Major Arcana
One of the tarot deck’s most impactful components, the 22 Major Arcana cards, symbolize the challenges encountered throughout life, offering clarity and guidance in navigating unforeseen circumstances. These cards aid in problem-solving and decision-making and unveil life’s broader, long-term aspects.
While each Major Arcana card holds profound significance independently, when arranged in sequence, they narrate a story. The initial card, The Fool, sets the stage, and the subsequent 21 cards depict their journey through various life phases. This narrative mirrors the human experience, where individuals confront trials and tribulations, ultimately evolving into complete beings by the culmination of their journey.
Summary
Upright: innocence, new beginnings, free spirit
Reversed: recklessness, taken advantage of, inconsideration
In tarot card readings, The Fool depicts a youthful individual walking joyfully into the universe, taking his initial steps with excitement and vitality. Carrying only a small sack, he appears carefree, undeterred by potential obstacles or future dangers along his path. He seems unconcerned despite nearing the edge of a cliff, leaving us uncertain whether he is naive or simply unaware of the impending risk.
A dog at his heels barks loudly, attempting to alert him to the surroundings and cautioning him that moving forward might jeopardize the adventures he yearns for and dreams about.
Summary
Upright: Capability, strength, motivation, embodiment, reasoning, focus, ingenuity, impact, extrasensory abilities, determination
Reversed: Greed, absence of mental lucidity, illusion, slyness, manipulation, squandered skills, unreliability, deceit
The Magician card in the Major Arcana deck is rich in symbolism. The central image portrays an individual with one hand pointing toward the Universe and the other facing the ground, symbolizing the connection between materialism and spiritualism. The Magician harnesses this connection to manifest his goals in the physical realm.
Upon closer inspection, the Magician’s white robes symbolize purity, while the red cloak signifies his worldly knowledge and experience. In front of him lies a table featuring the four suits of tarot cards—Wand, Cup, Sword, and Pentacle—representing the four elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. This suggests the Magician possesses all the essential elements to become a complete being.
Above his head, an infinity symbol is displayed, and around his waist, a snake biting its tail signifies unlimited potential. The foreground is adorned with an array of flowers and foliage, symbolizing the fruition and blossoming of aspirations and new ideas.
Summary
Upright: Enigma, allure, attractiveness, elusive nature, fertility, creative expression, subconscious depths, quest for knowledge, spiritual potency, intuition, inner guidance, divine feminine
Reversed: Suppressed psychic capabilities, challenges with fertility, unmanaged emotional eruptions, stifled intuition, sexual tensions, unwarranted scrutiny, perplexity, concealed motives, superficiality, silence
The High Priestess is seated before a delicate curtain adorned with pomegranates, symbolizing the distinction between subconscious and conscious realms, the seen and the unseen, while also acting as a barrier to casual observers. Only those who have been initiated are granted entry. The pomegranates on the curtain hold significance, representing the divine feminine, abundance, and fertility, sacred to Persephone, who, after consuming a pomegranate seed in the underworld, is compelled to return annually.
Flanking the High Priestess are two substantial pillars, serving as the entrance to this mystical space. One pillar, black and bearing the letter B for Boaz, signifies strength. The other, white with the letter J for Jachin, symbolizes establishment. The contrasting black and white shades embody dualism, emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging the dual nature of everything—male and female, darkness and light—as essential for survival in the world.
Examining The High Priestess tarot card reveals a woman adorned in a blue robe with a cross on her chest and a horned crown, symbolizing her divine wisdom and regal status. Clutching a partially visible scroll in her hand, she signifies that holy knowledge is both implicit and explicit, awaiting revelation for those willing to delve beyond materialism. The crescent Moon near her feet signifies her connection to divine feminism, the subconscious mind, and intuition.
Summary
Upright: Sensuousness, femininity, nurturing, creativity, maternal instincts, feminine energy, harmony with nature, flourishing abundance, achievement, tranquility, peace, security, serenity
Reversed: Uncertainty, barrenness, diminished confidence or development, domineering inclinations, disruption of peace, discord, disturbance of serenity, neglect, stagnation, lack of advancement, suffocation, lack of family backing.
