A Beginner's Guide to Tarot's Major Arcana Cards
- What Does a Major Arcana Card Mean in a Tarot Reading
- What Does it Mean When a Tarot Reading is Mostly Major Arcana Tarot Cards
- The Fool
- The Magician
- The High Priestess
- The Empress
- The Emperor
- The Hierophant
- The Lovers
- The Chariot
- Strength
- The Hermit
- Wheel of Fortune
- Justice
- The Hanged Man
- Death
- Temperance
- The Devil
- The Tower
- The Star
- The Moon
- The Sun
- Judgement
- The World
- Conclusion
The Major Arcana, made up of 22 powerful cards, serve as the most important part of any Tarot deck. Each card is unique and rich in its own meanings. They provide insight into significant moments in life and how to follow your spiritual path.
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If you want to deepen your understanding of the Tarot card meanings for Major Arcana, this guide will light the way. By the end, you will be well versed in the rich symbolism and deeper meaning behind these fascinating cards. Knowing tarot cards 22 major arcana meaning you can not only find out what characteristics the card has, but also find out in which direction you should follow to solve your problems.
So, let's learn what do the Major Arcana Tarot cards mean and how they can enhance your Tarot readings.
What Does a Major Arcana Card Mean in a Tarot Reading?
The Tarot deck is composed of twenty-two Major Arcana cards and fifty-six Minor Arcana cards. The first group of cards is more significant because, in a Tarot reading, it points to major events in the querent's life that can influence their destiny. The Minor Arcana serves to enhance the interpretation of the Major Arcana, providing additional details and nuances.
The Major Arcana Tarot cards symbolize spiritual life in the physical world. They describe a person's life path, the events happening, and the prospects. The 22 Arcana also interpret psychological archetypes and vividly depict personality psychotypes. The interpretation of each symbol on the card adds important traits to the psychological portrait, making the image vivid and accurate.
An experienced tarot reader always pays maximum attention to the interpretation of the Major Arcana in the spread. Their presence in a spread greatly influences the final outcome. Therefore, understanding the major arcana tarot card deck meanings sheet is essential for accurate Tarot readings. Also, don't forget that knowing the tarot card major arcana numbers meanings is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the Major Arcana.
What Does it Mean When a Tarot Reading is Mostly Major Arcana Tarot Cards?
The Major Arcana cards in a Tarot deck always signify something serious in a reading. While the Minor Arcana cards typically deal with everyday matters, the appearance of a Major Arcana card is a call to serious reflection, indicating that significant, important processes are happening in your life.
Special attention should be given to spreads that feature a combination of Major Arcana cards. In these cases, the interpretation of the Tarot cards can change slightly. If you take divination seriously, as well as astrology, it's worth considering the connection of these arcana with planets and zodiac signs. For instance, the major arcana tarot cards meanings Jupiter relates to expansion and growth.
The meaning of the Major Arcana tarot cards pertains to our spirituality, as well as to our well-being and mental health. Sometimes, changing the direction of one's spiritual path or the psychological nature of a person is much more challenging than performing actions in everyday life. However, it is crucial to be aware that we can and must control our actions, and the responsibility for them lies entirely with us.
If an Arcana card appears upright, it means that the querent has a chance to gain a lot of energy from it. If it appears reversed, it may indicate a significant obstacle that will need to be overcome and that may require considerable time and effort. Additionally, the list of tarot card meanings of major arcana and minor arcana should be considered in the context of each reading to provide a comprehensive interpretation.
The Fool
Upright Meaning
In the Tarot card meaning Major Arcana Fool represents a person who is just beginning a new endeavor or embarking on an unknown life path. Such a person appears to be open, carefree, and curious by nature. It seems that they have no fear of danger and do not behave cautiously.
Reversed Meaning
If the Fool card appears reversed in a reading, the meaning of the symbol changes. Then, we see a mad, eccentric and careless person. Life is filled with unexpected events that the Fool will have to face. And you have no opportunity to influence what is happening.
The Magician
Upright Meaning
In a Tarot spread, the Magician card carries a positive meaning. It is a card with positive energy, encouraging a person to be active, take initiative, and behave creatively. This card motivates the individual to control their destiny and bend situations to their will.
Reversed Meaning
When the Magician card appears reversed, it hints at the presence of cunning, mercantile tendencies, and an inclination to abuse power in the person's character. This means that the individual is ready to resort to any means to achieve their desired goals.
The High Priestess
Upright Meaning
The High Priestess card is an important Arcana in a Tarot deck reading. It signals that in the near future, you are destined to receive important information that will radically change your outlook on life.
The High Priestess symbolizes calmness, allowing a person to delve into their own thoughts and conduct self-analysis. The querent feels an acute need to be in complete silence to restore their strength. Later, circumstances will push them to make the right decision.
