Major Arcana of Tarot: Meaning and Symbolism

The Major Arcana of tarot are a set of 22 cards that represent the great forces, archetypes, and universal stages of human experience. Unlike the Minor Arcana, which speak to everyday situations, the Major Arcana deal with deeper themes: transformation, purpose, life cycles, shadow and light. Together, they form what many scholars call the Fool's Journey — a symbolic path that runs from an innocent beginning (The Fool, card 0) to complete fulfillment (The World, card 21).

Executive summary

• Tarot has 78 cards in total, divided into Major Arcana (22) and Minor Arcana (56).
• The Major Arcana represent universal archetypes and forces that act in our lives in broad and profound ways.
• Each card has its own number, name, and symbolism, with roots in Kabbalah, astrology, numerology, and mythology.
• Tarot reading is a tool for reflection and self-knowledge, not for deterministic prediction of the future.
• Understanding the Major Arcana helps identify patterns, challenges, and potential across different phases of life.

What are the Major Arcana?

The word "arcana" comes from the Latin arcanum, meaning "secret" or "mystery." The Major Arcana are precisely the great mysteries — the forces that shape existence in broader, more impactful ways. While you might draw a Minor Arcana card and read about a conflict at work or a difficult conversation, the Major Arcana speak of something greater: the inner calling, the transformation with no turning back, the encounter with one's own shadow.

Historically, tarot emerged in 15th-century Europe as a card game, but over the centuries it was reinterpreted by occultists, Kabbalists, and scholars as an esoteric and introspective tool. The most well-known and studied deck is the Rider-Waite Tarot, created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.

The Fool's Journey: the story behind the 22 cards

One of the most beautiful ways to understand the Major Arcana is as a continuous narrative — the Fool's Journey. The Fool (card 0) represents the soul setting out into the world unencumbered, full of potential. Along the journey, he encounters teachers, challenges, moments of symbolic death and rebirth, until finally reaching the integration represented by The World.

This journey is, in truth, our own journey. Each of us can identify with different cards at different moments in life.

The 22 Major Arcana and their meanings

Below, discover the core meaning of each of the 22 cards, along with their main themes and symbolism.

0 – The Fool

The Fool represents the very beginning: innocence, the leap of faith, openness to the new. He carries a light bag and is about to step off a cliff — fearlessly, trusting the universe. It is the energy of spontaneity, pure potential, and openness to life. In astrology, it is associated with Uranus.

1 – The Magician

The Magician channels the four elements (fire, earth, air, and water) and transforms them into action. He represents will, skill, and the power of manifestation. When he appears, it is a sign that you have everything you need to act. Associated with Mercury.

2 – The High Priestess

The High Priestess guards the mysteries of the unconscious. She represents intuition, silence, and the knowing that comes from within. Seated between two pillars (light and shadow), she invites reflection before action. Associated with the Moon.

3 – The Empress

The Empress is the great mother: abundance, fertility, creativity, and connection with nature. She speaks of nurturing and being nurtured, of allowing things to blossom. Associated with Venus.

4 – The Emperor

The Emperor represents structure, authority, discipline, and fatherhood. He is the archetype of the father, of rules and stability. Associated with Aries.

5 – The Hierophant

The Hierophant is the keeper of traditions and spiritual institutions. He represents faith, teaching, and the search for guidance within established belief systems. Associated with Taurus.

6 – The Lovers

More than romance, The Lovers speak of choices, values, and alignment. The card invites you to act with your heart aligned to your consciousness. Associated with Gemini.

7 – The Chariot

The Chariot represents determination, control of opposing forces, and victory through willpower. It is the card of purposeful movement. Associated with Cancer.

8 – Strength

Strength shows a figure taming a lion with gentleness — not through brute force, but through inner courage, compassion, and patience. It is the strength of the heart. Associated with Leo.

9 – The Hermit

The Hermit carries a lantern and walks alone. He represents the inner quest, withdrawal, and the wisdom gained through introspection. Associated with Virgo.

10 – Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that everything changes and that cycles are natural. It speaks of destiny, karma, and opportunity. Associated with Jupiter.

11 – Justice

Justice represents balance, accountability, and cause and effect. It calls for honesty with yourself and clarity in your decisions. Associated with Libra.

12 – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man hangs upside down — but with a smile. He speaks of voluntary pause, surrender, and a shift in perspective. Acting is not always the answer; sometimes, waiting is the wisdom. Associated with Neptune.

13 – Death

It rarely means physical death. The Death card represents transformation, the closing of cycles, and rebirth. What needs to end so that something new can begin? Associated with Scorpio.

14 – Temperance

Temperance is the archetype of dynamic balance: two cups with water being poured from one to the other. It speaks of moderation, patience, integration, and inner alchemy. Associated with Sagittarius.

15 – The Devil

The Devil represents what holds us captive: addictions, fears, attachments, and illusions. But notice: the chains on the figures in the card are loose. The prison, more often than not, is in the mind. Associated with Capricorn.

16 – The Tower

The Tower is the card of sudden upheaval: what was built on false foundations comes crashing down. It may be frightening, but it is also liberating. Associated with Mars.

17 – The Star

After The Tower, The Star brings hope, renewal, and faith in life. It is the card of healing, inspiration, and reconnection with purpose. Associated with Aquarius.

