New to tarot? Welcome to Major Arcana 101.
As you may already know, a Tarot deck consists of 78 cards; 22 numbered cards - the "Major Arcana" and 4 sets of 14 cards - wands, cups, swords, and pentacles a.k.a "Minor Arcana". Here we will focus on the Major Arcana and will go over their meanings.
Consider for a moment that the Major Arcana is one metaphoric story of the journey through life and the events and people we come into contact with. They're the stages of our personal development, our role-models, hang-ups, and challenges. Well, knowing this, we come to the realization that every story needs a main character, right?
Introducing our main character, the first card of the deck, number 0 - "the Fool". Looking at the picture what do you see?
We see a young man standing on the edge of a cliff, packed his belongings, arms wide open, light is falling on him, as he holds his head high. He looks positive, youthful, fresh, spontaneous, and ready to venture out, but he is unaware of the fact that he is standing on the edge of a cliff, he doesn't yet realize the difficulties ahead, he is focused on the fact that there is a grand adventure coming. That is why he is named "the fool", he is brave and optimistic but doesn't look before he leaps. This is why one main thing tarot readers associate with him is the "leap of faith". He has a child's innocence, which can also be seen through the symbolism of the rose he is holding in his hand, so we could also say that this is the journey of innocence that matures through time and experience.
The dog at his feet symbolizes loyalty and protection, which seems to be giving the Fool more courage to venture on.
The number 0 - the number of unlimited potential, is also a symbol, as we know zero basically means empty. That is what the fool is, he is empty but ready to be filled with knowledge for the world, he is yet a blank page, standing between the positive and negative.
Last, but not least we have the mountain behind him, showing the difficulties that lie ahead.
This symbolism portrayed in the actual picture helps us understand the meaning of the card in an actual reading better. This is a card of new beginnings, opportunity, and potential. When it shows in readings it means new opportunities are being presented to you, you are being called to follow your heart and trust the Universe's plan. It is your invitation to relax, play, and have fun.
Meeting the Magician
Upon setting out, The Fool meets "the Magician", the card of the deck numbered 1, as if to signify new beginnings.
The Magician is here to teach the lesson of manifestation and commitment. Looking at the picture we see him with one arm stretched out towards the Universe, and the other pointing down to the earth. This represents his connection to both, the spiritual and material world. His robe is white to represent his spiritual connection and knowledge and his cloak is red to represent his earthy experience and knowledge.
This connection is what helps him create his goals into the physical realm. He is like an alchemist, he converts energy into matter.
In front of him on the table, we find a cup, wand, pentacle, and a sword, to represent the four suits of minor arcana a.k. the four elements. This symbolizes his unity to the Universe, as well as his tools, with which he brings his intentions to reality. His access to unlimited potential and wisdom is represented by the infinity symbol above his head and his belt - a snake biting its' own tail. The flowers around him show his ideas and aspirations blossoming.
Thus, upon meeting with the magician, the fool learns how to find the tools, resources and how to use his own thoughts to manifest his desires. The fool now has the needed knowledge to take inspired action and commit to his ideas.
Likewise, when the Magician pops in a reading you know that now is the time to explore an idea and bring your intentions to fruition. You have all the skill, knowledge, and power you need. It's time to set your clear intentions and manifest them.
The High Priestess
While the Magician was all about the divine yang/masculine energy that thought the Fool action and manifestation, The High priestess is all about the yin/feminine energy, teaching intuition and the power of the subconscious mind and unity between polar opposites.
The number two signifies the duality of the Universe and the unity between the polarities.
On the image of the card, we see a woman standing in front of a pomegranate decorated veil with two pillars on each side (similar to the temple of Solomon). The black and white on the pillars symbolize the darkness and light, masculine and feminine, the duality of life. On the left side is a black pillar with the letter B on it which means Boaz - ïn his strength". On the right side is a white pillar with the letter J on it which means Jachin - "he will establish". The veil symbolizes the unity between the polarity of the pillars. It is also the midpoint between the conscious and subconscious realm - the seen and the unseen, the light and the shadow aspect of ourselves. The pomegranates are a symbol of fertility and abundance, which can be connected to the myth of Hades and Persephone.
The High Priestess wears a blue robe suggesting her spiritual beauty, purity, and transcendence. Blue is considered the color of water, which is deeply connected to intuition and psychic abilities.
The cross on her chest is not connected to Christianity but is a Greek cross that indicates spiritual and psychological integration. it is a symbol of peace, well-being, and oneness with the Divine.
