The tarot is a timeless tool for self-reflection, guidance, and spiritual growth. At the heart of every tarot deck are 22 powerful cards known as the major arcana. These cards are more than just symbols—they tell the story of the soul’s journey and illuminate life’s most profound lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced reader, understanding major arcana meanings is essential for deep and accurate tarot interpretations.
In this guide, you’ll discover the meanings, symbolism, and key insights for each major arcana card. You’ll also learn practical ways to use these cards in your readings and find answers to common questions. Let’s unlock the magic and wisdom of the major arcana together.
What Are the Major Arcana in Tarot?
The major arcana are the 22 trump cards in a tarot deck, numbered from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World). Unlike the minor arcana, which deal with everyday events, the major arcana represent significant life themes, spiritual milestones, and turning points on your path.
When a major arcana card appears in your reading, pay attention—it often signals a pivotal moment or spiritual lesson.
Why Are Major Arcana Meanings Important?
- Big Picture Guidance: Major arcana cards highlight important themes, challenges, and opportunities.
- Spiritual Growth: They map the journey from innocence (The Fool) to enlightenment (The World).
- Deeper Readings: Understanding these meanings helps you offer richer, more accurate interpretations.
The Major Arcana Meanings: Card-by-Card Guide
Here’s a comprehensive look at each major arcana card, including keywords, upright and reversed meanings, and core symbolism.
0 – The Fool
Keywords: New beginnings, innocence, adventure, potential
Upright: Leap of faith, optimism, spontaneous action, open to possibilities
Reversed: Recklessness, naivety, hesitation, fear of the unknown
Symbolism: The Fool steps off a cliff with a dog at their side, carrying little baggage—ready for the journey of life.
I – The Magician
Keywords: Manifestation, skill, resourcefulness, willpower
Upright: Taking action, using your talents, creating your reality
Reversed: Manipulation, untapped potential, scattered energy
Symbolism: The Magician channels energy from above to below, with all four suits/tools on the table.
II – The High Priestess
Keywords: Intuition, mystery, subconscious, wisdom
Upright: Trusting inner voice, secrets, spiritual insight
Reversed: Hidden agendas, ignoring intuition, confusion
Symbolism: Seated between pillars, the High Priestess holds the Torah, symbolizing hidden knowledge.
III – The Empress
Keywords: Fertility, abundance, creation, nurturing
Upright: Creativity, mother energy, sensuality, nature
Reversed: Creative blocks, dependence, smothering
Symbolism: Surrounded by lush nature, the Empress embodies the mother archetype.
IV – The Emperor
Keywords: Authority, structure, stability, leadership
Upright: Control, discipline, father figure, order
Reversed: Rigidity, domination, lack of control
Symbolism: Sitting on a throne, the Emperor represents logic and foundation.
V – The Hierophant
Keywords: Tradition, spirituality, guidance, conformity
Upright: Religious or spiritual teacher, group identity, following rules
Reversed: Rebellion, unconventionality, personal beliefs
Symbolism: The Hierophant bridges the spiritual and material worlds.
VI – The Lovers
Keywords: Relationships, choices, harmony, union
Upright: Love, alignment, meaningful decisions
Reversed: Disharmony, imbalance, misaligned values
Symbolism: Two figures stand together, blessed by an angel, symbolizing sacred union and choices.
VII – The Chariot
Keywords: Willpower, victory, determination, control
Upright: Moving forward, success, self-discipline
Reversed: Lack of direction, obstacles, self-doubt
Symbolism: A warrior rides a chariot pulled by two sphinxes, mastering opposing forces.
VIII – Strength
Keywords: Courage, inner strength, resilience, patience
Upright: Compassion, bravery, gentle power
Reversed: Weakness, self-doubt, lack of control
Symbolism: A woman tames a lion, showing calm mastery over raw emotions.
IX – The Hermit
Keywords: Solitude, wisdom, introspection, guidance
Upright: Inner reflection, seeking truth, spiritual quest
Reversed: Isolation, loneliness, ignoring wisdom
Symbolism: The Hermit carries a lantern, lighting the way for himself and others.
X – Wheel of Fortune
Keywords: Change, cycles, destiny, luck
Upright: Turning point, opportunity, fate
Reversed: Bad luck, resistance to change, stuck
Symbolism: A wheel with symbols of the zodiac and four elements, turning eternally.
