Major Arcana: The Main Magic of Tarot

The Major Arcana Tarot cards symbolize the life lessons, karmic influences, and huge archetypal themes that are impacting your life and the journey of your soul to enlightenment. Additionally, the meanings of the Major Arcana cards are deep and complex – in amazing ways! You will find that major arcana tarot cards reflect your life in more ways than one.

These Tarot cards actually symbolize the structure of human awareness and carry the keys to life teachings that have been passed down through the millennia. The Major Arcana cards, sometimes known as the Trump Cards, are made up of 21 numbered cards and one unnumbered card (the Fool).

As you can see, the Fool is the principal character of the Major Arcana, as he travels through each of the cards, meeting new teachers and gaining new life lessons along the way until he reaches the World card and completes his journey. The Fool’s Journey is a great technique to grasp the plot of the Major Arcana Tarot card meanings. Ready to know more?

We’ve got you covered! In this article, you’ll learn about:

• Unlocking the Major Arcana Card Meanings
• The meaning of the Major and Minor Arcana
• Finding the right tarot cards and tarot deck for you
• The Powerful Influence of the Major Arcana Tarot Cards

What are the Major Arcana Tarot Cards for you?

The Major Arcana cards in a Tarot deck are the most recognizable and influential. These 22 cards reflect scenarios that we all face in life, with each offering a distinct message of perspective and insight to support you in times of need. While the Minor Arcana cards are concerned with the day-to-day activities and decisions you must make, the Major Arcana cards provide messages about the big picture of your life and its long-term trajectory.

The Major Arcana cards in a Tarot deck are the most recognizable and influential. These 22 cards reflect scenarios that we all face in life, with each offering a distinct message of perspective and insight to support you in times of need. While the Minor Arcana cards are concerned with the day-to-day activities and decisions you must make, the Major Arcana cards provide messages about the big picture of your life and its long-term trajectory.

Though each Major Arcana card has its own deep meanings and ramifications, these 22 Tarot cards also tell a story. The Fool is the main character of this story (the Fool’s Journey), and the 21 cards that follow symbolize his adventures as he learns, grows, and makes his way through life. This plot is an excellent representation of the triumphs, setbacks, and lessons we all acquire as we go through the adversities of our lives, maturing into whole, complete individuals by the end of our trip.

What is the difference between Major Arcana cards to Minor Arcana cards?

Tarot card readers believe that the Major Arcana cards are symbolic representations of important and groundbreaking energies. They act as bookends for our journey, and each one may be understood as a meaningful statement that symbolizes key life transitions that mark the beginnings or endings of cycles on its own as a standalone concept.

The introduction of these dynamic cards at major transitions denotes pivotal turning points in the game. Also, the order of the cards, which is in chronological order, serves as a visual representation of the passage of time. Each card is numbered to represent a stage along the greater path that is our journey through life.

This wider path can be thought of as our journey through life. On the other hand, the Minor Arcana cards shed light on more pedestrian facets of everyday life. These playing cards represent common people going about their daily lives, such as going to a party, drinking, sleeping, or arguing over something that has no relevance to their life.

They imply an activity that is induced by human actions and presents itself throughout seamless transitions that may only have a transient influence or only have a minor impact overall on the situation.

What does the Major Arcana mean in a Tarot Reading?

In a Tarot reading, the appearance of a Major Arcana card is a signal to the querent to ruminate on the teachings and topics that are currently being encountered in their lives at this point in time. When doing a Tarot reading, it is common for one of the Major Arcana cards to “set the scene” for the entire reading, with the other cards all linking back to the primary meaning of the Major Arcana card.

When a Tarot reading is largely made up of Major Arcana tarot cards, you are experiencing life-changing events that will have long-term impacts. In order for you to make further advancements in both your spiritual and personal journey, you are going to need to pay attention to some very crucial lessons.

If, on the other hand, a significant number of the Major Arcana Tarot cards are in the opposite position, this may be an indication that you are not giving these essential life lessons the attention they need and that you must first become proficient in the lesson before being able to proceed.

Tarot Reading: The Major Arcana Card Meanings

#1: The Fool Card

The Fool, who is considered to be the most defenseless of all the Tarot’s archetypes, is always placed first in a deck of Tarot cards. Because he has not yet been through the highs and lows that life has to offer, he is oblivious of the immensity of the difficulties that life presents, as well as the power and potential he possesses.

