Infidelity in tarot can be revealed in several cards, especially in the court cards of all suits, but also in other figures scattered throughout the deck.

Today, we will focus on the court cards, specifically on the Pages, and analyze what reasons might lead them to romantic betrayal and in what kinds of situations (and with whom) it may happen.

Infidelity in tarot

The Pages of the court

The first thing I want to establish is that tarot is a tool for guidance and does not determine someone’s entire behavior. Just because you resonate with the Page of Pentacles or your partner identifies with the Page of Wands doesn’t mean you or your partner are automatically unfaithful.
While the cards we’ll discuss may suggest a tendency towards infidelity, a person’s actions and decisions depend on their free will, personal circumstances, and a complex web of emotions and experiences.

Reversed cards

Of course, anyone can be faithful or unfaithful, but generally in tarot, an upright card implies positive values and meanings, while reversed cards reflect more negative aspects.
A loving and happy upright Page of Cups is unlikely to be unfaithful. An unstable and dreamy reversed Page, however, is more likely to stray. For this reason, I’ve based this “infidelity ranking” on the reversed cards.

The Pages of tarot

You probably identify with one of the Pages of the court or associate your partner, a friend, a sibling, or even a neighbor with one of them.
We can instinctively relate to them because we think we match their physical traits or personalities, even if we don’t fully align with the card’s message.

For instance, someone who is a Leo, typically linked to the Page of Wands, might identify with another Page for different reasons, and that’s perfectly valid. The key is to make an association because this connection gives meaning to the reading.

Pages and Zodiac Signs

One of the easiest associations we can make is with astrological signs, where:

• The Page of Cups, associated with the element of water, connects with the signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
• The Page of Pentacles, tied to the element of earth, aligns with the natives of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
• The Page of Swords, linked to the element air, corresponds with the signs of Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra.
• The Page of Wands, connected to the element of fire, finds its peers in the signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

That way, knowing someone’s sign or birth date can help identify them with one of the figures.
But this is not a strict rule. Sometimes we associate instinctively, and even if the card doesn’t match the person’s sign or traits, something leads us to always connect them with that particular card.

For example, my best friend, who should be a Queen of Swords since she’s a Gemini, I always associate with the Queen of Pentacles. The moment I see the Queen of Pentacles, I see her. So, this is a general guide, but you can associate as you like, and it will be perfectly valid in your reading.

Pages or Knights?

It’s not about gender

Traditionally, we’ve associated young women with Pages, young men with Knights, older women with Queens, and older men with Kings. We also tend to associate older people or those with more authority with the figures of Queens and Kings.
But we must understand that these representations can vary and are not limited to these binary gender categories. In a world that is increasingly conscious of non-binary identities and the LGBTQ+ community, we can understand that the court cards in tarot are not necessarily tied to a specific gender identity.

In the case of the Pages, although some interpretations might see them as feminine figures, they can also be seen as androgynous or even as young men. These cards represent someone youthful, immature, in their adolescence or early adulthood, making the card a wildcard that can be associated with any gender depending on the context of the reading.

This inclusive perspective allows us to read the court cards with greater depth and relevance for everyone, regardless of how they identify in terms of gender.

Infidelity in the Rider-Waite Tarot

Infidelity ranking

I’ve ranked the Pages of the court according to their likelihood of being unfaithful. Of course, this is debatable and remains my personal view of tarot and how I interpret each card’s traits. Here is my take on the ranking of infidelity:

• 1st: Page of Wands
• 2nd: Page of Cups
• 3rd: Page of Swords
• 4th: Page of Pentacles

1st Place: The Reversed Page of Wands

The Page of Wands represents energy, enthusiasm, and an adventurous spirit, but when this card appears reversed, these positive traits can become problematic.

The reversed Page can indicate a reckless and impulsive personality. This card may represent someone who acts without thinking, jumps into new experiences without considering the consequences, and doesn’t take others’ feelings or needs into account.

At its worst, the reversed Page of Wands can symbolize someone who is irresponsible, selfish, and prone to making rash decisions.

When related to infidelity, this card can point to someone who’s drawn to new experiences and intense emotions without caring about the consequences. They may be tempted to cheat because they crave the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of a new conquest, or simply a distraction from routine.

