Tarot Cards Meaning List: Major Arcana

Whether you’re an experienced tarot reader or just starting your journey into the mystical world of tarot, understanding the meanings behind the cards is essential. Tarot cards are a powerful tool for self-reflection, guidance, and insight into the past, present, and future. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of the major arcana cards, each representing a significant aspect of human existence.

The Fool (Card 0)

The Fool is the first card in the major arcana and represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and a willingness to take risks. It signifies a fresh start or a leap of faith into the unknown. The card often reminds us to trust our intuition and embrace the journey ahead without fear.

The Magician (Card I)

The Magician represents manifestation, creativity, and willpower. It symbolizes the ability to harness our inner resources and bring our dreams into reality. The card encourages us to use our skills and tap into our potential to achieve our goals.

The High Priestess (Card II)

The High Priestess signifies intuition, inner wisdom, and the subconscious mind. It represents a deep connection with our unconscious selves and the ability to access knowledge beyond the surface level. When this card appears, it often encourages us to listen to our inner voice and trust our instincts.

The Empress (Card III)

The Empress embodies femininity, abundance, and nurturing. It symbolizes fertility, creativity, and the power of nurturing ourselves and others. This card often signifies a period of growth, comfort, and abundance in our lives.

The Emperor (Card IV)

The Emperor represents authority, structure, and leadership. It symbolizes the ability to make decisions, set boundaries, and take control of our lives. This card encourages us to embrace our inner strength, use our rational thinking, and establish order and stability.

The Hierophant (Card V)

The Hierophant represents tradition, spirituality, and guidance. It symbolizes the search for meaning and spiritual enlightenment. This card often appears when we are seeking mentorship or looking for guidance from a spiritual teacher or figure.

The Lovers (Card VI)

The Lovers signify love, partnerships, and choices. It symbolizes the connection between two individuals and the decisions we make regarding our relationships. This card often represents the need for balance and making choices out of love rather than fear.

The Chariot (Card VII)

The Chariot represents willpower, determination, and overcoming obstacles. It symbolizes triumph over challenges and the ability to move forward in life with confidence. This card often encourages us to stay focused and take control of our journey.

Strength (Card VIII)

Strength signifies inner strength, courage, and resilience. It represents the power to overcome difficulties and maintain calm in the face of adversity. This card often reminds us to tap into our inner power and trust in our ability to handle any situation.

The Hermit (Card IX)

The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. It symbolizes a retreat from the world to find answers within ourselves. This card often appears when we need to take a step back, reflect, and gain clarity before moving forward.

Wheel of Fortune (Card X)

The Wheel of Fortune signifies destiny, change, and cycles of life. It represents the ups and downs we experience and the unpredictability of life. This card often reminds us to go with the flow and embrace both the twists and turns that come our way.

Justice (Card XI)

Justice represents fairness, truth, and karma. It symbolizes balance and the consequences of our actions. This card often appears when we are seeking justice or striving to find equilibrium in our lives.

The Hanged Man (Card XII)

The Hanged Man signifies surrender, letting go, and gaining a new perspective. It represents a willingness to sacrifice or release control for the sake of personal growth. This card often encourages us to find a different vantage point in order to see situations from a fresh angle.

Death (Card XIII)

Death represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings. It symbolizes the need to let go of the old to make room for the new. This card often carries a message of profound change and the need for acceptance and adaptability.

Temperance (Card XIV)

Temperance signifies balance, harmony, and moderation. It represents the blending of different aspects of life to find a middle ground. This card often appears when we need to find stability and equilibrium within ourselves and our relationships.

The Devil (Card XV)

The Devil represents bondage, attachment, and temptation. It symbolizes the unhealthy patterns or addictions that may hold us back. This card often encourages us to confront our fears and break free from self-imposed limitations.

The Tower (Card XVI)

The Tower signifies sudden change, upheaval, and liberation. It represents the destruction of old structures or belief systems to make way for something new. This card often appears when significant shifts in our lives are occurring.

The Star (Card XVII)

The Star represents hope, inspiration, and healing. It symbolizes a sense of renewal and rejuvenation after a difficult period. This card often indicates a period of inner alignment and finding our guiding light.

The Moon (Card XVIII)

The Moon signifies intuition, subconscious fears, and illusions. It represents the mysterious and unseen aspects of ourselves. This card often appears when we need to trust our intuition and explore our deepest emotions.

The Sun (Card XIX)

The Sun represents joy, vitality, and success. It symbolizes a period of abundance and positivity. This card often carries a message of celebration and embracing the present moment.

Judgment (Card XX)

Judgment signifies rebirth, forgiveness, and self-reflection. It represents a call to evaluate our actions and make amends. This card often appears when we are going through a transformative period and need to let go of the past.

The World (Card XXI)

The World signifies completion, fulfillment, and harmony. It represents a sense of accomplishment and reaching a significant milestone. This card often appears when we have achieved a goal or reached a new level of understanding and growth.

Understanding the meanings behind the major arcana cards can deepen your tarot practice and provide valuable insight into various aspects of your life. Whether you’re seeking guidance, exploring your spirituality, or simply looking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, the major arcana cards can serve as a powerful tool on your journey.

Remember, the interpretations of the tarot cards are not set in stone, and each reading may hold a unique significance based on the individual and the context. Embrace the magic of the tarot and allow yourself to connect with the cards in a way that resonates with you.