Major Arcana PDF
Major Arcana PDF
Major Arcana PDF
Introduction:
The Fool Tarot card meaning deals with
that youthful exhuberance we feel when
starting out on a new adventure or taking
a journey of faith. We feel anticipation,
butterflies flutter in our stomach, and our
skin prickles with excitement...our journey
is underway - we’re unstoppable!
Key Symbols:
The Dog: Dogs typically represent loyalty
and faithfulness. In this case, the dog
symbolizes our reward when we express
true faith on our path. As we continue
to step out in faith, and blindly follow
our bliss we shall gain the loyalty and
recognition from people, places and events
in our lives. Other Tarot decks depict the
dog loyaly tugging at the Fools robes,
preventing his fall into the chasm below.
Yet another confirmation that when the
Fool continues on his mission of passion,
protection is available, and the details
miraculously fall into place.
Key Questions:
Am I following my dreams?
Am I honoring my prime passion?
What would the Fool do in my situation?
What do I value most...my beliefs or my
image?
Do I fear adventure or do I fear practicality?
If my life is my message...what kind of
message am I sending?
I - THE MAGICIAN
Key Words:
Power
Action
Awareness
Application
Resourcefulness
Introduction:
Close your eyes for a moment and picture
your ideal image of the Magician. Odds
are your imagination conjured up a regal
figure, powerful, graceful, and confident
- able to make things happen, and even
move mountains.
Key Questions:
Am I aware of my own power?
Am I recognizing my fullest potential?
Am I playing the role of victim or victor?
Am I using my power for good or abusing
it?
Am I connecting to my higher source of
energy?
Am I applying myself effectively and
beneficially?
What action can I take to move into a
better direction?
What resources are available to me, and
how do I tap into them?
II - THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Key Words:
Knowing
Psychic
Oracle
Secretive
Influential
Introduction:
Take a good look at the High Priestess
card and you will receive a great deal of
messages she conveys. Foremost, she
conveys a message of understanding. Even
her posture indicates she is established in
a position of knowledge. Her scroll holds
esoteric knowledge. She determines the
manner in which the knowledge should be
expressed, and only she decides to whom,
and how much knowledge is extolled.
Much like the Magician, the High Priestess
is unquestioning of her knowledge and
power. There is no question of source or
validity - her knowledge simply “is.” She
is aware of the motions of nature, the
movement of spiritual matters, and she
has accute awareness of the stirrings of the
mind. She is vitally tapped into the flow
of ancient knowledge. She instinctively
understands the innerworkings and
connections between nature, philosophy,
science and religion.
Key Symbols:
Cross: The ancient Greeks created this
symbol with all legs of equal length and
size. One of the simplest symbols, and
used since ancient times, it represents
several things to different cultures. In
ancient Greece it is an emblem of the four
elements. In the ancient Middle East, the
symbol represents the four directions
(north, south, east, west) and the four
winds. Even the ancient Aztecs used this
symbol to represent the meeting place
of god (at the cross-section). The High
Priestess bares this symbol at her heart -
meaning that at the heart of her very being
she is intimate with the ways of nature,
knowledge, and God. The unfolding
mystery of life is the core of her knowledge.
Key Questions:
Am I listening to my inner voice?
What secrets are being kept from me?
Am I connected with my higher power?
What secrets am I keeping from others, and
why?
How can I more clearly understand my life
and purpose?
Introduction:
The mother figure of the Tarot deck, the
Empress Tarot card meanings are all
about love, abundance, nurturing, and
pleasure. When we observe the card we
see elements of nature - all exploding
on the card - the Empress brings about
the flood of growth and is the epitome
of abundance. She reminds us that there
is always enough for everyone to enjoy.
There is no shortage.
Key Symbols:
Shield: The Empress abides by one motto:
“From love I do come, from love I do go”
and her shield is a testiment to this creed.
The Empress knows (as we all should)
that when we enter all situations with the
shield of love, we are always protected.
