Major Arcana Meanings

Each Major Arcana card possesses a distinct energy to guide us through our journey of joy, challenges, and self-discovery.

The Major Arcana cards reveal the “Big Picture” or larger themes in our lives. They act as as signposts along the path of life’s most significant lessons and experiences. Each card represents a pivotal archetype, encapsulating themes such as transformation, love, and self-discovery, inviting us to delve deeper into our intuition and understand the universal dramas we face.

Major Arcana

0. The Fool New Beginings, Taking a risk

1. The Magician Ambition, Manifesting

2. The High Priestess Secrets, Intuition

3. The Empress Creativity, Motherhood

4. The Emperor Order, Power, Boundaries

5. The Hierophant Institution, Education

6. The Lovers Love, Decisions

7. The Chariot Progress, Determination

8. Strength Endurance, Fortitude

9. The Hermit Solitude, Introspection

10. Wheel of Fortune Luck, Fate, Destiny

11. Justice Decisions, Balance, Order

12. The Hanged Man Waiting, Surrender

13. Death Transformation, Endings

14. Temperance Balance, Moderation

15. The Devil Addiction, Obsession

16. The Tower Breakdown, Changes

17. The Star Hope, Guidance, Blessings

18. The Moon Dreams, Emotions, Illusions

19. The Sun Growth, Happiness, Recovery

20. Judgement Evaluation, Second chance

21. The World Completion, Accomplishment

The Major Arcana Tarot Cards

When these cards appear in a reading, they illustrate the grand tapestry of our lives, where every challenge and triumph contributes to our growth. By tapping into the wisdom of the Major Arcana, we gain insight into our soul’s purpose, reminding us that while the day-to-day details may seem overwhelming, there’s a greater plan guiding us along our unique journey.

The Fool, the first card of the Major Arcana, represents the beginning of a grand adventure. Brimming with limitless potential, the Fool urges us to embrace spontaneity and take that leap of faith into the unknown. The card reminds us that it is through taking risks and stepping outside our comfort zones that we truly grow and evolve.

The Major Arcana:

0 THE FOOL

Taking a risk, A new beginning. Folly, mania, extravagance, intoxication, delirium, frenzy. The fools journey.

Starting something new. The fool shows up to indicate the beginning of a new cycle in your life.

The Fool tarot card is the number 0 of the Major Arcana, which stands for the number of unlimited potentials. To see the Fool tarot card generally indicates that you are on the verge of an exciting and unexpected new adventure. This path may require you to make a leap of faith but you will grow as a result of this new experience. It could mean traveling to a new place or starting a new venture. The change will be a welcome one. While the Fool is usually a positive card, its appearance can also indicate that you need to take the time to look before you leap.

Zodiac: Aquarius
Astrological: Uranus
Element: Air
Chakra: Crown

The Fool Tarot Card Reversed

Indecision, hesitation, apathy, making poor choices.

1 THE MAGICIAN

Skill, diplomacy, address, self-confidence, will.

The Magician is a powerful manifester. You can achieve your dreams by using all of your divine energy.

You do not have to understand it all intellectually. Besides, intuition is your ace in the hole. Respond in a spontaneous manner to what is right in front of you. There is no reason to hold yourself back.

~The Magician is associated with energy, potential and the manifestation of one's desires. This card symbolizes the meetings of the physical and spiritual worlds and the conduit converting spiritual energy into real-world action. As Above, So below.

Zodiac: Gemini and Virgo
Astrological: Mercury
Element: Air
Chakra: Throat

The Magician Tarot Card Reversed

Unimaginative, insecurity, a lack of self-confidence, sickness, pain, loss, disaster.

2 THE HIGH PRIESTESS

Secrets, mystery, the future as yet unrevealed, silence, tenacity; wisdom, science.

Divine feminine energy. This is a time to reflect on things. You will find the answers you seek by quieting your mind & sitting in your intuition. Your inner knowing will be your best guide.

High Priestess is a card of mystery, stillness and passivity. This card suggests that it is time to retreat and reflect upon the situation. Trust your inner instincts to guide you through it. Things around you are not what they appear to be right now.

Zodiac: Cancer
Astrological: Moon
Element: Water
Chakra: Third Eye
Yes/No: Yes

The High Priestess Tarot Card Reversed

Selfishness, shallowness, lacking insight, ignorance and misunderstanding.

3 THE EMPRESS

Fruitfulness, initiative, action, long days, clandestine.

Mothering energy, embrace the qualities of nurturing and love. For yourself as well as others. This card indicates fertility which may be in the form of new ideas that need nurturing in order to flourish.

