Basics of the Tarot
The Major Arcana - The central foundation of the Tarot deck
The Major Arcana: A Journey Through Upright and Reversed Meanings
The Major Arcana cards form the spiritual core of the tarot deck, encompassing 22 cards that represent universal archetypes, profound life lessons, and the milestones of the soul’s journey. These cards offer insight into the broader, often transformative forces shaping our lives, from cycles of growth and challenge to moments of awakening and revelation. Each Major Arcana card embodies a distinct energy or theme, reflecting archetypal truths that resonate deeply across cultures and individual experiences.
The interpretation of a Major Arcana card depends not only on its imagery and symbolism but also on the position in which it appears. In the upright position, a card typically conveys its purest or most direct meaning—often reflecting lessons, opportunities, or energies flowing naturally. Conversely, when a card appears reversed, its meaning may take on a more introspective or shadowed quality, offering insights into obstacles, delays, or the need for internal reflection. Reversed cards are not inherently negative; rather, they invite us to explore deeper layers of the archetype, pointing to areas where energy may be blocked or requiring recalibration.
For Wiccans and Pagans, the Major Arcana cards often symbolize divine messages, the turning of the Wheel of the Year, or alignment with natural and cosmic forces. Their dual meanings, upright and reversed, reflect the balance inherent in nature—the interplay of light and shadow, action and reflection, growth and decay. Understanding the duality of these cards helps practitioners navigate life’s spiritual and mundane complexities with greater awareness and intention.
Pentacles, Swords, Wands and Cups form the suits of the Minor Arcana
Cards such as The Sun, The Empress, Strength etc make up the Major Arcana
A collection of cards in a particular layout is called a spread
Upright and Reversed meanings of the Major Arcana
0 - The Fool
Upright: The Fool represents the beginning of a journey, the thrill of stepping into the unknown, and the boundless potential of new beginnings. It encourages a leap of faith, trusting the universe to guide the way. Imagine someone leaving a secure job to pursue their dream of traveling the world, unsure of what lies ahead but driven by hope and curiosity. The Fool’s energy invites spontaneity, optimism, and the courage to embrace life’s possibilities without overanalyzing.
Reversed: When reversed, the Fool warns of recklessness, naivety, or misplaced trust. It suggests a failure to consider potential risks, like diving headfirst into a risky investment without proper research or entering a relationship blinded by idealism. It urges caution, reminding you to ground your enthusiasm with foresight to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
I - The Magician
Upright: The Magician embodies manifestation, resourcefulness, and the power to turn dreams into reality. Holding all the tools of the four suits, the Magician encourages you to harness your skills and willpower to achieve your goals. Picture a budding entrepreneur who combines creativity, strategy, and determination to launch a successful business. This card reminds you of your ability to align intention with action and create magic in your life.
Reversed: In reverse, the Magician can suggest deception, manipulation, or untapped potential. It may warn of someone using charm or intellect for personal gain or point to self-doubt that prevents you from utilizing your talents. For example, you might feel stuck, unsure how to begin a project despite having the skills and resources to succeed. The reversed Magician encourages honest self-reflection and vigilance against being misled.
II - The High Priestess
Upright: The High Priestess is the guardian of intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. She invites you to trust your inner voice and explore the unseen forces influencing your life. Imagine sensing that a job offer isn’t right for you, even though it looks perfect on paper—this card encourages you to listen to that inner knowing. Often appearing during spiritual awakenings or when secrets are at play, the High Priestess emphasizes patience and the importance of observation over action.
Reversed: Reversed, the High Priestess points to a disconnection from intuition or the surfacing of hidden truths. It may suggest ignoring gut feelings, leading to regret, or being blindsided by secrets revealed in a personal or professional setting. For instance, you might overlook subtle red flags in a partnership only to discover them later. This card calls for reconnection with your inner wisdom and a willingness to face the truth.
III - The Empress
Upright: The Empress radiates abundance, creativity, and nurturing energy. She symbolizes fertility, both literal and metaphorical, such as bringing a child into the world or nurturing a new idea into fruition. Imagine a gardener lovingly tending their plants, watching them thrive under their care—this is the essence of the Empress. Her presence indicates a time of growth, prosperity, and deepening emotional connections, particularly within family and creative pursuits.
