General Overview:
The Major Arcana are made up of 22 cards that represent our journey
from life to death and the lessons we learn along the way. There are
many different decks to choose from and they do not all agree when it
comes to their interpretation, but many follow the Rider Waite
concept. I personally like the Robin Wood deck (which is similar in
meaning as the basic tarot deck), so I will be using that deck as the basis for my interpretations.
The MA all have a numeral on the card as well as the name of it. Most
put the Fool as 0 signifying the beginning of the journey, although it
could be used as 22 (or the Roman Numeral XXII) signifying the end of
the cycle. This of course will depend on the type of question asked
and the cards surrounding, which we will eventually get to.
There are symbols all over the cards some of which are hidden,
requiring you to search out it's meaning.
The Fool:
The Fool can be at the start OR end of your journey, therefore being
numbered either 0 or XXII (22), or even being numberless. But, in most
cases people consider it to be the beginning, therefore starting at 0.
It can represent innocence, foolishness, starting on a new path in
life, freedom, beginnings, an open mind.
If reversed it can represent carelessness, making unwise decisions or
being indecisive, indifference, coming to the end of a path in your life.
The Magician: I
The Magician means it is time to assert some independence and make use of what we have learned so far. There are opportunities to use talents we have been honing, use imagination, skill, creativity, and manifestation.
Reversed it shows clumsiness, confidence in one-self is low resulting
in bad judgment.
The High Priestess: II
This card shows intuition and confidence, learning to make decisions by following your instinct, psychic abilities. It represents good judgment by using wisdom, being practical.
Reversed it shows you have not yet started paying attention to your intuition, and by ignorance therefore leading to a bad judgment, a lack of sense.
The Empress: III
Here there is a caring authority (more maternal). It represents comfort, caring, and security, abundance, wisdom. It can also represent fertility, or a competent woman. There may also be hidden actions of some sort.
Reversed it shows there is a lack of satisfaction, uncertainty. It may also show infertility.
The Emperor: IV
This shows a disciplined authority (more paternal). There is someone or something that has far reaching and long lasting influence and respect (big plans). It represents success and security, logic.
Reversed it means there is confusion, weakness leading to ineffectiveness.
The Hierophant: V
There is safety in tradition, a need to maintain and show respect for the conventional; there is a desire to hold onto the old thoughts and ways, even if they are no longer useful. In a way this makes one a slave to whatever one is not letting go of.
Reversed it shows weakness because of stubborness; can also mean changes, opening to new ways of thought.
The Lovers: VI
There is love and/or a partnership; decisions affect and involve more than just one person. There is communication and trust, choice, possible temptation, or inspiration.
Reversed this shows there is a lack of communication, unreliability, confusion and/or failure.
The Chariot: VII
Hard work is needed for victory, or trouble and problems are left behind, work and travel is possible. Working in harmony and balance is necessary.
When reversed, this indicates things are not in harmony and therefore disagreements and trouble, even defeat and failure are possible.
Strength: VIII
This can indicate not just physical strength, but emotional stregth as well. Do the best you can, have courage, you have the power to help others. It shows success, and/or health.
Reversed shows weakness (physical or emotional), cowardice, an abuse of power.
The Hermit:IX
There is a need to be by yourself and think (meditation of sorts). Be introspective and decide what you need to do, what should and can change. It also can show good advice, wisdom, truth. Listen to your inner voice.
When reversed it can represent being too hasty, or being too cautious and fearful of the making changes that are needed.
Wheel of Fortune: X
Go with the flow. There is change coming, good luck, an end of current troubles, things are moving ahead (like it or not).
If it is reversed, then there will be changes bringing bad luck or failure, unexpected problems and complications.
Justice: XI
Is the current situation fair (legally and/or morally)? It shows balance, negotiations, or possible legal matters, pros and cons of a situation, judgment.
When it is reversed, there is unfairness (legally and/or morally), punishment, bias, or prejudice.
The Hanged Man: XII
Yet another card meaning changes. Your perception may need to change so you can see what is really going on. Sacrifice is required in order to gain wisdom or truth. Suspense in your life, prophesy.
Reversed, this card indicates useless search for wisdom or truth. It may also indicate a goal will not be achieved because of a lack of effort, selfishness, hanging by a thread.
Death: XIII
There is an end to the current situation; a very big dramatic change. Once you let go of the past you can move on. It can also represent a reminder of mortality. Transformation.
Reversed it shows slow changes, trying to hold on to the past by refusing to accept changes (that will occur anyway), or even depression.
Temperance: XIV
Exercise some moderation in your life. Patience and mild caution are indicated so take care of what you have even while you are working toward other things. Adaptation, discipline, or cooperation.
This card, when reversed, shows an excess of caution and impatience. It also can mean that misunderstandings leading to hostility.
The Devil: XV
This represents temptation, materialism, strong desire, bondage to something-addictions (like a bad habit), a choice made that decides your fate. It can also mean bad advice or influences.
Reversed means there is a release from the bondage, freedom, you've started a new direction in your life.
The Tower: XVI
There will be unexpected upheaval (sudden changes, broken relationships), destruction of some kind. What appeared as secure and safe is not. You may need to cut your losses and move on, cut ties with the past.
When reversed it shows continued oppression, money problems and loss, stagnation from a lack of change.
The Star: XVII
Your dreams and wishes may very well come true; there is something to look forward to; the future looks bright; have faith.
When it is reversed it indicates unrealized dreams, delays or the loss of faith or hope. It can also mean indifference, arrogant pride, or laziness.
The Moon: XVIII
There are hidden depths to things in your life, this is a warning of deception and hidden enemies. Be careful in all things, pay attention to safety. Imagination, unforseen events, intuition.
Reversed, this means small deceptions or lies. It can also indicate unexpected gains of some sort.
The Sun: XIX
This shows that everything is going well. It is a time for growth (mental, spiritual, or physical). Success, happiness, contentment and material comforts.
When it is reversed it means there is delays in success, things are uncertain, security (financial or physical) is challenged.
Judgment: XX
The outcome or conclusion of a situation. There is an opportunity to move on; reward, a rebirth of sorts; an awakening or change in consciousness; you must account for your actions.
Reversed it means there is a reluctance or resistance to taking care of your obligations. It also shows weakness, confrontation, or indecision.
The World: XXI
It is the end of one phase and the beginning of a new one; success; you finally see the big picture. There are lots of possibilities and opportunities out there waiting for you! Triumph, attainment.
Reversed, it shows disappointment, things are not as the once seemed; stagnation; failure; not finishing what you started.
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