Recognized as the quintessence of all cards, The Empress is depicted as a commanding and striking queen seated on a throne. She exudes an air of tranquility and serenity, as evidenced by her peaceful surroundings and serene facial expression. The environment enveloping her appears to be one of peace and harmony, creating a comfortable and secure atmosphere. The aura emanating from her suggests a sanctuary of safety and peace. Adorning her head is an exquisite and otherworldly crown adorned with twelve stars, symbolizing her spiritual connection with the divine realm and the cyclical nature of the twelve months and planets.
Her robe is adorned with a pomegranate pattern, representing fertility and motherhood. The throne she occupies is embellished with pillows and cushions, one of which bears the Venus sign pattern—a symbol of love, harmony, creativity, and beauty. Surrounded by abundant nature, showcasing the growth and fertility of the land, The Empress establishes a profound connection with Mother Earth and the essence of life itself. The golden-hued fields and wheat symbolize abundance, growth, and the bountiful resources of nature. The presence of The Empress in a reading signifies a positive outlook for growth and vitality, promising good fortune in these aspects.
Summary
Upright: Security, organization, safeguarding, leadership, maturity, reliability, paternal role, assurance, provision, pragmatism, logic, stability
Reverse: Misuse of authority, domineering behavior, excessive control, manipulation, inflexibility, obstinacy, absence of discipline, lack of restraint, paternal challenges, absentee father, tyrannical tendencies
To grasp the significance of The Emperor, a card of great importance and power, a thorough examination of its imagery is essential. At first glance, the card reveals a king seated on a massive stone throne, exuding energy and authority. The king’s stoic and stern expression, coupled with his forward gaze and contemplative demeanor, conveys a sense of strength and purpose. The throne is adorned with four ram heads, symbolizing the zodiac sign Aries, as The Emperor is associated with Aries and represents the planet Mars.
Upon closer inspection, one notices an orb in one of the king’s hands, symbolizing the kingdom he governs, while the other hand holds an ankh—a symbol of life in Egyptian culture. Cloaked in a red robe, the king displays passion and vitality, with armor underneath signifying protection against external threats. The aura surrounding The Emperor radiates power, indicating the monarch’s journey through life’s challenges to establish himself as a ruler with the authority to bring positive change to his people. Behind the throne, a robust mountain range suggests resilience and strength. At the base of the mountains, a flowing river symbolizes hope and the king’s emotional depth, hidden yet present.
Summary
Upright: Faith, conviction, dedication, established institutions, adherence, time-honored principles, the exchange of knowledge, matrimony, spiritual insight, communal bonds, education, security, collaborative efforts
Reversed: Autonomy, individual convictions, role reversal, questioning conventions, alternative lifestyles, unfamiliar approaches, nonconventional relationships, resistance, divergence, defiance, peer influenceation, security, collaborative efforts
The Hierophant serves as the masculine or male counterpart to The High Priestess. Referred to as the teacher or Pope, this card is commonly associated with the Taurus zodiac sign. The imagery portrays a masculine religious figure positioned between two pillars within a shrine, distinct from the temple depicted on The High Priestess card.
The Hierophant is adorned in three robes of distinct colors—red, blue, and white—accompanied by a three-tiered crown, symbolizing his governance over three realms: the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious. In his left hand, he holds a Papal Cross, underscoring his religious authority. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, with two fingers pointing upward (towards Heaven) and two downward (towards Earth).
Two followers are kneeling before him. As a religious figure, The Hierophant’s role is to impart spiritual knowledge to his followers, guiding them toward their roles and responsibilities within the church. Essentially, this Major Arcana tarot card signifies a clear pathway to embark on the next stage of life—spirituality. The crossed keys near The Hierophant’s feet symbolize the harmonious balance between the subconscious and conscious mind, along with other enigmatic aspects and truths of life that only he can impart or elucidate to the people.
