In a standard 78 card tarot deck, 22 unsuited cards, each known by their own name, make up the major arcana. Also known as the trump cards, the cards of the major arcana are fraught with powerful images and steeped in the mystery of the psyche. They represent archetypes– universal human experiences or emotions. The imagery of these detailed cards touches something primal within the seeker, and evokes powerful reactions.
In a reading, the appearance of a trump card should not be taken lightly. In fact, the more trump cards that appear in a reading, the more impact the issues surrounding the reading are going to have upon the seeker. Give special consideration to their meaning and location. Remember, there are no “good” or “bad” cards– much of the interpretation will depend upon the location of the card and what it represents.
Proficient tarot readers become familiar with each card in their own way, and must dig deep and experiment with the cards to really get a grasp on what each individual card means to him or her. However, there are specific associations that are common with each card. Use these generic descriptions as a jumping point when studying the Tarot for yourself.
The Fool: A new cycle is beginning, or you are embarking upon a new journey in life. This journey can be literal, such as a trip or moving away. More often, however, it will be a symbolic representation, showing up when you are starting a new chapter in your life. It could also indicate spontaneity, foolishness, innocence, and a tendency to leap before looking.
The Magician: Trump cards featuring male characters often indicate action. The Magician means it is time to put your talents to use, and use your natural gifts to obtain that which is desired. Practice what you preach. The focus of this card is on the will, ability, skills, creativity and reaching for goals.
The High Priestess: Trump cards featuring female characters often indicate mysteries, or influence. The High Priestess shows that it is a time for reflection, to utilize wisdom and be patient before acting. Trust your intuition and try to look at the big picture. This card focuses on guidance, understanding, being open to possibilities and allowing events to unfold without interference.
The Empress: The Empress is the ultimate mother figure in the Tarot. Fertility, either creative or physical, abounds. It is a time to be the nurturer, or a time when you need nurturing or special care. The card could indicate giving birth (to a baby, an idea or a work that has been in progress), and is often connected with the home life or family. It’s appearance could also indicate a time of being in harmony with the earth and appreciating the abundance of blessings in your life.
The Emperor: As the Empress is the ultimate mother figure, the Emperor is the ultimate father figure. It is time to be the authority figure, to be the leader or the protector of that which you hold dear. The Emperor is also associated with the home and family, but could also be associated with your career. This card indicates reason, stability, structure, and exercising authority with a firm but caring hand.
The Hierophant: It is a time for looking beyond the surface, for going deeper and trying to seek knowledge or understanding. This card is often associated with a seeker’s spiritual life, either indicating a need to explore your spirituality, or to stop letting dogma and ritual stagnate your spiritual quest. It is associated with conformity, external authorities, institutions, and discipline.
The Lovers: Usually this card shows up in regards to a significant other or romantic interest, but could also refer to a couple that the seeker knows. Perhaps a marriage or romance is on the horizon, or your feelings for someone are very strong. It can also mean that you have a strong desire for partnership. The card is associated with love, trust, sex, desire and unions.
The Chariot: A goal has been (or will be) reached, or you have (or will) triumph over a challenge in life. It could also be an indicator of a physical journey or trip on the horizon. The Chariot is associated with travel, balance, controlling forces, self-confidence and “taking the reins”– or assuming a position of control in life.
Strength: This card is associated with power, but not a raw force. Instead, it is innate courage, or strength of convictions, that helps one to endure or influence people or situations. When Strength appears in a reading, it is time to be solid as a rock. This card could indicate patience, steadfastness, tolerance, resolve, or perseverance.
The Hermit: It is a time to seek out the truth, either by introspection (going within), or seeking out wise council. The hermit could also indicate a need for you to spend some time alone, either to enjoy some privacy or think things through without distraction. Be still, listen to your inner voice, and be observant of that which is around you. This card is associated with withdrawal, prudence, seeking answers and seclusion.
The Wheel of Fortune: This card indicates that, for better or for worse, a reversal of fortune is at hand. A lucky- or unlucky-streak may be coming to an end. New developments are going to alter the course of your journey and you are likely to be swept up in the tides of change. This card could indicate sudden changes, fortune, direction, or destiny.
Justice: Someone is going to be getting what they deserve, for better or for worse. You or someone you know will reap what has been sown. Justice often pops up when legal issues are surrounding the reading and shows that things are going to be settled fairly. This card indicates impartiality, weighing the issues, consideration for what is right and fair, legal matters and negotiations.
The Hanged Man: A time of being in suspension, a time of inaction or ambivalence. This card could indicate that the reader has been living in the moment, or has given up his own needs and desires to fulfill a higher purpose. This card is associated with surrender, sacrifice, or taking the time to look at things from a fresh, new perspective.
Death: Few cards get such a bad rap, but the Death card is nothing to fear. Rarely does it indicate a physical death. Instead, this card indicates a transformation, the end of a chapter in your life, completion of business, or a lesson having been learned. It is associated with change, the past, and closure.
Temperance: A need for moderation in one or more areas of life is exposed. It is time to find the middle ground and move away from extremes. It could indicate that frugality and good money management is paying off, or will pay off in the long run. This card indicates moderation, cooperation, achieving harmony and balance.
The Devil: Another card that evokes frightening images, the Devil card is not indicative of evil forces at work against you. Instead, it warns that you or someone in your life may be a slave to negative emotions, such as greed, hatred, envy or obsession. It could show up when you are allowing a negative emotion or person to control you. The card is associated with materialism, addictions, or being trapped.
The Tower: A sudden change is at hand which will usually lead to a downfall. This is another card indicating transformation or change; however usually from a catastrophic upheaval. How you react and your ability to maintain a level head in a crisis will be your salvation in the face of destructive forces. This card is associated with loss, chaos, disruption, and outbursts.
The Star: Positive thinking and faith will help see you through to the light at the end of the tunnel. There are bright prospects ahead. Hope and optimism will affect you in a positive way and open you up to a new sense of awareness. This card can indicate inspiration, serenity, promise, generosity and salvation.
The Moon: This card often brings the warning that deception is afoot, and urges you to tread carefully. Proceed in all things with caution, for you may not be able to see the dangers around the next curve. Your goals may be unrealistic and it is time to stop dreaming and accept the reality of a situation. This card is associated with falsehoods, manipulation, deceit, and unclear thoughts.
The Sun: Enlightenment is on the horizon, and things are becoming bright and happy. You have accomplished something important and are enjoying your day in the Sun. You may find yourself feeling recharged, enthusiastic and bursting with renewed energy. This card is associated with happiness, liberation, joys, glory, and good health.
Judgement: Another card associated with reaping what you sow, it is time in life to become accountable for your actions, and receive your reward or your penalty. It may also indicate a need to forgive yourself or someone, to let go of the past and mistakes that have been made. Start over, don’t hold on to grudges. This card is associated with purpose, rebirth, absolution, accountability and renewal.
The World: A cycle in life is coming to a close; you have completed a phase successfully and are ready for a new beginning. Everything is coming together; all elements are working in harmony. Possibilities abound. This card indicates issues of accomplishment, fulfillment, joining together, satisfaction and blessings.
