Understanding the Basics of Tarot Cards—The Major Arcana

When starting to learn tarot, it’s important to understand the different cards and their meanings. Most Tarot card decks have seventy-eight Tarot cards, which are separated into the Major Arcana—which consists of twenty-two cards—and the Minor Arcana—which consists of fifty-six cards. The Major Arcana represents situations that we face within life, each card providing a different perspective on how to move forward. Rather than giving guidance on everyday life, like the Minor Arcana, they focus on the big picture. Each card brings its own meaning and value, and while each card’s significance changes based on the situation, it can be valuable to understand their basic purpose.

The Fool

The Fool is often described as young, naive, and vulnerable. He is unaware of the impact certain life changes may have, and is blind to his power or potential. This card is often reminding you to embrace life and what’s to come, to leave your worries behind you.

The Magician

The Magician is a card that reminds you of your skills and gifts. He is present to showcase your uniqueness, value, and purpose through what you provide to the world. When this card is pulled, it’s to reassure you that you have what you need to move forward and be successful with your endeavors.

The High Priestess

The High Priestess is the card of intuition, connection, and awareness. This card encourages you to follow your instincts and to listen to your inner voice. When pulled, it’s telling you that the answers you seek are within yourself and your abilities, not in the outside world.

The Empress

The Empress is described as the feminine card, specifically the manifestation of Mother Nature. She is the embodiment of compassion, love, and beauty. When this card is pulled, it’s to advise you to be compassionate, forgiving, and empathetic.

The Emperor

The Emperor represents power and leadership. He is the manifestation of structure, status, and solidarity. When this card is pulled, it’s to remind you of the power you hold and the impact your actions have.

The Hierophant

The Hierophant is the messenger man from the heavens. He is a spiritual guide whose purpose is to reveal truth and bring guidance. When this card appears, it encourages you to seek a spiritual perspective on the situation at hand.

The Lovers

The Lovers represents the relationships in your life and brings attention to your love life. This card can refer to romantic, personal, and individual relationships. When this card is pulled, it highlights a crossroads within a relationship and pleads with you to analyze the possible outcomes of your choices.

The Chariot

The Chariot is connected to your drive, determination, and need for victory. This card represents your success and potential. When you see this card, it’s to remind you that success will come if you hold an open mind, heart, and spirit.

Strength

Strength represents courage and, as its title suggests, your strength. It provides insight on how to approach life when challenges and conflicts arise. If this card is pulled, it's to remind you of your inner and out strength, and to embrace the power you exude.

The Hermit

The Hermit is the card of solitude. He represents the withdrawal from society as a way to process and analyze life. A quiet space. When this card appears, it’s to tell you to be very still, listen, and to find your answer through self-reflection and alone-time.

Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune is always turning and constantly changing. Sometimes you may find yourself on the top of the wheel, other times, slipping off the bottom. When pulled, this card warns you that nothing is permanent, but to embrace every moment, good or bad.

Justice

Justice is a reminder that every action has a consequence. It is showing you the impact of your decisions throughout life and asking you to reflect on the cause-and-effect. When you see this card, it’s telling you to analyze your interactions with others and to act more fair.

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man represents the benefits that arise from small sacrifices. Sometimes decisions that feel harmful are needed to influence the bigger picture. When this card is pulled, it’s telling you to let go of what isn’t benefiting you anymore.

Death

Death is a widely misunderstood card and should not be feared, as it does not represent physical death, but rather a new start. It’s a reminder that life goes on and letting go will allow you to keep looking forward. If you pull this card, rather than panicking, acknowledge that it’s telling you to move on and start fresh.

Temperance

Temperance is the embodiment of moderation. She encourages patience, peace, and fluidity. When this card is pulled, it’s to tell you to be more flexible and to embrace change.

The Devil

The Devil often represents powerlessness. When people see this card, it’s often because they feel stuck in life and as though they have nowhere else to turn. This card encourages you to release yourself from your mind and to escape seemingly hopeless situations.

The Tower

The Tower is best described as absolute destruction. It often appears when the reader feels as though they’re hitting rock bottom or are watching their life shatter in front of them. This card is to remind you that you must tear down weakness to build something stable and powerful.

The Star

The Star is the manifestation of hope and healing. She inspires calmness and optimism. When this card is pulled, it’s to show that the universe is on your side and has you on this path for a reason.

The Moon

The Moon is the embodiment of your doubts, fears, and negative thoughts. You are most-likely in a place of worry, despair, or self-hatred and are seeking help. This card is telling you that your fears should not control you and that the best way to banish your worry is to acknowledge the truth.

The Sun

The Sun represents joy and vitality. It is the epitome of positivity and warmth. When this card is pulled, it's to show you that your life is headed in the right direction.

Judgment

Judgment is when your past and future collide. You are in a place where you have to analyze your decisions and actions and how they will impact you moving forward. It is a reminder that the future is never set in stone and that change is possible.

The World

The World represents fulfillment and completion. You are in a place where you understand yourself and appreciate the path you’ve paved to make it where you are today. This card is there to congratulate you on your new journey and to tell you that you’re exactly where the universe wants you to be.