When we envelope ourselves with a force-
field of love, there is no need for fear. The
shield is a paradox - we think of protection
- yet the emblem of love (Venus, a heart)
is pictured on the shield. The paradox is
that where there is love there is instant
protection, yet to love also requires our
vulnerability.
Key Questions:
How can I nurture myself more?
Am I connecting enough to mother nature?
Am I respecting the process of unfolding
my desires?
What does being a mother/having a
mother mean to me?
What role does love play in my life - is it
foremost in my existence?
IV - THE EMPEROR
Key Words:
Strategy
Rulership
Authority
Masculinity
Practicality
Introduction:
The father figure of the Tarot deck, the
Emperor Tarot card meanings are all about
advice, widsom, authority, and grounding.
Take a moment to observe the Emperor
card. It becomes apparent that this is a
character who has been there, done that,
and has the battle armor to prove it. The
Emperor has obtained his wisdom through
experience. He’s been through the wars,
he’s ruled his people wisely, and he’s
experienced all life can throw at him. What
better source for advice than a battle-
tested, thoughtful, strategic ruler?
Key Symbols:
Beard: As mentioned earlier, the Emperor
has “been there, done that” and the
beard is a symbol of his experience. As an
archetype, we commonly see masculine
figures of authority or father figures with
long white beards. It reassures us that this
man has acquired years of wisdom and
experience - he is worthy of listening to
because he’s seen first hand the effects of
his own actions. He offers us the gift of his
own life example - a short-cut, because
when we heed the advice of our elders
we can often avoide repeating the same
mistakes.
Key Questions:
Am I leading by example?
What kind of ruler am I?
Am I being inflexible? Too practical?
Do I need some advice on this situtation?
Upon what resources am I calling in order
to be the best leader?
What’s my strategy to accomplish these
goals and are they realistic?
IV - THE HIEROPHANT
Key Words:
Law
Holy
Respect
Ceremony
Knowledge
Tradition
Conformity
Introduction:
The Hierophant can be a tricky card to
interpret as there are many different
layers of meanings being presented at
once. Foremost, the Hierophant (link to
the definition of hierophant) is a vehicle
for religious knowledge. Historically,
the Hierophant has spent his entire life
(chosen as a child for religious purpose)
studying the texts of many or a chosen
branch of organized religion.
Key Symbols:
Hand: The Hierophant’s right hand held up
in such a manner is a sign of benediction.
This position (mudra) symbolizes a
blessing of love and spiritual well-being.
His position is also pointing heavenwards,
which reinforces the spiritual blessing. As
the people come to the Hierophant, this
hand blessing is sought out by them - it is
an assuring motion and grants the people
assurance that all of their spiritual needs
are met.
Key Questions:
Is my religion serving me?
Am I called to do religious work?
Am I an effective spiritual leader?
Are my beliefs helping or hindering me?
What are my views on organized religion?
Do I have the conviction to back my faith?
Do I need approval for my spiritual beliefs?
When was the last time I examined my
belief system?
Am I disciplined and committed to spiritual
development?
What is my responsibility in religious/
spiritual growth?
Who do I look up to or who is my mentor in
spiritual matters
Do people look to me for spiritual advice,
and am I properly meeting their needs?
VI - LOVERS
Key Words:
Sex
Love
Health
Union
Trust
Passion
Temptation
Vulnerability
Communication
Introduction:
Absolutely, this is Tarot card meaning is
all about love and everything it entails.
Without a doubt, this is one of the more
straight-forward card meanings in the
deck. The aspects of our lives that deal
with passion, infatuation, sex, arousal,
and all those things that heat us up - these
are what attracts the Lovers card into our
readings. This card comes up when we
are contemplating a new romance, when
we’re obsessed with another person, or
when we are in more than one amorous
relationship. On a lesser scale, card
also comes up when we are developing
a partnership in business. It may also
indicate matters regarding friendship and
family.
Key Symbols:
Eye Contact: Their eyes locked and looking
deeply indicates an unspoken form of
communication. They say the eyes are
the windows to the soul and when we
are in a relationship we open our souls to
each other. Eye contact is all about subtle
expression and communication. This
version of the Lovers card clearly expresses
the importance of communication on all
levels of a loving relationship.