This doesn’t mean the reversed Page of Wands is necessarily bad or unfaithful, but their impulsive nature and constant pursuit of excitement can create problems in a relationship. This card may depict someone who’s not willing or able to commit long-term or who easily gets bored when things become routine or predictable.

Situations and People

Considering the meaning of the Page of Wands, their personality, and temperament, we can imagine certain situations where they might be unfaithful. As the saying goes, “Opportunity makes the thief,” and it’s with these kinds of people where temptation might arise.
Let me clarify: these are my personal impressions, my possible associations with this card, not the absolute truth. You can agree with this list, disagree, or have your own list of situations and possibilities!

On a trip

During a trip (especially backpacking), the reversed Page of Wands might be tempted to have an affair with an attractive stranger they meet along the way, driven by their desire for new experiences.

At a party

At a social gathering full of strangers, the reversed Page of Wands might get caught up in the moment and flirt or even cheat with someone they’ve just met, seeking the thrill of the unexpected.

Love and work

While working on an exciting and challenging project at work, the reversed Page of Wands might be drawn to a colleague who shares their passion, leading them into infidelity.

Reconnecting with old loves

At a school reunion, the reversed Page of Wands might reconnect with an old flame and feel tempted to reignite past emotions, even if they’re currently in a relationship. This could also apply to running into an ex in other situations.

Because of routine

If the reversed Page of Wands’ current relationship falls into a routine where everything feels tedious and boring, they might seek excitement in the arms of a secret lover.

With a charming guide

On a climbing or hiking adventure, the reversed Page of Wands might feel drawn to a charming and experienced adventure guide, and the thrill of the activity could lead to infidelity. The same applies to the gym.

Due to personal problems

During a period of stress or personal issues, the reversed Page of Wands might seek comfort in someone outside their current relationship, leading to an affair.

The allure of an artist

If they meet someone who embodies the passion and excitement they feel is lacking in their life, like a musician or artist, the reversed Page of Wands might feel tempted to cheat.

The draw of authority

The reversed Page of Wands might be attracted to authority and power, making them more likely to cheat with a boss or someone in a position of authority in their life.

A crush

In a social setting where there’s someone they’re attracted to (a crush), the reversed Page of Wands might give in to the temptation to cheat, especially if the attraction is intense and exciting.

2nd Place: The Reversed Page of Cups

The Page of Cups represents imagination, intuition, and emotions and is often a figure symbolizing the beginning of a new emotional relationship or the first spark of a creative project… until the card appears reversed, and these emotional and creative aspects can take a negative turn.

When reversed, the Page of Cups can indicate a highly emotional and dreamy personality, but also one that can be fickle and unreliable.

This card often points to someone prone to being swept away by their emotions and fantasies, often detached from reality, making them likely to become infatuated quickly or to have unrealistic expectations.

When it comes to infidelity, the reversed Page of Cups can point to someone who chases emotional fantasies and ends up seeking out new romantic relationships, believing they’ll find the emotional excitement and satisfaction they feel is lacking in their current relationship.

This reversed Page constantly seeks the thrill of “newness,” romance, and the spark of passion. They may struggle with long-term commitment and find it difficult to stay interested when a relationship reaches a more stable, less passionate stage.

There’s also a tendency to idealize new partners and overlook their flaws, leading them to repeated disappointments when reality fails to meet their expectations.

Situations and People

Here are some scenarios where the reversed Page of Cups might be unfaithful, considering their personality traits and behaviors:

Literary seduction

In a bookstore, the reversed Page of Cups might be captivated by a stranger with whom they share literary tastes, leading to infidelity driven by their idealization of this person. This could also apply to writers, poets, journalists, teachers, and anyone who loves literature and the magic of the written word.

Fun vacation

The reversed Page of Cups might be tempted to cheat while on a fun getaway, meeting someone who embodies the idea of romance and adventure that they crave.

Friends with benefits

If they have a close friend they’ve secretly idealized, the reversed Page of Cups might feel tempted to cross the line of friendship when they sense a lack of excitement in their current relationship.

The creative colleague

While working on a collaborative project, the reversed Page of Cups might cheat with a colleague whose creative talent, imagination, and passion catch their romantic interest.

The alluring stranger

At a social event, the reversed Page of Cups might cheat with a stranger who seems to embody their romantic fantasies. It’s worth adding that this Page might fit perfectly into “swinger” groups.

