What Do the 21 Tarot Cards Mean?
The tarot is a deck of 78 cards used for divination and spiritual guidance. Among these cards, the 21 cards of the Major Arcana hold special significance. The Major Arcana cards are highly symbolic and represent powerful archetypes, universal themes, and life-changing experiences. In this blog post, we will explore the meanings behind each of the 21 tarot cards, shedding light on their profound symbolism and potential interpretations.
The Fool (Card 0)
The Fool card represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and embracing the unknown. It signifies a journey and a leap of faith into uncharted territories with the belief that everything will work out. This card suggests being open to opportunities, taking risks, and trusting the universe to guide you.
The Magician (Card I)
The Magician embodies power, creation, and mastery. This card signifies the ability to manifest your desires and make things happen. It represents using your skills, resources, and charisma to bring about positive changes in your life. The Magician reminds you of your innate potential and the need to harness it.
The High Priestess (Card II)
The High Priestess represents intuition, wisdom, and the unseen realms. This card suggests connecting with your inner self and tapping into your intuition for guidance. It signifies the need to trust your instincts and delve into the mysteries of life. The High Priestess is a reminder to seek spiritual knowledge and embrace the power of the divine feminine.
The Empress (Card III)
The Empress symbolizes fertility, abundance, and nurturance. This card signifies the birth of new ideas, projects, or relationships. It represents the potential for growth and the manifestation of creative endeavors. The Empress encourages you to connect with your feminine energy and embrace your sensual nature.
The Emperor (Card IV)
The Emperor embodies authority, structure, and leadership. This card signifies the need for order, discipline, and taking control of your life. It represents the ability to make rational decisions and set clear boundaries. The Emperor reminds you to take responsibility for your actions and be assertive in achieving your goals.
The Hierophant (Card V)
The Hierophant represents tradition, conformity, and spiritual guidance. This card signifies the need for mentorship, learning from established systems, and following societal norms. It represents seeking wisdom from authority figures and conforming to cultural values and belief systems. The Hierophant encourages you to find guidance from trusted sources.
The Lovers (Card VI)
The Lovers symbolize love, harmony, and choices. This card signifies partnerships, both romantic and platonic, as well as the choices that come with them. It represents the need to balance emotions and desires when making decisions. The Lovers remind you to choose love, embrace unity, and align your actions with your values.
The Chariot (Card VII)
The Chariot represents willpower, determination, and triumph. This card signifies taking control of a situation, overcoming obstacles, and moving forward with confidence. It represents the need to find balance between opposing forces and navigate through life’s challenges with resilience and strength. The Chariot encourages you to stay focused on your goals.
Strength (Card VIII)
Strength symbolizes courage, inner strength, and resilience. This card signifies the ability to overcome adversity through gentleness and compassion. It represents taming your inner beasts, controlling impulses, and finding your inner power. Strength reminds you to trust in your abilities and stand up for your beliefs.
The Hermit (Card IX)
The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, and inner guidance. This card signifies the need for introspection, self-reflection, and seeking answers from within. It represents a period of withdrawal and self-discovery. The Hermit encourages you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life to find clarity and illumination.
Wheel of Fortune (Card X)
The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes destiny, cycles, and change. This card signifies the ever-turning wheel of life and the constant flow of circumstances. It represents the ups and downs, the cycles of growth and decline. The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that change is inevitable and encourages you to embrace the opportunities it brings.
Justice (Card XI)
Justice represents balance, fairness, and truth. This card signifies fairness, accountability, and making ethical decisions. It represents the consequences of your actions and the need to make amends when necessary. Justice reminds you to uphold your values and seek harmony in your life.
The Hanged Man (Card XII)
The Hanged Man symbolizes surrender, suspension, and enlightenment. This card signifies a need to let go, surrender control, and look at life from a new perspective. It represents sacrifice and the willingness to make personal transformations for growth. The Hanged Man reminds you to embrace surrender and trust the journey.
Death (Card XIII)
Death represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings. This card signifies the end of a phase or way of life, making space for something new. It represents the need to release old habits, beliefs, or relationships. Death reminds you that change is necessary for growth and encourages you to embrace the transformative process.
Temperance (Card XIV)
Temperance symbolizes balance, harmony, and moderation. This card signifies the need for moderation in all aspects of life. It represents finding the middle ground and blending opposing energies. Temperance reminds you to seek harmony, both within yourself and in your relationships.
The Devil (Card XV)
The Devil embodies temptation, illusions, and bondage. This card signifies unhealthy attachments, addictions, or limiting beliefs. It represents the need to free yourself from negative influences and take control of your own destiny. The Devil reminds you to confront your fears and embrace your true self.
The Tower (Card XVI)
The Tower represents sudden change, upheaval, and awakening. This card signifies unexpected events that shake the foundation of your life. It represents the need to release old patterns and embrace new perspectives. The Tower reminds you that sometimes destruction is necessary for growth and transformation.
The Star (Card XVII)
The Star symbolizes hope, inspiration, and healing. This card signifies renewal and a burst of positive energy. It represents finding hope in challenging times and reconnecting with your dreams. The Star reminds you to have faith, trust in the universe, and pursue your deepest desires.
The Moon (Card XVIII)
The Moon represents intuition, emotions, and the subconscious. This card signifies illusions, fears, and deep emotions. It represents hidden truths and the need to trust your intuition. The Moon reminds you to embrace your emotions, confront your fears, and seek clarity in uncertain situations.
The Sun (Card XIX)
The Sun symbolizes joy, success, and vitality. This card signifies a period of happiness, abundance, and growth. It represents basking in the warmth of success and embracing your true self. The Sun reminds you to let your light shine and believe in your abilities.
Judgment (Card XX)
Judgment represents self-reflection, rebirth, and awakening. This card signifies a calling to a higher purpose and taking responsibility for your actions. It represents personal transformation and spiritual growth. Judgment reminds you to reflect on your past, release judgment, and embrace forgiveness.
The World (Card XXI)
The World symbolizes completion, fulfillment, and wholeness. This card signifies reaching a state of harmony and integration, both within yourself and in your external world. It represents the culmination of your efforts and the beginning of a new cycle. The World reminds you to celebrate your achievements and embrace new possibilities.
Each of the 21 tarot cards of the Major Arcana holds a unique significance and offers guidance on various aspects of life. The interpretations mentioned above are just a starting point, and the true meanings can differ depending on the context and the reader’s intuition. The tarot invites you to explore, reflect, and tap into your own wisdom to unlock the deeper messages these cards have to offer.
Disclaimer: Tarot readings and interpretations are subjective and should be taken as guidance or entertainment purposes only. The power to shape your life ultimately lies in your own hands.