Reversed Meaning
If the High Priestess card appears reversed in a spread, it takes on the opposite meaning. Such a person lacks a high level of intellect and constantly faces unexpected problems. Essentially, they are forced to walk a path of misfortunes and are deprived of the chance to realize their cherished dreams. This makes them feel oppressed and even risks falling into a depressive state.
The High Priestess also hints at the querent's limited knowledge. They should learn to restrain their emotions and abandon spontaneity, which leads to fatal mistakes and serious troubles.
The Empress
Upright Meaning
The Empress card serves as a symbol of renewal, life force, fertility, and growth. If this Arcana appears in a Tarot card reading, the person can go with the flow and surrender to the will of fate. Situations will develop in their own course if you continue to react calmly to what is happening.
The Empress indicates that a certain story will soon come to a conclusion, and the querent will understand what to expect in the near future. There is a high likelihood of meeting an important person who is destined to become a patron or play a significant role in their destiny. Sometimes the arcana signals an impending marriage or pregnancy.
Reversed Meaning
If the Empress appears reversed in a spread, you will have to temporarily forget about career growth and professional success. A series of problems, negativity, and troubles are expected. You will have to carry the burden of bad moods and lack of motivation every day.
The Emperor
Upright Meaning
The Emperor arcana shows that the querent possesses reliability, determination, and practicality in their character. These are persistent and sensible realists who have the patience and strength to see things through to the end. Such a person is not afraid to stand their ground and fight for their own interests until the end.
The Emperor card indicates the need to get down to business. That is, now is the time to forget the habit of procrastinating and start implementing an interesting idea. The card insists that you cultivate a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and be prudent when making decisions.
Reversed Meaning
The Emperor takes on an extremely negative meaning when reversed. It easily transforms all the positive traits of the querent into negative ones, doing so in an extreme form.
If you are a practical person, you become too grounded and stingy. Rational thinkers turn into picky and petty individuals. Sometimes such a card in a spread is drawn by those who greedily dream of power and have tendencies towards despotism.
The Hierophant
Upright Meaning
The upright position of the Hierophant in a Tarot card spread indicates the querent's leadership qualities. We see an incredibly wise and developed person capable of sharing valuable knowledge. They are open to new things, not afraid of experiments, and not shy about receiving information from higher powers.
At the same time, the Hierophant indicates strictness and fairness. Such a person can become a spiritual teacher or lead a group of people to achieve a specific goal. They place morality and traditionalism at the forefront, striving to observe all norms and rules.
Reversed Meaning
If the Hierophant appears reversed in a Tarot spread, you will have to think carefully. The thing is, you will not be able to solve the problem using classical methods and will be forced to dare something original and unusual. The arcana also demonstrates that you have stubbornness and limited thinking. You risk ruining the matter due to vindictiveness and listening to bad advice.
The Lovers
Upright Meaning
In Tarot readings, the Lovers card signifies that destiny has prepared challenges. Essentially, the Universe will constantly force you to choose between two options. These are opposites, such as the past and the future, loss and achievement, the old and the new.
The Lovers Arcana clearly hints that it will be extremely difficult for you to choose, and you will be torn between two advisors. However, you need to show willpower because the choice will affect how events unfold in the near and distant future. Moreover, the decision will impact your personal life, professional sphere, studies, family matters, and travel.
Reversed Meaning
The reversed Lovers Arcana seems quite ambiguous. You might face unrequited love or serious intimate problems in your relationship with your loved one. The card creates an atmosphere of chaos, making it difficult to think rationally and act wisely.
The Chariot
Upright Meaning
When the Chariot card appears in a Tarot reading, it predicts that you will soon make significant progress. Moreover, you are destined to make an important leap! This victory will boost your self-confidence and show that you can handle complex obstacles.
This is a favorable spread, allowing you to achieve remarkable successes in both personal life and professional activities. Fortunate times are coming when you will be able to realize unique ideas.
There is no need to worry about enemies because they won't be able to compete with you. If you have recently faced difficulties and troubles, they will now recede. You will manage to deal with past problems and move towards your goal.
Reversed Meaning
If the Chariot appears in reverse, the card carries a negative meaning. You will have to face problems and troubles. Therefore, you should be more careful and attentive to the events happening around you.
Strength
Upright Meaning
When the Strength card appears, it's a sign: don't neglect your body and its desires. Caring for it is essential. Allow it to gather enough energy to support the mind. Then, the mind can conquer the doubts that plague it, releasing the subconscious, which can reveal the true path forward.
Additionally, in a spread, this card signifies the potential for success and advises acting gently, unobtrusively.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed Strength signals the inability to act gently, thus increasing the likelihood of failure in the planned endeavor. It also serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual quests or serious scientific work.
