What is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana are the 22 “big life lesson” cards of the tarot. Unlike the Minor Arcana, which reflect day-to-day events and challenges, the Major Arcana represent deep spiritual growth, transformation, and key milestones in the soul’s journey. Each card acts as an archetype, a symbol of universal truths we all experience in different forms.
When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it signals that something important is unfolding. These cards highlight turning points, lessons, or breakthrough moments. They encourage reflection on the bigger picture of life. Each of the 22 cards has its own dedicated page on this site where you can explore deeper meanings, symbolism, and guidance.
How to Use the Major Arcana
- Represents life-changing themes and spiritual lessons
- Often appear during important transitions
- Works as a mirror of your inner journey
- Linked together as a story called The Fool’s Journey
The Fool’s Journey
The Major Arcana can be read as a story known as The Fool’s Journey. It begins with The Fool, a symbol of innocence, openness, and stepping into the unknown with trust. From there, each card marks a step along the path of self-discovery: meeting teachers like The Magician and The High Priestess, embracing growth with The Empress and The Emperor, facing challenges with cards like The Tower and The Devil, and finding hope through The Star and The Sun.
This journey reflects the cycles we all move through: learning, stumbling, growing, and awakening. By the time we reach The World, the story has come full circle. It represents completion, fulfillment, and the integration of all the lessons before it. The Fool’s Journey is not linear but a cycle we revisit at different stages of our lives, each time with deeper wisdom.
Major Arcana Card Index
Click here for full Tarot index
0 — The Fool
Curiosity, trust, and infinite possibility. The Fool represents new beginnings and the courage to take a leap of faith.
👉 Read The Fool Meaning
I — The Magician
Creation, alignment, and manifestation. The Magician teaches you to use your gifts and focus your energy to shape reality.
👉 Read The Magician Meaning
II — The High Priestess
Inner knowing, mystery, and spiritual insight. The High Priestess invites you to trust your intuition and explore hidden truths.
👉 Read The High Priestess Meaning
III — The Empress
Growth, creativity, and flowing abundance. The Empress nurtures new life, ideas, and love through compassion and care.
👉 Read The Empress Meaning
IV — The Emperor
Stability, grounded authority, and protection. The Emperor brings structure, boundaries, and strength into your life.
👉 Read The Emperor Meaning
V — The Hierophant
Tradition, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. The Hierophant reflects learning from teachers, rituals, and sacred knowledge.
👉 Read The Hierophant Meaning
VI — The Lovers
Union, harmony, and choices of the heart. The Lovers highlight connection, values, and meaningful relationships.
👉 Read The Lovers Meaning
VII — The Chariot
Determination, focus, and victory. The Chariot shows success through willpower, discipline, and confidence.
👉 Read The Chariot Meaning
VIII — Strength
Courage, patience, and inner strength. Strength teaches balance between gentle compassion and personal power.
👉 Read Strength Meaning
IX — The Hermit
Introspection, wisdom, and solitude. The Hermit encourages you to seek answers within and honor quiet reflection.
👉 Read The Hermit Meaning
X — Wheel of Fortune
Cycles, destiny, and change. The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that life moves in patterns of growth, challenge, and renewal.
👉 Read Wheel of Fortune Meaning
XI — Justice
Truth, fairness, and accountability. Justice calls you to act with integrity and take responsibility for your choices.
👉 Read Justice Meaning
XII — The Hanged Man
Surrender, perspective, and letting go. The Hanged Man invites you to pause and see life from a new angle.
👉 Read The Hanged Man Meaning
XIII — Death
Transformation, endings, and rebirth. Death clears the way for renewal and new cycles of growth.
👉 Read Death Meaning
XIV — Temperance
Balance, healing, and moderation. Temperance teaches harmony through patience and blending energies.
👉 Read Temperance Meaning
XV — The Devil
Bondage, temptation, and shadow work. The Devil reveals unhealthy attachments and calls for reclaiming freedom.
👉 Read The Devil Meaning
XVI — The Tower
Upheaval, revelation, and awakening. The Tower breaks down false foundations to make way for truth.
👉 Read The Tower Meaning
XVII — The Star
Hope, inspiration, and renewal. The Star brings healing light after challenges and guides you toward clarity.
👉 Read The Star Meaning
XVIII — The Moon
Illusion, dreams, and intuition. The Moon highlights uncertainty and encourages you to trust inner guidance.
👉 Read The Moon Meaning
XIX — The Sun
Joy, success, and vitality. The Sun shines with clarity, confidence, and abundance in every area of life.
👉 Read The Sun Meaning
XX — Judgement
Awakening, reflection, and renewal. Judgement calls you to embrace transformation and align with your higher self.
👉 Read Judgement Meaning
XXI — The World
Completion, wholeness, and fulfillment. The World celebrates the end of a cycle and the achievement of harmony.
👉 Read The World Meaning