Summary
Upright: Affection, partnerships, balance, alignment of values, decision-making, potential alliances, fervor, physical allure, intensified connection, setting boundaries, intimate bonds, soulmates
Reversed: Disrupted relationship, trust concerns, emotional distance, unfulfilled promises, disconnect, regrettable decisions, absence of intimacy or romance, separation, chilly atmosphere, conflicts between individuals, impulsive choices
The seventh card in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck, The Lovers, symbolizes unconditional love (agape) and the concept of twin flames. This card represents the pinnacle of connection, harmony, love, and attraction. In The Lovers Major Arcana tarot card, Raphael, the air angel, embodies both physical and emotional well-being. Air, associated with mental activity and communication, is fundamental to the foundation of healthy relationships.
Raphael stands beneath a nude man and woman, showering blessings upon the joyous couple and symbolizing their metaphysical or spiritual bond. The couple, situated in a lush, fertile environment reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, exudes health and happiness. The presence of a fruit tree alludes to the biblical tale of temptation leading to sensual indulgence, with the snake behind the woman representing this temptation. The serpent and apple tree serve as symbols of the allure of sensory pleasures that might divert focus from the Divine.
In the background, a tree of flames represents passion, the primary concern of the man. The twelve flames signify the twelve zodiac signs, embodying concepts of time and eternity. The man faces the woman, who gazes at the angel, illustrating the progression from physical desire to emotional needs to spiritual considerations—from the conscious to the subconscious to the superconscious. Additionally, a somewhat phallic volcano peak in the backdrop symbolizes the eruption of desire when man and woman confront each other in full frontal nudity.
Summary
Upright: Guidance, command, persistence, endurance, achievement, driven, authority, triumph, resolve, ambition, strength, and initiative.
Reversed: Absence of guidance, self-discipline deficit, vulnerability, animosity, coercion, and encountering impediments.
The Chariot, the seventh card in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck, emerges when an individual is motivated to achieve success or secure victory at any cost. Also referred to as the Centurion or Victory, the Chariot is aligned with the Cancer zodiac sign. This tarot card often appears in a reading when your guides want you to channel your energies toward a specific path or goal, symbolizing willpower, triumph, and a positive trajectory.
The Chariot signifies overcoming obstacles and achieving victory by maintaining control over your surroundings. The charioteer’s exceptional control and confidence empower him to prevail in any situation. To surmount the challenges in your journey, it is crucial to employ strength and determination. The message of The Chariot is designed to inspire and support you as you strive to reach your objectives.
As the chariot soars over the city, The Chariot appears to announce the triumph of the warrior within over the rest of humanity. However, the grounding influence of the material world and the earth element symbolized by the square on his tunic keep the warrior connected to the ground.
The central idea conveyed is maintaining focus, confidence, and determination throughout challenging endeavors. The Chariot advises that you approach uncertain plans or projects disciplined and systematically. Your courage will be the key to realizing your goals to the fullest extent possible.
Summary
Upright: Vibrant well-being, internal strength, persistence, courage, and compassion, concentration, benevolence, resilience, impact, valor, bravery.
Reversed: Uncertainty about oneself, vulnerability, insecurity, confidence deficiency, anxiety, unrefined energy, frailty, skepticism, and disbelief.
Strength, the ninth card in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck, embodies various traits beyond just physical strength. Once known as fortitude, both the title and artwork of the card emphasize this. Demonstrating a courageous mindset, the ability to maintain composure under pressure, and the capacity to collaborate with others while overlooking flaws are all examples of strengths encompassed by this card. When Strength appears in your reading, it suggests that challenges in your love life, work, or relationships will require endurance and patience.
The Strength Tarot card portrays the taming of untamed, primal nature by our gentler, more acceptable selves—our feminine sides, our inner selves. To achieve harmony across all levels of creation, our instinctual nature’s will and passion should be refined and brought to consciousness rather than shattered. The persuasive power of the feminine soul force can foster cooperation, calming turbulent energies by balancing differences in the spirit of communal goodwill.
According to the Strength card, you should assertively regulate yourself and discern between your own interests and enlightened understanding. Consciously align with your intuition, even if it contradicts the desires of your willful ego. Expect the same behavior from others in influential positions, as you cannot anticipate others to raise their standards if you have not elevated your own. Set a positive example to inspire others, and your self-esteem will rise in proportion to the success of your efforts.
