The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana (also known as the trump cards) forms the foundation of the Tarot deck and consists of twenty-one numbered cards and one unnumbered card (the Fool). They represent a path to spiritual self-awareness and depict the various stages we encounter as we search for greater meaning and understanding. In this way, they hold deeply meaningful lessons.

The Major Arcana cards illustrate the structure of human consciousness and, as such, hold the keys to life lessons passed down through the ages. The imagery of the Major Arcana cards is filled with wisdom from multiple cultures and esoteric traditions, including the Egyptian, Buddhist, Hindu, Sufi, Hebrew and Christian religions.

In his book Pocket Guide to Tarot, Alan Oken suggests that the twenty-two Major Arcana cards are like the mandalas of the Tarot. Mandalas are detailed images painted onto canvas and used as spiritual study and meditation aids by the Tibetans. Therefore it is important to study the images of the Major Arcana cards and contemplate their messages. Look beyond the simple keywords and traditional meanings, and seek out your own personal meanings of these significant cards. The more you understand about their symbolism, the deeper your understanding of what they represent.

FoolThe Major Arcana cards can also represent Carl Jung’s archetypes – consistent, directing patterns of influence that are an inherent part of human nature. They are themes which mark, portray and symbolise stages in our psyche whereby we aim to become a balanced and integrated person. Along this journey, we encounter challenges, face adversity, perform labours, make hard decisions and fight opposing forces. Each step of the way brings us closer to enlightenment. This is often referred to as the journey of the Fool. If you are interested in reading more about the journey of the Fool, I highly recommend Karen Hamaker-Zondag’s book The Way of the Tarot: Jungian Approach for Deeper Insight into the Tarot.

When a Tarot reading is predominantly made up of Major Arcana cards, the client is experiencing life-changing events which will have long-term influences. There are important lessons which the client must pay attention to in order to progress further in their spiritual and personal quest. If many of the Major Arcana cards are reversed, however, it is indicative that the client is not paying attention to these important life lessons and must return to the lesson of the previous card before moving forward.

It is possible to conduct a Tarot reading only using the twenty-two Major Arcana cards. This method is typically used for Tarot readings relating to spiritual self-awareness or where you require deep insight from the collective unconscious.

The Major Arcana Cards – Keyword Descriptions

Fool – Beginning, innocence, spontaneity, carefree
Magician – Power, skill, concentration, action
High Priestess - Intuition, Higher power, mystery
Empress – Femininity, nurture, Mother Earth, nature, birth, fertility
Emperor – Authority, father-figure, structure, regulation, solid foundation
Hierophant – Group identification, conformity, tradition, religion
Lovers – Love, union, bonds, alignment, relationships
Chariot – Control, will power, victory, assertion
Strength – Strength, courage, patience, soft control
Hermit – Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, guidance
Wheel of Fortune – Luck, karma, destiny, turning point
Justice – Justice, fairness, karma, cause and effect
Hanged Man – Suspension, letting go, sacrifice, martyrdom
Death – Endings, beginnings, life cycle, transition
Temperance – Balance, moderation, patience
Devil – Bondage, addiction, sexuality, materialism
Tower – Disaster, shaken foundations, sudden change, revelation
Star – Hope, spirituality, renewal, inspiration
Moon – Illusion, fear, insecurity, mystery
Sun – Fun, warmth, love, positivity, enlightenment, vitality
Judgement – Judgement, rebirth, inner calling
World – Completion, integration, accomplishment

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This entry was posted on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 5:54 pm and is filed under Learning the Tarot - Tarot Basics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.