VI - LOVERS
Key Words:
Tact
Skill
Action
Control
Focused
Driven
Motion
Balance
Physicality
Introduction:
If you’ve done a little research on the art
of chariot battle, you’ve observed that
it takes a lot of skill, determination and
control to manuever a chariot - particularly
in the heat of battle. Imagine for a moment
controlling two 1,000 pound horses while
navigating direction all in the midst of the
commotion, noise, and fervor of battle. It
makes the head spin. Needless to say the
Chariot represents tremendous focus and
drive in order to accomplish the goal and
win the battle.
An often over-looked item of chariot-battle
is that the best plan of attack in a chariot
is from the side. This was a common
tactic for ancient chariot warriors and is
mentioned here for its symbolic meaning.
Coming upon our problems from the
side - or a different angle will often give
us the perspective we need to overcome
the obstacle, or give us a different plan of
attack for success.
Key Questions:
What drives you?
What is your motiviation?
Are your goals reasonable? Obtainable?
What are you trying to control, and why?
Do you have the skills you need to
succeed?
Can you try a different approach to
reaching your goals?
What would you do if you had a sudden
change in direction or location?
VIII - STRENGTH
Key Words:
Balance
Strength
Courage
Patience
Compassion
Understanding
Introduction:
This is another Major Arcana card that
doesn’t beat around the bush - it’s
meaning is quite clear in both illustration
and title. Looking at the card we see a
great deal of strength - but what kind of
strength? Is the young maiden exterting
physical strength to subdue the lion? Her
face looks serene, her posture is calm - she
doesn’t appear to be struggling.
Key Symbols:
Lion: As mentioned above, the lion is a
symbol for the primal urges - the physical
needs and cravings we all, as humans want
met. The lion is also a symbol of fire which
burns within us - representing our wants
and desires with a intense blaze. This is
not to say that the lion all it represents is
negative. On the contrary, many of us use
our needs as motivators for achieving great
things in our lives and reaching our goals.
The key is to know thyself and temper our
primal (ego) urges with our more divine,
spiritual nature.
Introduction:
In our fast-paced, harried world of today,
we would all do well to do as the hermit
does. The Hermit’s stride is slow but sure.
He takes each step with a deliberate,
conscious approach - knowing that each
step of the journey is a small imprint upon
the larger picture of his path. He does
everything in this manner - each breath he
takes, each word he speaks, every decision
he makes is a deliberate act.
Key Symbols:
Staff: Appearing as an attribute amongst
pilgrims, saints and even priests, the staff
is an emblem of power and authority.
The staff is in the Hermit’s left hand,
representing the hand of higher awareness
(subconscious mind). In this case the staff
represents the Hermit’s ability to use his
isolation and the knowledge he has gained
as a tool upon his path to even higher
levels of awareness.
Key Questions:
Have you taken the time to simply “be?”
Are you able to be still? If not, why?
What is your level of awareness at this
moment?
Are you receiving the guidance you need
on your path? If not, why?
Are you able to be quite and listen to the
still small voice within?
Is the current path you are on still as
meaningful as when you first set out?
When was the last time you stopped to
take a break from the hussle-bustle of your
life?
X - WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Key Words:
Luck
Chance
Change
Destiny
Revolution
Consequence
Introduction:
As a whole, the Tarot system focuses on
personal responsibility. Meaning, the
underlying persuasion of each card places
the responsibility of life events squarely on
the individual. We’re in charge of our lives,
and the consequences of our thoughts and
deeds shape our lives.
Key Symbols:
Clouds: Clouds are typically a symbol of
“that which is higher” - higher thought,
higher energy, etc. In this case, the clouds
are a symbol of a higher power at work
in the events of our lives. As mentioned
earlier - sometimes things just happen -
and the symbol of the clouds represents
events “coming out of the ether” and
moving our lives in an unexpected
direction.
