Tarot Cards of Success & Failure
A deep dive into tarot cards representing success and failure—explore archetypes of wealth, power, ambition, defeat, and inner resistance to gain clarity on your personal and professional path.
By Tony Fox Tarot, 12 August 2016
Success and failure are the twin forces that shape our journeys, offering lessons in resilience, ambition, humility, and purpose. In tarot, these themes are vividly portrayed through archetypal cards—from abundance and leadership to challenge and inner conflict. This post explores key cards that reflect material, spiritual, and emotional successes alongside those that caution against missteps and defeat. Whether you’re celebrating hard-won victories or recovering from setbacks, these cards offer profound guidance and insight.
CARDS OF SUCCESS
A regal figure sits on a carved throne, holding a golden coin, surrounded by grapes and vines symbolising wealth, comfort and abundance.
THE KING OF PENTACLES
The King of Pentacles symbolizes material mastery, reliability, and true leadership. He embodies the pinnacle of financial success, not just for personal luxury but as a platform for philanthropy and community betterment. In readings, he’s a sign of business acumen, long-term investment success, or a wealthy benefactor. On a personal level, he invites you to use your wealth mindfully and share your abundance with others.
A nude dancer floats within a laurel wreath, symbolising unity, fulfilment and completion, with the four elements watching from each corner.
THE WORLD
The World signals completion, spiritual fulfillment and mastery across all areas of life. It represents the moment we align our purpose with our actions, achieving harmony in body, mind, and spirit. As a final card, it suggests successful closure of a chapter and the feeling of unity with the universe or society. It’s a thumbs-up from the cosmos, signaling both personal and universal scale success.
A victorious rider on a white horse holds a wand adorned with a laurel wreath as crowds celebrate his return.
6 OF WANDS
The 6 of Wands brings recognition, achievement, and public acclaim. This card is the triumph you feel as your peers salute your achievements. Whether you’re receiving a promotion, finishing a long-term project, or earning an award, this card confirms your visible success and the confidence it inspires in others. It’s a reminder to stand tall and celebrate your well-deserved recognition.
A confident king sits on a throne decorated with lions and salamanders, holding a blossoming wand as a symbol of dynamic leadership.
KING OF WANDS
The King of Wands stands for visionary leadership, motivation, and entrepreneurial spirit. He’s a charismatic strategist, unafraid to take risks and lead with confidence. If this card appears in a reading, it suggests you are—or will become—a leader who inspires others, achieves great results, and directs resources toward a compelling mission. It’s about passion driven toward purposeful action.
A determined charioteer stands between two sphinxes, holding no reins, driven by focused will and inner control.
THE CHARIOT
The Chariot is the embodiment of self-discipline and determined focus. When you set your goal, nothing can sway you—like a charioteer driving forward with mastery and conviction. In a reading, it indicates that mental rigor and strong willpower will lead to victory over obstacles. It’s success achieved through unwavering intent and clear direction.
An elder sits with dogs and family, surrounded by symbols of wealth, legacy and tradition in a courtyard setting.
10 OF PENTACLES
The 10 of Pentacles signifies generational wealth, family legacy, and long-lasting stability. Beyond personal gain, it reflects established institutions—like those of secure family businesses or lasting traditions. In a reading, this card may signal inheritance, successful retirement plans, or a supportive, affluent family environment. However, it reminds us that wealth often comes with expectations and responsibilities.
CARDS OF FAILURE
A figure smirks holding three swords as two others walk away defeated under grey skies.
5 OF SWORDS
The 5 of Swords uncovers the pain of hollow victories and moral defeat. Someone’s won, but at what cost? It reflects conflict where no one truly benefits, and the aftermath of aggression—guilt, tension, or damaged relationships. In a reading, it nudges you to reconsider your strategies and seek conflict resolution with integrity rather than winning at all costs.
A blindfolded woman sits holding two crossed swords before a calm sea, suspended in indecision.
2 OF SWORDS
The 2 of Swords speaks to emotional avoidance and inner blocks. With swords crossed and vision obscured, it reflects standing still—unable to make a decision due to fear or denial. In the context of failure, it warns that failing to recognize truths only prolongs suffering. It urges calm self-reflection and honest confrontation of your heart’s realities.
5 OF PENTACLES
The 5 of Pentacles portrays hardship—physical, emotional, or financial—and the feeling of being left out in the cold. But amid the struggle, it hints at shared support: two figures walk together. In readings, it’s a reminder that even in failure, community and compassion are within reach. It encourages you not to isolate yourself during hardship and to seek collective resilience.
Tarot card 5 of Pentacles symbolising poverty, exclusion and loss of support