| the Major Arcana
The 22 cards of the Major Arcana represent stages in the archetypal journey of life. This journey is depicted in the story of the Fool. As he encounters each card, he learns another of life's important lessons. This is often referred to as "the Fool's Journey."
When the Major Arcana cards appear in a reading, they indicate rites of passage that occur on many levels; inner and outer, psychological and spiritual. These cards bear greater significance in a reading, for they indicate major lessons that we cannot avoid. These lessons often change our perspective and understanding of the world at large.
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| Major Arcana
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| 0 |
Fool |
A new phase of life begins, a risk must be taken, a need to abandon the old & start something new. |
| 1 |
Magician |
New skills & potentials available, opportunities & adventures unfolding. |
| 2 |
High Priestess |
Thirst for knowledge of an esoteric nature, secrets to be revealed, potential abundant but as yet unfulfilled. |
| 3 |
Empress |
Fertility, creativity, abundance, marriage or relationship, children. |
| 4 |
Emperor |
A need to make something solid, to concretize an idea, to build something with a firm structure. |
| 5 |
Hierophant |
Need for spiritual purpose, the search for a personal philosophy, or spiritual values. |
| 6 |
Lovers |
The necessity of making a choice of some kind, usually in love. |
| 7 |
Chariot |
Conflict within, struggles or battles, but potential for victory, resolution of quarrels. |
| 8 |
Strength |
Need for strength, courage & self-discipline. Potential for moral victory & mastery of life. |
| 9 |
Hermit |
A time for withdrawal, silent meditation & solitude. Patience is needed to confront one’s inner world. |
| 10 |
Wheel of Fortune |
Change in fortune, new beginnings, a new chapter in life starting. The wheel makes a new turn. |
| 11 |
Justice |
Need for clarity of mind, impartial judgment, & balanced intellect. |
| 12 |
Hanged Man |
A sacrifice must be made to gain something of greater value, time in suspension. |
| 13 |
Death |
The end of something that has been lived out, transformation, new beginnings to follow. |
| 14 |
Temperance |
Harmony with relationships, cooperation resulting in happy marriage or partnership. |
| 15 |
Devil |
A confrontation with the inner world. Facing fears & inhibitions can foster growth. |
| 16 |
Tower |
Breaking down existing forms, changing false structures, & finding true values. |
| 17 |
Star |
Hope, inspiration, faith, belief in a new & better life. |
| 18 |
Moon |
Hope, meaning, & inspiration, faith in the midst of difficulties, belief in a new & better life. |
| 19 |
Sun |
Optimism, time of positive action, energy in abundance, a time of clear vision. |
| 20 |
Judgment |
Time for reaping rewards for past actions, time for reaching conclusions & summing up situations. |
| 21 |
World |
Success, achievement, attainment, the realization of a goal or the completion of a cycle. |
the Minor Arcana
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The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana depict the more everyday experiences of our lives. The cards of the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits;
Cups,
Wands,
Swords, and
Pentacles. Each of these suits represents a specific sphere of life.
Each of the four Minor Arcana suits has ten numbered cards and four court cards. The numbered cards represent experiences in our everyday lives that we can influence with our own free will. The court cards tend to represent specific people, but often will represent qualities that are emerging within ourselves.
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