MAJOR ARCANA
There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana, which represent spiritual milestones and archetypal energies that are influencing your life and your soul's journey to enlightenment.
The major arcana begins with The Fool who makes noteworthy steps along his/her path, meeting new guides along the way. The journey for the fool continues in cycles, reminding us that we can recognize patterns and cycles in our own lives. The completion of the journey or cycle is represented by The World card. The story line of the Major Arcana will help reveal deep insights into your own life.
0
THE FOOL
New Beginnings, Leap of Faith, Naive Optimism
The cycle is an underlying theme throughout the major arcana. The Fool is at number 0, representing the very beginning of a new cycle in your life. This could indicate a new job, relationship, or opportunity. With this new cycle, you must be a risk-taker and jump right in, even without awareness of where the journey of life will take you. Similar to the Fool, you are ready to embark on the next stage in your life. By embracing a childish enthusiasm and optimism for the adventure ahead, you will have the strength necessary to overcome future obstacles.
I
THE MAGICIAN
Creation, Resourceful, Assertive
The magician represents the independent spirit. He creates his own reality using the tools and resources at his disposal. The magician doesn’t wait to be presented with opportunities but rather, he creates them through confidence and directed energy to achieve real results. When this card appears, it’s revealing that you, not others around you, are responsible for your success. You must look outside your comfort zone and employ creative thinking to break free of limitations. Above all, the magician is skillful. He reminds us that dynamism and the development of your own skill set will be the catalyst to achieving your goals.
II
THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Intuition, Sacred Feminine, Hidden Knowledge
Like the Goddess Persephone, the High Priestess travels to worlds unknown. She represents the sacred knowledge we all contain within our deepest selves. Using her intuition, she guides herself and others towards discovering the universal truths that lay within our subconscious minds. Women have traditionally been associated with an intuitive power and the High Priestess represents that precise power. When this card appears, it asks you to access your own natural intuitive abilities and trust the answers and symbols that present themselves to you.
III
THE EMPRESS
Nature, Maternal Guidance, Feminine Power
The Empress is ruled by the planet Venus and like the Goddess, this card represents acts of love, fertility, and beauty. The abundant plant life in the card showcases the importance of maintaining a healthy connection to our natural world and environment. When this card appears it encourages you to spend more time in nature and appreciate the beauty of life. It also implores us to be more nurturing - both to our natural world and those around us.
IV
THE EMPEROR
Strong Foundation, Leadership, Control
When the Emperor appears, he encourages you to embrace a leadership role. This may indicate that you’re about to receive additional responsibility and authority in your life. He is the representation of the wisdom that comes from age and experience. Like the Emperor, you should remain focused and work towards accomplishing your goals in your areas of expertise. On a wider scale, the Emperor reminds us of the importance of establishing order and structure to combat chaos and entropy.
V
THE HIEROPHANT
Hierarchy, Tradition, Organized Religion
The Hierophant can indicate that a spiritual guide or leader will be entering your life. Alternatively, this card represents that you are meant to take on this role yourself and lead others to a spiritual path. This card also showcases the traditions, beliefs, and routines that identify who we are and our community. Unlike the Magician, the Hierophant thrives in environments that are considered as regulated and hierarchical. When this card appears, it’s telling you to work within an existing established system as opposed to venturing out on your own.
VI
THE LOVERS
Passion, Union, Choice
There are two paths you can take to interpreting this card. The Lovers card can represent the initial stage of a relationship filled with passion and desire. This is where there exists the feeling of union with another and the lovey-dovey initial surge of affection. However, this relationship phase is temporary and doesn’t necessarily indicate long-term commitment or success. Alternatively, when this card appears, it can indicate that you’re at crossroads and an important choice lies before you. It’s important to rely on your own sense of morality and values to make the right decision.
VII
THE CHARIOT
Focus, Conviction, Victory
Use your willpower to harness and control the opposing forces in your life. See if these opposing forces can be used to your advantage instead of being mere obstacles. Similar to the magician, you are living during a time of great potential manifestation. Victory will be achieved, but only if you maintain a sharp focus and a confident demeanor. Like the Charioteer, take charge, be assertive, and keep moving towards your goal no matter who or what tries to slow you down.
VIII
STRENGTH
Gentle force, Compassion, Control
Strength represents the delicate balance in controlling our animalistic aspects. Unlike the Charioteer who uses outward strength to achieve victory, this card prioritizes inward strength. The woman in the Strength card realizes that her great compassion and empathy are her weapon to overcoming any struggle. She is calm, composed, and thoughtful in all her work. Instead of suppressing the darker aspects of self, she gently controls them to create a balance between the animalistic and the divine within.
IX
HERMIT
Inner Guidance, Isolation, Contemplation
Take this as a time to take a break from your mundaneroutine. You need time apart from our consumerist society so that you can focus inward and better understand your wider purpose. Your reflecting time must be purposeful instead of reactionary. You must use this time to build your knowledge and understanding of the universe through self-discovery. Isolation can be a great tool for personal growth, but be cautious as too much time spent in solitude can become destructive and counterproductive.
X
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Destiny, Chance, Unexpected Change
The Wheel of Fortune indicates that the universe will be throwing you a curveball. The universe is mysterious with its tools of divination and we can never grasp all its secrets. Expect the unexpected to occur as this unprecedented change could take a positive or negative turn. If negative, take solace that the wheel represents an ever-moving cycle and thus shows that nothing is permanent. Everything is in constant flux and movement. Surrender to the change that the universe is sending your way and embrace the unpredictability that makes life exciting.
