Card pairs

Some cards change each other when they appear in the same reading. These are the classic combinations: when both turn up, readers take the pair as a message of its own, wherever in the spread the two cards fall.

• The Tower and The StarThe Tower and The Star together are the oldest pairing in the deck:
• Death and The TowerDeath with The Tower doubles the theme of ending.
• Death and JudgementDeath and Judgement together describe an ending that is also a summons:
• The Lovers and The DevilThe Lovers and The Devil are the same bond seen two ways, chosen freely or held by habit.
• The Lovers and Two of CupsThe Lovers with the Two of Cups is as clear a statement of a true partnership as the deck makes.
• The Moon and The SunThe Moon and The Sun together:
• The Empress and The EmperorThe Empress and The Emperor together put care and structure side by side:
• The Magician and The High PriestessThe Magician and The High Priestess are the two halves of knowing, doing and listening.
• The Fool and The WorldThe Fool and The World are the start and the finish of the trumps.
• The Chariot and StrengthThe Chariot and Strength together contrast force with patience.
• The Hermit and Eight of CupsThe Hermit with the Eight of Cups is a double withdrawal:
• The High Priestess and The MoonThe High Priestess and The Moon both ask you to trust what you cannot yet explain.
• Temperance and The DevilTemperance and The Devil set moderation against compulsion.
• Ten of Swords and The SunThe Ten of Swords and The Sun together:
• Three of Swords and Three of CupsThe Three of Swords with the Three of Cups sets heartbreak beside friendship:
• Five of Pentacles and Six of PentaclesThe Five and Six of Pentacles together describe hardship meeting help.
• Nine of Swords and Four of SwordsThe Nine and Four of Swords together are the cure beside the ailment:
• Wheel of Fortune and JusticeThe Wheel and Justice together:
• The Hanged Man and DeathThe Hanged Man and Death:
• The Hierophant and The FoolThe Hierophant and The Fool put the tradition beside the one who steps outside it.
• The Emperor and King of WandsThe Emperor with the King of Wands doubles authority:
• The Star and Nine of CupsThe Star with the Nine of Cups:
• Ace of Wands and Ace of CupsTwo Aces, Wands and Cups:
• Ace of Swords and Ace of PentaclesThe Aces of Swords and Pentacles together:
• Ten of Wands and Four of SwordsThe Ten of Wands with the Four of Swords:
• Seven of Cups and Ace of SwordsThe Seven of Cups and the Ace of Swords: