The Major Arcana
The Great Archetypes of the Tarot
The Major Arcana are the called the majors because they have a powerful long-term energy. Each card of the Major Arcana is an archetype that represents a stage on the journey toward spiritual ascension.Therefore, as you learn the lessons of each of the major cards, you come closer and closer to enlightenment and high-vibe living.
The Major Arcana is the most well-known and significant part of the tarot deck. Comprised of 22 cards, these archetypal images represent the various stages and challenges that we encounter throughout our lives. Each card has its own meaning, and they are typically divided into three groups: the Fool’s Journey, the Journey of the Soul, and the Journey of the Spirit.
The Fool’s Journey includes the first 11 cards, starting with the Fool and ending with the Wheel of Fortune. These cards represent the beginning stages of a journey, and the various obstacles and challenges that we may encounter along the way. The Fool represents new beginnings, and the journey that he undertakes represents our own journey through life.
The Journey of the Soul begins with the card Justice and ends with the Temperance card. These cards represent the middle stages of the journey, when we are faced with important choices and decisions. Justice represents the need for balance and fairness, while the Temperance card represents the need for moderation and self-control.
The Journey of the Spirit includes the final 10 cards, starting with the Devil and ending with the World. These cards represent the end of the journey, and the culmination of all that has come before. The Devil card represents temptation and the need for self-awareness, while the World card represents completion and the attainment of our goals.
Overall, the Major Arcana represents the journey of life, and the various challenges and obstacles that we must overcome in order to reach our goals. When these cards appear in a tarot reading, they indicate important events or turning points in our lives, and can provide valuable guidance and insight into the choices that we must make in order to move forward.
Check out the main energies of each archetype on their individual pages for a thorough explanation of these tarot card meanings! There we’ve outlined what each card means for you in your reading. So, whether it appears in the past, present, or future position, or within the context of a particular kind of tarot reading, you’ll always have a useful guide for interpreting your tarot card meanings. Have fun!
The Justice Tarot Card Meaning: Achieving Balance and Fairness
Karma, truth, balance, fairness
The Tower Tarot Card Meaning: The Universe Clears a Path
Upheaval, chaos, destruction, ending, transformation, fear of change, averting disaster
The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning: Charging Towards Victory!
Direction, journey, persistence, victory.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning: Fate, Karma & Good Luck
Life cycles, karma, good luck, destiny
The Sun Tarot Card Meaning: Celebrating Life
abundance, success, and personal fulfillment.
The Star Tarot Card Meaning: Wishes Come True
Hope, inspiration, optimism, healing, guidance
The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning: The Inward Journey
Retreat, introspection, self-reflection, inner guidance
The Moon Tarot Card Meaning: Shining Light on the Shadows
Illusion, intuition, mystery, secrets, the unknown, the divine feminine, hidden truths coming to light.
The Strength Tarot Card Meaning: Taming Your Inner Beast
Inner strength, persuasion, compassion, influence.
The Judgement Tarot Card Meaning: The Calling
spiritual awakening, call to action, discernment
The Death Tarot Card Meaning: The Phoenix Rising
Endings, Transformation, Transition, Change, Resistance to change, Personal transformation, Inner purging
The Devil Tarot Card Meaning: Breaking the Chains
Material temptation, addiction, attachment and finding freedom.
The Magician Tarot Card Meaning: Manifest Your Dreams
Manifestation, infinite possibility, creation, ability
The World Tarot Card Meaning: The Portal
Completion, arrival, transformation.
The Fool Tarot Card Meaning: Freedom and New Beginnings
New beginnings, childlike wonder, innocence, free spirit
The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning: Reflection and Perspective
Pause, Surrender, New Perspectives
Letting go, Indecision, Delays, Stalling, Resistance
Temperance Tarot Card Meaning: The Magic of Transmutation
Unification, harmony, balance, moderation, transmutation
The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning: The Shaman
Religion, tradition, institutions, conformity.
The Lovers Tarot Card Meaning: Divine Union and Choice
Love, partnership, harmony, choice.
The Empress Tarot Card Meaning: The Luxurious Divine Feminine
Fertility, abundance, creativity, beauty.
The Emperor Tarot Card Meaning: I Am the Master of My Fate
Structure, control, authority, and stability.
The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning: Mystery and Intuition
Sacred knowledge, divine feminine, intuition, mystery.