The crown on her head, which looks like the three stages of the moon: Waxing Cresent, Full, and Waning Crescent, signifies the endless cycle of death and rebirth. It is also connected to the Triple Goddess - The Maiden, Mother, and Crow, which inclines the tarot readers to connect the card to a symbol of the divine feminine. Similarly, the crescent at her feet symbolizes again, her connection with the divine feminine, intuition, and subconscious mind. The meaning of the word on the scroll in her hands, that reads "TORA" is a controversial subject. Some believe it means "divine law", while others believe it is TAROT written backward. In any way, it is most likely meant to symbolize that this sacred knowledge will only be revealed when the student is ready to look beyond the material realm.
Accordingly, The High priestess is here to teach the Fool about the power of the subconscious, shadow realm, and hot to unite it with the knowledge the Magician gave him.
Similarly, when this card pops up in a reading is a signifier of spiritual enlightenment, divine wisdom, and intuition. The card calls you to embrace your compassionate, creative, and nurturing side. It shows you that you have the answer within you already, you just need to trust yourself.
The Empress
The number Three of this card symbolizes new life created from the interaction of opposites, this new life can also be in the form of the birth of an idea, romance or business.
Thus, the Empress represents The Fool’s mother figure and creator in the form of a warm, loving woman who nourishes and cares for him.
As depicted in the picture the Empress is a woman sitting upon an array of cushions and red velvet. One cushion has the symbol of Venus, the planet of love, creativity, fertility, beauty, and grace, which is what this card is all about.
On her head, she wears a crown of twelve stars, that show her connection to the mystical realm and the cycles of the world of nature.
The pomegranates on her robe are again, a symbol of fertility and show a connection to the High Priestess - the two are sisters, one bringing life into the world, the other giving meaning to this life, by teaching them esoteric mysteries.
With The Empress, the Fool also comes to understand the importance of Mother Earth and nature, who nurture him in a larger sense. This connection between the Empress and Mother Earth can be seen in the image of the forest and stream surrounding her. She is drawing a sense of peace and rejuvenates herself by the energy of nature. There is also wheat sprouts coming from the earth to symbolize abundance.
In this way when The Empress pops up in a reading it shows our connection to our femininity. This card calls us to embrace our elegance, sensuality, fertility, creative expression, nurturing, and self-love. It signifies abundance and the birth of an idea, romance, or business. It also tells us to reconnect with nature and our creative side, through art. On a more literal note, it can mean pregnancy or birth.
This card is also here to teach us how to nurture ourselves and love ourselves as a mother or lover would.
The Emperor
The number four on this card symbolizes stability, organization, partitioning, and foundations.
Respectively, The Emperor signifies the Fool's father figure, showing the importance of authority and discipline. The Fool learns that there are certain behavioral patterns necessary for his well-being. There are people in authority who make guidelines and restrictions, which can be frustrating, but they have a purpose.
Let's look at the symbols in the card, so we understand the Emperor better. We have a man sitting on a throne, a seat of power, authority, and rulership. He wears a red robe, indicative of his power, passion, and zest for life. underneath he is in armor, a symbol of protection from threat and vulnerability. The throne is decorated with ram heads, symbolizing Ares/Mars, The God of war.
In one hand he holds "ankh", the Egyptian symbol of life, health, happiness, and fortune to those who possess it.
In his other hand, he holds an orb – A feminine symbol, which usually indicates the symbol of Heaven or a great ruler.
The crown on his head, along with his white beard and hair are pretty self-explanatory - a sign of rulership and authority, by great wisdom and experience.
The Mountains behind him symbolize a solid foundation but maybe a stubborn character that doesn't exactly welcome change.
With this being said, what does the Emperor mean in a reading?
When this card is pulled it means you might be taking on a fatherly role - taking care and protecting the family, making important decisions, providing for your family. It can also mean that you are the "rock" or support of your loved ones.
Another thing this card symbolizes is leadership. Maybe it's time you take the lead or you just feel more comfortable in the lead. You might be a good teacher for others as your life experiences have taught you enough.
This card calls for you to stand your ground, be systematic, strategic, and highly organized in your approach.
The Hierophant
The number of the Hierophant is five, a symbol of spiritual knowledge according to the Greeks.
Thus, the Hierophant is here to train The Fool in the importance of all the practices and traditions of the society as a part of the culture. He teaches the importance of the feeling of belonging and identification with a group of people.
As a whole, the Hierophant is the masculine counterpart to the High Priestess and is known as "the teacher".
