The Major Arcana

​Each Major Arcana card is unique and named.

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(0) The Fool: "A Leap of faith." Represents beginnings and potential, innocence and naivety, openness and trust, leaping into a new adventure or the start of a journey. Connected to the sign of Aries.

 

Reversed: Something is holding you back, unwilling to take a risk, rejecting a new opportunity, or a warning to watch your step, an overly naive character who is easily manipulated.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• figure positioned on the edge of a cliff (= a leap of faith, taking a risk),

• a dog (= loyal companionship),

• white rose (= innocence),

• a small bundle (= a new journey)

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(I) The Magician: "The Master Manifestor." Represents manifestation and a need for fulfillment, willpower, resourcefulness, action, strong self-confidence and high charisma. Connected to the signs of Gemini, Virgo and Scorpio.

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Reversed: A master of illusion, the misuse of skills, artful deception and trickery, trying to force an outcome, lack of focus, confusion, misdirection, manipulation, being overwhelmed and ineffective.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• infinity sign / horizontal figure-eight shape (= divine connection, manifestation, unlimited potential and energy),

• tools on table (= resourcefulness),

• red / white robes (= passion and willpower / new beginnings and potential)

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(II) The High Priestess: Represents intuition, hidden knowledge, inner wisdom and guidance, the subconscious mind, mystery, a keeper of secrets. Connected to the sign of Pisces.

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Reversed: Blocked intuition, struggling to trust your gut, overthinking and ignoring intuitive hunches, getting swept up in someone else's drama, a secret is revealed.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• pomegranates (= fertility, divine feminine energy),

• crescent moon (= lunar cycles, intuition),

• veil (= subconscious, mystery),

• pillars labelled B/J ("B" is for Boaz, meaning “in his strength” and "J" is for Jachin, meaning “he will establish”) symbolizing Solomon’s Temple (= duality, opposing forces, mystery),

• a scroll inscribed TORA meaning “Divine Law” (= mystery, intuition, subconscious)

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(III) The Empress: Represents mother and wife, beauty, sensuality, fertility, abundance, creativity, pleasures of the natural world, kindness and compassion, caring for yourself first then others. Connected to Venus, the signs of Taurus and Libra, the divine feminine.

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Reversed: Hints at the darker side of the Empress energies, self-neglect, a lack of self-worth, low self-confidence, mean-girl energy, laziness, overindulgence and excess.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• wheat field (= nature, bounty, abundance),

• forest (= nature and well-being),

• pomegranate design on robe (= fertility),

• heart-shaped shield with a Venus symbol (= embodying and protecting divine feminine energy),

• crown of 12 stars (the cosmos, connection to the divine, natural cycles)

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(IV) The Emperor: Represents father and husband, a strong sense of leadership, authority, control and structure, logic, stability, BDE showing confidence, charisma, courage, passion, ambition and mastery. Connected to the sign of Aries and the divine masculine.

 

Reversed: Hints at the darker side of the Emperor energies, rigid thinking, aggressive and domineering, insecurity masked by arrogance, a toxic male ego, exploitation, lack of control, abuse of power, tyranny.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• stone throne (= authority, structure, stability),

• rams' heads (= the sign of Aries, leadership, divine masculine energy),

• sceptre & orb (= authority, leadership),

• mountains (= structure, stability)

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(V) The Hierophant: Represents “maintaining the status quo,” conforming to established social structures, conventions and traditions, marriage, education, teaching or learning, being absorbed in deep study, mentorship. Connected to the sign of Taurus.

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Reversed: A time to cut ties or break from convention, the need for independence from a group, following your own path, adopting your own spiritual beliefs.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• papal cross & crown, (= tradition, authority, spirituality, belief),

• two monks or followers (= following tradition, spirituality, belief),

• two pillars (= law and order, conformity),

• crossed keys (= a spiritual guide),

• hand gesture (= a blessing)

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(VI) The Lovers: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Represents love relationships, attraction, communication and intimacy, having to choose between something exciting but dangerous or something boring and safe, values alignment, harmony. Connected to the sign of Gemini.

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Reversed: A disconnect with loved ones, detachment, lack of intimacy or romance, poor choices, broken promises, trust issues, a cheating partner, a separation. 

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Symbolism on the Card:

• angel (= Archangel Raphael, divine guidance, healing and harmony),

• tree of knowledge, Adam and Eve, (= choice and temptation, union),

• tree of life (= divine love, spiritual growth),

• mountain (= challenges or obstacles)

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(VII) The Chariot: “You’ve got to be in it to win it.” Represents taking control, maintaining focus, and pushing forward despite challenges in order to succeed, receiving support or help, serendipity, can indicate travel, wanting to triumph in the face of trouble, vengeance, or war. Connected to the sign of Cancer.

