Your Guide to Tarot Major Arcana Meanings

The Tarot deck is a powerful tool for self-reflection and guidance, and at its heart lies the 22-card Major Arcana. These cards represent the ‘big picture’ themes and karmic lessons we encounter on our life’s path, a narrative often called ‘The Fool’s Journey.’ Unlike the Minor Arcana, which details our day-to-day experiences, the Major Arcana cards are potent archetypes. They signal significant life events, spiritual milestones, and profound personal shifts that shape our story.

Mastering the tarot major arcana meanings is the foundational step toward reading with clarity, confidence, and depth. When one of these cards appears in a spread, it demands your attention, pointing to a major life lesson or a crucial turning point you cannot ignore. Understanding their symbolic language empowers you to navigate these pivotal moments with greater awareness and purpose.

This guide is designed to be your comprehensive companion, taking you card-by-card through this essential archetypal journey. For each of the 22 cards, you will find:

• Upright & Reversed Meanings: Clear, actionable interpretations for both aspects of the card.
• Essential Keywords: Quick-reference words to anchor your understanding.
• Symbolic Analysis: Notes on key imagery and its deeper significance.
• Practical Reading Tips: Guidance on how to apply the card’s message to real-life situations.

Whether you’re a curious beginner seeking to unlock your intuition or a seasoned reader refining your skills, this detailed roundup will equip you with the insights needed to interpret the soul’s story with confidence. Let’s begin the journey.

1. The Fool (0) – New Beginnings and Taking Risks

The Fool, numbered 0, marks the very beginning of the Major Arcana’s journey. This card embodies pure potential, innocence, and the exhilarating, if slightly naive, energy of starting something new. It represents the archetype of the adventurer stepping into the unknown, guided by trust and a sense of wonder rather than a detailed plan. The Fool encourages you to take a leap of faith, whether it’s starting a new career, moving to a new city, or embarking on a spiritual path. It signifies that the journey itself is the destination.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, free spirit, originality, a leap of faith. When The Fool appears upright, it’s a powerful sign to embrace the unknown. It’s a call to trust your instincts and take a chance on a new opportunity, even if you don’t have all the answers yet.
• Reversed Keywords: Recklessness, being taken advantage of, inconsideration, holding back, naivete. Reversed, The Fool warns of impulsive actions without foresight. It can indicate that you are either holding back due to fear or are about to make a foolish decision by ignoring potential dangers.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Fool appears in a reading about a major decision, it asks you to assess your readiness for a new chapter. Are you driven by excitement or are you ignoring practical red flags?

In Practice: If you ask about a new job offer and draw The Fool, it suggests an exciting opportunity that promises growth and new experiences. However, it also advises you to check the details before you leap. Don’t let the initial excitement blind you to the realities of the position.

The Fool’s placement in a spread is also key. At the start, it’s a green light for a new venture. In the middle, it might represent a necessary leap of faith within an ongoing situation. At the end, it suggests starting over with a fresh perspective.

2. The Magician (I) – Manifestation and Personal Power

Following The Fool’s leap of faith, The Magician, numbered I, represents the moment potential becomes action. This card is the ultimate symbol of manifestation, willpower, and resourcefulness. He stands as a bridge between the spiritual and material worlds, consciously directing energy to create tangible results. The Magician shows you that you have all the tools, talents, and resources at your disposal to achieve your goals; you just need to bring them together with focused intention and action.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Manifestation, willpower, resourcefulness, skill, action, concentration. When The Magician appears upright, it is a powerful green light to move forward with your plans. It confirms you have the power and ability to make your desires a reality.
• Reversed Keywords: Manipulation, poor planning, untapped talents, trickery, illusion. Reversed, The Magician warns of a disconnect between your goals and your actions. You may be using your skills for manipulative purposes, or you might be feeling powerless and failing to recognize your own latent abilities.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Magician appears, it’s a call to action. It prompts you to ask: What am I trying to create, and what specific skills can I use to make it happen?

In Practice: If you ask about starting a business and draw The Magician, it’s an incredibly positive sign. It indicates you have the vision, skills, and resources to succeed. The card advises you to create a clear plan and take the first deliberate steps to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life.

The Magician urges you to focus your energy. Unlike The Fool’s spontaneous leap, The Magician’s success comes from conscious, skilled creation. It’s about being the master of your own destiny, not a passive observer. This card is central to understanding the active role you play in shaping your life, a core lesson in the tarot major arcana meanings.

