What is the meaning of the cards of the gypsy deck?

The gypsy deck, or Gypsy Tarot, is one of the best known oracles in the West. Oracles are magical and mythological systems that consult the deities or higher energies for answers and to predict future events.

Gypsy deck cards can provide two distinct meanings and uses: one divinatory and one therapeutic.

When used for the divinatory sense, the cards of the gypsy deck can serve you to find answers to difficult questions in your life, as well as allowing predictions about your immediate future and a more conscious reading about your present.

For therapeutic purposes, the cards of the Gypsy deck focus on helping you find the causes of your anguish and afflictions. It has a preparatory and pedagogical purpose about the choices you make for your life, propelling you towards a life of wisdom and self-sufficiency.

Keep reading to learn more about the gypsy deck, from its origin, to the operation and meaning of each of the cards that are part of it.

Fundamentals of the gypsy deck

The gypsy deck consists of only thirty-six cards, divided into four groups of nine cards. Each group is represented by a suit of cards and each suit of cards represents an element of nature and a plane of existence. See below for more details on the origin and functioning of the gypsy deck.

Origin of the gypsy card

The gypsy deck, like almost every card game, is a derivation of the Tarot of Marseilles. There is no consensus on the origin of the Tarot, but some researchers point out that the first versions of the oracle appeared in Italy during the 15th century and that, later, the deck was introduced in the South of France, where it gained fame and repercussion.

The Tarot of Marseille is named after the French city of Marseille. It was in this city that many Tarot models were created, spreading to many other cities in the world. It is very likely that in this historical context has occurred the first contacts between the gypsy people and the esoteric culture of tarots.

As the Roma people gained knowledge about Tarot, the more this card game gained importance to their culture and to the practice of divination, alongside hand readings.

Gypsy cards in practice

For the preparation of a gypsy card reading you will need a square white towel, measuring 70 cm x 70 cm. On the towel, you should draw a star of David in the center (a six-pointed star).

After shuffling all the cards for at least one minute, you make six identical cuts, with six cards in each pile. All thirty-six cards are used. Each pile must stand on one of the points of the Star of David. Then the game can begin.

Interpretation of the gypsy deck

Each point of the Star of David provides the interpretation of an aspect of your life and should be read following a correct order. The first reading should be from the upper central point, which will give you answers about your spiritual plane. The second reading will be from the lower central point, which will give you information about your material plane.

After reading the central upper and lower tips, the next reading will be the upper right tip, responsible for providing insight into your current present. Next, the upper left tip should be read for an analysis of your near future.

Finally, the lower right-hand end indicates aspects of your unconscious, while the lower left-hand end indicates aspects of your conscious plane. Reading the cards should follow these sequences, respectively.

Benefits of the Gypsy Card

Because it has fewer cards, the reading of the gypsy deck makes divination more realistic and direct, relating the predictions to the way in which the human being relates to himself, to the environment and to others.

Although the gypsy deck is much sought after for predictions about love and relationships, its repertoire of divinations can extend to any type of question, such as studies, work, family and friends.

If you are looking for a way to gain self-knowledge and well-being, reading the gypsy deck can be a great ally for your material and spiritual journey.

Gypsy and Marseilles Tarot: Divergences

There are many differences between the Gypsy deck and the Tarot of Marseille, the main one being the number of cards. While the Gypsy deck has thirty-six cards, the Tarot of Marseille has seventy-eight.

The cards of the Tarot of Marseille are divided into minor and major arcana. The minor arcana correspond to the fifty-six cards of the conventional deck: the numerical cards, ranging from Ace to 10, and the four characters, jack, knight, queen and king. Totaling fourteen cards that are repeated in four different suits: gold, hearts, spades and clubs.

The major arcana are the trumps of the Tarot of Marseille, counted from number zero to number twenty-one. Each major arcana is responsible for representing a scene, while the minor arcana offer details about that event, according to their suit and numerology.

These divisions do not exist in the gypsy deck. Likewise, readings of the gypsy deck through numbers and suits are not very common. Because of a smaller number of cards, the gypsy deck does not have references for the numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each suit is composed of the Ace, the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and the Jack, Queen, and King.

Thus, many symbologies differ between the two games, although there are some cards with common meanings, such as the sun, the moon, the stars, and death, for example.

Gypsy cards: the four suits

Although the cards of the gypsy deck are popularly known for their symbols and representations, each one corresponds to a suit of the deck: gold, clubs, spades and hearts. Below you will find the meaning and main characteristics of each of these suits for gypsy culture.

