The Major Arcana
A guide to the cards
The Major Arcana’s 22 cards guide you on a transformative journey, from the Fool’s first step into the unknown to The World’s completion of a cycle. Discover the spiritual lessons and growth needed to rise to the next level in life.
Library ↠ Home | The Major and Minor Arcana | Updated: 2025-02-09
Within the Major Arcana, the Fool represents a journey from the innocent first step into the unknown. It begins without a care in the world and moves to the end of a cycle, The World. This adventure is more than just a path; it is a transformative journey that represents the wisdom gained along the path in preparation for the next cycle in life. It's a journey that can inspire and motivate you to embrace the unknown and grow.
The 22 cards represent the spiritual lessons in life as symbols to help guide your path to enlightenment. These cards represent the growth required to rise to the next vibration. They are the main events you’re about to undertake and move past. The minor cards help you understand the Major card's meaning, so you can achieve the next level after you’ve reached The World.
Example
The Magician. You have everything needed to move forward in life. But what is it you need to move forward with? This is where the minor comes into play. You draw the 3 of Swords. Your heart is broken, but you now possess all the tools to overcome the pain. With the magician, you’ll no longer fester in the games that brought you to the point of heartache.
When the Majors appear, they represent situations or themes that may not always be in your control. Something larger may be at play, such as divine intervention and external forces. However, you're not alone when these cards appear; positive outside energy is within reach to help guide you through these challenges.
0. The Fool
Expresses infinite potential, the start of a journey, and the freedom to explore new possibilities.
➡️ The Fool — Leap of Faith, Soul Awakening, and Sacred Risk
Keywords: New beginnings, leap of faith, divine detour, spiritual innocence, beginner's luck, sacred foolishness, freedom, unpredictability, pure potential.
1. The Magician
Symbolizes manifestation, new beginnings, and the power to bring ideas into reality.
➡️ The Magician — Manifestation, Power, and Alchemical Focus
Keywords: Manifestation, conscious creation, skill mastery, alignment of thought and action, divine communication, focused intention, resourcefulness, spiritual electricity.
2. The High Priestess
Represents intuition, mystery, and the balance of opposites in decision-making.
➡️ The High Priestess — Intuition, Mystery, and Psychic Power
Keywords: Intuition, divine feminine, inner knowing, subconscious truth, spiritual downloads, hidden motives, mystery, psychic sensitivity, sacred pause
3. The Empress
Signifies creativity, fertility, and the expression of creative potential.
➡️ The Empress — Abundance, Sensuality, and Creative Power
Keywords: Creativity, abundance, fertility, divine femininity, nurturing, sensuality, growth, material manifestation, inner harmony, self-worth
4. The Emperor
Associated with authority, structure, and the establishment of order.
➡️ The Emperor — Power, Boundaries, and Strategic Leadership
Keywords: Leadership, authority, structure, masculine power, boundaries, discipline, control, paternal energy, strategic thinking, stability, organization, dominance
5. The Hierophant
Symbolizes tradition, spiritual guidance, and adherence to established beliefs.
➡️ The Hierophant — Sacred Order, Spiritual Power, and Breaking the Mold
Keywords: Spiritual guidance, tradition, mentorship, religious authority, wisdom, conformity, spiritual education, sacred knowledge, institutional power, moral guidance, spiritual initiation, bridge between worlds
6. The Lovers
Represents choices, partnerships, and the harmonious union of opposites.
➡️ The Lovers — Divine Union, Sacred Choice, and the Twin Flame Test
Keywords: Choice, partnership, harmony, spiritual union, twin flame, duality, divine love, soul connection, moral decision, values alignment, temptation, communication, cooperation, sacred relationship
7. The Chariot
Signifies determination, willpower, and the pursuit of victory over challenges.
➡️ The Chariot — Willpower, Control, and the Victory You Have to Earn
Keywords: Willpower, control, victory, determination, overcoming obstacles, emotional mastery, focus, triumph, opposing forces, mental discipline, forward movement, conquest
8. Strength
Associated with inner strength and the ability to overcome challenges.
➡️ Strength — Inner Power, Emotional Mastery, and Spiritual Courage
Keywords: Inner strength, courage, compassion, gentle control, resilience, patience, taming instincts, moral fortitude, emotional mastery, loving power, spiritual courage, overcoming fear
9. The Hermit
Symbolizes soul-searching, solitude, and the pursuit of wisdom through self-examination.
➡️ The Hermit — Soul Searching, Inner Light, and Spiritual Truth
Keywords: Solitude, inner wisdom, spiritual guidance, soul searching, withdrawal, self-discovery, meditation, introspection, divine illumination, teacher wisdom, spiritual awakening, inner light
10. Wheel of Fortune
Represents cycles, destiny, and change. It always returns to the beginning, bringing new possibilities and potential.
11. Justice
Symbolizes fairness, balance, and ethical decision-making.
12. The Hanged Man
Signifies surrender, letting go, and gaining a new perspective.
13. Death
Represents transformation, rebirth, and letting go of the old.
14. Temperance
Signifies balance and moderation in all things.
15. The Devil
Represents temptation, materialism, and the need to break free from unhealthy patterns.
16. The Tower
Symbolizes sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of old to rebuild anew.
17. The Star
Represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual insight.
18. The Moon
Signifies intuition, emotions, and the exploration of the subconscious.
19. The Sun
Represents success, vitality, and the abundance of positive energy.
20. Judgement
Symbolizes awakening, renewal, and self-reflection.
21. The World
Signifies completion, achievement, and readiness to embrace the next vibration of your spiritual journey