The Major Arcana cards are the most recognizable and impactful cards in a Tarot deck. These 22 cards represent situations we all face in the grand scheme of life.
The Fool is the only card of the Tarot that is not numbered. Although there are many layers of understanding associated with The Fool, this card can be seen initially as an innocent person as they leave the comfort of their home to discover what the world has to offer. Although The Fool may appear to be naïve to outside observers, he is in reality an optimist with no fear as he approaches the edge of the cliff. He is fully prepared to make the leap of faith. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, write down a keyword from this exploration of the card.
The Magician stands for mastery and hidden skills that allow him to produce results that often appear to be ‘magical’ to others. The Magician’s pose signifies, “As above, so below,” and the ability to draw on universal power to bring about results on the material plane. This card speaks of the inner strengths and skills that allow you to transform your thoughts into reality. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, write down a keyword from this exploration of the Magician.
The High Priestess card in Tarot symbolizes sexuality, mystery, and general higher power. She teaches us that by accessing your intuition, wise decisions can be made. The two pillars and the book represent wisdom that comes from within and teaches that you must search within yourself for the answers to your questions. The "B" on the pillar stands for Boaz: negation and severity. The "J" stands for Jachin: beginning and mercy. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, write down a keyword from this exploration of the Empress.
The Empress is the archetypal mother. Placed in an outdoor setting, The Empress represents fertility, creativity and the abundance of nature. Her influence will stimulate your own creativity and allow you to express yourself more effectively. The creative aspect of the universe is especially strong in The Empress. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, write down a keyword from this exploration of the Empress.
The Emperor card in Tarot symbolizes accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, and a capable person. The Emperor, as Aries (the Ram) is the infant, the first sign of the zodiac. The Emperor is the archetypal father and is in control of his life. He draws his power from the rational mind and is courageous enough to recognise the reality of a situation rather than see only what he wants to see. Always remember that each card carries a little of the previous card with it. In this case, to be effective, The Emperor must have a heart and not be totally cold and analytical. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, write down a keyword from this exploration of the Emperor.
The Lovers represents a choice between two different paths in life. Because of the card’s name, it is often interpreted as a choice between two possible partners. Choices must be made before true love on the human level will be realised, and this is necessary for a full understanding of universal love. The angel represents the power of a mature relationship. Explore this meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create a keyword from this exploration of the Lovers card and write it down.
The Chariot represents balance. He must summon the strength of his will to maintain balance and control of both the light and dark forces of his nature and personality. He will be able to win the hard race through his continued effort to retain balance. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create a keyword from this exploration of The Chariot and write it down.
Strength shows that the jaws of raw emotion are closed with love, not force. We all have a reserve of self-confidence and inner strength for challenging times, especially if we remember that the spiritual, as represented by the symbol over Strength’s head, will always triumph over the material and physical world. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create a keyword from this exploration of the Strength card.
The Death card in Tarot is a card of major transformation and new beginnings, and it probably won't be easy. The Death card meaning in a Tarot reading is about transformation, passage, and change. The basic symbols of the Death card are Death as a skeleton in black robes or armor. There may also be a scythe or a flag featuring a five-petaled rose. There may be other figures in the field, the most common and recurring is that of a child.
The Temperance card in Tarot can be difficult to interpret, but in general it's about the blending of opposites and the achieving of synthesis. It's about harmony, peace, and patience. The basic symbols of the Temperance card are an angel (often female, but sometimes genderless), a pool of water or river, and two cups with fluid flowing between them. It's a serene, peaceful scene of harmonious beauty. When the Temperance card is upright in a Tarot reading, it symbolizes moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, and confidence. This card can also be a warning to temper your behavior and a reminder that irreconcilable opposites can be reconciled. You are truly connected to what makes a good life, and you are living it. You have a strict moral code, and you will work hard to reach your goals, whatever they might be.
The Devil card in Tarot is about ambitions and is also synonymous with temptation, addiction, and depression. The basic symbols of this card are a winged and horned Devil on a black pedestal, naked male and female figures, chains, and an inverted pentagram. When the Devil card is upright in a Tarot reading, it symbolizes downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person, and weird or strange experiences. The Devil card warns you not to be too restrained but to be passionate and ambitious. You are restrained because you allow yourself to be.
The Hanged Man card in Tarot symbolizes trial or meditation, selflessness, and sacrifice. The basic symbols of this card are a man hanging by one foot from a tau cross. His free leg is always crossed to form a "4" and his face is always peaceful. His hands may be either tied or dangling. At times, some coins may be falling from his hands or pockets.
