The Major Arcana Cards
The Major Arcana are the most important cards in the tarot deck. They convey the strongest energy and have the longest-lasting effects. There are 22 cards, all numbered, and the numbers have great numerological significance. Some tarot readers interpret the major arcana as forming a sequence, or a narrative in which each forms one stage, while others read the cards independently based on their symbolic meanings. I see value in both approaches, although I lean toward the former.
Hover over the cards below to read their divinatory meanings in brief. Click to book your tarot consultation today.
Upright:
innocene, freedom, spontaneity, fresh start, leap of faith
Reversed:
naivety, misstep, daydreaming
Upright:
manifestation, integration, power, resourcefulness, skill stacking
Reversed:
squandered talent, manipulation, playing tricks, poor execution
Upright:
something hidden, duality, sacred feminine, unconscious knowledge
Reversed:
secrets, withdrawal, silence, passivity
Upright:
abundance, generosity, fertility, femininity, nurture, beauty
Reversed:
infertility, creative block, dependence
Upright:
leadership, strong judgment, power, authority, structure
Reversed:
inflexibility, control-freak, domination, clouded judgement, indecisiveness
Upright:
teacher, spiritual leader, tradition, religion, convention, conformity, institutions
Reversed:
challenging authority, free-thinking, breaking tradition
Upright:
choices, alignment of values, harmony, relationships, passion, blessing
Reversed:
infatuation, narcissism, obsessive love, addiction
Upright:
destiny, duality, conquest, ambition, boldness, success, willpower
Reversed:
bull-headed, lack of direction, greedy, rash, undisciplined
Upright:
compassion, discipline, holding oneself in check, self-control
Reversed:
loss of control, self-doubt, stifling emotions, repression
Upright:
wisdom, self-knowledge, deep reflection, spiritual guidance, purposeful solitude
Reversed:
isolation, loneliness, withdrawal
Upright:
turning point, good fortune, karma, fate
Reversed:
bad luck, vicious cycle, refusal to change
Upright:
law, justice, fairness, equity, causes and effects
Reversed:
unfairness, lack of accountability, dishonesty
Upright:
long delay, waiting, alternate perspectives
Reversed:
procrastination, indecision, stalling
Upright:
transformation, new beginning, metamorphosis, ending
Reversed:
resistance to change, clinging to the past
Upright:
healing, alchemy, balance, moderation, purpose
Reversed:
imbalance, harm, excess
Upright:
temptation, addiction, low self-control, evil, demonic energy
Reversed:
regaining self-control, kicking addiction, banishing demons
Upright:
upheaval, painful truth, crashing to the ground, illusions shatter
Reversed:
avoiding disaster, gentle disclosure
Upright:
hope, renewal, deep spirituality, faith
Reversed:
vulnerability, despair, lack of trust
Upright:
dark night of the soul, anxiety, fear, death, something hidden, repressed emotion, long road ahead
Reversed:
secrets come out, feelings expressed, unburdening
Upright:
warmth, success, vitality, truth comes to light
Reversed:
childishness, feeling exposed, excessive optimism
Upright:
awakening, inner calling, rebirth, absolution
Reversed:
ignoring the call, slumber, fear of becoming
Upright:
end of a great cycle, rebirth, coming forth
Reversed:
delays, something lags on, lack of closure