Gypsy Card: Gold

The suit of Gold in the Gypsy deck represents the earth element and the plane of material existence. The nine cards that make up this suit are: card 02 (The Obstacles); card 08 (The Coffin); card 10 (The Scythe); card 12 (The Birds); card 22 (The Paths); card 26 (The Book); card 31 (The Sun); card 33 (The Key), and card 34 (The Fish).

In summary, all cards in the suit of Gold have a neutral or favorable meaning. This means that if accompanied by elements with good energy (like water) these cards bring good omens. On the contrary, if accompanied by negative elements (like fire), they can indicate losses and bad times.

Gypsy Deck: Clubs

The suit of Wands in a gypsy deck represents the element of fire and the plane of existence of creativity. The nine cards that make up this suit are: card 06 (The Clouds); card 07 (The Snake); card 11 (The Whip); card 14 (The Fox); card 15 (The Bear); card 21 (The Mountains); card 23 (The Mouse); card 25 (The Ring), and card 36 (The Cross).

This suit is responsible for all the negative energies and bad predictions of a reading. The severity of a future situation can be estimated from the amount of negative and neutral cards (air and earth elements) which appear together. If the fire element is surrounded by the water element this indicates the overcoming of adversities.

Gypsy Deck: Swords

The suit of Swords in the gypsy deck represents the element of air and the plane of existence of mentality. The nine cards that make up this suit are: the card 03 (The Ship); the card 09 (The Flowers); the card 13 (The Child); the card 19 (The Tower); the card 20 (The Garden); the card 27 (The Card); the card 29 (The Gypsy); the card 30 (The Lilies) and the card 35 (The Anchor).

Generally, all cards in the suit of Swords have a neutral or favorable meaning. This means that if accompanied by elements with good energy (such as water) these cards bring good omens. On the contrary, if accompanied by negative elements (such as fire), they can indicate bad changes and betrayals.

Gypsy Card: Hearts

The suit of hearts in the gypsy deck represents the element of water and the plane of existence of feelings. The nine cards that make up this suit are: the card 01 (The Knight); the card 04 (The House); the card 05 (The Tree); the card 16 (The Stars); the card 17 (The Stork); the card 18 (The Dog); the card 24 (The Heart); the card 28 (The Gypsy) and the card 32 (The Moon).

The suit of hearts is charged with positive energies and good omens. If the cards of this suit are accompanied by the cards of the elements earth and air, your prediction may indicate favorable transformations, happiness and material and spiritual achievements. If they are surrounded by the element of fire, this may point to the near end of your prosperity.

Gypsy Card: Meaning of the cards

The gypsy deck has thirty-six cards in total. Each card belongs to a suit (Gold, Hearts, Swords and Clubs), an element of nature (air, water, earth and fire) and an existential plane (mental, sentimental, material and creative). Check below the detailed meaning of each of the cards of the gypsy deck!

Meaning of Card 1: The Knight

Symbology: Courage

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The knight represents the card of courage in the gypsy deck. It is a card with positive meaning because it warns you of unknown obstacles that lie in your way and the need for courage not to retreat.

In this way, the knight brings the realization of your goals and desires as something possible, provided you fight to achieve them.

Meaning of the Card 2: Clover

Symbology: Spirituality

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The second card of the gipsy deck is the clover card or the obstacle card. It represents all the dangers and difficulties which exist for you to reach your goals. Generally, the impediments which this card predicts are not a threat to your future, provided you have the wisdom to deal with them.

When the clover appears in your prediction, you should understand that overcoming your difficulties needs help on the spiritual plane, requiring you to take care of your inner strength.

Meaning of Card 3: The Ship

Symbology: The Journey

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The third card of the gypsy deck is the Travel card, represented by the ship. It is a card that indicates changes and the need to re-evaluate your choices. It is closely associated with transformations and also the corrections that you need to make in your life.

The transformations predicted by the ship chart are always related to journeys which will have a strong emotional impact for you.

Meaning of Card 4: The House

Symbology: Home

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The fourth card of the gypsy deck is the house card, represented by the house. In the forecasts, this card represents your own residence, as well as your relatives and friends. Its meaning is always favorable, as it indicates the support and protection that you will have to obtain success in your journey, material or spiritual.

Thus, even if it is accompanied by bad cards, the house will always indicate a time of prosperity for you.