XI
JUSTICE
Fairness, Karma, Truth
This card represents a fair and just decision is about to be made. This may be interpreted as a relief if you’ve been wronged by someone. However, if you are the one acting immorally, this card shows that you’re about to get your comeuppance. The truth is about to be revealed so get ready to be judged and called into account for your actions. This card can also refer to the legal system as a whole and thus can appear when you are about to interact with lawyers, judges, or the bureaucracy of the law and government.
XII
HANGED MAN
Sacrifice, Outsider, Immobility
Like Odin, Jesus, and Buddha, the Hanged Man represents a necessary sacrifice to ascend to the next level of spiritual growth. Think about what you need to give up to achieve this level of personal growth - whether that be time, resources, certain relationships, or something else. This may also be a time of feeling like an outsider in your own community. However, this distinctive approach you’ve chosen is the very thing that allows you to see the bigger picture of what many others are blinded to. Like the Hanged Man, you are in a static place in life, unable to make decisive decisions or actions. Instead of fighting it, surrender and trust that this is an opportunity for emotional release and spiritual growth.
XIII
DEATH
Severing, Transformation, Change
Like Death with its sword, you need to cut off the aspects no longer contributing to your growth. That could be an unfulfilling relationship, a dead-end job, or physical objects. This is an active card - when you receive it, you are meant to take on the role of the grim reaper and decisively make the necessary changes in your life. This is essential to become free from what has been holding you back. You’ve probably been avoiding these changes for quite a while and this card confirms that they can no longer be avoided. Be brave and get the job done! Only when you do will you be ready to embrace the new opportunities that will come your way.
XIV
TEMPERANCE
Patience, Balance, Composure
This card signifies a time of increased balance in your life. That can manifest as a better work-life balance, eating habits, health, or a balance within your mind. Your increased patience has allowed you to finally find a sense of peace and calm in your daily life. This is not a time for quick and brash actions as you need to embrace long-term strategies and goals to avoid a disturbance in your newfound equilibrium. This increased balance in life has given you space to further understand and connect with your wider purpose in life. As long as you maintain this composure, you will ascend to a greater level of personal understanding and spiritual ascension.
XV
THE DEVIL
Scapegoat, Addictions, Negative Patterns
Your current state feels trapped and constrained by external forces beyond your control, and you’ve been blaming your bad habits and decisions on this force. Scapegoating other people and circumstances has allowed you to avoid the truth - that you are in control and these negative patterns and addictions are due to your own weakness and not any external force. You alone have created the situation you’re currently in and only you have the power to change these circumstances. Stop blaming others and take action! You have the power to stop these limitations; you just have to find your inner strength and courage.
XVI
THE TOWER
Collapse, Disaster, Truth Unveiled
We all have several tarot card moments in our lives. Usually, it begins with a realization or truth being uncovered, which creates upheaval in all areas of our lives. When this happens, you can't fight the change occurring. Rather, you must surrender to the temporary chaos and use this time as a learning experience. These moments of dramatic and often upsetting change occur because we set up our life on assumptions or beliefs that were faulty. After the dust settles, use the moment to set up your life on a stronger foundation of truth to be capable of weathering future difficulties on a better footing.
XVII
THE STAR
Healing, Hope, Renewal
The Star card often appears after you have gone through significant challenges and heartbreaks. This card is a much-needed respite from all the drama. You're about to receive a healing presence in your life that will encourage feelings of renewal. The Star card represents a time when you can feel fully connected to the universe. Any bitterness, jealousy, or hatred will melt away and leave you feeling refreshed and hopeful. Let go of traumatic memories from the past and sink into the feeling of calm tranquility. You are currently being guided by both your inner self and the universe towards a better path.
XVIII
THE MOON
Madness, The Shadow Self, Illusion
In The Moon card, you see a crooked path between a dog and wolf before leading to an ominous pond. The dog is the civilized self you portray to society, while the wolf is our animal and instinctual self. Neither side can be ignored and we have to live with both sides to become whole. However, there are moments we are unable to find the balance between these two aspects of self, and our mind and intuition become clouded with false anxieties and illusions. The creature at the base of the pond is the inner demons we must face to restore mental and physical balance in our life. When this card appears, it's a time for shadow work to effectively clear the negative forces and memories which may be holding us back.
XIX
THE SUN
Joy, Manifestation, Radiance
You're in a time of abundance where anything is truly possible. The Sun card reminds us to find a childish sense of optimism in all areas of our life. It shows us that sometimes the simplest of things can be the most joyous. Embrace these simple pleasures such as spending time with loved ones, working on your hobbies, or doing tasks you enjoy. You are currently in a unique position where as long as you hold onto this radiant energy, the universe will provide you with limitless abundance.
XX
JUDGEMENT
Ascension, Acceptance, Rebirth
When this card appears, take it as a time to reflect upon past decisions and actions. Instead of feeling regret or anxiety, look at the past with kind eyes, and accept your past failures to move forward to the next stage in life. Your spiritual side has finally ‘woken up’ and you now understand what your true calling is. You're ready to live life in a new perspective and are excited to make the necessary changes. Take this newfound wisdom with you and leave any past regrets behind.
XXI
THE WORLD
Achievement, End of a Cycle, Travel
Congratulations! You have completed something significant. This has been a long journey of many trials and difficulties, but your perseverance has shown in the results of your hard work. You can finally take a ‘birds-eye’ view of your life and have a better understanding of the systems and constraints that have held you back in the past. We go through several big cycles in life and this card signifies that your current cycle is coming to a close. This is something to be celebrated! As this cycle ends, a new journey is about to unfold for you. The achievements you’ve already gained will follow you into this next cycle in life, making this upcoming journey something to look forward to.