Tarot Major Arcana: All 22 Cards Explained

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana are the 22 "trump" cards of the tarot. Together they tell one story — the Fool's Journey — from innocent beginnings through trial, awakening and completion. In a reading, a Major Arcana card signals a significant life theme rather than a passing event.

The 22 cards in order

• 0 The Fool — new beginnings, faith, the unknown.
• I The Magician — manifestation, willpower, resourcefulness.
• II The High Priestess — intuition, the subconscious.
• III The Empress — abundance, nurture, creativity.
• IV The Emperor — structure, authority, stability.
• V The Hierophant — tradition, teaching, guidance.
• VI The Lovers — love, alignment, meaningful choice.
• VII The Chariot — determination, victory, self-control.
• VIII Strength — courage, patience, inner power.
• IX The Hermit — solitude, wisdom, inner search.
• X Wheel of Fortune — cycles, change, destiny.
• XI Justice — truth, fairness, cause and effect.
• XII The Hanged Man — surrender, perspective, pause.
• XIII Death — endings, transformation, release.
• XIV Temperance — balance, moderation, healing.
• XV The Devil — attachment, shadow, temptation.
• XVI The Tower — sudden change, awakening.
• XVII The Star — hope, inspiration, renewal.
• XVIII The Moon — illusion, dreams, the unconscious.
• XIX The Sun — joy, success, vitality.
• XX Judgement — rebirth, calling, absolution.
• XXI The World — completion, wholeness, achievement.

Kabbalistic correspondences

Each Major Arcana card links to a Hebrew letter and a path on the Tree of Life. The Fool corresponds to Aleph and the path from Kether to Chokmah — pure potential before form.

How to read a Major Arcana card

Consider the position in the spread, whether it is upright or reversed, and the question asked. A reversed card turns its energy inward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Major and Minor Arcana? A: Major Arcana show life themes; Minor Arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) show day-to-day events.

Q: Do I need to memorise all 22? A: No — a quick reference like this is enough to start.

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