In Tarot, the Strength card symbolizes vigor and bravery, evoking the roaring heat of a lion. It also represents a fearless woman—unflappable, invincible, and unwavering. The primary images on the Strength card include a woman with a lemniscate (a figure eight on its side, symbolizing perpetual life and eternity), a lion, and a chain of roses floating over her head.
Summary:
Upright: Reflection, solitude, self-reflection, self-examination, self-discovery, soul-searching, internal guidance, and introspection.
Reverse: Solitude, isolation, rejection, seclusion, withdrawal from social interactions, confinement, paralyzing fear, and retreat.
The Hermit stands solitary atop a mountain summit, the snow-capped range symbolizing his achievements, progress, and spiritual mastery attained through the path of self-discovery.
He holds the Seal of Solomon in his right hand—a lantern with a six-pointed star symbolizing wisdom. The lamp sheds light on The Hermit’s path, revealing only the initial steps rather than the entire journey. Not everything is disclosed at once, so he must progress to uncover the next steps. To guide and balance himself, The Hermit employs a tall staff, representing strength and authority, held in his left hand, corresponding to the subconscious mind.
The image depicts an elderly man on the mountain’s pinnacle, clutching a staff and lantern. The mountain signifies accomplishment, growth, and success, while The Hermit embodies spiritual wisdom and a willingness to share it. He possesses a keen awareness of his path and a steadfast commitment to his goal. Inside the lantern, the six-pointed star known as the Seal of Solomon signifies wisdom, and the staff he holds represents power and dominance.
The Hermit tarot card’s message encourages thoughtful consideration of choices and highlights the need for introspection amid a busy schedule. While adept at perceiving the bigger picture, taking some solitude for contemplation is essential.
The tarot cards for hermits serve as tools for introspection and spiritual guidance. Some may dismiss them as mythical, yet perceptions of Hermit tarot cards are subjective. Profound insights are unlikely to emerge from a brief isolation; more time for reflection would foster a deeper understanding.
Summary
Upright: Fortune, karma, life cycles, destiny, pivotal moments, soulmates, decisive junctures, life’s cycles, upheaval, and opportunity
Reverse: Misfortune, reluctance to change, disrupting cycles, disorders, external pressures, loss of control, disturbances, undesired changes, delays, and setbacks.
Prepare for significant life changes as the Wheel of Fortune, the 10th card in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck makes its appearance. Governed by Jupiter, the planet associated with good fortune, expansion, and progress, this card serves as a reminder that change is inevitable and the only constant in life. Its presence suggests that either you are holding onto something too tightly or impeding your progress by neglecting signals from your consciousness. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to release and comprehend your role in life and the universe.
Displaying a colossal wheel, the Wheel of Fortune card features three figures at its outer edges. Astrologers believe the letters TORA on the wheel to be a version of the word Torah, signifying ‘law,’ or TAROT, or even ROTA (Latin for ‘wheel’). The central wheel symbolizes the four elements of life. Along the outer circle, a snake and the God of Evil, Typhon, are positioned on the right and left sides, respectively. The snake represents the life force descending into the material world, while the Egyptian God of evil welcomes souls to the underworld.
At the wheel’s summit sits the Sphinx, symbolizing knowledge and strength. In the card’s four corners are winged creatures associated with the Zodiac signs Aquarius, Scorpio (eagle), Leo (Lion), and Taurus (Bull). Their wings signify stability amid movement and change, and each creature holds the Torah, symbolizing wisdom.
Summary
Upright: Equity, impartiality, truth, causation, honesty, integrity, karma, repercussions, accountability, cause, effect, and legality.
Reverse: Issues of fairness, shirking responsibility, corruption, dishonesty, retaliation, injustice, avoidance of accountability, and deceit
The Justice Tarot card is known as The Daughter of the Lords of Truth, also referred to as ‘The Balance Master.’ It features the traditional representation of justice, with the figure holding scales and balances. Justice is easily distinguished from love in this context. The insignia associated with Justice are the Sword and Scales. The figure is dressed in green, similar to her sister, but it’s a colder and harsher shade of green. Blue, blue-green, and pale green are also linked to The Justice Tarot card, revealing hidden constancy and warmth through flashing colors.
