Major Arcana: Yes or No?

When it comes to Tarot, the Major Arcana comprises a set of 22 cards that hold great significance. These cards represent powerful archetypal energies and depict major life events and transformations. Some tarot enthusiasts argue that the Major Arcana offers profound insights and should always be included in a reading, while others believe that excluding them can yield equally insightful results. In this blog post, we’ll explore both perspectives to help you decide whether or not to include the Major Arcana in your tarot practice.

The Power of the Major Arcana

The Major Arcana cards, often regarded as the trump cards of the Tarot deck, have a distinct presence and intensity. Each card represents a significant life lesson, spiritual journey, or transformative experience. When these cards appear in a reading, they signal a profound shift or an important life event on the horizon. The Major Arcana holds great symbolic power, allowing the reader to tap into the collective unconscious and gain deep insights into a person’s life.

These cards are imbued with rich symbolism and evoke a wide range of emotions. From the Fool’s journey of new beginnings to the World’s representation of completion and wholeness, each card tells a unique narrative. Including the Major Arcana in your tarot readings can add depth and nuance to the interpretation, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the querent’s situation.

Why Some Exclude the Major Arcana

Despite the power and symbolism associated with the Major Arcana, there are tarot practitioners who prefer to exclude them from readings. They argue that the Minor Arcana, which consists of four suits representing the elements (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), provides sufficient information and guidance for most questions. They believe that the Major Arcana cards, with their grand themes and archetypal energies, can sometimes overshadow the specific details and practical advice offered by the Minor Arcana.

By focusing solely on the Minor Arcana, these practitioners argue, they can provide more concrete and actionable guidance to their clients. The cards in the Minor Arcana address everyday matters, relationships, work, and personal growth, making them more relatable and applicable to daily life. Excluding the Major Arcana allows for a more streamlined and focused reading, ensuring that the querent’s practical concerns receive appropriate attention.

Integrating the Major and Minor Arcana

While some tarot readers prefer to exclude the Major Arcana, others believe in the importance of integrating both the Major and Minor Arcana cards. They argue that the Major Arcana provides a broader perspective and a larger context for the querent’s situation. By incorporating these powerful cards into a reading, they believe they can access deeper insights and wisdom that may not be available solely through the Minor Arcana.

Integrating the Major Arcana with the Minor Arcana allows for a comprehensive reading that balances both the practical aspects of life and the deeper spiritual and life lessons. The Minor Arcana cards provide the details and specifics, while the Major Arcana cards offer overarching themes and lessons that tie everything together. By blending these two sets of cards, tarot readers can provide a well-rounded interpretation that touches both the mundane aspects of life and the profound lessons that guide our soul’s journey.

The Reader’s Intuition

Ultimately, the decision to include or exclude the Major Arcana in your tarot readings comes down to personal preference and intuition. Some tarot practitioners may naturally feel more connected to the symbolism and energies of the Major Arcana, while others may resonate more strongly with the practical advice offered by the Minor Arcana.

Regardless of which approach you choose, it is important to trust your intuition as a tarot reader. The cards are tools that can facilitate your connection to your intuition and the querent’s subconscious. Whether you include the Major Arcana or not, your ability to interpret the cards with sensitivity and insight is paramount.

Conclusion

The choice to include the Major Arcana in your tarot readings is a personal one. While some tarot practitioners find deep value in these powerful cards and the insights they offer, others prefer to focus solely on the practical guidance of the Minor Arcana. Ultimately, the most important aspect of any tarot reading is the connection between the reader, the querent, and the cards themselves. Trust your intuition, follow your heart, and let the power of the Tarot guide you towards the answers you seek.