XI – Justice
Keywords: Fairness, truth, balance, law
Upright: Integrity, legal matters, cause and effect
Reversed: Injustice, dishonesty, imbalance
Symbolism: Justice holds scales and a sword, representing impartiality and truth.
XII – The Hanged Man
Keywords: Surrender, suspension, new perspective, letting go
Upright: Pause, acceptance, seeing things differently
Reversed: Resistance, stalling, martyrdom
Symbolism: The Hanged Man hangs upside down, seeing the world from a new vantage.
XIII – Death
Keywords: Transformation, endings, renewal, change
Upright: Letting go, rebirth, transition
Reversed: Resistance to change, stagnation, fear
Symbolism: A skeletal figure rides a white horse, symbolizing the inevitability and renewal of endings.
XIV – Temperance
Keywords: Balance, moderation, harmony, healing
Upright: Patience, blending, purpose
Reversed: Excess, imbalance, lack of vision
Symbolism: An angel pours water between two cups, merging opposites.
XV – The Devil
Keywords: Bondage, materialism, temptation, shadow
Upright: Addiction, unhealthy patterns, feeling trapped
Reversed: Freedom, breaking chains, reclaiming power
Symbolism: Two figures chained, but able to free themselves, represent self-imposed limitations.
XVI – The Tower
Keywords: Upheaval, sudden change, revelation, chaos
Upright: Disruption, awakening, breaking down illusions
Reversed: Avoiding disaster, holding onto false beliefs
Symbolism: A lightning-struck tower crumbles, forcing transformation.
XVII – The Star
Keywords: Hope, inspiration, renewal, serenity
Upright: Healing, guidance, faith, spiritual clarity
Reversed: Disconnection, lack of faith, despair
Symbolism: A woman pours water under the stars, symbolizing hope and divine guidance.
XVIII – The Moon
Keywords: Illusion, intuition, subconscious, dreams
Upright: Mystery, psychic awareness, uncertainty
Reversed: Clarity, overcoming fear, unveiling secrets
Symbolism: The Moon shines between two towers, illuminating a path through unknown territory.
XIX – The Sun
Keywords: Joy, success, vitality, optimism
Upright: Happiness, accomplishment, freedom
Reversed: Temporary setbacks, false optimism, hidden truths
Symbolism: A radiant sun shines on a child riding a horse—pure happiness and clarity.
XX – Judgment
Keywords: Awakening, reflection, reckoning, renewal
Upright: Self-realization, absolution, second chances
Reversed: Self-doubt, missed opportunities, fear of change
Symbolism: Figures rise from graves as an angel sounds a trumpet—rebirth and higher calling.
XXI – The World
Keywords: Completion, achievement, fulfillment, unity
Upright: Wholeness, celebration, integration
Reversed: Incompletion, lack of closure, delays
Symbolism: A dancer within a laurel wreath, surrounded by four figures—culmination of the journey.
How to Use Major Arcana Meanings in Your Readings
- Pay attention to major arcana cards: If a reading features many major arcana cards, a major life theme or spiritual lesson is at play.
- Relate the cards to your life story: Where are you on the “Fool’s Journey”? Which card describes your current challenge or opportunity?
- Combine with minor arcana: Major cards set the stage; minor cards fill in the details.
- Look for patterns: Are certain major arcana cards showing up repeatedly? They may signal ongoing lessons or guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Major Arcana Meanings
Q: What does it mean if I draw mostly major arcana cards in a spread?
A: It suggests you’re experiencing significant life changes, spiritual growth, or karmic lessons.
Q: Can major arcana cards be read in reverse?
A: Yes! Reversed meanings often indicate blockages, inner experiences, or the “shadow” aspect of the card.
Q: How do I memorize major arcana meanings?
A: Study each card’s keywords, imagery, and story. Practice with daily draws and journaling. Over time, their meanings will come alive.
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Embracing the Major Arcana’s Wisdom
Understanding the major arcana meanings is at the heart of powerful tarot readings. These cards don’t just predict the future—they illuminate your path, guide your soul’s growth, and help you navigate life’s mysteries with courage and clarity. As you work with the major arcana, remember: each card is a chapter in your own spiritual journey. May their wisdom inspire, challenge, and support you every step of the way.