The Hermit
Upright Meaning
This Arcana symbolizes the unity of the heavenly and the earthly, reflecting the process of searching for purpose and life path. Usually, this card appears if you are close to your goal or moving in the right direction.
The Hermit also appears for those who adhere to strong convictions and are not afraid to defend a certain life position.
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Reversed Meaning
The reversed Hermit card indicates a state where the querent seeks to hide from reality and deliberately isolates themselves from society due to fear.
Wheel of Fortune
Upright Meaning
In a Tarot reading, the Wheel of Fortune Arcana clearly signals that everything will soon change. In most cases, the interpretation seems quite favorable, promising transformations for the better. Fortune brings luck to the querent.
However, you do not have the opportunity to control the circumstances. Everything happening, including surprises and bonuses, should be perceived as gifts from the Universe. You cannot change anything with your own hands, as you are not endowed with power over fate.
Reversed Meaning
If the Wheel of Fortune Arcana appears in reverse during a reading, then misfortunes and troubles may follow. The meaning changes drastically, signaling an unfavorable situation. Your plans are destined to fail, or it is not yet the right time to implement your idea.
Justice
Upright Meaning
If the Justice Arcana appears in a Tarot spread, it means that you can no longer hide behind others. The Universe requires you to take responsibility for every decision, action, intention, and even thought. Essentially, you can no longer rely on luck, as the future depends solely on you.
The card restores order and seeks to eliminate chaos. Therefore, if you have received an unjust accusation/punishment, fate will set things right.
Reversed Meaning
The reversed Justice Arcana acquires a negative interpretation. It indicates that the querent will have to lose something or part ways with someone.
Legal troubles may arise, you might face accusations or slander. You could become involved in a large-scale conflict or be drawn into crime and fraudulent activities.
The Hanged Man
Upright Meaning
Even in its upright position, the Hanged Man card in the Tarot deck carries a negative meaning. Essentially, the querent is stuck in a dead-end situation and sees no prospects.
However, if this card appears for you, don't think there is no way out. You simply won't be able to solve the problem using traditional methods. You need to change your approach and make new decisions to navigate out of the situation.
Reversed Meaning
If the Hanged Man card appears reversed in a Tarot spread, you will have to dive into a series of troubles. This indicates that crisis times are brewing in your life, where you will need to constantly adapt to get out of difficult circumstances.
You are required to rise above your shortcomings and grow beyond yourself. This means reaching a higher level of development, which is not accessible to everyone.
Death
Upright Meaning
Don't perceive the Death card as a hint of impending demise. In its upright position, this arcana signals only that something in your life is coming to a logical conclusion. This could be a certain phase, project, or romantic/friendly relationship.
Reversed Meaning
If the reversed Death card appears during a Tarot reading, it foretells an urgent and important warning to the questioner. Perhaps you are seriously afraid of something, or you will have to part with something meaningless and unpromising but still dear and close to you.
Something needs to end, but you refuse to let it go. The card clearly signals that your hopes are in vain and you are wasting your time. You are driving yourself into a state of apathy and stagnation. With each passing day, the problems grow, and they will be difficult to deal with until you let go of what fate is trying to take away.
Temperance
Upright Meaning
The Temperance card represents harmony, light, joy, beauty, tranquility, and renewal. In a spread, this arcana carries a favorable omen, changing the situation in life for the better. But it's important to understand that all this comes with certain trials.
The arcana should be perceived as a mitigating card. Temperance indicates that you will be able to reduce the impact of any conflict or disagreement. Disputes and accusations will calm down much faster. There will be no hopelessness and unreachable heights. The main thing is for the querent to show restraint and remember about self-control. This will help to quickly find a compromise and accept changes.
Reversed Meaning
In its reversed position, the Temperance card takes on a negative meaning. Such a spread indicates that your life lacks balance and harmony. Perhaps you recently broke up or divorced, have problems at work, or relatives are constantly arguing.
If this card appears, it is better not to take decisive actions because you do not consider the consequences.
The Devil
Upright Meaning
The Devil arcana points to mistakes and wrong decisions leading to the degradation and destruction of personality. If this card appears, you have essentially received a warning: stop indulging your weaknesses and negative traits, or you will have to pay for it.
Reversed Meaning
Surprisingly, in its reversed position, the Devil card takes on a positive interpretation. It reveals the querent as a fearless person, free from dependency and external influence. Such a person strives to overcome obstacles and rid themselves of annoying and toxic illusions. The person is not inclined to give in to their weaknesses and is constantly engaged in self-development.
The Tower
Upright Meaning
If the Tower card appears in a Tarot spread, prepare for significant transformations that will turn your life upside down. However, all changes will be unexpected and not always desirable and pleasant for the querent. Days will be filled with victories and defeats.