Meaning of the Card 5: The Tree

Symbology: Progress

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The fifth card of the gipsy deck is the progress card, represented by the figure of the tree. This card is linked to fertility, so it brings with it the virtues of health and progress. The tree has a very strong relationship with your social role and how you deal with giving and receiving.

Accompanied by good cards, the tree will bring abundance, plenty and progress to you. Otherwise, it may indicate loss and illness.

Meaning of Card 6: Clouds

Symbology: Sadness

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The sixth card of the gipsy deck is the card of sadness, with the representation of clouds. It is an unfavourable card for your prediction, indicating a phase of confusion and uncertainty within you. The clouds announce a period of turbulence in various aspects of your life, which will prevent you from solving your problems.

Never make any hasty decisions at these times, because the circumstances will require you to be calm and thoughtful in order to overcome the sadness.

Meaning of the Card 7: The Snake

Symbology: Betrayal

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The seventh card of the gypsy deck is the card of betrayal, represented by a snake. In any situation, this card will always bring negative energy, since it warns of the danger of betrayal, discord and loss. There are people with bad intentions around you.

You will need wisdom to recognise the dangers which can be close to you, tied in both with people and also with unfavourable situations.

Meaning of the Card 8: The Coffin

Symbology: Death

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The eighth card of the gipsy deck is the card of death, represented by the coffin. This card represents the end, but it is not related to your physical death, nor to a bad event. It is a card of transformation and of the need that you have to put an end or interrupt some process in your life.

When you do this, you will achieve liberation and allow new events to blossom on your path. Important changes will come, leaving behind the obstacles.

Meaning of the 9th Card: The Flowers

Symbology: Happiness

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The ninth card of the gypsy deck is the card of happiness, represented by flowers or a bouquet. This is one of the most positive cards for your prediction, bringing love and altruism. It is able to provide well-being and also symbolizes the practice of good for ourselves and for others.

Flowers can also bring other virtues connected to fecundation and creation, be it of new ideas, be it of new beings.

Meaning of the Card 10: The Scythe

Symbology: The messenger

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existence plan: Material

The tenth card of the gypsy deck is the messenger card, represented by the sickle. When this card appears in your prediction it indicates that something will be interrupted. This rupture is something positive, because it was preventing the evolution or growth of something important for your life.

Sudden events will occur to you, in which you must renounce something in order for the transformations necessary for your material and spiritual evolution process to take place.

Meaning of Card 11: The Whip

Symbology: The Contradiction

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The eleventh card of the gypsy deck is the card of contradiction, symbolized by the whip. As it is an instrument of power and violence, the whip announces discord and disputes. It can represent all the adversities in your life and the capacity that they have to cause us annoyances and anguish.

Just like the whip that hurts at the command of the user's hand, this card shows us that good or bad actions only depend on ourselves to happen.

Meaning of the 12th Card: The Birds

Symbology: Time

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The twelfth card of the gypsy deck is the weather card, represented by birds. It is a card that warns of things to come, indicating the time it will take for future events to materialize.

Because it is a neutral card, it suffers positive and negative influences. When positive, it indicates that everything you want will have its right time to happen. In the negative sense, it points to the appearance of tiredness and exhaustion that need to be overcome with willpower.

Meaning of the Card 13: The Child

Symbology: Hope

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The thirteenth card of the gypsy deck is the card of hope, represented by a child. This card brings a message of optimism, such as a child willing to live free of prejudices and fears, seeking to achieve their goals.

The child also refers to naivety. In this sense, the letter can warn you not to take unthinking actions or even to be careful not to be deceived by other people.

Meaning of Card 14: The Fox

Symbology: Caution

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The fourteenth card of the gypsy deck is the caution card, represented by a fox. This animal is associated with cheating, betrayal and villainy. Therefore, the caution card is a negative card, related to promises and appearances that may seem to be what they are not.

This card is a warning for you to beware of the intentions of some people who are waiting for the right moment to act disloyally towards you. It can also warn of traps to avoid along the way.

These are moments that will require us to be careful and intelligent. Treacherous people or situations can be the fruit of relationships, or of wrong attitudes that we have taken in the past.

Meaning of Card 15: The Bear

Symbology: Envy

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The fifteenth card of the gypsy deck is the card of envy, represented by a bear. This card warns of the danger of false friends or jealous and self-interested people who only want to take advantage of you.

If the bear appears in your forecast, you should be careful not only with people, but also with some situations that can end up sabotaging you. If these negative influences are damaging your life, exercise the cultivation of positive thoughts to face them.