The Justice figure is positioned amidst two pillars symbolizing balance, law, and structure, akin to those framing the High Priestess and The Hierophant. Draped in a loosely-hanging purple veil, she embodies compassion.
In her right hand, she wields a sword, illustrating the need for rational and organized thinking in administering appropriate justice. The double-edged sword signifies that decisions carry consequences, pointing upward to symbolize a resolute and decisive choice. Holding scales in her left (intuitive) hand, she portrays objectivity, emphasizing the necessity of balancing logic with intuition. Clad in a crimson robe with a green mantle and a crowned adorned with a small square, Justice signifies well-ordered thoughts. A subtle detail, a tiny white sneaker peeking from beneath her attire, prompts contemplation on the spiritual implications of one’s actions.
The Justice tarot card embodies truth, justice, and the principles of law. Seated with scales in her left hand, it symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of intuition and logic. Holding a double-edged sword in her right hand, she represents objectivity. The square on her crown signifies the necessity of mental clarity for just administration. A purple cloak and tall grey pillars form the backdrop. Peeking from beneath her clasped red shawl, a white shoe serves as a spiritual reminder that the outcomes she delivers are a consequence of one’s actions.
Summary
Upright: inhale deeply, surrender, release, make sacrifices, be patient, navigate uncertainty, contemplate, and explore new perspectives and thoughts.
Reverse: Hesitation, procrastination, reluctance, aversion to sacrifice, delay, lack of interest, stagnation, apathy, and setbacks.
The Hanged Man illustrates a figure suspended from a T-shaped living wood cross, conveying a calm and serene expression, suggesting a voluntary choice to assume this hanging position. Upside down, he views the world from a wholly different perspective, with a halo encircling his head, symbolizing newfound perception, awareness, and enlightenment. His left foot is unbound, bent at the knee, and tucked behind his right leg, while his right foot is tethered to the tree. His arms form an inverted triangle, hands behind his back. Clad in a blue vest denoting wisdom and red pants signifying human passion and the physical body, The Hanged Man embodies themes of complete surrender, suspension in time, martyrdom, and sacrificing oneself for the greater good.
The card features a man suspended upside down from the living world tree, firmly rooted in the underworld and supporting the heavens. His voluntary choice to be there is indicated by his composed expression. While his left foot is free, the right foot is bound to the branches, and his hands are clasped behind his back in an inverted triangle shape. The color scheme—red pants for the physical body, blue top for calm emotions, and yellow representing intelligence in his shoes, hair, and halo—is often associated with saints.
Appearing immediately after the Justice card and before the Death card in the Major Arcana, The Hanged Man symbolizes a period of calm before a significant change. It is essential to note that this card is not inherently negative. Positioned before the Death card, which signifies transformation, The Hanged Man represents a phase in which one takes essential steps to change life significantly.
The halo around his head signifies enlightenment and newfound understanding, while the contrast between his chained right foot and liberated left ankle, bent and tucked beneath his right leg, further enriches the symbolism of The Hanged Man.
Summary
Upright: Transformation, endings, change, transition, letting go, release.
Reversed: Fear of change, repeating negative patterns, resistance to change, stagnation, and decay.
The Death card portrays the messenger of Death as a skeleton riding a white horse and clad in black armor. The armor signifies invincibility, acknowledging that death is inevitable regardless of circumstances, while the skeleton represents the enduring aspect of the body beyond life. The white horse symbolizes purity, power, and strength, yet its dark hue is linked to grief and mystery. Death carries a black flag with a white rose featuring five petals, symbolizing beauty, purity, immortality, and the transformative number five. Together, these elements convey that death encompasses more than the cessation of life—it involves changes, transformations, birth, rebirth, ends, and new beginnings.