The Tower card in Tarot is all about the downfall of old ideas. A structure has suddenly and violently come crashing down, leading to chaos and distress, but it has also made room for something new to be built. The basic symbols of this card are a tower on a rocky outcrop, a bolt of lightning, a couple of figures falling from the tower, and waves crashing below.
The Justice card in Tarot is about reason, truth, and, yes, justice. This is the card about cold, objective balance. If you're not keeping the scales balanced, there could be some fallout. The scales of Justice, also known as karma, will tip in one’s favour according to their intent and effort put forth. Justice is balanced, not blind. This card often represents a decision being made which demonstrates how cosmic justice operates. The lesson may not be obvious at first, but the passage of time and careful thought will show the inevitable fairness of karma. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create a keyword from this exploration of the Justice card.
The Star card in Tarot symbolizes the future, clarity of vision, and spiritual insight. The basic symbols of this card are seven or eight stars, a pool of water, a kneeling woman (one foot in the water, the other on land), and two urns. When the Star card is upright in a Tarot reading, it symbolizes hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, and balance. You have worked past hardships and you are ready to embrace what comes next. Stay calm, stay positive. The card predicts unexpected help, but it is up to you to find your way to the future. It's all there for you, big and bright and waiting. The possibilities are endless, and you're ready to grab them all. Good! They belong to you. Remember that always.
The Moon card in Tarot symbolizes that things might be amiss and that you can't trust your first impression. Things are not how they seem. The basic card symbols are a full moon (with a crescent within), twin pillars, a dog and a wolf howling, a stream that runs to the ocean, and a crayfish emerging from the water. When the Moon card is upright in a Tarot reading, it symbolizes deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, anxiety, danger, and double-dealing. The card means you may be going through a time of emotional or mental trials. Also pay attention to your dreams: What are they trying to tell you? Your subconscious is actively trying to get in touch. You also might be about to get your period!
The Sun card in Tarot radiates positive energy. This is one of the most optimistic cards, indicating enthusiasm and joie de vivre. When the Sun card is upright in a Tarot reading, the card indicates satisfaction, accomplishment, success, joy. Everything is looking up. You are going to have your day in the sun. Feel free to step into the spotlight with confidence. Things are going to work out fine! You have so much goodness to share that everyone near you will benefit. There's plenty to go around.
The Judgment card in Tarot stands for healing. This Major Arcana card signals great transformation, renewal, and change. The basic symbols of the Judgment Tarot card are an Angel, trumpets, graves with people rising from them, and often water or an ocean. When the Judgment card is upright in Tarot, it symbolizes awakening, renewal, a well-lived life, better health, and a quickened mind. It can mean that you have to face a challenge head on, and make the changes required to succeed. You are ready to be judged and come out the other side. It is time to let go of the things that are holding you back, and step forward into your future.
The World card in Tarot is a wonderful card, representing a successful conclusion after all aspects have been accounted for. Things have come full circle. A journey has been completed, and a long-term project has come to an end. The basic symbols of this card are a dancing woman or hermaphrodite, a wreath in the shape of a yoni (almond-shaped circle), two wands, a cherub, eagle, lion, and bull. When the World card is upright in a Tarot reading, it symbolizes completion, perfection, and recognition, in addition to honors, the end result, success, fulfillment, triumph, and eternal life. It indicates a happy end to a project. It will be accompanied by well-earned praise, celebration, and success. Enjoy the satisfaction and fulfillment of a job well done.
The Wheel of Fortune card in Tarot symbolizes destiny, unexpected events, and progress. This card reminds you that good luck happens as easily as bad, and everything happens in cycles. Change is a constant and inevitable part of life, and nothing lasts forever. The Wheel of Fortune helps us to realise the eternal truth that nature operates in cycles, and that what goes around comes around. The Wheel is the vision seen by The Hermit after he has reflected on the meaning of Strength. It is important that we remember that while we can’t control The Wheel, we can always control our responses to the events it brings. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create a keyword from this exploration of the Wheel of Fortune.
The Hermit teaches us that inner guidance and wisdom is often gained through introspection and allows you to light the way for others. This card often represents someone who prefers solitude to work out their problems. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create 4 keywords from that exploration for the card. The Hermit teaches us that inner guidance and wisdom is often gained through introspection and allows you to light the way for others. This card often represents someone who prefers solitude to work out their problems. Explore the meaning and expand it using your own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Next, create a keyword from this exploration of the Hermit.