3. The High Priestess (II) – Intuition and Inner Wisdom

The High Priestess, numbered II, is the guardian of the subconscious mind and the keeper of sacred, hidden knowledge. Seated between the pillars of darkness and light, she represents the veil between the seen and unseen worlds. This card embodies intuition, mystery, and the quiet power of inner wisdom. The High Priestess encourages you to look beyond the obvious, listen to your dreams, and trust the subtle messages from your inner self. She is the silent guide who reminds you that the most profound answers are often found within.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Intuition, sacred knowledge, divine feminine, the subconscious mind, mystery, things yet to be revealed. When The High Priestess appears upright, it is a call to be still and listen. She advises you to trust your gut feelings and pay attention to your dreams, as crucial information is surfacing from your subconscious.
• Reversed Keywords: Secrets, disconnected from intuition, withdrawal, silence, confusion. Reversed, this card can signal a refusal to listen to your inner voice or that crucial information is being deliberately withheld. It may point to gossip, hidden agendas, or a general sense of confusion because you are ignoring your intuition.

Practical Reading Tips

The appearance of The High Priestess in a reading signifies that logic and external data alone are not enough. This is a time for introspection and connecting with your higher self. To further cultivate intuition and safeguard your inner space, exploring Amethyst crystal meanings for spiritual protection and clarity can offer valuable insights.

In Practice: If you ask about a person’s intentions and draw The High Priestess, the answer is not yet clear on the surface. The card advises you to trust your instincts about them. Pay attention to non-verbal cues and what your gut tells you, as the full story is hidden beneath what is being said.

4. The Empress (III) – Abundance, Fertility, and Creation

The Empress, numbered III, is the embodiment of divine femininity, nurturing, and earthly abundance. She represents the archetype of the mother, the creator, and nature itself in its most fertile and generous state. This card signifies a period of lush growth, creativity, and sensual pleasure, encouraging you to connect with your senses and the natural world. She is a powerful symbol of creation, whether that means birthing a child, launching a creative project, or cultivating a thriving business.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Femininity, beauty, nature, nurturing, abundance, creativity. When The Empress appears upright, it signals a time for growth and manifestation. It encourages you to embrace your creative energy, nurture yourself and others, and enjoy the material and emotional comforts life has to offer.
• Reversed Keywords: Creative block, dependence on others, smothering, neglect, financial issues. Reversed, The Empress can indicate a disconnection from your feminine energy or a creative stagnation. It might point to smothering behavior in relationships or, conversely, a neglect of self-care and personal needs.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Empress shows up in a reading, it asks you to evaluate your relationship with creation, nurturing, and receiving. Are you allowing abundance into your life, or are you blocking it with feelings of scarcity?

In Practice: If you ask about your financial situation and draw The Empress, it’s a highly positive omen suggesting that your efforts will lead to prosperity. It advises you to adopt an “abundance mindset,” nurture your ventures as a loving gardener would, and trust that your material needs will be met.

The Empress’s presence often calls for self-care and connecting with nature. If you’re feeling creatively blocked, this card urges you to spend time outdoors, indulge your senses, or create a beautiful and comfortable environment to inspire your flow. It’s one of the most vital tarot major arcana meanings for understanding manifestation.

5. The Emperor (IV) – Authority, Structure, and Leadership

Following the nurturing energy of The Empress, The Emperor, numbered IV, introduces the principles of structure, order, and authority. He represents the archetype of the father figure or sovereign ruler who creates stability and security through discipline and strategic planning. This card embodies masculine power, logic, and the establishment of solid foundations. The Emperor encourages you to take control of your circumstances, set firm boundaries, and lead with a clear vision, reminding us that true power comes from a place of wisdom and responsibility.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Authority, structure, control, father figure, leadership, stability. When The Emperor appears upright, he signals a time for discipline and organization. It’s a call to step into a leadership role, create order from chaos, and make decisions with confidence and rational thought.
• Reversed Keywords: Domination, excessive control, rigidity, lack of discipline, inflexibility. Reversed, The Emperor warns of a tyrannical or overly controlling nature. It can indicate a power struggle, a refusal to adapt, or an abuse of authority, suggesting a need to loosen your grip or challenge a restrictive system.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Emperor appears in a reading, it prompts you to examine the structures in your life. Are your rules and boundaries supporting your growth, or are they holding you back through inflexibility? This card is a key part of understanding the tarot major arcana meanings related to power and control.

In Practice: If you ask about a conflict at work and draw The Emperor, it suggests that a clear, structured approach is needed. This might mean establishing firm boundaries with a colleague or presenting a logical, well-organized plan to a superior. It advises against emotional reactions in favor of decisive, authoritative action.