In a scene on the card, a young woman, a child, and a bishop implore the skeletal figure of royalty to spare them, even as it appears lifeless on the ground. However, Death spares no one, emphasizing the universal nature of this inevitability. In the background, a boat drifts along a river, evoking mythical vessels transporting the deceased to the afterlife. While many associate the Death tarot card with physical death, this is not always true. Ethically, a tarot reader should avoid predicting actual death, diseases, or pregnancy outcomes. Aside from ethical considerations, the Death tarot card often signifies a period of spiritual growth, transition, and new beginnings—rather than literal death.
Death can bring about difficult, unforeseen, abrupt, or even traumatic changes in people’s lives, but it also offers a fresh start. Instead of resisting the changes indicated by the Death Tarot card, it is advisable to accept them. Fighting against change may make the process uncomfortable and challenging, so embracing and adapting to the transformation is key.
Summary
Upright: Harmony, temperance, endurance, and intent.
Reversed: Disproportion, overindulgence, self-restoration, realignment, and rashness.
The angel depicted on the Temperance card boasts expansive wings and embodies both male and female characteristics. Draped in a light blue cloak featuring a triangle within a square on the front, the symbolism conveys that humans are bound by Earth’s laws (square) and natural law (triangle). Striking a balance, the angel positions one leg on rocks, symbolizing stability, and another in the river, representing the need for flow.
Dividing two glasses with water, the angel symbolizes the stream and flux of life. A winding road leads to a backdrop of mountains, portraying the lifelong journey. Above the mountains, a golden crown radiates light, signifying the choice and commitment to the Higher Way. The Temperance Major Arcana represents harmony, serenity, patience, and moderation in a broader context. This card suggests that you have achieved inner peace and clearly understood the situation, indicating healthy relationships in your life.
Having learned to avoid entanglement in others’ disputes and staying composed in the face of minor irritations, you exhibit adaptability to circumstances. Temperance may also indicate that you have found tranquility and contentment in your life. It reflects a strong sense of self, clear values, and a moral compass, facilitating the identification of your objectives and the creation of meaningful goals.
Summary
Upright: Fixation, infidelity, reliance, mental health issues, confidentiality, and materialism are just a few examples of unfavorable behaviors that may manifest.
Reversed: Separation, autonomy, breaking the routine, liberty, epiphany, taking charge again, and awareness
The Devil, also recognized as Baphomet, is portrayed on this card in his iconic satyr form. With bat wings, an inverted pentagram on his forehead, and a body that’s half goat and half man, the Devil stands atop a pedestal where a naked man and woman are bound, illustrating his dominance over them. Both figures sport horns, emphasizing the dehumanizing influence of their association with the Devil. The chains suggest captivity by the devil.
The woman, with a bowl of grapes on her tail, and the man, holding a torch, symbolize their reliance on power. Upon closer inspection, despite appearing captive against their will, the shackles around their necks are loosely fastened and easily removable. All individuals sport small horns resembling the devil’s, symbolizing that the more time spent in this state, the more they become like him. Beyond their shared tails, representing primal inclinations and animalistic tendencies, the grapes and fire on each tail symbolize the emotions of pleasure.
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Summary
Upright: Catastrophe, devastation, turmoil, distress, abrupt transformation, and disorder.
Reversed: Mitigating catastrophe, postponing the unavoidable, and opposing transformation.
The Tower portrays a towering structure situated atop a rugged mountain. Struck by lightning, the building is engulfed in flames, with two individuals leaping out of windows, arms outstretched, amid chaos and devastation. Despite the Tower’s solid construction, its weak foundations render it susceptible to collapse from a single lightning strike. It symbolizes aspirations and goals built on faulty foundations. Lightning serves as a metaphor for an unexpected surge of inspiration or insight leading to a breakthrough, entering through the building’s top and removing the crown—an emblem of energy entering through the crown chakra from the Universe.