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Reversed: Hints at the darker side of the Chariot energies, lack of direction or self-control, admitting defeat, handing the reigns to someone else.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• black & white sphinxes (= balancing opposing forces, willpower and control, victory),

• canopy of stars (= spiritual guidance),

• city walls (= going beyond your comfort zone)

 

(VIII) Strength: Represents self-empowerment, inner strength and patience, courage, compassion and generosity, holding back and mastering your instincts and impulses. Connected to the sign of Leo.

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Reversed: Vulnerability connected to self-doubt and insecurity, lacking confidence, anxiety, weakness, skepticism or cynicism.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• lion (= courage, inner strength, primal strength),

• infinity sign (= boundless spiritual power, potential for growth),

• woman in white (= compassion, gentleness and restraint, spiritual power),

• flowers (= gentleness, potential for growth)

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(IX) The Hermit: Represents introspection, "alone time" to reclaim your sense of autonomy, inner guidance, seeking truth, wisdom and spiritual enlightenment, acting with integrity. Connected to the sign of Virgo.

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Reversed: Something is hidden or someone is hiding something, masking, too much isolation, overly cautious, treason, corruption. 

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Symbolism on the Card:

• lantern with hexagram (= inner wisdom, guidance, illuminating the next step on the path ahead),

• mountain staff (= navigating in solitude with wisdom, experience, authority),

• gray robes (= wisdom, maturity)

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(X) Wheel of Fortune: "What goes around comes around." Represents a date with destiny, cycles, fate and synchronicity, sudden opportunities appear as karmic luck for past actions, a turning point, or positive upheaval, "meant to be" moments.

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Reversed: A period of misfortune, bad luck, not getting what you want, facing unwelcome challenges and changes, struggling to adapt.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• sphinx (= knowledge, strength, mystery of life),

• wheel (= cycles, Hebrew letters YHVH represent 'the unpronounceable name of God', divine mystery, connection to higher powers and forces of creation),

• snake (= descent to the material world),

• book of life (= destiny, wisdom)

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(XI) Justice: Represents fairness, cause & effect, truth, decisions, balance, legal action or something legally binding. Connected to the sign of Libra

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Reversed: Getting “a raw deal” or “being railroaded.” Represents unfairness, dishonesty, or a lack of accountability, a situation where someone is avoiding responsibility or facing unjust consequences.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• scales (= balance, fairness, law),

• double-edged sword (= discernment, truth, consequences, cause/effect),

• crown (= clarity, balance),

• purple veil (= discernment)

 

(XII) The Hanged Man: Represents a time of waiting and reflection, being stuck in a situation, or seeing things from a different perspective, a period of necessary sacrifice or surrender, a pause or delay, letting go of control to gain a deeper understanding. Connected to the sign of Pisces.

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Reversed: "Stuck in a rut" or resisting change, being selfish, lacking empathy, losing hope, making foolish sacrifices. It can also indicate a waiting period is over, It's time to take action, move forward, and break free from negative patterns.  

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Symbolism on the Card:

• tree cross (= sacrifice, a delay/suspended in time),

• halo (= awareness, enlightenment, perspective shift),

• serene expression (= surrender), upside-down pose (= surrender, perspective shift)

 

(XIII) Death: Represents a complete ending, a major transformation, a release and renewal, including growth and change in love and relationships. Connected to the sign of Scorpio.

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Reversed: Represents someone on the verge of a break-through or levelling up. Someone is called to their highest potential but must let go of unhealthy attachments or limiting beliefs first.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• skeleton, scythe, black armor (= endings),

• white rose (= transformation),

• sunrise (= rebirth)

 

(XIV) Temperance: Represents pursuing or achieving balance, steadiness and moderation, integration, patience, alchemy, being attuned to the messages of the divine, a bridge between spirit and earthly domains, divine intervention. Connected to Archangel Michael and the sign of Sagittarius.

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Reversed: Represents that something is off in your life, a period of imbalance, discord and impatience, a need for abstinence to break a negative cycle and to bring your life back into balance. This card shouts, “Everything in moderation!”

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Symbolism on the Card:

• angel (= divine guidance and support),

• two cups mixing (= balancing opposing energies, harmony, moderation, alchemy),

• path leading to the crown (= staying true to your life’s purpose),

 

(XV) The Devil: Represents change, transition and renewal, symbolizes a major transformation and growth in love and relationships. Can also represent the shadow self, bondage, materialism, temptation, eroticism, obsession, toxic traits and relationships. Connected to the sign of Capricorn.