The Emperor’s presence often points to a need for self-mastery. At the start of a spread, he encourages building a solid plan. In the middle, he may represent a powerful authority figure influencing your situation. At the end, he signifies the successful establishment of order and control over your domain.

6. The Hierophant (V) – Tradition, Spirituality, and Wisdom

The Hierophant, numbered V, represents the bridge between the divine and humanity. This card embodies tradition, conventional belief systems, and the pursuit of knowledge through established institutions like churches, schools, or formal mentorships. As one of the core tarot major arcana meanings, it signifies the value of learning from a trusted source and adhering to a structured path of spiritual or intellectual development. The Hierophant encourages you to seek guidance from a mentor, teacher, or spiritual leader, and to honor the traditions that provide a foundation for growth and understanding.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Tradition, conformity, morality, ethics, spiritual wisdom, mentorship. When The Hierophant appears upright, it suggests a time for conventional approaches. It signals a need for structure and advises learning from established sources rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.
• Reversed Keywords: Rebellion, non-conformity, new methods, challenging the status quo, personal beliefs. Reversed, The Hierophant points to a break from tradition. It can indicate that you are questioning established rules and forging your own path, or that you are feeling confined by outdated dogmas and societal expectations.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Hierophant appears in a reading, it asks you to consider your relationship with rules, tradition, and authority. Are you benefiting from a structured system, or is it time to question it?

In Practice: If you ask about your educational path and draw The Hierophant, it strongly supports pursuing a formal degree or certification from a reputable institution. It suggests that following a well-trodden, traditional path will lead to success and provide the validation you seek.

The Hierophant often points to the influence of a group or institution. In a relationship reading, it might signify a traditional commitment like marriage. In a career reading, it can represent a large, conventional corporation with a clear hierarchy and established rules.

7. The Lovers (VI) – Love, Choice, and Deep Connection

The Lovers card, numbered VI, signifies profound connection, alignment, and the power of choice. While often associated with romantic love, its meaning extends to all significant relationships built on shared values and mutual respect. This card represents a crossroads, urging you to make a conscious decision that aligns your heart with your mind. It speaks to the harmony that comes from choosing a path, a partner, or a belief system that resonates with your authentic self, creating a bond that is both powerful and vulnerable.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Love, harmony, relationships, values alignment, choices, union. When The Lovers appears upright, it points to a beautiful and harmonious connection. It’s a sign to open your heart and make choices that honor your deepest values, whether in a romantic partnership, a close friendship, or a business alliance.
• Reversed Keywords: Disharmony, misalignment, conflict, poor choices, imbalance. Reversed, The Lovers warns of a disconnect between your values and your actions. It can indicate conflict in a relationship, a lack of communication, or a choice made out of obligation rather than authentic desire, leading to inner turmoil.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Lovers appears in a reading, it highlights a pivotal choice concerning your relationships and personal values. It’s one of the key cards in understanding the tarot major arcana meanings related to connection.

In Practice: If you ask about a difficult decision between two career paths and draw The Lovers, the card advises you to choose the option that aligns most deeply with your personal values and what you truly love to do, not just the one that seems more practical.

The presence of this card urges you to examine the core of your connections. Is there balance and open communication? Are you and your partner (in love, business, or friendship) on the same page? The Lovers encourages you to consciously choose what, and who, you commit your energy to.

8. The Chariot (VII) – Determination, Willpower, and Control

The Chariot, numbered VII, is the card of victory, determination, and forward momentum. This card represents the successful harnessing of opposing forces through sheer willpower and self-discipline. The charioteer doesn’t move through brute force alone; he directs the two sphinxes (often one black, one white) through focused intent and control. This powerful card in the tarot major arcana meanings signifies overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. It’s a call to action, urging you to take the reins of your life and steer your destiny with confidence and conviction.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Control, willpower, victory, assertion, determination, momentum. When The Chariot appears upright, it is a sign of great success and triumph. It indicates that you have the drive and focus needed to overcome challenges and achieve your ambitious goals. Now is the time to be bold and move forward.
• Reversed Keywords: Lack of control, opposition, lack of direction, aggression, self-discipline issues. Reversed, The Chariot points to a loss of control or a scattered focus. You may be letting obstacles stop you, or your ambition might be turning into aggression, creating more conflict than progress.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Chariot appears in a reading, it asks you to examine your direction and the force you are applying. Are you moving forward with clear intent, or are you just spinning your wheels?

In Practice: If you ask about launching a new business and draw The Chariot, the card affirms that you have the willpower to succeed. It advises you to create a clear plan, maintain discipline, and be prepared to navigate conflicting demands to drive your project to completion.

