The major arcana of the tarot are a series of cards that hold deep symbolism and meaning, each reflecting different aspects of the human and spiritual experience. In this article we explore these arcana in detail, diving into the world of tarot to understand their purpose and how they can guide our perception of life and personal growth.
What are the Major Arcana in the tarot?
The Major Arcana are a series of cards that form the most symbolic and significant part of the tarot deck. These cards represent various universal archetypes and deep spiritual principles that reflect major aspects of the human experience. Each card has its own meaning and symbolism, covering themes from the beginning of a journey (The Fool), power and authority (The Emperor), to transformation (Death) and fulfillment (The World).
Through their rich symbolism, these cards can serve as mirrors of the psyche, allowing individuals to explore their own thoughts, beliefs and emotions on a deeper level. Each major arcane embodies a spiritual lesson or message that can guide the individual on their journey of self-knowledge and spiritual development.
How many are the Major Arcana?
The major arcana consist of 22 cards, beginning with The Fool, which represents the beginning of a spiritual journey and freedom of spirit, and concluding with The World, which symbolizes the culmination of the journey, fulfillment and unity. These cards, numbered from 0 to 21, trace a symbolic path through which the evolution of consciousness and the human experience can be explored.
Difference between Major Arcana and Minor Arcana
The major arcana and minor arcana constitute the two main divisions within a tarot deck. While the major arcana focus on the great lessons and spiritual themes of life, the minor arcana are more concerned with the everyday, practical aspects. The minor arcana are divided into four suits (cups, spades, clubs and golds), each related to an aspect of the human experience: emotions, intellect, creativity and materiality, respectively.
This distinction is crucial to understanding how tarot can be used as a tool for personal growth and divination. While the major arcana can indicate significant changes, karmic lessons or spiritual challenges, the minor arcana often point to situations, people or advice that are more immediate and applicable to daily life. Together, they offer a comprehensive view of the human experience, combining the divine with the mundane to guide the querent to a greater understanding of themselves and their environment.
The Madman’s Journey: A Path to Spiritual Enlightenment
Beginning with the card of The Fool, we enter a spiritual narrative where the 22 Major Arcana unfold as chapters of a journey towards self-knowledge and enlightenment. This journey represents a spiritual odyssey marked by key stages of transformation and personal growth.
When we begin with The Fool, we open the doors to a world of infinite possibilities, inviting us to leave behind the ties and fears to courageously explore the unknown. Through this path, each Major Arcanum reveals itself as a stage of learning and evolution, guiding us from the spontaneity and openness of The Fool to the completeness and unity symbolized by The World.
This journey is a metaphor for spiritual awakening, where initial innocence is transformed into wisdom and fulfillment.
The Fool: new beginnings
The Fool is the card that marks the beginning of the spiritual adventure in the tarot, representing innocence, curiosity and the willingness to embark on a new journey with a fresh perspective. This card encourages us to take the leap of faith into the unknown, armed with optimism and without fear of failure. It is a reminder that every step into the unknown is an opportunity for personal growth, learning and exploration of our true passions and purpose in life.
The Magician: the power of manifestation
The Magician symbolizes the awareness of our own inner resources and the ability to manifest our desires in the material world. This card teaches us about the power of will, creativity and initiative to transform our ideas into reality. It represents the moment when we recognize our potential to influence our environment and the importance of concentration and determination in achieving our goals. The Magician reminds us that we have the necessary tools to succeed, inviting us to use our personal power wisely.
The Priestess: intuition and occult knowledge
The Priestess represents intuition, hidden knowledge and inner wisdom. This card invites us to trust our intuition and to pay attention to the messages coming from our unconscious. The Priestess symbolizes the connection to the deepest mysteries of life and access to a wisdom that goes beyond rational logic. She encourages us to explore the inner realms of our psyche and find the answers within ourselves, reminding us that true knowledge and power comes from understanding our inner self.
The Empress: creativity and nature
The Empress is a figure of fertility, abundance and creativity, symbolizing the connection with nature and the expression of beauty in all its forms. This card encourages us to embrace our creativity and nurture ideas and projects with love and patience. It represents the feminine power of creation and growth, reminding us of the importance of connecting with the natural world and the creative energies that flow through us. The Empress invites us to live with openness and receptivity, fostering an environment of harmony and prosperity.
The Emperor: authority and structure
The Emperor symbolizes stability, order and authority. It embodies the power to structure and organize, highlighting the importance of discipline and control to achieve our goals. This card reminds us of the need for a solid foundation and clear rules for collective well-being, urging us to take responsibility and exercise our power in a fair and balanced manner.
The Hierophant: tradition and spirituality
The Pope or Hierophant represents the wisdom passed down through traditions and spirituality within the social structure. This card speaks to the importance of rituals, beliefs and spiritual guidance, suggesting that there is inherent value in following the ways established by tradition. It encourages us to seek teaching and counsel from spiritual authority figures and community practices.
The Lovers: love and decisions
The Lovers focus on love, attraction and the important decisions that arise in relationships. This card stresses the need to choose with the heart, but also with conscience, highlighting the balance between personal desires and responsibilities towards others. It reminds us that true love requires understanding, compromise and the ability to make decisions that benefit both parties.
The Chariot: victory and control
The Chariot symbolizes success through determination and self-control. In the context of relationships, this card suggests the importance of staying the course and balancing the opposing aspects of our personality. It motivates us to move confidently toward our relationship goals, reminding us that success and harmony are achieved through effort and will.
Justice: balance and fairness
Justice invites us to consider our actions and their consequences, emphasizing the importance of balance and fairness in our lives. This card asks us to act with integrity and to seek the truth, ensuring that our decisions and judgments are fair and just. It is a reminder that inner harmony is achieved through honesty and personal responsibility.