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Reversed: Represents someone on the verge of a break-through or levelling up, hope for a brighter future, being called to your highest potential but needing to let go of unhealthy attachments or limiting beliefs first.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• Baphomet (= winged goat-head figure representing both spiritual & earthly realms),

• inverted pentagram (= primal desires & temptation in the material world),

• chained figures (= bondage, toxic traits, shadow self),

• torch (= illumination of hidden truths as enlightenment or temptation)

 

(XVI) The Tower: Represents danger, crisis, a sudden dramatic upheaval or revelation, illusions are destroyed, liberation or breaking free at a cost, higher learning. Connected to Mars and the signs of Aries and Scorpio.

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Reversed: Hindering your own progress by clinging to old beliefs or habits, avoiding a disaster, getting out of harm's way just in time, knowing that a major change is coming but having more time to prepare.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• lightning (= sudden unexpected events/change, revelation or crises),

• falling crown (= downfall of pride or arrogance, loss of status & power),

• flames (= destruction and purification),

• 2 falling figures (= caught in an upheaval or a leap of faith)

 

(XVII) The Star: Represents hope, faith and joy, renewal and healing, inner guidance, creative inspiration, serenity. Associated with inspirational characters or characters of high resolve (like Frodo Baggins is resolved to destroy the One Ring in Lord of the Rings). Connected to the sign of Aquarius.

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Reversed: Represents hopelessness or despair, a lack of inspiration or creativity, a sense of monotony or boredom, feeling like everyone is against you, loss of faith that shows up as arrogance or incompetence.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• naked woman (= vulnerability, authenticity),

• 8 stars (= hope, inspiration, the higher spiritual self),

• pouring water & pond (= nourishment, healing, giving & receiving),

• ibis (= hope, healing, higher knowledge and intuition)

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(XVIII) The Moon: Represents fears, illusions, confusion and deception, the shadow self, the subconscious exploration and hidden truths, occult forces, psychic energy and intuition over logic, hidden enemies and treachery, darkness, danger, terror. Connected to the sign of Cancer.

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Reversed: The negative influences of the Moon energies are subsiding, coming to terms with fears, anxieties, confusion and self-deception, the situation is turning around, clarity about where to go and what to do, listening to your gut, hunches and intuition.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• waxing/waning Moon (= Illusion, subconscious/unconscious),

• dog vs. wolf (= tamed, rational & familiar vs. untamed, instinctual & primal aspects of ourselves),

• crayfish (= repressed emotions, anxieties, irrational fears),

• towers (= gateway to the unknown, higher consciousness)

 

(XIX) The Sun: Represents a time to take bold risks, staying true to your spiritual path, joy, vitality, positivity, clarity, enlightenment, personal growth, the peak of success, celebrating achievements. Connected to the sign of Leo.

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Reversed: Represents "feeling gloomy" or the feeling of “a cloud passing over.” Struggling to see the bright side of life, experiencing setbacks and a loss of enthusiasm or optimism, questioning if you can achieve your goal, feeling down or left out, no longer enjoying what you are doing.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• radiant sun (= joy, success, vitality),

• child on horse (= innocence of childhood, joy, authenticity),

• sunflowers (= life force, vitality, joy, growth),

• stone wall (= reminder about past challenges, obstacles & limitations that were overcome and healthy boundaries)

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(XX) Judgement: Represents being on the right path, an inner calling or awakening, the truth finally comes to light, facing a life-changing decision, a time of reckoning, forgiveness, vindication or acquittal. A make-or-break turning point in your career.

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Reversed: Represents a time of hesitation and introspection, reevaluating life choices in order to take responsibility for past actions, letting go of past judgment and criticisms of yourself and others, forgiving yourself, releasing feelings of guilt.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• Archangel Gabriel (= divine intervention & judgement),

• trumpet (= awakening & rebirth),

• graves & rising figures (= resurrection, soul awakening, reckoning),

• sea (= transformation)

• mountains (= overcoming obstacles)

 

(XXI) The World: Represents completion and assured success, compensation and making amends, fulfillment, wholeness, and integration. It can represent travel: a voyage, a flight, a change of place or emigration. 

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Reversed: "Spinning your wheels." The World card reversed represents unfinished business; delays, stagnation, and a lack of completion; inertia, stagnation, rigidity, and needing to finish the job. It can represent the disruption of social or political order.

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Symbolism on the Card:

• wreath (= victory & success),

• mandorla (full-body halo = divine light, glory),

• 4 evangelists (man/ eagle/ lion/ bull = understanding, embracing & integrating all aspects of life),

• dancer (= completion & wholeness at the end of the journey)