The Empress is traditionally associated with maternal influence, it is the card if you are hoping to start a family. She can represent the creation of life, romance, art, or new business.

Astrological: Venus
Element: Earth
Chakra: Heart and Sacral
Yes/No: Yes

The Empress Tarot Card Reversed

The unknown, difficulty, doubt, ignorance, inaction, lacking concentration, anxiety, infidelity

4 THE EMPEROR

Stability, power, aid, protection, a great person, conviction, reason.

An opportunity may be presenting itself. A new job or leadership role. you may find yourself becoming the boss of something. You are on top of your game right now, take advantage of this position.

This card is suggestive of stability and security in life. You are on top of things and everything is under your control. It is your hard work, discipline and self control that have bought you this far. It means that you are in charge of your life now setting up your own rules and boundaries.

Astrological: Mars
Zodiac: Aries
Element: Fire
Chakra: Root
Yes/No: Yes

The Emperor Tarot Card Reversed

Instability, Insecurity, powerlessness, helpless, in need of protection, of poor character, lacking conviction, illogical.

5 THE HIEROPHANT

Marriage alliance, captivity, servitude, mercy and goodness, inspiration, the man to whom the Querent has recourse.

You may be feeling secure in your beliefs at this time. You may be embarking upon a spiritual journey, or a some form of education. This card represents the guidance you will receive. Seek out individuals who can help you along your way.

You may find comfort in a group membership or as part of an institution. Hierophant stands for tradition and convention. It can represent marriage in an arranged setup. It can also mean a teacher or counselor who will help in learning.

Astrological: Venus
Zodiac: Taurus
Element: Earth
Chakra: Throat
Yes/No: Yes

The Hierophant Tarot Card Reversed

Unconventional, vulnerable, foolish, frailty, unorthodox behavior.

6 THE LOVERS

Attraction, love, beauty, trials overcome.

You are being led to love. The Lovers represent a couple coming together and supporting each other in divine Harmony. You may be starting a new relationship or strengthening an existing one. This card can also indicate a non romantic relationship such as a friendship or partnership of some kind.

This card is about relationships and choices. Its appearance in a spread indicates some decision about an existing relationship, a temptation of the heart, or a choice of potential partners. Often an aspect of the querent's life will have to be sacrificed; a bachelor(ette)'s lifestyle may be sacrificed and a relationship gained (or vice versa), or one potential partner may be chosen while another is turned down. Whatever the choice, it should not be made lightly, as the ramifications will be lasting.

Astrological: Mercury
Zodiac: Gemini
Element: Air
Chakra: Heart
Yes/No: Maybe

The Lovers Tarot Card Reversed

Separation, hate, frustration, unreliability, fickleness, lack of support.

7 THE CHARIOT

Progression, forward motion.

No obstacles will be able to stop you. You are moving forward and progressing now. Self-sufficiency will drive you toward your future.

The Chariot is a card about overcoming conflicts and moving forward in a positive direction. One needs to keep going on and through sheer hard work and commitment he will be victorious.

In Relationships this card points out the need to maintain independence.

Astrological: Moon
Zodiac: Cancer
Element: Water
Chakra: Throat
Yes/No: Yes

The Chariot Tarot Card Reversed

Defeat, failure, unsuccessful, vanquishment, vengeance, trouble.

8 STRENGTH

Power, energy, action, courage, magnanimity.

The first step to achieving strength is to be kind to yourself. You are strong and have the power to conquer all of your fears. You posses the will and courage to see things through. This is the card of personal power.

Strength predicts the triumphant conclusion to a major life problem, situation or temptation through strength of character. It is a very happy card if you are fighting illness or recovering from injury.

Astrological: Sun
Zodiac: Leo
Element: Fire
Chakra: Solar Plexus
Yes/No: Yes

Strength Tarot Card Reversed

Weakness, sickness, lack of conviction, cowardice.

9 THE HERMIT

Looking Within. Introspection, soul searching, solitude.

You are honoring your spiritual self at this time. Take some time away from others to do some soul searching. You will find the guidance you need.

The Hermit suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention inwards and looking for answers within. You are in need of a period of inner reflection, away from the current demands of your position.

Astrological: Chiron
Zodiac: Virgo
Element: Earth
Chakra: Third Eye
Yes/No: No

The Hermit Tarot Card Reversed

Hastiness, immaturity, rash decision making, foolishness.

10 WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Destiny, fortune, success, luck, felicity. You must go with the flow of life.