Meaning of the Card 16: The Star

Symbology: Success

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The sixteenth card of the gypsy deck is the success card, represented by the stars. It is a sign that you are on the right path to succeed in everything you have been planning. It is the moment of union between your divine protection and the good winds that bring your luck.

The star is a card which favours fruitful attitudes and relationships for your life. Try to take more care of your image, keeping your brightness and self-esteem always intense.

Meaning of the Card 17: The Stork

Symbology: The Change

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The seventeenth card of the gipsy deck is the card of change, represented by a stork. This bird is the symbol of a new life, of unforeseen events and surprises. The stork brings new things and opportunities to your life, for you to experience the new in every way.

In this sense, you need not fear the news, but just follow your life freeing yourself from all ties and prejudices. Such opportunities can be good or bad depending on the cards that accompany you in the forecast.

Meaning of Card 18: The Dog

Symbology: Loyalty

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The eighteenth card of the gipsy deck is the card of happiness, represented by a dog. This animal is associated with loyalty and companionship, indicating that you are accompanied or you may meet people who will show great loyalty to you without demanding anything in return.

The dog can be a reference to a family member, friends or divine protectors. It is necessary to show gratitude to these people and to all the favorable situations that have passed through your life.

Meaning of Card 19: The Tower

Symbology: Intimacy

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The nineteenth card of the gypsy deck is the card of intimacy, represented by the tower. This card is associated with our spiritual side. It asks you to forget for a moment the material side and seek spiritual elevation by focusing on what you seek to strengthen your inner self.

The tower points to the need for reflection on your attitudes towards yourself and others, since your elevation will depend on your willpower.

Meaning of the Card 20: The Garden

Symbology: The family

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The 20th card of the gypsy deck is the family card, represented by the garden. It symbolizes our private, inner, personal garden. It bears the consequences of what we do in our garden: if we plant good seeds, we sow good fruit; if we plant bad seeds, we will harvest bad fruit.

The garden is a card that warns you that it is time to take charge of your life, taking responsibility for your actions and will, as well as bearing the consequences of your choices.

Meaning of the Card 21: The Mountain

Symbology: The enemy

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The twenty-first card of the gipsy deck is the card of the enemy, represented by the mountain. This card transmits strength, balance and perseverance to overcome adversity, but requires awareness to know your limits.

The mountain is also a letter of justice and reality. Justice will reach you and the people close to you, without discrimination.

Meaning of the Card 22: The Path

Symbology: The path

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The twenty-second card of the gypsy deck is the path card, represented by a crossroads. It refers to everything that is written in your destiny and cannot be changed. On the other hand, this card also represents the free will of the choices you have already made in your life.

Although your choices may seem like a straight path, the path card reminds you of the possibility of altering your route, of making turns, of turning back or stopping. It reinforces that the choices are entirely up to you.

Meaning of Card 23: The Rat

Symbology: The loss

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The twenty-third card of the gypsy deck is the card of loss, represented by the mouse. This card represents weakening and loss of energy from physical and mental wear and tear or disillusionment with the world and people. The mouse predicts situations of boredom, such as theft or loss.

In this sense, take more care of your possessions and be more cautious of those who might steal or even take something from you.

Meaning of the Card 24: The Heart

Symbology: The feeling

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The twenty-fourth card of the gypsy deck is the feeling card, represented by a heart. It is a card that indicates emotion, love and devotion for loved people or activities. The heart card brings the need to believe that one can improve things by cultivating the purest feelings.

The heart can point to extreme strong feelings, from love and passion to even hatred and revenge.

Meaning of Card 25: The Ring

Symbology: The union

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The twenty-fifth card of the gipsy deck is the card of union, represented by the ring. It is a card that transmits the values of partnership and union in your life, showing that it is only possible to evolve in life when we join forces and extend our hands to each other.

In your predictions, the ring can signify both love relationships, as well as professional contracts and alliances with people with the same ideologies as yours.

Meaning of Card 26: The Books

Symbology: The secret

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The twenty-sixth card of the gypsy deck is the card of the secret, represented by books. This card links to the need for wisdom, knowledge and personal growth through study, work and reflection. Books can also indicate a secret that will be revealed about the question asked during the prediction.

The secret attached to this card can be either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the energies of the cards that accompany it.

