Meanings of the 22 Major Arcana of Tarot
Discover the deep meaning of each Major Arcana and how to interpret their message in your readings.
Selene M.
The 22 Major Arcana represent the soul's journey through fundamental life experiences. Each card is a powerful archetype reflecting emotional states, spiritual lessons, and transformative moments on our path.
What are the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana are the 22 principal cards of the tarot representing the most significant aspects of human experience. Unlike the Minor Arcana which deal with everyday situations, the Major Arcana speak of karmic lessons, spiritual forces, and crucial moments in our personal development.
The Fool's Journey
The tarot tells the story of the soul's journey, beginning with The Fool (card 0) and culminating with The World (card 21). This path represents spiritual development from innocence to complete realization.
0 - The Fool
Represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and faith in the unknown. The Fool invites us to take a leap of faith, leaving fear behind and embracing new adventures with an open heart.
I - The Magician
Symbolizes personal power, manifestation, and mastery of available tools. The Magician reminds us we have all necessary resources to create our reality.
II - The High Priestess
Represents intuition, hidden mysteries, and inner wisdom. The High Priestess invites us to look beyond the obvious and trust our inner voice.
III - The Empress
Symbolizes abundance, fertility, and creativity. The Empress connects us with nature's nurturing power and the ability to give life to our projects.
IV - The Emperor
Represents structure, authority, and order. The Emperor teaches us about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of establishing healthy boundaries.
The Transformation Arcana (V-XII)
This phase of the journey represents challenges, learnings, and deep transformations that shape our character.
V - The Hierophant
Represents tradition, spiritual teaching, and belief systems. The Hierophant connects us with ancestral wisdom and institutions preserving knowledge.
VI - The Lovers
Symbolizes important decisions, relationships, and duality. The Lovers remind us that each choice defines our path.
VII - The Chariot
Represents determination, control, and victory through willpower. The Chariot urges us to take the reins of our life.
VIII - Strength
Symbolizes courage, patience, and mastery over our instincts. Strength teaches us that true power comes from compassion, not brute force.
IX - The Hermit
Represents introspection, sacred solitude, and inner search. The Hermit invites us to temporarily withdraw to find our truth.
X - Wheel of Fortune
Symbolizes cycles, destiny, and inevitable changes. The Wheel reminds us everything is temporary and we must flow with life's ups and downs.
XI - Justice
Represents balance, truth, and consequences of our actions. Justice teaches us about cause and effect, karma, and responsibility.
XII - The Hanged Man
Symbolizes surrender, sacrifice, and seeing things from a new perspective. The Hanged Man asks us to release control and trust the process.
The Rebirth Arcana (XIII-XXI)
The final phase represents the death of the old self, transformation, and rebirth toward higher consciousness.
XIII - Death
Represents endings, transformation, and rebirth. Death is not literal but symbolic: something must end for something new to be born.
XIV - Temperance
Symbolizes balance, moderation, and inner alchemy. Temperance teaches us to integrate opposites and find harmony.
XV - The Devil
Represents bondage, addictions, and material illusions. The Devil shows us our shadows and what keeps us trapped.
XVI - The Tower
Symbolizes sudden changes, revelations, and destruction of false structures. The Tower, though painful, liberates and cleanses.
XVII - The Star
Represents hope, inspiration, and renewal after crisis. The Star brings peace and faith in the future.
XVIII - The Moon
Symbolizes intuition, dreams, and deep emotions. The Moon guides us through inner darkness.
XIX - The Sun
Represents joy, success, and clarity. The Sun illuminates everything and brings vitality and optimism.
XX - Judgement
Symbolizes awakening, renewal, and honest evaluation. Judgement calls us to be reborn and answer our higher calling.
XXI - The World
Represents completion, achievement, and total integration. The World is the happy ending of the journey, complete realization.
How to Interpret Major Arcana in a Reading
When a Major Arcana appears in your reading, pay special attention: it's signaling an important theme, life lesson, or moment of significant transformation. Consider your question's context, card position, and surrounding cards for a complete interpretation.
Conclusion
The 22 Major Arcana are a map of the soul's journey. By understanding their deep meaning, you not only improve your tarot readings but also gain a powerful tool for self-knowledge and spiritual growth. Each card is a teacher offering timeless wisdom to navigate life's challenges and celebrate its triumphs.