Falling Off: It’s inevitable, as the wheel
turns, a few things are going to fly off to
make room for new things. It’s the nature
of evolution and revolution. As already
mentioned, it’s important to consider
our approach to loss. If we view loss as
a bad thing - this is exactly what it will
be. If, however, we observe a removal as
being an opportunity, we broaden our
persective and allow for positive change.
The illustration of “falling off” is also
representative of beliefs and ideas. As we
have new ways of thinking about things,
our old ways of thinking must drop off. It’s
simply the way life works.
Key Questions:
Do you feel lucky? Why?
How do you handle change?
How do you feel about chance or luck?
If you consider change “bad” consider why
you think this way?
Do you take the time to consider the
consequences of your thoughts & actions?
XI - JUSTICE
Key Words:
Truth
Balance
Justice
Equality
Congruence
Admission
Examination
Introduction:
Benjamin Disraeli, a British Prime Minister
and Novelist once said “Justice is truth in
action.” This is a perfect summary for the
Justice card. When we observe this card,
we see our lady Justice means business.
Her posture and demeanor express a no-
nonsense aura - she takes no prisoners
- there are no excuses - no wishy washy
stuff with her. She is here to expose the
truth and bring to light those issues which
require our attention.
Key Symbols:
Crown: Just as we would expect, the crown
is a symbol of authority, command, and
royalty. We can also gather that Justice
is the “crowning feature” of this card.
Lady Justice wearing a crown indicates
that she is in a position to calmly and
rationally detect what is true and fair. She
is experienced in the matters of balance,
truth, and equality.
Key Questions:
Is my life out of balance?
What can I do to be more balanced?
Am I being honest with myself?
Am I taking healthy responsibility for my
actions?
Where do I place blame for my actions and
my life’s circumstances?
Have I been neglecting some of my
obligations and commitments?
Do I need to take some time to re-examine
my life because I’m out of balance?
Can I keep a proper equalibrium - do I have
an even temper & even mind?
XII - HANGED MAN
Key Words:
Yield
Suspend
Surrender
Sacrifice
Non-Action
Submission
In-Between
Introduction:
Just the term “Hanged Man” can be
offsetting, and has a tendency to put us ill
at ease. However, take a moment to look
at our hanged fellow - he shows no sign
of struggle on his face. In fact, the whole
scene of the card is rather serene with hues
of blue covering the card. The Hanged
Man’s expression is one of complete calm
and assurance - not what one would
expect at the gallows.
Key Questions:
Are you investing time to relax?
Are you willing to sacrifice your
expectations?
Are you struggling with a decision or
problem? Can you let it go?
Are you over-extending yourself and need
to take a “time-out” break?
Should you wait a bit to make that decision
you’ve been worried about?
What activities in your life can you give up
in order to allow more benefits?
What beliefs and thoughts do have that
hinder your progress? Can you give them
up?
Are there things/people in your life you are
trying to control? Can you let go of that
need to control?
XIII - DEATH
Key Words:
Change
Exposure
Transition
Termination
Inevitability
Introduction:
All of us stop and shift in our seats when
we come upon the grim reaper. Many of
us equate death as an ending, like getting
called out of the game of life. Thankfully,
that is not what this card is about.
Key Symbols:
Skull: Long seen as a symbol of humanity’s
mortality - the skull is a symbol that
all things change and transition. Some
cultures see the skull as the seat of the
mind - the home of our thoughts. In this
case, we can translate the skull to mean
the death of unwanted thoughts.
Key Questions:
How do you handle change?
What can you do to prepare yourself for
change?
Is there something in your life that is due
for a change?
Should you wait a bit to make that decision
you’ve been worried about?
How do you feel about endings? Do you
recognize they are followed by beginnings?
Are you being honest with yourself in
exposing areas of your life that need
transition?
XIV - TEMPERANCE
Key Words:
Merging
Balance
Healing
Blending
Connection
Chemistry
Fluidity
Moderation
Introduction:
So many of the Tarot cards (seemingly all
of them to one extent or another), deal
with balance and its importance in our
lives. Yes, certainly the Temperance Tarot
card meanings are about balance. But
there’s more to it than that.