Reversed: In reverse, the Empress warns of stagnation, neglect, or over-dependence. It may point to creative blocks, such as struggling to complete a project, or feeling unfulfilled in a nurturing role. For example, you might find yourself giving too much in a relationship without receiving support in return. The reversed Empress encourages self-care and a reassessment of what you are investing your energy in.
IV - The Emperor
Upright: The Emperor represents authority, structure, and stability. He embodies discipline, leadership, and the ability to bring order to chaos. Think of a wise leader implementing fair rules to guide a community—this is the Emperor’s energy. He encourages setting boundaries, creating long-term plans, and taking charge of your circumstances with confidence and logic.
Reversed: Reversed, the Emperor may signify rigidity, a misuse of power, or lack of structure. It could point to an oppressive figure in your life, like a controlling boss, or your own struggle to assert authority. For instance, you might feel overwhelmed by a lack of organization, unable to take control of a chaotic situation. The reversed Emperor urges balance between flexibility and discipline.
V - The Hierophant
Upright: The Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual guidance, and shared wisdom. Picture a teacher passing on ancient knowledge to students or a seeker joining a community of like-minded individuals to explore their beliefs. This card often signals alignment with established structures, whether religious, educational, or cultural, and encourages seeking mentorship or a deeper understanding of spiritual truths.
Reversed: When reversed, the Hierophant suggests rebellion against convention or the exploration of alternative paths. It might reflect questioning societal norms, like rejecting a traditional career to pursue a passion, or embracing unconventional spiritual practices. This card encourages individuality and the courage to challenge outdated structures in pursuit of authenticity.
VI - The Lovers
Upright: The Lovers symbolize harmony, connection, and the power of choice. While often linked to romantic relationships, this card also speaks to aligning with one’s higher values and making decisions guided by love and integrity. Imagine meeting a soulmate who helps you grow or choosing between two paths, each with profound implications. The Lovers remind you that relationships and choices rooted in truth and mutual respect bring fulfillment.
Reversed: Reversed, the Lovers may indicate disharmony, imbalance, or poor decisions. It could point to conflicts in a relationship, such as misaligned goals, or difficulty making a choice that honors your true desires. For example, you might stay in a job for financial security while ignoring its toll on your happiness. This card challenges you to reassess priorities and seek alignment.
VII - The Chariot
Upright: The Chariot represents determination, control, and triumph over adversity. It encourages harnessing willpower to move forward, even when faced with obstacles. Imagine an athlete training tirelessly to achieve victory or someone overcoming personal fears to pursue their dreams—this is the Chariot’s energy. It’s a card of disciplined focus and the drive to succeed.
Reversed: Reversed, the Chariot warns of lack of direction, internal conflict, or feelings of being out of control. It may suggest wavering resolve, such as abandoning a goal due to self-doubt, or struggling to balance opposing forces in your life. For instance, you might feel torn between work and personal commitments, unsure of how to proceed. This card urges self-reflection to regain clarity and focus.
VIII - Strength
Upright: Strength symbolizes inner courage, compassion, and the ability to face challenges with patience and calm resolve. This card suggests that true power comes from mastering your fears and emotions rather than overpowering external obstacles. For example, it might appear when you need to navigate a difficult conversation with kindness or summon courage to pursue a deeply personal goal. Strength encourages self-belief, reminding you that resilience and grace are your greatest allies.
Reversed: When reversed, Strength can indicate self-doubt, impulsiveness, or a lack of control over your emotions. It might suggest that you are struggling to manage anger or anxiety, allowing these feelings to overwhelm your actions. For instance, you may avoid addressing a problem because you feel inadequate or react too strongly in a conflict. This card urges reflection on how you can rebuild confidence and regain balance.
IX - The Hermit
Upright: The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and the search for inner truth. It encourages stepping back from external distractions to focus on self-discovery and spiritual growth. Imagine a scholar retreating to study ancient texts or someone taking a solo trip to reconnect with their purpose—this card calls for similar reflection. Often appearing during times of transition, the Hermit invites you to seek answers within rather than relying on outside validation.
Reversed: Reversed, the Hermit may signify excessive isolation or avoidance of self-reflection. You might feel lonely or disconnected from others, or perhaps you’re resisting the need to face uncomfortable truths about yourself. For example, you may keep busy with distractions to avoid addressing a deep-seated issue. This card asks you to examine where withdrawal is serving you and where it might be limiting your growth.