The Chariot encourages you to be the master of your own journey. It’s a reminder that true control comes not from suppressing external forces, but from mastering your own internal drive and directing it with unwavering focus toward a well-defined destination. Celebrate your victories, but stay focused on the road ahead.

9. Strength (VIII) – Inner Power, Courage, and Compassion

Strength, often numbered VIII, represents the profound power that comes not from external force but from inner fortitude. This card symbolizes courage, compassion, and the ability to master one’s primal instincts with gentle influence rather than brute control. It portrays the archetype of taming the inner beast, suggesting that true mastery is achieved through patience, kindness, and emotional resilience. Strength encourages you to face your fears and challenges with a calm and compassionate heart, recognizing that your vulnerability is a source of immense power.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Inner strength, courage, compassion, focus, patience, self-control. When Strength appears upright, it is a sign of your innate power and resilience. It affirms that you have the fortitude to overcome any obstacle by leading with your heart and exercising self-discipline.
• Reversed Keywords: Self-doubt, weakness, insecurity, lack of self-control, raw emotion. Reversed, Strength can point to feelings of inadequacy or a struggle with internal demons. It may indicate that fear and self-doubt are undermining your confidence, or that you are acting from a place of unchecked impulse rather than quiet control.

Practical Reading Tips

When Strength shows up in a reading, it prompts you to connect with your inner courage and lead with compassion. Are you reacting with force where gentle persuasion is needed? This is one of the most important tarot major arcana meanings for emotional development.

In Practice: If you ask about navigating a difficult family conflict and draw Strength, the card advises you to approach the situation with patience and understanding. Instead of escalating the argument, it suggests you can disarm the tension with kindness, listening, and a firm but gentle presence.

In a spread, Strength often signifies a period where your emotional and spiritual stamina will be your greatest asset. It encourages you to find power in softness and to tame challenging situations with grace, proving that true strength is gentle.

10. The Hermit (IX) – Introspection, Wisdom, and Spiritual Seeking

The Hermit, numbered IX, represents a necessary journey inward for truth and enlightenment. This card is the archetype of the wise elder or spiritual seeker who withdraws from the distractions of the outside world to find answers within. He holds a lantern aloft, not to light the way for others, but to illuminate his own path through introspection and reflection. The Hermit signifies a period of soul-searching, meditation, and seeking guidance from one’s own inner wisdom. It’s about detaching from the noise of society to hear your own voice clearly.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Introspection, soul-searching, inner guidance, solitude, withdrawal, wisdom. When The Hermit appears upright, it’s a powerful call to turn your focus inward. It encourages you to take time for yourself, away from social pressures, to meditate on your goals and values. It’s a sign that the answers you seek are not in the external world, but within you.
• Reversed Keywords: Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal from society, being a recluse, paranoia. Reversed, The Hermit can signal that a period of healthy solitude has turned into unhealthy isolation. It may indicate feelings of loneliness, or that you are actively avoiding others out of fear or paranoia, cutting yourself off from necessary support.

Practical Reading Tips

When The Hermit appears in a reading, it suggests the need for a deliberate pause. It’s a time for contemplation, not action. One of the most important aspects of understanding the tarot major arcana meanings is recognizing when to step back and reflect.

In Practice: If you ask about a relationship conflict and draw The Hermit, the card advises you to step back and analyze your own feelings and contributions to the issue. Instead of seeking an immediate confrontation or resolution, take time alone to understand your own needs and boundaries first.

In a spread, The Hermit often acts as a guide. At the beginning, it suggests a journey of self-discovery is about to begin. In the middle, it points to the need to withdraw and reflect on your current situation. At the end, it signifies you have found your inner truth and are ready to move forward with newfound wisdom.

11. Wheel of Fortune (X) – Cycles, Destiny, and Turning Points

The Wheel of Fortune, numbered X, represents the cyclical nature of life, destiny, and pivotal turning points. This card signifies that change is the only constant, reminding us that life moves in cycles of ups and downs. It speaks to karma, fate, and the moments when the universe intervenes to shift our path. The Wheel encourages us to accept the natural rhythms of existence, recognizing that even in challenging times, the wheel will eventually turn upwards again. It is a powerful card in any reading about tarot major arcana meanings.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, a turning point, change. When the Wheel of Fortune appears upright, it signals a significant and often positive shift. This is a moment of good fortune, where events align in your favor, often due to past actions coming full circle. It encourages you to go with the flow and embrace the opportunities presented.
• Reversed Keywords: Bad luck, resistance to change, breaking cycles, unforeseen setbacks. Reversed, the Wheel of Fortune suggests a period of negative luck or unexpected challenges. It can indicate a resistance to necessary change or the negative consequences of past actions. This card asks you to take control where you can and break free from a negative pattern.