Key Symbols:
Cups: The cups transferring the waters
here are a symbol of finding the right mix,
keeping in motion, and going with the flow.
The cups and the water have also been
thought as a biblical symbol reminiscent
of Christ turning water into wine. The
symbolism here is that we are able to
transform any situation into something
different by our tempering our thoughts
and actions in such a way as to bring about
the results we desire.
Key Questions:
Do you go with the flow, or do you struggle
with change?
What can you do to create more peace and
balance in your life?
Are you on a life path that forks in the
road? Are you torn between two paths?
What thoughts, beliefs or actions can you
merge together to create harmony in your
life?
What would it take for you to get just the
right mix or find a happy-medium in your
life?
Are you concerned about your health? If so,
what steps can you take to strike a healthy
balance?
XV - DEVIL
Key Words:
Ego
Loss
Error
Addiction
Illusion
Disruption
Introduction:
The image of the Baphoment is a shock to
many. In a primarily suppressed society,
topics relating to the devil are not openly
discussed and illicit intense discomfort.
However, if we approach this card in an
open-minded, mature manner, we can
glean a mass of insight.
Key Symbols:
Fly: The fly is a symbol of very primitive,
base energy states. Its nature is pesky and
irritating. It happily feeds on rot and waste.
We can liken these qualities in ourselves;
when we are duped into thinking we
are unworthy or we are feeding on filthy
thoughts. Our addictions can be as
nagging and pesky as the fly. Our “little
selves” (the one whose voice cries me, me,
me) express the lowest level of energy and
it turns like a maggot in our minds.
Key Questions:
Am I feeding an addiction?
What do I gain by letting my ego control my
life?
Do I think I’m unworthy of love?
Happiness? Peace? Why?
Do I always feel like I need to answer to
someone? Why?
What is pestering me all the time? What
can I do about it?
Do I feel like I never have enough, can
never be enough? Why?
How can I lift myself out of these lower
levels of thoughts and feelings?
XVI - TOWER
Key Words:
Change
Eruption
Upheaval
Exposure
Cataclysm
Blind-sided
Sudden Shift
Introduction:
One look at this card and we know
something is afoot, and it doesn’t look
good. The Tower Tarot card is all about
change; usually very sudden, not-so-
pleasant change.
Key Questions:
What am I pretending about?
Have I built my life on false or unhealthy
values?
Am I stuck in an unhealthy rut? What can I
do to change it?
Am I lying to myself about something going
on under my nose?
Am I living in an ivory tower of illusion?
Living under false pretenses?
Am I ignoring some tell-tale signs that I’m
not being treated with the respect and love
I deserve?
XVII - STAR
Key Words:
Hope
Promise
Healing
Guidance
Cleansing
Assurance
Ascencion
Rejuvination
Introduction:
Since as long as we have had eyes to see
we have lifted them upwards to the stars
for assurance and guidance. Winking back
at us, the stars signal comfort to us. By
their very design they instill wonder in
the deepest parts of our hearts, and allow
hope to spring forth.
The Star Tarot card holds that same
twinkly hope and promise we see when
we look up at the stars in the night sky.
Everything about the card suggests
serenity, assurance, and hope. It is a
message for us to take heart, be at peace
and know that all is well. The waters
running from the maiden’s pitchers are
never-ending. There is an abundant supply
of love and the cycles of life run smoothly
along the currents of peace.
Key Symbols:
Bird: By their very nature birds are symbols
of aspiration, illumination, and higher
vibration. They live in the realm of the skies
and this makes them symbolic of higher
places in thought, body and mind. When
we contemplate the bird we are lifted
above the mundane, lifted of our burdens,
and our souls are set free to fly above the
restrictions we’ve placed upon ourselves.
Key Questions:
Do I allow my higher source to be my
guide?
How can I nuture myself and those around
me more?
Do I emit a presence of peace and harmony
to others?