X - Wheel of Fortune
Upright: The Wheel of Fortune signifies cycles, luck, and the ever-changing nature of life. It reminds you that periods of challenge and success are both temporary and interconnected. Picture a sudden stroke of good fortune, like winning a scholarship or meeting someone who changes your life’s course—this card often heralds such moments. It encourages embracing the flow of life and recognizing opportunities when they arise, trusting that the universe has a greater plan at work.
Reversed: In reverse, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate setbacks, resistance to change, or a feeling of being stuck in a difficult cycle. It might suggest bad luck or missed opportunities, such as staying in a stagnant situation because of fear of the unknown. This card challenges you to examine your role in the cycle and to release control, allowing change to unfold naturally.
XI - Justice
Upright: Justice symbolizes fairness, truth, and the consequences of actions. It calls for accountability and encourages making decisions with integrity. For example, it may appear when you are facing a legal matter, resolving a dispute, or weighing an important decision. Justice also reminds you that your choices have karmic implications, urging you to act in alignment with your highest values.
Reversed: Reversed, Justice may suggest dishonesty, imbalance, or unfair treatment. It could indicate a lack of accountability, such as avoiding responsibility for your actions, or being treated unjustly by others. For instance, you might feel wronged in a situation where the truth is being obscured. This card encourages self-honesty and the pursuit of clarity, even in challenging circumstances.
XII - The Hanged Man
Upright: The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and spiritual insight. It encourages letting go of control to see things from a new angle, much like pausing in the middle of a journey to reassess your direction. For example, it might appear when you’re feeling stuck in a situation, suggesting that a shift in perspective or temporary pause will lead to clarity. The Hanged Man invites patience and trust in the process of transformation.
Reversed: In reverse, the Hanged Man can suggest resistance to change, indecision, or feeling trapped. You might cling to outdated ideas or avoid taking the steps needed to move forward. For instance, staying in a job that no longer serves you because of fear of the unknown reflects this energy. This card urges you to release control and embrace new perspectives to break free of stagnation.
XIII - Death
Upright: Death symbolizes transformation, endings, and rebirth. It is a card of profound change, urging you to let go of what no longer serves you to make room for new beginnings. Imagine leaving behind a toxic relationship or moving to a new city for a fresh start—Death reflects these powerful transitions. Though its energy may feel intimidating, this card ultimately promises growth and renewal.
Reversed: When reversed, Death suggests resistance to change, fear of letting go, or prolonged transitions. It might indicate clinging to a past situation or delaying necessary endings, such as staying in a stagnant job or avoiding a difficult conversation. The reversed Death card encourages you to embrace change and trust that transformation will lead to greater alignment and freedom.
XIV - Temperance
Upright: Temperance embodies balance, harmony, and the art of blending opposites. It encourages moderation and patience, much like finding the perfect equilibrium in a recipe. For instance, it may appear when you’re learning to balance work and personal life or seeking peace after a conflict. This card reminds you to stay grounded and approach situations with calm and measured action.
Reversed: Reversed, Temperance may suggest imbalance, excess, or impatience. You might be overindulging in a habit or rushing toward an outcome without considering long-term consequences. For example, diving into a relationship too quickly without building trust reflects this energy. The reversed card urges you to slow down, recalibrate, and find harmony.
XV - The Devil
Upright: The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the chains of unhealthy attachments. It calls attention to behaviors or relationships that may feel gratifying but ultimately keep you stuck, such as addiction, toxic partnerships, or excessive focus on material wealth. This card invites you to confront your shadow and question what is truly serving your growth.
Reversed: When reversed, the Devil indicates breaking free from limitations or gaining awareness of destructive patterns. For example, you might recognize a habit that’s holding you back and begin taking steps toward liberation. This card encourages you to reclaim your power and make conscious choices to align with your higher self.
XVI - The Tower
Upright: The Tower signifies sudden upheaval, revelation, and the dismantling of false foundations. It may appear during times of unexpected change, like losing a job or experiencing a shocking truth. While its energy can feel chaotic, the Tower clears the way for new growth by breaking down what is no longer stable.
Reversed: In reverse, the Tower may suggest resistance to inevitable change or avoiding a necessary confrontation. You might be clinging to a situation out of fear, even though it’s crumbling. This card encourages embracing transformation and trusting that the storm will lead to clarity.