This card is the wheel of life. Everything has a beginning and an end, the wheel will keep turning. Life will keep throwing lessons our way to keep us on our toes. We can never know what is coming next and when the Wheel of Fortune shows up, there is a need to let go of the wheel and allow the universe to take you where you need to be.

The Wheel indicates you will have good luck and prosperity. You are on a good path. Just ride the waves of life.

Astrological: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Chakra: Solar Plexus
Yes/No: Maybe

The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Reversed

Going against the flow, struggle, interruption, failure, bad luck.

11 JUSTICE

Equity, rightness, probity, executive, fairness, cause and effect.

You must seek balance and truth. Your actions have long term effects. Spend some time making sure that things are fair. Look for situations in your life that may require mediation.

This card represents justice and fairness. You are being called to account for your actions. The Justice card is calling you to make the fairest decision. Justice is the sword that cuts through a situation, and will not be swayed by outer beauty when deciding what is fair and just.

Astrological: Venus
Zodiac: Libra
Element: Air
Chakra: Heart
Yes/No: Upright- Yes, Reversed- No

Justice Tarot Card Reversed

Imbalance, false accusations, unfairness, abusive action, biased opinion.

12 THE HANGED MAN

Wisdom, trials, circumspection, discernment, sacrifice, intuition, divination, prophecy. You are suspended in time.

This card suggests you need to suspend certain actions. Surrender is required now. You are in a period of indecision. Waiting might be what you need to do in order to achieve success. Wait for the proper opportunity. Keep in mind that taking action is not always the best solution and in certain cases refraining from doing so might bring you just as much, if not more benefits.

You may be embarking on a new spiritual journey. Let things be and allow the universe to do its work. Stillness grants perspective.

Astrological: Neptune
Element: Water
Chakra: Third Eye
Yes/No: No

The Hanged Man Tarot Card Reversed

False prophecy, impatience, unwillingness, lack of perspective, foolishness.

13 DEATH

Endings, beginnings, change, mortality.

Change is here. The death of something old heralds the birth of something new. This is the natural transit to the next stage of being, a change of form in consciousness.

This card shows a major phase in your life is ending. You just need to close one door in order to open a new one. You are deeply connected to your higher self now. In order to grow we must let go of things not serving us. Unlikely that this card actually represents a physical death. Typically it implies an end, possibly of a relationship or interest, and therefore implies an increased sense of self-awareness.

Astrological: Pluto
Zodiac: Scorpio
Element: Water
Chakra: Heart
Yes/No: No

Death Tarot Card Reversed

Death, stagnation, immobility, slow changes, destruction, corruption.

14 TEMPERANCE

Economy, moderation, frugality, management, accommodation.

This card indicates a need for balance in your life. Choose moderation and you should learn to bring about balance, patience and moderation in your life. You should take the middle road, avoiding extremes and maintain a sense of calm.

Have patience and avoid worrying about time. Accept differences. Look for the contrast provided by things that are not working. They can tell you a lot about what will.

Astrological: Jupiter
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Element: Fire
Chakra: Solar plexus
Yes/No: Yes

Temperance Tarot Card Reversed

Excess, conflict, disunion, frustration, impatience, chaos.

15 THE DEVIL

Ravage, violence, force, vehemence, extraordinary efforts, fatality, that which is predestined but not for this reason evil.

Negative energy. You may be feeling blocked, or doing the wrong thing at the wrong place or wrong time. You may be indulging in addictive behaviors. Although you may be enjoying it, you need to let something go.

The Devil represents being seduced by the material world and all its physical pleasures. Also living in fear and being out of control. This card indicates obsessive, secretive or impulsive behaviors. You may also be caged by an overabundance of luxury. Use discretion in personal and business matters.

Astrological: Neptune
Zodiac: Pisces
Element: Water
Chakra: Third Eye
Yes/No: No

The Devil Tarot Card Reversed

Enlightenment, detached from the physical world, divorce, recovery, release.

16 THE TOWER

Sudden Change, misery, distress, ruin, indigence, adversity, calamity, disgrace, deception.

A change is in store for you. You must surrender to the storm. Something is happening which will alter the trajectory of your life.

The tower represents unnerving, radical, momentous change. However, the kind of change that the Tower card marks does not have to be a terrible disaster or a great loss. Change is a normal part of life. But it sometimes brings fear because it means we must abandon what we have previously known. The old ways are no longer useful. You will discover new beliefs to take their place.