As the individuals fall, unaware of their impending fate, they desperately attempt to escape the burning structure. Surrounding them, 22 flames represent the 12 zodiac signs and the 10 points of the Tree of Life, signifying divine revelation amidst calamity. The Tower Tarot card symbolizes chaos and devastation, representing sudden and transformative change. This shift is often unavoidable, frightening, and tumultuous. Experiencing a significant Tower event can feel like a life-altering bombshell, challenging to navigate. However, the aftermath reveals that the upheaval often targets aspects constructed on flawed assumptions, leading to regeneration and creativity.
While The Tower may signify tragic or traumatic occurrences such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or a severe breakdown, it also brings the potential for growth and transformation. The card’s destructive nature is often directed at elements grounded in unrealistic hopes and expectations, allowing for rebuilding and renewal.
Summary
Upright: Optimism, motivation, innovation, tranquility, satisfaction, rejuvenation, peace, spirituality, recovery, and positivity.
Reversed: Despondency, gloom, dwelling on the pessimistic, absence of faith, dearth of inspiration, dearth of creativity, ennui, and monotony.
In the Star card, a nude woman kneels by a small pool, holding two water vessels—one in each hand, symbolizing the subconscious and conscious aspects. She pours water onto the soil, sustaining the cycle of abundance reflected in the lush foliage surrounding her. The second vessel, representing the five senses, releases water in five streams. With one foot on the ground, denoting practical skills and sound judgment, and the other in the water, symbolizing intuition and inner resources, she embodies openness and purity under the night sky filled with stars. Seven smaller stars represent the chakras, while one larger star signifies her fundamental essence.
The Star card conveys inspiration, contentment, and optimism for the future on a broad scale. Including this Major Arcana card in your Tarot spread brings a sense of positivity, drive, and freedom. The Star signifies spiritual experience, creating a feeling of calmness and harmony with the cosmos. Serving as a favorable omen, the Star represents a period of balance and tranquility following the upheaval caused by The Tower. It indicates that you’ve successfully overcome challenges, gained a fresh perspective, and are now in a position of serene, well-balanced energy, ready to heal old wounds.
This Major Arcana card suggests that you’ve moved past psychological, emotional, physical, or spiritual challenges, embracing a positive outlook. You’re prepared to welcome whatever the future holds, trusting in the universe’s plan and your own intuition. The Star in your Tarot reading fosters a sense of self-worth and likability, both for yourself and in the eyes of others.
Summary
Upright: Misleading, challenging phase, anxiety, concealed matters, uncertainty, and cognitive bewilderment.
Reversed: Sleeplessness, revelations, liberation from fear, discontent, and peculiar dreams.
In the Moon card, the full moon illuminates the night sky between two towering skyscrapers. Symbolizing the unconscious, visions, and intuition, the Moon Major Arcana tarot card depicts a winding path leading to higher consciousness, dimly lit by the moon’s faint light compared to the sun. A small puddle in the foreground represents the ethereal, subconscious mind, while a crayfish emerging from the water signifies the beginnings of consciousness. On a green meadow, a dog and a wolf howl at the moon, representing the domesticated and untamed aspects of our minds.
As we encounter the Moon card, a path extends into the distance, flanked by a domesticated dog and a wild, savage wolf on either side, symbolizing our animalistic nature. The pond at the trail’s origin features a crawfish emerging. Further, the distant sight of two towers along the middle route alludes to the theme of duality and choices. The Moon card suggests a thin line between consciousness and unconsciousness, domestication and wild forces, highlighting the duplicity inherent in the situation. It serves as a warning that things may not be as they appear, urging reliance on senses to discern the truth.
In tarot card predictions, the Moon card is often associated with the theme of illusions, prompting attention to circumstances or individuals that may deceive. It encourages trust in intuitive senses and paying heed to the messages conveyed through dreams. The Moon may also signify the influence of fear or worry, leading to mood swings, instability, or insecurity. Additionally, it could be linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Summary
Upright: Awakening, happiness, union, material well-being, achievement, and energy.
Reversed: Misleading perceptions, unclear understanding, diminished energy, and sorrow.
The Sun card radiates happiness and optimism with a vast, brilliant sun illuminating the sky—the source of all life on Earth. Four sunflowers representing the Minor Arcana’s four suits and elements rise above a brick wall below. In the foreground, a small, completely nude child sits atop a serene white horse. The child symbolizes the joy derived from connecting with one’s inner self, embodying purity and innocence. The white horse adds symbolism of power and purity.