XVII - The Star
Upright: The Star represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It is a light in the darkness, guiding you toward healing and faith in the future. For example, after a difficult period, the Star might appear as reassurance that brighter days are ahead. This card invites you to connect with your inner light and trust the universe’s guidance.
Reversed: Reversed, the Star may indicate discouragement, lack of direction, or disconnection from your higher self. You might feel uncertain about your path or struggle to find hope in challenging circumstances. The reversed Star encourages rekindling your inner faith and seeking support to restore clarity and inspiration.
XVIII - The Moon
Upright: The Moon represents illusion, intuition, and the subconscious. It invites you to navigate the unknown and trust your instincts, as the path ahead may not be entirely clear. For example, you might sense deception in a situation or feel pulled toward exploring your inner dreams and fears. The Moon often appears during times of uncertainty, encouraging you to rely on your intuition to guide you through shadows and mystery.
Reversed: Reversed, the Moon may indicate confusion, fear, or the unveiling of hidden truths. It could suggest that you are struggling to distinguish reality from illusion or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. For instance, discovering a long-held secret or confronting self-deception reflects this energy. The reversed Moon encourages clarity, grounding, and confronting your fears to regain balance.
XIX - The Sun
Upright: The Sun radiates positivity, vitality, and success. It symbolizes clarity, joy, and achieving a sense of fulfillment, much like basking in the warmth of a bright summer day. For instance, it may appear when you achieve a personal milestone, celebrate a joyous occasion, or find a sense of renewed optimism. This card reminds you to embrace life with confidence and gratitude, knowing that you are on the right path.
Reversed: When reversed, the Sun may indicate temporary setbacks, lack of clarity, or diminished enthusiasm. You might feel disconnected from your sense of joy, or face obstacles that dampen your confidence. For example, struggling with self-doubt while pursuing a goal reflects this energy. The reversed Sun encourages you to reconnect with your inner light and focus on what truly brings happiness.
XX - Judgement
Upright: Judgment represents renewal, self-assessment, and awakening. It often signals a turning point where you are called to reflect on past actions and make transformative decisions for the future. For example, you might feel inspired to leave a toxic environment, forgive someone, or embark on a new spiritual path. This card encourages accountability and embracing the lessons of your journey as you prepare for a fresh start.
Reversed: Reversed, Judgment may suggest self-doubt, fear of change, or avoiding necessary reflection. You might struggle to move forward because of guilt, regret, or hesitation to make important decisions. For instance, clinging to old habits or resisting closure with a past relationship reflects this energy. The reversed card urges you to release fear, trust your instincts, and take decisive action toward growth.
XXI - The World
Upright: The World signifies completion, wholeness, and the fulfillment of long-term goals. It represents the culmination of a significant journey, bringing a sense of achievement and integration. Imagine completing a challenging project, reaching a personal milestone, or experiencing spiritual enlightenment—this card reflects those moments of profound satisfaction. The World encourages you to celebrate your successes and embrace new beginnings as one chapter ends and another begins.
Reversed: When reversed, the World may indicate delays, lack of closure, or a feeling of incompleteness. You might feel stuck or unable to move forward, such as struggling to finish a project or experiencing unfinished emotional business. This card urges you to reflect on what is preventing you from achieving completion and to address lingering challenges before advancing to the next phase of your journey.
The Major Arcana in the tarot deck serves as the spiritual backbone of the system, representing profound archetypes, universal truths, and the soul’s journey through life’s transformative stages. For Wiccans and Pagans, these cards resonate deeply with the cycles of nature, the mysteries of the divine, and the interplay of light and shadow within personal growth. Each card embodies energies tied to the spiritual path, from the untamed potential of The Fool to the enlightenment of The World. These lessons are not isolated but interwoven with the Minor Arcana, which details the day-to-day manifestations of these greater truths. Together, the Major Arcana provides the overarching spiritual narrative, while the Minor Arcana, with its suits and numbers, offers practical insights into how these larger energies play out in relationships, challenges, and personal achievements. This dynamic interplay reflects the balance sought in many Wiccan and Pagan traditions: the union of the mystical and the mundane, the cosmic and the personal. The deck, as a whole, becomes a sacred mirror for both spiritual exploration and practical guidance.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on various ancient belief systems and is intended for educational and spiritual exploration purposes. It is not definitive or universally accepted and should be interpreted in the context of personal beliefs and practices.