Old flames…

If they reunite with an ex, the reversed Page of Cups might feel tempted to rekindle that relationship due to their idealized memories of the past.

The admired boss

The reversed Page of Cups might fall into temptation and have an affair with their boss, especially if they idealize and admire them for the authority they display.

Passionate enlightenment

During a yoga or meditation class, the reversed Page of Cups might cheat with an instructor who appears spiritually enlightened and emotionally deep.

Platonic love

At a social event or party, the reversed Page of Cups might cheat with a crush they’ve idealized for a long time, especially if they feel their current relationship isn’t living up to their emotional expectations.

The sensuality of art

In a situation where they meet a passionate, emotionally expressive artist, the reversed Page of Cups might be unfaithful, caught up in their idealization of the artist and what they represent.

3rd Place: The Reversed Page of Swords

This card is commonly associated with intelligence, truth, and justice, and when upright, it represents someone who’s willing to learn, curious, and has a sharp mind. But when the card is reversed, it can indicate the misuse of intelligence, manipulation, and deceit.

The reversed Page of Swords may signify someone who feels powerful and clever when using their intelligence in a manipulative way.

Here, we see someone who uses their sharp mind and insight to hide the truth or get what they want, even at the expense of others, and at worst, this card can symbolize someone who is dishonest, manipulative, and prone to cheating.

When it comes to infidelity, the reversed Page of Swords might be drawn to the excitement of secrecy and deceit.

This person may seek the adrenaline and excitement that comes with keeping an affair a secret, and it’s not necessarily because they’re unhappy in their current relationship, but because they’re attracted to the thrill, manipulation, and mental game that infidelity brings.

On the other hand, the reversed Page of Swords can also point to a lack of emotional maturity, someone who’s unable to communicate their true feelings or hides their true self behind a facade of intellect and emotional detachment.

This lack of emotional honesty can lead them to seek validation and emotional intimacy outside of their current relationship.

Situations and People

Considering the personality and characteristics of this reversed Page, we can imagine some scenarios where infidelity might occur:

Debating ideas

During an intellectual debate, they might feel attracted to someone who demonstrates sharp insight and a deep understanding of the subject, leading them to explore a more intimate connection. This could also happen in an academic setting where they might feel drawn to a fellow student or a professor they admire for their intelligence and knowledge.

The interesting conversation

At a social gathering, they might be attracted to someone who offers an intriguing and mysterious conversation, along with a unique and different worldview, pushing them to want to know this person more intimately.

Debating beliefs

If they’re in a relationship with someone who doesn’t challenge them intellectually, they might cheat with someone who shares their love for intellectual discussion and debate. This might be particularly true in political activism settings.

The old love transformed

If an old love returns to their life, now more mature and intelligent, the reversed Page of Swords might feel tempted to rekindle that relationship, especially if they feel they’re now more aligned intellectually.

The skilled speaker

At a conference or seminar, they might be tempted to cheat with a speaker they admire for their intelligence and ability to manipulate ideas and people.

The digital lover

During an online strategy game, they might start a virtual romance with an unknown competitor they appreciate for their cunning and ability to deceive in the game.

Surrendering to intelligence

If they have an old friend they’ve always admired for their intelligence, they might feel tempted to cheat if that friend offers a secret affair.

The gossiping boss

The reversed Page of Swords is known for being a gossip and prone to rumors, so if at work they encounter a boss given to secret activities or office intrigues, especially if they become confidants and accomplices, this might lead to infidelity.

The clever seducer

At a social gathering, they might cheat with a stranger who impresses them with their wit and ability to manipulate the conversation, seducing them with intelligence. They’re aware of the person’s intentions, but that’s precisely what fascinates them and draws them in.

4th Place: The Reversed Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles, when upright, represents the opportunity for a new beginning, especially in terms of tangible aspects like work, home, and money, but when the card is reversed, these positive potentials can turn into obstacles or harmful behaviors.

I must point out that this Page is, in reality, more prone to flirting than actually cheating. In my book “Reading Tarot,” I’ve described them as someone who “has a wandering eye,” representing someone who looks a lot and has a hunger for sensual passion, but most of the time, it doesn’t go beyond that.