Similar to the High Priestess, The Hierophant also sits between two pillars of a temple, but it is different, here the two pillars suggest law and liberty or obedience and disobedience.
He is depicted wearing three robes – red, blue and white. and a three-tiered crown, both of which representing the three worlds he is connected to - the conscious, subconscious, and super-conscious.
In his left hand, he holds the Papal Cross, a triple scepter that signifies his religious status. His other hand is raised in a religious blessing, with two fingers pointing towards Heaven and two towards Earth, which shows he is the builder of the bridge between deity and humanity.
Before him kneel two men. who are being passed his spiritual wisdom and are being initiated into the church. This symbolizes shared group identity and a rite of passage to enter the next level.
Finally, the crossed keys at his feet represent the unlocking of mysteries only he can teach.
Similarly, in a tarot reading the card means working with a teacher or mentor, to learn about spiritual values and beliefs or you could be the one teaching others.
It could mean you are staying within the bounds of what is safe and secure and to what you know will lead to success.
Another thing The Hierophant can suggest is honoring your family traditions or sacred rituals. You are being called to commit to a spiritual practice or you may just enjoy the company of people who have well-established beliefs and values.
The Lovers
The Lovers fall under number six, the number of the divine force in nature, of cooperation and marriage.
With this card, the Fool finds himself at a crossroads between their current path and love.
Until now his journey was about himself, but now he feels the urge for a balancing union with another person. He starts yearning for a relationship.
His journey now becomes about questioning opinions, not only about being taught values.
Let's first look at the symbolism of the picture. There are a naked man and woman, who stand before the angel Raphael ("God heals") who represents physical and emotional healing.
While blessing them the angel also reminds them of their union with the Divine.
The couple stands in what seems to be a reenactBehind the woman we see a tall apple tree, with a snake at its trunk. Similarly to the Bible, the snake and apple tree symbolize the temptation of the physical that takes the focus off of the Divine.
Behind the man is a tree of flames, which represents passion
The volcanic mountain in the background represents the eruption of passion that happens when man and woman meet.
Thus similarly to what The Lovers teaches the Fool when it pops in a tarot reading the card means meaningful relationships. Lovers card typically refers to a romantic tie that feels out of this world, but it can also represent a close friendship or family relationship.
Just like the man and woman are completely bare in the picture the card suggests open and honest communication in our relationships as well as being open and honest with ourselves and our needs and wants. This card calls for honest and genuine authenticity and love for oneself.
The Lovers also encourage us to unify dualities and look for peace and harmony between polarities in both ourselves and in our relationships.
The Chariot
Moving on to the Card at number 7, the number of creativity and individuality.
Hence, The Chariot is here to teach the Fool about making up his mind, taking action, and coming out victorious.
Reaching this point of the journey The Fool gets a strong feeling of his identity. He learns discipline, will-power, and inner control that helps him triumph.
Reaching this point the Fool is content in his success.
The card itself shows a brave warrior inside a chariot, wearing armor decorated with crescent moons, which show something that is coming into realization. The square on his tunic shows the strength of will. There are also a lot of other alchemist symbols that suggest spiritual transformation.
On his head, we see a laurel and a crown with a star, which symbolizes victory, success, and spiritual evolution.
He is driving the chariot, but there are no reins just a wand, suggesting that he controls it just by the power of his mind.
He is standing tall because he is all about taking action and moving. In front, we see a black and a white sphinx, representing duality and opposing forces, they are drawn to be pulling in opposite directions, but the man is controlling them.
He is deeply connected to the celestial world and the Divine as is shown by the canopy of six-pointed stars above his head.
The river behind the chariot is in harmony with the constant need for movement of the man.
This is why when this card shows itself in a tarot reading you know it's time to take action, move forward, and take control.
Just like it teaches the Fool control over himself and maturity, willpower, and commitment in order to succeed it teaches us that too.
This card is a sign of encouragement, when you apply discipline, commitment, and willpower to achieve your goals, you will succeed.
The chariot calls for you to be courageous and bold. There will be obstacles in your way which will test your convictions, but you must not give up. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
This is how stage one of the journey ends. This stage was all about the social self, a time of experiment with the identity (the Fool), our power (The Magician), our intuition(The High Priestess), our sensuality and nurturing (the Empress). It was a time of learning about the pros and cons of structure (the Emperor), holding the values and traditions (the Hierophant), exploring relationships (the Lovers) and the power of determination, and holding one's ground(the Chariot). Here the Fool answered the questions of "who am I?" and "how do I fit into the world?"
See you at stage two
Blessed be witches!
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