This Major Arcana tarot card evokes an optimistic and contented mood, symbolizing the morning after the longest, darkest night. The Sun, as a metaphor for life’s vital force, signifies the origin of all life on Earth. The image depicts a joyful child playing happily, reflecting the bliss of being in harmony with one’s true self. The child’s nudity symbolizes transparency and pure innocence, accentuated by the majestic white horse representing power.
The Sun card suggests a period of success and passion, indicating favorable circumstances. Your positive energy will attract others, spreading joy and warmth to everyone you encounter. You’ll experience a carefree, uninhibited, and secure feeling. Additionally, as a card of truth, The Sun may unveil lies or dishonesty if you’ve been a victim. In Tarot, the upright Sun card is associated with luck, bringing comfort that dispels any existing issues.
Summary
Upright: Realization, choices, salvation, rebirth, revitalization, and transformation.
Reversed: Weak reasoning, ill-considered choices, self-questioning, and lack of progress.
The Judgement card portrays adults, adolescents, and children emerging from graves with extended arms and faces turned upward. Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger of God, blows the trumpet above, summoning the people to be evaluated for entry into heavenly realms. A distant mountain range signifies the formidable challenges of avoiding judgement. The imagery reflects the diverse interpretations of the last judgement across myths, depicting people rising from the dead in response to Gabriel’s call.
The outstretched arms symbolize their readiness to face the Universe’s judgement, confront their creator, assess the consequences of their actions, and determin their eternal destiny. The massive tidal surge in the distance underscores the inevitability and binding nature of judgement.
In a broader sense, this Major Arcana tarot card may suggest unfair judgement faced by you or someone you care about. It could also indicate passing harsh judgement on others or yourself. However, Judgement may signify achieving clarity and calmness, enabling objective self-assessment and wise decision-making. Your heightened self-awareness, shaped by past karmic lessons, fosters healing and constructive progress. When this card appears, draw on your past lessons for guidance in significant decisions.
An upright Judgement might mark the resolution of a legal issue or court proceeding. If you’ve been truthful and honorable, a favorable outcome is likely. If dishonesty is involved, expect consequences. Making amends for wrongdoings is essential for clearing your conscience. Another interpretation involves a sea or ocean symbolizing separation from a loved one, suggesting an imminent reunion when this Major Arcana card appears. It may also indicate feelings of homesickness.
Summary
Upright: Accomplishment, satisfaction, opportunities, and triumphant outcomes.
Reversed: Deferred achievement, thwarted plans, incomplete endeavors, and stagnancy.
Unclothed and dancing inside a huge laurel wreath, the World Major Arcana tarot card depicts a lady. While her body is moving toward the future, she is looking backward at the past. Two wands or batons, similar to the one The Magician carries, are in her hands. It is a sign that what began to materialize with The Magician has since been finished with The World. Because the woman is finishing one phase while almost immediately beginning another as she passes through the wreath, the wreath’s circular shape represents a never-ending cycle of satisfactory implementation and fresh beginnings.
Four images (a lion, bull, cherub, and eagle) that resemble those on the Wheel of Fortune surround the wreath. The cyclical nature of your existence and how you go through its cycles are both addressed by The World and the Wheel of Fortune. Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio are the four permanent signs of the zodiac that are represented by the four figures. They represent the four seasons, the four corners of the universe, the four Tarot suits, the four compass points, the four elements, and more. They help you transition from one stage to the next while providing harmony and balance to your trip.
This Major Arcana card often denotes having the entire world at your disposal! Given that it is one of the travel cards and might be taken literally. It can signify that new horizons are opening up for you, and the people you meet abroad will likely be kind. The globe might also suggest that you will have the entire world at your disposal in another sense, i.e., that you will succeed and that the opportunities that are currently open to you are limitless. You have experienced the hardships and teachings of the other Major Arcana, weathered the difficulties, and are now about to enjoy the benefits.