Our reversed Page of Pentacles can represent a personality prone to procrastination, lack of progress, and a sense of stagnation. They’re someone who fears taking risks or starting new projects and tends to cling to what’s safe and familiar.
This behavior can lead to a monotonous routine and a lack of satisfaction; while the “safe comfort zone” is fine in some aspects, it can sometimes sit on a thin line between tranquility and boredom.

Doing something different

When we relate this to infidelity, the reversed Page of Pentacles might seek an “escape” or a “distraction” from their current reality, which they find unsatisfying and dull. They might crave the excitement and thrill of a new relationship to compensate for the dissatisfaction they feel in their current situation.
This is a type of infidelity I call “out of inertia” or simply “out of boredom.” They might find someone valuable who stirs something deep within them, of course, but more often than not, it’s the boredom of life that pushes them into someone else’s arms.

However, there can also be a dose of greed or selfishness with this reversed card, as the Page might have a tendency to prioritize their own needs and desires over those of others.

In a romantic relationship, this could manifest as the reversed Page of Pentacles showing a lack of consideration for their partner’s feelings, being more focused on what they believe they are missing or need.

Situations and People

From my perspective, here are some situations in which the reversed Page of Pentacles might be unfaithful:

Escaping the Routine

In a job that has become routine and monotonous, the reversed Page of Pentacles might be tempted to cheat with an intriguing colleague who offers excitement, adventure, and a break from daily boredom. This colleague could represent a breath of fresh air, a spark that reignites their interest and curiosity.

A Taste of Luxury

At a social event, the reversed Page of Pentacles might be drawn to a charming stranger who seemingly offers a more exciting and luxurious life. This stranger, with their shine of wealth and promises of intense emotions, could tempt them into exploring unknown territory.

The Promise of Prosperity

At a networking event or business meeting, the reversed Page of Pentacles might be tempted to cheat with someone influential who offers exciting business opportunities or financial advancements. This individual, with their ability to open doors and promise prosperity, might be irresistibly attractive.

The Call for Change

During a personal development course or workshop, the reversed Page might feel tempted to cheat with an instructor who offers new perspectives and a promise of freedom from their current situation. This instructor, with their charisma and promise of a brighter future, could exert a strong attraction.

A World of Opportunities

On a business trip, the Page of Pentacles might feel drawn to a business partner who represents a new and exciting work opportunity. This business partner, with their promise of professional adventure and potential to change their work life, could tempt them to cross the lines of fidelity.

Returning to Adventure

If an old friend returns to their life, bringing back the excitement and adventure they once had, the reversed Page of Pentacles might feel tempted to be unfaithful. This old friend, with their familiarity combined with new and thrilling possibilities, could stir desires for exploration beyond their current relationship.

Security in the Storm

During a financial crisis, the reversed Page of Pentacles might be tempted to cheat with someone who can offer them financial security. This person, with their apparent stability and promise of a safe harbor during the storm, could appear irresistibly attractive.

The Spark of a Party

At a celebration or event, they might feel tempted to cheat with a wealthy stranger who promises luxuries and an exciting life. This stranger, with their aura of wealth and the promise of a life full of pleasures, could captivate them and make them question their loyalty.

The Power of Promotion

At work, the reversed Page of Pentacles might be tempted to cheat with their boss, especially if the boss offers them a promotion or a chance for advancement. This boss, with their position of power and the promise of a brighter professional future, could make them reconsider their commitment.

The Return of Passion

If an ex-love returns to their life offering the passion and excitement they feel is lacking in their current relationship, the reversed Page of Pentacles might be tempted to rekindle that old flame. This ex, with their familiarity and the promise of reigniting old feelings, could make them reconsider their current relationship.

Final Conclusions

Well, we’ve traveled an interesting path, exploring the different facets of infidelity through the Pages of tarot. Even though these cards might show you a disheartening picture in a love reading, remember that tarot reflects possible dynamics and tendencies, not destiny. The infidelity represented by reversed Pages is not a fixed fate but a reminder of the need for attention and care in our relationships.
Each Page, from the impulsive Wands to the dreamy Cups, the cunning Swords, and the cautious Pentacles, illustrates the different ways our insecurities, fears, and desires can lead us to harmful decisions. But they also remind us of the importance of honesty, communication, and commitment in our relationships.

The next time these cards appear in a reading, use them as a tool for self-reflection and relationship improvement. Always remember that tarot is a guide, and how we navigate our journey is up to us. Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-knowledge and exploration. See you next time!