Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings
Life is filled with those moments when one wants to gain more profound insight into himself and the world? Tarot is the opportunity to get closer to the inner world and discover things that are usually closed from people’s eyes. Thus, the cards that have been created thousands of years ago, cannot be considered as mere fortune telling aids only, but are more of a powerful means of self-reflection. Let’s explore and understand the profound meanings that are associated with Major Arcana that are the key figures of Tarot cards. Get ready to begin the process of searching for yourself!
What is Major Arcana?
The core of each Tarot deck is the Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards associated with the key significances and personal development lessons that you experience in a lifetime. They express significant images and personas holding significant aspects of life including birth, transformations, love, and death.
While the Minor Arcana deals with the events and struggles of the world as we experience them, including our daily interactions and decisions, the Major Arcana uncovers the spiritual intents and karmic actions that shape these situations. These cards carry deep meaning and direct us through the key junctures and crucial decisions which define our future. Every card has meaning, and each has something significant to say about who we are and who we may someday become.
Major Arcana Tarot Cards and Their Meanings
It is time now to zoom in on each of the Major Arcana cards and discuss what notion is embraced by each of them. Again, it is important to understand that each card can have a different meaning depending on the position of the card in the reading and the question asked. Tarot is about self-reflection and decision making, it means that you are encouraged to listen to your inner wisdom to find your way.
Positive Major Arcana Cards:
- 0 The Fool: New beginnings, a leap of faith, potential.
- I The Magician: Manifestation, resourcefulness, power.
- III The Empress: Abundance, nurturing, fertility.
- VII The Chariot: Willpower, control, victory.
- VIII Strength: Courage, inner strength, compassion.
- XVII The Star: Hope, inspiration, healing.
- XIX The Sun: Success, joy, vitality.
- XXI The World: Completion, fulfillment, wholeness.
Challenging Major Arcana Cards:
- XII The Hanged Man: Sacrifice, surrender, new perspective.
- XIII Death: Transformation, endings, rebirth.
- XV The Devil: Addiction, materialism, shadow self.
- XVI The Tower: Sudden upheaval, chaos, liberation.
- XVIII The Moon: Illusion, fear, the subconscious.
Neutral Major Arcana Cards:
- II The High Priestess: Intuition, secrets, the subconscious.
- IV The Emperor: Structure, authority, stability.
- V The Hierophant: Tradition, conformity, spiritual guidance.
- VI The Lovers: Choice, love, harmony.
- IX The Hermit: Solitude, introspection, spiritual search.
- X Wheel of Fortune: Change, cycles, fate.
- XI Justice: Balance, fairness, truth.
- XIV Temperance: Moderation, balance, healing.
- XX Judgement: Awakening, forgiveness, absolution.
How to Interpret Major Arcana Cards in a Reading
Since meaningful archetypes of Tarot are associated with the Major Arcana, some measure of instinct and the comprehension of the symbolism that underpins them is necessary. Let’s explore some key aspects.
When Major Arcana cards dominate a spread
This usually indicates that there are issues and changes in the affairs of life involved. What it refers to is a stage that represents transformation and development. In using these cards, pay attention to the big ideas presented and how they relate to the question or context of the case. You should note their stands in the spread in order to fully appreciate the impact.
Reading Major Arcana cards in combination with Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana adds meaning to the Major Arcana by elaborating these general themes and concepts. They shed light on the minor activities and circumstances that are part of the big picture. Always analyze the similarities and differences between the Major and Minor Arcana to get a clearer, bigger picture of the situation at hand.
Popular Questions about Major Arcana Tarot Cards
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards representing significant life themes, archetypes, and spiritual lessons in Tarot.
While the Minor Arcana cards deal with everyday events and situations, the Major Arcana focus on overarching life lessons, karmic influences, and significant turning points.
The presence of Major Arcana cards in a reading often suggests that significant life events or transformations are at play. They provide valuable insight into the deeper meaning and purpose behind a situation.
The Major Arcana can offer potential outcomes and possibilities, but they are not meant to be taken as literal predictions. They serve as guidance and reflection on your current path and choices.