Reversed Meaning
A reversed Tower arcana can carry a positive interpretation. For example, it signals that the streak of bad luck in your life is ending. Of course, small problems and troubles will still occur for some time, but you will have enough wisdom to navigate through them. Even in the most difficult and trying moments, the querent will miraculously avoid negative consequences.
The Star
Upright Meaning
The Star arcana in a Tarot deck spread symbolizes forthcoming positive transformations and hope for a better future.
Essentially, it is a symbol of dawn, but only the first stages of the process. The querent can expect inspiration for new ideas and plans, which can be realized in the near future. The Arcanum increases self-confidence and guides towards dreams.
Reversed Meaning
In its reversed position, the Star arcana from the Tarot deck takes on an unfavorable interpretation. For example, if you rely on a particular person for something, the card hints at their unreliability.
Moreover, it is dangerous because you may become a victim of betrayal or deceit. Due to this, your hopes for achieving your dreams will crumble.
The Moon
Upright Meaning
The Moon card is perceived as a mystical Tarot card when divining the near future because it reveals the hidden sides of life. It can indicate human secrets or hidden aspects of the soul. The arcana can hint at danger or unpleasant moments ahead, where the querent may feel envy or begin to feel jealousy. This is an unfavorable time when it won't be possible to move forward with courage and resilience.
The Moon card can serve as a symbol of warning, as it signals approaching danger. If it appears in the spread, the querent should be extremely cautious and deliberate with every action. Remember that it won't be possible to control all events, so unpleasant surprises will continue to arise.
Reversed Meaning
The interpretation indicates that the reversed Moon arcana does not necessarily mean a threat. However, the card still carries a lot of negativity and dangerous moments. It can be said that in this position, the Moon will reflect the fears, premonitions, and bad omens of the querent. It can signal nightmares, like those we see in our sleep. Perhaps, some episodes from dreams still don't let you go because you worry that they will come to fruition.
The Sun
Upright Meaning
In divination, the Sun card is regarded as an exceptionally positive and encouraging card. It highlights the sunny and bright sides of human life. Essentially, you have stepped into a lucky streak, where everything works out, and you feel incredibly happy.
Perhaps you recently had a family addition, a wedding, got a new position, went on a trip, or met a unique person. Overall, the card indicates that something favorable has taken place or is expected to happen soon. The Sun arcana also characterizes the querent. We see a life-lover who is confident in a successful outcome for the future. They easily cope with problems and have a clear view of reality.
Reversed Meaning
Naturally, if the Sun Arcana is reversed, its interpretation changes. In such a layout, serious problems and obstacles are expected on the way to the cherished goal. You have a chance to achieve what you want, but the path will be more difficult and thorny than you previously assumed.
Judgement
Upright Meaning
If the Judgement card appears in the Tarot spread in its upright position, you can count on a favorable interpretation. This is a hint that significant changes will soon burst into your life or the personality itself will be transformed. New goals, aspirations, and intentions will appear. However, remember that all new things come by getting rid of the old. Therefore, you will have to erase stereotypes and abandon outdated thinking.
The Judgement arcana immediately warns that the path to the goal is filled with problems, difficulties, and obstacles. Be ready to give your all and not spare yourself. Only in this case, the goal will not seem like an unattainable dream. Remember, problems are just a temporary factor, and you can cope with them.
Reversed Meaning
In the spread, the Judgement card can appear reversed, which changes its meaning and symbolism. In this case, global changes are coming, but the querent resists them in every way because they are not ready to accept the new.
The World
Upright Meaning
Excellent times are coming for the querent if the World card appears in the Tarot spread. This is a symbol of life satisfaction and great luck. Such a person is in a state of complete harmony with themselves and the surrounding world. They manage to enjoy both rest and work.
Moreover, the World arcana indicates the need to find points of contact with reality. You cannot fight the world. You can only understand and accept it. The card is imbued with favorable energy, so the querent is set for victory and easily achieves the desired. It may also be that you have completed a certain stage and are moving to a new level.
Reversed Meaning
The interpretation of the World card changes if it appears reversed in the spread. Then it symbolizes passivity, inactivity, and the querent's submission. Essentially, they expect fate to improve without efforts and attempts on their part. Unfortunately, with such an approach, it is unlikely to achieve the desired result because you continue to go with the flow. In characteristics, the World arcana reflects laziness.
Conclusion
As you delve deeper into the world of tarot, understanding the meanings of the major arcana tarot cards becomes an invaluable skill. These 22 cards hold the key to unlocking profound spiritual insights and guiding you through life's pivotal moments.
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By familiarizing yourself with the tarot card major arcana meanings, you equip yourself with the wisdom to navigate the complexities of existence with greater clarity and purpose. Remember, the meaning of major arcana tarot cards goes beyond mere fortune-telling; it's about connecting with the archetypal energies that shape our journey.