Astrological: Mars
Element: Fire
Chakra: Crown
Yes/No: No

The Tower Card Reversed

Stagnation, entrapment, imprisonment, old ways, stuck in the past.

17 THE STAR

Suggests hope and bright prospects in the future. Spiritual Guidance.

When the Star card appears, you are likely to find yourself feeling inspired. Have faith in your dreams. This is a beautiful energy of love. You are being guided.

The Star brings renewed hope and strength to carry on. It shows you are abundantly blessed by the universe. It may not be evident at first because this card follows the trauma of the Tower. You hold within you all that you need for your fulfillment all you need is courage. The star brings a sense that you are truly blessed by the universe at this time.

Astrological: Uranus
Zodiac: Aquarius
Element: Air
Chakra: Crown
Yes/No: Yes

The Star Tarot Card Reversed

Disappointment, disillusion, bad luck, imbalance, uninspired, lost dreams.

18 THE MOON

Illusion, mystery, dreams.

You may be feeling confused. The path may not be clear at this time. The answers are there, you just can’t see them. Your intuition can guide the way if you just take things one step at a time.

The Moon represents illusion and deception. It comes out when you are projecting fear into your present and your future based on experiences. You may have pushed down painful memories into your subconscious and they are surfacing now.

It suggests a time when something is not as it appears to be. Perhaps a misunderstanding on your part, or a truth you cannot admit to yourself.

Astrological: Neptune
Zodiac: Pisces
Element: Water
Chakra: Third Eye
Yes/No: No

The Moon Tarot Card Reversed

Hidden enemies, danger, calumny, darkness, terror, deception, error.

19 THE SUN

Success, vitality, youth. Material happiness, fortunate marriage and contentment.

You are a light. Allowing others to see the beauty and radiant energy that exists. As you shine this light on the world your radiance attracts more success.

The sun card indicates good fortune is on it's way. Expect happiness, joy and harmony. It represents the universe coming together and agreeing with your path and aiding forward movement into something greater.

Astrological: The Sun
Element: Fire
Chakra: Solar Plexus
Yes/No: Yes

The Sun Tarot Card Reversed

Failure, ageing, loneliness, bad fortune, unhappiness, break-ups, distress.

20 JUDGEMENT

Change of position, renewal, outcome.

You may be at a crossroads and faced with choices that have significant consequences. Something in your life requires a judgement call. The choices you make will align you with your life’s purpose.

This card is referred to as a time of resurrection and awakening, a time when a period of our life comes to an absolute end making way for dynamic new beginnings.

This card may be a sign that you are being assessed or evaluated.

Astrological: Pluto
Element: Fire
Chakra: Crown
Yes/No: Maybe, You decide.

Judgement Tarot Card Reversed

Endings, disappointment, indecision, death, failure, ill-health, worry. Being judged by others.

21 THE WORLD

Completion, accomplishment, assured success, route, voyage, emigration, flight, change of place.

You have come full circle and have completed what you have been working towards. It is now time to reap the rewards. All elements are coming together into something beautiful.

The World represents an ending to an old cycle of life. A pause before the next big cycle begins. It is an indicator of major changes to come.

When you draw this card you can know the world is at your feet.

Astrological: Saturn
Element: Earth
Chakra: Root
Yes/No: Yes

The World Tarot Card Reversed

A lack of vision, ending in failure, disappointment, imperfection.

The Major Arcanas

Through the Tarot, we meet the charactors of the Major Arcana such as the imposing figure of the Hierophant, symbolizing tradition, wisdom, and divine guidance; the nurturing Empress, embodying the creative forces of nature; and the transformative Death card, signifying the inevitable cycles of life and rebirth.
The Major Arcana Tarot cards also encompass the archetype of the Devil, inviting us to confront our fears and the shadow aspects of ourselves that we may be hesitant to acknowledge. By bravely facing these inner demons, we can transcend limiting beliefs and find liberation from the chains that bind us.
Of course, no exploration of the Major Arcana Tarot would be complete without mentioning the radiant figure of the Sun, magnanimously bestowing warmth, vitality, and enlightenment. This card serves as a gentle reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and renewal are always at hand.
It is important to understand that while the Major Arcana cards provide a broad roadmap, they do not dictate our fate. Instead, they guide us toward self-awareness, empowering us to make conscious choices and actively participate in shaping our destiny.

So, step into the realm of limitless possibilities, where the Fool dances with the Magician, where the Lovers unite in divine partnership, and where the World unfolds with infinite wonder. Allow the Major Arcana to be your guide, as the mysteries of the universe unfold before your eyes.

The Major Arcana