What can I do to allow more tranquility
into my day?
Am I allowing peace and relaxation to flow
through my life?
What can I do to be more at ease with
myself and my surroundings?
Introduction:
No one is immune to the influence of the
moon. She is the mirror, reflecting back
the light that shines upon her. She is a
timepiece to the ancient movements of our
galaxy. She is the music that prompts the
ocean to dance. She is the illuminator of
our creative powers. Pretty intense, no?
Key Symbols:
Dog and Wolf: The dog is a symbol of our
tamed mind which is loyal to our bidding.
The wolf is a symbol of our primal urges
and bears its teeth at our every attempt to
be conventional. Neither beast is all bad
nor all good - but they both war with each
other in our minds. Hence each is on either
side of our path. One yapping at us to “do
the right thing” the other growling at us to
“break out and go wild.” All the while the
Moon has her own ideas about what we
should be doing. The key here is to tap into
our inner wisdom and gain the ground by
our own internal navigational faith system.
Key Questions:
What am I allowing to distract me?
How can I see clear to my higher ideals?
Do I have clarity of thought, purpose and
deed?
What is taking me away from my highest
achievements?
What am I allowing to sway my judgment
are influence my decisions?
Have I strayed from my divine path? What
do I need to do to get back on track?
What steps can I take to silence those
yapping (nagging) thoughts that distract
me from my joy?
Introduction:
Where the Moon may portray a subtle,
undercurrent of influence, there is no
subtlety with the Sun Tarot card. The sun
is pervasive in its power, blazing with its
message of vitality, and its presence in our
lives equates to life-giving energy.
Key Questions:
How do I begin remove blockages in my
life?
Is there an area in my life I need
clarification?
Have I built some walls around my heart or
against others?
Am I allowing the highest and best energy
to flow through to me?
What would it take for me to expose my
true self and the beauty I represent?
Do I turn my face to things of truth, beauty
and vitality or do I mire in the mud?
XX - JUDGEMENT
Key Words:
Faith
Honesty
Judgment
Resurrection
Transformation
Heeding a Call
Introduction:
For many, the word “judgment” evokes
some very unsavory thoughts and
images. It’s no wonder the term makes
some people cringe. For eons this term
has been associated with religious
misunderstanding and intolerance. Wars
are waged in the name of religion, and
Judgement is the battlefield.
Key Symbols:
Arms: The figures in this card are accepting
higher knowledge with open arms.
When we observe our lives with love and
honesty, we are fully prepared to except
a final judgment. We are willing to take
this declaration and move to a higher
level. By openly embracing the new-
found knowlege of our life direction we
are able to more effectively move into a
new direction. Knowledge is power when
we take it in with open arms, we become
powerful ourselves.
Cross: The ancient Greeks created this
symbol with all legs of equal length and
size. One of the simplest symbols, and
used since ancient times, it represents
several things to different cultures. In
ancient Greece it is an emblem of the four
elements. In the ancient Middle East, the
symbol represents the four directions
(north, south, east, west) and the four
winds. Even the ancient Aztecs used this
symbol to represent the meeting place of
god (at the cross-section). The cross in this
card indicates that an even-mind (sound
judgment) is of foremost importance in our
personal development.
Introduction:
There’s a joke that goes something like:
“when you play a country and western
record backwards, what happens? Your
dog comes back, your lover comes back,
your money comes back and you live
happily ever after.” This is the theme of the
World Tarot card.
Key Symbols:
Legs: The leg formation here: one leg
straight and the other crossed at a right
angle is symbolic of a cross-roads that
we all reach, and our ability to choose
what we desire for ourselves. This leg
positioning is also seen in the Hanged
Man card. Where the Hanged Man uses for
suspension to uncross (or yeilding to the
dilemma), the World card is its opposite.
The crossing indicates that we have used
our diversity (even our peculiarities and
quirks) to our advantage. We are at the
cross roads and we are complete. There
is no need to suspend ourselves, we may
now take action knowing we have already
achieved our ultimate desires.