear-eyed and fair, but emotionally reserved.

64. King of Swords

Authority in truth and justice. Rational, analytical, and wise.

65. Ace of Wands

Inspiration strikes! A new project, creative idea, or passionate beginning.

66. Two of Wands

Planning and potential. Looking beyond current limits, considering the future.

67. Three of Wands

Progress and expansion. You’ve launched something—now you await results.

68. Four of Wands

Joyful milestones, celebration, homecoming. A pause to honor success.

69. Five of Wands

Competition, conflict, scattered energy. Everyone wants to be heard.

70. Six of Wands

Recognition, achievement, public success. Enjoy your well-earned praise.

71 to 78

71. Seven of Wands

Defensiveness and perseverance. Standing up for what you believe in.

72. Eight of Wands

Momentum, fast change, or messages. Events speeding up rapidly.

73. Nine of Wands

Resilience in the face of struggle. Holding strong despite exhaustion.

74. Ten of Wands

Overburdened, carrying too much. Time to delegate or release.

75. Page of Wands

Youthful passion, new adventures, creative spark. An enthusiastic messenger.

76. Knight of Wands

Bold, impulsive, adventurous. A fiery spirit charging forward—sometimes without a plan.

77. Queen of Wands

Charismatic leader, warm and confident. Draws others in with radiant energy.

78. King of Wands

Visionary, bold, natural-born leader. Master of ambition and drive.

79. Re-Roll

Re-roll results of 79 or higher.

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