When The Fool appears in a Tarot reading, it is a sign that you should adopt his optimistic and willing energy and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of you without fear.

#2: The Magician Card

The Magician card serves as a gentle reminder that you are an exceptional being who possesses various talents that are not shared by others. These abilities set you distinct from the rest of the population and provide you with the ability to start new ventures or triumph over challenges.

When The Magician appears in a Tarot reading, it is a message to the querent that they do not need to wait, as they already possess everything that is necessary to move forward and achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.

#3: The High Priestess Card

A card that represents both conscious and unconscious thought, the High Priestess is considered to be the most perceptive and connected card in the entire Tarot deck. This card encourages you to pay attention to the voice of your intuition and to follow your inner guidance.

This idea, that your mind is capable of far more knowledge than you give it credit for, is exemplified by The High Priestess. When she appears in your Tarot reading, you should stop searching for the answers you need in the external world and instead look within yourself to get the direction you need.

#4: The Empress Card

The Empress is the most traditionally feminine card in the Tarot, and it is a card that strongly promotes love, compassion, and beauty. When you are receptive to the vitality of the natural world around you, her influence can have a significant impact on you because of her profound connection to Mother Nature.

#5: The Emperor Card

The Emperor is a powerful and authoritative card that represents leadership. He is a powerful figure who has gone through a lot of challenges in order to reach this position. As a result, he is quite authoritative. He is a symbol of stability and consistency, and he serves as a constant reminder that you, too, have a significant amount of control over your own life and the events that take place in it.

#6: The Hierophant Card

The Hierophant is comparable to a messenger who comes down from heaven. Because of his extensive experience in spirituality and counseling, it is his responsibility to translate these abstract concepts into information that is applicable in our everyday lives. When The Hierophant appears in a Tarot reading, it is a sign that you should adhere to the rules and try to gain a spiritual perspective on the circumstances that you are currently experiencing.

#7: The Lovers Card

It shouldn’t come as a shock The Lovers card is a representation of the intimate connections that you have in your life. If it appears in your reading of the Tarot, it indicates that your love life needs further concentration and attention. Nevertheless, this is also a card about the choices and principles that guide your life. It is likely that The Lovers will come up at a time in your life when you are at a crossroads and need to carefully analyze all of the potential outcomes of your decisions.

#8: The Chariot Card

The Chariot card is associated with your inherent drive and resolve, and it may point to an upcoming victory for you. When you bring together the wisdom of your head with that of your heart and spirit, you become an unstoppable force. This card serves as a reminder that the greatest triumphs in your life will not be achieved by narrow thinking.

#9: The Strength Card

The Strength card in a Tarot deck is one of the most obviously called cards in the deck, and it most certainly is a card about strength, although not strength in the traditional sense. The tenacity of your heart, the degree of courage you possess, and your capacity to bear whatever that life throws at you are all represented by the Strength card.

If this card appears in your Tarot reading, it is a message to remind you that you are powerful enough to handle whatever it is that you are going through and that you will emerge from the experience with even more strength than you had before.

#10: The Hermit Card

The Hermit has a strong desire to be left alone. He is well aware that in order to make sense of what is transpiring in his life, he must remove himself from the din of the outside world and carve out some time for quiet reflection in isolation. When you reach a point in your reading when The Hermit is discussed, you will find all the answers you require within yourself. 

#11: The Wheel of Fortune Card

Because the Wheel of Fortune is always turning, there is no telling where you will end up on any given spin. You could be on top, or you could be at the very bottom. This Tarot card should serve as a reminder to you that nothing is permanent, and that regardless of the outcome, you should value the lessons that you are gaining from the present moment.

#12: The Justice Card

Your reminder that karma is real and that there is a consequence for every action comes in the form of Justice, which is firm but just. Whatever it is that life is presenting you with right now is a direct result of choices you’ve made in the past, and whether it’s a reward or a punishment, it is precisely what you deserve at this point in time. If you see this card in your Tarot reading, it is a reminder to conduct yourself in a just and honest manner in all of your dealings with other people.

#13: The Hanged Man

When you are in a delicate situation, you may draw the card known as the “Hanged Man.” He will explain to you that there will be occasions when you will need to be more selfless in order to serve the greater good. When you come to The Hanged Man in your reading, it’s likely that you’ll feel compelled to act, but you won’t have a clue where to start.