The Hermit: introspection and wisdom
The Hermit symbolizes the search for inner wisdom through introspection and solitary reflection. This card encourages us to take a moment of pause in our fast-paced lives to connect with our deepest selves. It reminds us that true knowledge and understanding come from looking inward and listening to our inner voice, guiding us toward personal enlightenment and spiritual growth. In this journey of introspection, El Ermitaño teaches us that solitude is not synonymous with isolation, but an opportunity to deepen our awareness and mature spiritually.
The Wheel of Fortune: Cycles and Change
The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes the cycles of life and the constant flow of change. This card reminds us that just as ups and downs are inevitable, so is the possibility of renewal and transformation. It encourages us to embrace change with acceptance and adaptability, trusting that each turn of the wheel leads to new opportunities and personal growth.
The Force: courage and persuasion
The Force represents the power of courage, compassion and inner strength. This card teaches us that true strength is not found in dominance or aggression, but in the ability to control our emotions and act with compassion and love. It challenges us to face challenges with courage and determination, reminding us that the greatest power lies in our ability to influence the world through kindness and persuasion.
The Hanged Man: sacrifice and new perspective
The Hanged Man symbolizes willing sacrifice and the need to change our perspective to gain a deeper understanding of life. This card urges us to let go of control and adopt a more detached view of circumstances, allowing wisdom and clarity to emerge through surrender and acceptance.
Death: end and new beginning
Death represents the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. This card teaches us that through destruction and transformation comes the opportunity for rebirth and renewal. It reminds us that every ending is also a new beginning, and that death, whether literal or symbolic, is simply part of the process of evolution and spiritual growth.
Temperance: moderation and balance
Temperance represents inner harmony and moderation in all things. This card teaches us the importance of maintaining a balance between opposites and integrating all parts of our being into a coherent whole. It urges us to practice patience and moderation, reminding us that true balance is found in the center, where all dualities converge.
The Devil: materialism and liberation
The Devil symbolizes the self-imposed chains of materialism and the illusion of separation from the spiritual world. This card challenges us to examine our bondage and free ourselves from the self-imposed limitations that prevent us from achieving true freedom. It reminds us that true power lies in our ability to transcend worldly temptations and embrace our spiritual nature.
The Tower: destruction and revelation
The Tower symbolizes the destruction of false structures and the revelation of hidden truth. This card urges us to leave behind all that no longer serves us and to embrace radical change as an opportunity for growth and renewal. It reminds us that, despite the apparent devastation, destruction is the precursor to true transformation and spiritual renewal.
The Star: hope and inspiration
The Star represents hope, inspiration and spiritual renewal. This card reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a bright light to guide us and give us hope. It urges us to keep the faith and trust that, through connection with the divine, we will find the inspiration and purpose we need to move forward on our spiritual journey.
The Moon: fear and illusion
The Moon represents the fears and illusions that haunt us in the darkness of the night of the soul. This card challenges us to face our deepest fears and explore the shadows of our psyche in search of truth. It reminds us that, although the path to enlightenment may be dark and confusing, the light of truth will always prevail over the darkness.
The Sun: success and vitality
The Sun symbolizes success, vitality and the joy that comes from spiritual fulfillment. This card invites us to celebrate life and connect with the source of energy and vitality that resides within us. It reminds us that, through love and authentic self-expression, we can experience the fulfillment and bliss that leads us toward the realization of our ultimate destiny.
The Judgment: judgment and rebirth
Judgment represents the time of evaluation and spiritual rebirth. This card challenges us to face our past actions and take responsibility for our destiny. It reminds us that every choice we make has consequences and invites us to embrace the opportunity to begin anew with wisdom and clarity of purpose.
The World: compliance and unity
The World symbolizes the spiritual fulfillment and realization that comes from the connection with the universe. This card reminds us that we have completed an important cycle in our spiritual journey and are ready to move on to a new level of awareness and understanding. It invites us to celebrate our achievements and recognize the interconnectedness of all life in the vast fabric of the universe.
How to integrate the Major Arcana in tarot readings
Integrating the major arcana in tarot readings involves a deep understanding of the meaning of each card and its relationship to the question or situation posed by the querent. It is important to consider not only the individual symbolism of each major arcana, but also how they interact with each other and with the minor arcana in the context of the spread. By combining intuition with a solid knowledge of the archetypes represented in the cards, the reader can offer a meaningful and insightful reading that resonates with the querent.
When interpreting the major arcana in a tarot reading, it is helpful to pay attention to the recurring patterns and themes that emerge throughout the spread. Each major arcane brings an additional layer of depth and meaning to the reading, providing a unique perspective on the challenges, opportunities and lessons presented in the querent’s life. By considering both the positive and challenging aspects of each card, the reader can offer a balanced and comprehensive view that inspires the querent to make informed and empowered decisions.
Let’s stay in touch through social networks
If spirituality is part of your life and you wish to share your experiences with me, I invite you to write me and let’s make this journey a shared one.
Related entries
The meaning of swords in tarot readings
What Spirit Guides are and how to recognize their signs
What are the Elementals of Nature and what types exist?
The Torus Yantra: a millenary symbol with healing properties
Astral travel: What is it and how can we have one?
What are the Orders of Love and how do they affect your family?
The meaning of clubs in tarot readings
What are Past Lives and how do they affect us today?
Clairvoyance: What is it and how does it develop?
The 7 Chakras: Their Characteristics and How to Balance Them
10 examples of psychic powers you can develop
What is feminine energy and how to connect with it?
The Merkaba: Your vehicle of light to attain enlightenment
What is the Enneagram and how to discover your dominant enneatype?
50 questions to ask the Tarot