18 – The Moon

The Moon plunges into the depths of the unconscious: illusions, fears, dreams, and intuition. It calls for caution about what is unclear, and courage to look at the shadows. Associated with Pisces.

19 – The Sun

The Sun lights up everything: joy, vitality, clarity, and genuine success. It is one of the most positive cards in the deck, reminding us that the light always returns. Associated with the Sun.

20 – Judgement

Judgement represents a call to awakening: reassessment, absolution, rebirth, and answering a higher calling. Associated with Pluto.

21 – The World

The World is the culmination of the journey: fulfillment, integration, wholeness, and completion. It represents the arrival — and the beginning of a new cycle. Associated with Saturn.

Major Arcana quick-reference table

No.	Name	Core Theme	Astrological Association
0	The Fool	Beginning, innocence, leap of faith	Uranus
1	The Magician	Will, manifestation	Mercury
2	The High Priestess	Intuition, mystery	Moon
3	The Empress	Abundance, creativity	Venus
4	The Emperor	Structure, authority	Aries
5	The Hierophant	Tradition, spiritual teaching	Taurus
6	The Lovers	Choice, values, love	Gemini
7	The Chariot	Determination, victory	Cancer
8	Strength	Courage, compassion	Leo
9	The Hermit	Introspection, wisdom	Virgo
10	Wheel of Fortune	Cycles, karma	Jupiter
11	Justice	Balance, cause and effect	Libra
12	The Hanged Man	Pause, new perspective	Neptune
13	Death	Transformation, closure	Scorpio
14	Temperance	Balance, integration	Sagittarius
15	The Devil	Attachments, illusions, liberation	Capricorn
16	The Tower	Upheaval, revelation	Mars
17	The Star	Hope, renewal	Aquarius
18	The Moon	Unconscious, illusion	Pisces
19	The Sun	Joy, clarity, success	Sun
20	Judgement	Awakening, calling	Pluto
21	The World	Fulfillment, wholeness	Saturn

How to use the Major Arcana for self-knowledge

One of the richest ways to work with the Major Arcana is not through "predictive" readings, but as symbolic mirrors for the present moment. Some accessible practices include:

• Card of the day: draw a card in the morning and reflect on how the archetype it represents might be active in your life today.
• Meditation with a card: observe the image closely and let the symbols speak to your unconscious.
• Tarot journal: note the cards that appear frequently in your readings — they may point to recurring themes that are asking for your attention.
• Three-card spread: past, present, and future (or situation, challenge, and potential) using Major Arcana cards brings powerful reflections on the major cycles of your life.

Oraculia Tip: If a card you consider "negative" (such as The Tower or Death) keeps showing up, don't be alarmed. Tarot rarely brings messages meant to frighten — almost always, it is an invitation to look at what needs attention and transformation.

Major Arcana and astrology: connections that enrich the reading

One of the great riches of esoteric study is the interconnection between systems. The Major Arcana are deeply linked to astrology: each card corresponds to a planet or sign, allowing tarot readers and astrologers to enrich their readings by weaving both languages together.

For example, if you are experiencing a strong Saturn transit in your birth chart, working symbolically with The World (card 21) can bring awareness of the lessons of maturity and structure that Saturn tends to offer. In the same way, times when Venus is prominent resonate with the energy of The Empress.

Frequently asked questions

How many Major Arcana are there in tarot?

There are 22 Major Arcana in traditional tarot, numbered from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World). They make up part of the full 78-card deck, which also includes the 56 Minor Arcana divided into four suits.

Do the Major Arcana predict the future?

Tarot, including the Major Arcana, is best understood as a tool for reflection and self-knowledge, not as an oracle for deterministic prediction. The cards offer symbolic perspectives on the energies and tendencies of the moment, but choices and free will always play a central role in each person's life.

What is the difference between the Major and Minor Arcana?

The Major Arcana represent universal archetypal forces, major life themes, and deep transformations. The Minor Arcana (divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands) deal with everyday situations, feelings, and more immediate circumstances. Together, they form a complete symbolic language.

Do I need a special gift to use tarot?

There are no magical prerequisites for working with tarot. What helps most is openness, a willingness to reflect, and the study of the cards' meanings. Anyone who is curious and interested can learn to use tarot as a tool for self-discovery.

Which tarot deck is best for beginners?

The Rider-Waite Tarot (or its adaptations) is the most recommended for those just starting out, as its illustrations are rich in symbolism and most books and courses use this deck as a reference. From there, it becomes easier to explore other decks.

Conclusion

The 22 Major Arcana of tarot are far more than illustrated cards — they are symbolic mirrors of our human journey. From The Fool to The World, they map the universal experiences we all live through at different moments: the courageous beginning, the search for guidance, the inevitable transformations, the periods of shadow, and the moments of light and wholeness.

Studying the Major Arcana is a way of expanding the symbolic vocabulary with which you read your own life. And Oraculia's invitation is exactly this: use tarot not to find ready-made answers, but to ask the right questions. After all, the greatest oracle always has been — and always will be — you.

Why not start today? Choose a card, contemplate its image, and ask yourself: what does it have to tell me about this moment in my life?