Start with letting go of the past. You can release yourself by letting go of something that isn’t serving you anymore or by detaching yourself from the outcome of your circumstance. Both of these strategies can help you let go.

#14: The Death Card

It is one of the most misinterpreted cards in a deck, however, the Death card does not refer to a person’s actual passing away. The Death card is a reminder that everything has an end, but that it also has a beginning, and it talks of cycles. These cycles include endings, but they also include beginnings.

If you cling to relationships, sentiments, concerns, or situations that are part of your past, it will be difficult for you to make room in your life for new and improved experiences. Take solace in the fact that there is always the possibility of a fresh start after every conclusion.

#15: The Temperance Card

The Temperance card is the epitome of moderation and restraint. She inspires peace and patience and reminds you to go with the flow of your life rather than trying to force its pace or direction. Also, she is a source of wisdom. When Temperance appears in a Tarot reading, it is a sign that you should take things as they come and maintain enough flexibility to change along with the changes that occur.

#16: The Devil Card

When you draw the Devil card, you may have strong feelings of constraint and helplessness. If he appears in your Tarot reading, it is likely that you are feeling as though you have no control over a situation and that you are trapped in a place that you do not wish to be. You have been tricked into thinking that you do not have any choices, yet in reality, this could not be further from the truth.

Also, you are not being held back by forces from the outside world; rather, you are being held back by your own limitations or your desire to move forward. You are the only one who can unlock the door to your own freedom, and it is in your hands to do so.

#17: The Tower Card

The Tower card is a symbol of devastation and is considered to be one of the most frightening cards in a deck of Tarot cards. Additionally, the Tower appears frequently at times in your life when it seems as though everything is falling apart and there is nothing you can do to stop it.

The advice contained in this card is to simply let things happen as they will. It is necessary to dismantle the aspects of your life that are the most fragile in order to construct something powerful and stable in their stead, something that can endure for the rest of your life.

#18: The Star Card

The Star personifies both hope and healing for those who look to it. She is a reassuring presence that imparts messages of rebirth, optimism, and inspiration to those around her. When The Star appears in a Tarot reading, she urges you to have trust in where you are being taken and assures you that the universe is working in your favor. She also reminds you that the universe is working in your favor.

#19: The Moon Card

There is a strong connection between the Moon card and your unconscious mind. It is a representation of the innermost ideas, feelings, uncertainties, and worries that you carry with you at all times. If The Moon appears in your Tarot reading, it is possible that you are experiencing feelings of anxiety and that you are allowing these anxieties to take precedence over the memories of your past and your faith in the future.

Do not let yourself be misled; you cannot trust everything that you see, hear, or think. Also, do not fall for this trap. You will be able to free yourself from anxiety if you are able to bring these feelings to the surface and deal with them.

#20: The Sun Card

The Sun is a very uplifting card that stands for happiness, joy, vigor, and optimism. It is a very powerful card. When The Sun appears in a Tarot reading, it is a good indicator that things are going well for you and that you are heading in the right way. This is a positive sign that you should pay attention to. Raise your head and be aware of the many positive experiences and individuals that are currently and continuously present in your life.

#21: The Judgement Card

Your history and your plans for the future are brought together by the Judgment card. You are being asked to examine the choices you have made and the things you have done up to this point to determine whether or not they are congruent with the direction you intend to travel in the long run. The Judgment card serves as a gentle reminder that the future does not have to be predetermined and that it is possible to make positive changes in one’s life at any point in time.

#22: The World Card

The World, as the final card in the Major Arcana, is said to represent accomplishment, achievement, and total satisfaction. When she appears in a Tarot reading for you, it is a message from The World that you are exactly where you are supposed to be on your journey. After everything that you’ve been through, you now have a better comprehension of who you are, and you’re prepared to move on to the subsequent stage of your adventure.

Final Word:

It’s time to follow that inner voice inside your head and get yourself a tarot reading! Pick a major arcana tarot card and see what the universe has in store for you.

Do the meanings of each major arcana tarot card ring true to you?

Share with us your thoughts in the comments down below!

The Individualogist Team

The Individualogist Team is made up of archetype fanatics, individuation practitioners, and spirituality fans. Our humble group has banded together to deliver thought-provoking, life-changing, and growth-probing wisdom.