Meaning of the Card 27: The Card

Symbology: The news

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The twenty-seventh card of the gypsy deck is the news card, represented by a card. When this card appears, it asks you to use your ability to communicate to acquire more knowledge and to help others.

Depending on the cards that accompany it, the news to come could be either good or bad.

Meaning of the card 28: The Gypsy

Symbology: Man

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The twenty-eighth card of the gypsy deck is the card of the man, represented by the figure of a gypsy. On its own, this card has no meaning. If you are a man, this card represents you during a consultation, requiring you to pay attention to all the other cards that accompany it.

If you are a woman, the gypsy indicates a specific man in your life, which may be your father, your son, husband, boyfriend, friend or any other man who may appear in your future.

Meaning of Card 29: The Gypsy

Symbology: The woman

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The twenty-ninth card of the gypsy deck is the card of the woman, represented by the figure of a gypsy. Like the card of the man, this card alone has no meaning. If you are a woman, this card represents you during a consultation, requiring you to pay attention to all the other cards that accompany it.

If you are a man, the gypsy relates to some particular woman in your life, it could be your wife, mother, daughter, girlfriend, friend or any other woman may appear in your future.

Meaning of the Card 30: The Lilies

Symbology: Virtue

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The thirtieth card of the gipsy deck is the virtue card, represented by lilies. This card symbolizes your encounter with peace and inner serenity. Just like nature, the life of a human being has its natural way of being. So allow yourself to live life to the full, because this card points to moments of happiness.

Lilies have a very strong positive energy and can transmit that strength to neighboring cards during a prediction.

Meaning of Card 31: The Sun

Symbology: The force

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The thirty-first card of the gypsy deck is the card of strength, represented by the sun. It is a card that provides growth, happiness and positive energy. The sun brings illumination over what was taken by darkness, allowing a broader view of the things in life.

This card favors understanding and clarification about recent arguments, quarrels and misunderstandings, allowing a moment of growth and divine enlightenment.

Meaning of Card 32: The Moon

Symbology: Glory

Suit: Hearts

Element: Water

Existential level: Sentimental

The thirty-second card of the gipsy deck is the card of glory, represented by the moon. It is a card that points to your merits achieved through work or good deeds that you are reaping the results of. The moon requires you to pay more attention to your sensitivity, your intuition, since you will then have more control over your inner self.

The moon can be negatively affected by other cards, and may warn you not to live in an illusory world because of anguish or contained fears.

Meaning of Card 33: The Key

Symbology: Success

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The twenty-third card of the gypsy deck is the success card, represented by a key. This card hides the solution you are looking for or even the answer to your problems, but it does not offer you the answer itself. It can only indicate which path you should follow or whether the decisions you have made so far are right or not.

In this sense, the meaning of the key card is totally dependent on the neighboring cards, requiring you to have the courage to follow your life without fear of making mistakes, materializing your success.

Meaning of Card 34: The Fish

Symbology: Money

Suit: Gold

Element: Earth

Existential plane: Material

The thirty-fourth card of the gypsy deck is the money card, represented by the fish. This card is related to material goods, such as wealth and money. It brings material abundance, profits and the end of debts.

The meaning of the card of the fish can be influenced by the cards around you. You may succeed in business ventures, but if your meaning is negative you may fail in some projects.

Meaning of the Card 35: The Anchor

Symbology: Business

Suit: Spades

Element: Air

Existential plane: Mental

The thirty-fifth card of the Gipsy deck is the business card, represented by the anchor. It signifies security in various aspects: in projects, in work, in relationships, in ideas and in places. The anchor also indicates that you are firm and determined about your values and attitudes.

However, if this card is surrounded by negative cards, there is a likelihood that you will be insecure and unstable in your projects.

Meaning of Card 36: The Cross

Symbology: Destiny

Suit: Clubs

Element: Fire

Existential plane: Creative

The thirty-sixth and last card of the gypsy deck is the fate card, represented by the cross. It is a card of negative energies, pointing to suffering, since it is related to difficult situations that you will have to go through. The cross can also symbolize protection while the bad times last.

The cross requires you to follow the paths of reason, faith and inner strength. If you succeed, the letter may designate the achievement of freedom to get rid of what was holding you back from moving on with your life.

Can the cards of the gypsy deck predict anything?

Gypsy deck predictions can be very complete, but they are not absolute. In general, Gypsy deck predictions analyze our spiritual, material, conscious and unconscious plan. In addition, they analyze our present and near future. Long-term predictions are not ideal for this type of deck.