Practical Reading Tips

When the Wheel of Fortune appears, it points to forces outside of your direct control that are influencing your situation. It asks you to consider the larger patterns at play in your life.

In Practice: If you ask about your financial situation and draw the Wheel of Fortune, it suggests a coming change in your luck. Upright, an unexpected windfall or opportunity could be on the horizon. Reversed, it warns of a potential setback, advising you to prepare for unforeseen expenses and avoid risky investments.

The card’s message is one of perspective. It reminds you that no matter your current position, whether at the top or bottom of the wheel, it is temporary. True wisdom lies in maintaining balance and understanding that every phase of life serves a purpose in your journey.

12. Justice (XI) – Balance, Fairness, and Accountability

Justice, numbered XI (or sometimes VIII), is a card of profound equilibrium, truth, and cosmic law. It represents the principle of cause and effect, reminding us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This archetype is not about revenge but about impartial fairness, integrity, and the consequences that naturally follow our choices. When Justice appears, it signifies a moment where clarity, honesty, and accountability are paramount. It calls for decisions made with objectivity and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright Keywords: Fairness, truth, cause and effect, law, impartiality, responsibility. Upright, Justice is a clear indicator that fairness will prevail. It often points to legal matters, contracts, or decisions where a balanced and ethical approach is required. This card affirms that you will get what you deserve based on your past actions.
• Reversed Keywords: Unfairness, dishonesty, lack of accountability, corruption, imbalance. Reversed, Justice warns of an imbalance or an unfair outcome. It can signify dishonesty, avoiding responsibility, or a situation where you are being treated unjustly. This card calls for a deep self-assessment of your own biases and actions.

Practical Reading Tips

When Justice appears in a reading, it’s a direct call to examine a situation with complete honesty and take responsibility for your role in it. It’s a key card in the tarot major arcana meanings, highlighting the need to align your actions with your core values.

In Practice: If you ask about a conflict with a friend and draw Justice, the card urges you to look at the situation from all sides. Are you acknowledging their perspective? Have your actions contributed to the problem? The card suggests that a fair resolution can only be reached through truth and mutual accountability.

In a spread, Justice often marks a crucial decision point. It advises you to weigh all factors carefully and act with integrity. Its presence signals that the universe is keeping score, and a balanced outcome is on the horizon.

12 Major Arcana Meaning Comparison

Integrating the Major Arcana into Your Daily Practice

You have now journeyed through the entire Major Arcana, from the boundless potential of The Fool to the holistic completion of The World. We’ve explored the upright and reversed tarot major arcana meanings, decoded their rich symbolism, and touched upon the archetypal energies they represent. This is more than just a list of definitions; it’s a blueprint of the human soul’s evolution, a story of trials, triumphs, and transformations that resides within each of us.

The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are the pillars of the tarot deck. They signify life’s most profound lessons and pivotal moments. Unlike the Minor Arcana, which often reflects our day-to-day situations, these cards demand our attention, signaling that we are navigating a significant phase of spiritual and personal development. Mastering their meanings is the first crucial step toward becoming a confident and insightful reader.

From Knowledge to Wisdom: Actionable Next Steps

Merely memorizing keywords is not enough to unlock the power of the tarot. The real magic happens when you translate this knowledge into practical wisdom. The journey doesn’t end here; it truly begins now. Here are specific, actionable ways to integrate the lessons of the Major Arcana into your life.

1. The Daily Archetype Draw

Instead of pulling a card for a specific question, begin your day by drawing a single Major Arcana card.

• Action: Separate the 22 Major Arcana cards from your deck. Shuffle them and draw one card each morning.
• Implementation: Let this card represent the dominant energy or lesson for your day. If you pull The Emperor, focus on bringing structure and discipline to your tasks. If you draw The Hermit, consciously schedule time for quiet reflection. This practice transforms the cards from abstract concepts into tangible, daily guides.

2. Archetypal Journaling and Shadow Work

The Major Arcana cards are perfect prompts for deep self-reflection. To truly internalize their lessons and foster deeper self-awareness, consider incorporating practices that encourage introspection. Learning how to start journaling for self-discovery and mental clarity can be a powerful way to process your tarot insights and track your personal growth.

• Action: When a particular Major Arcana card appears frequently in your readings, dedicate a journal entry to it.
• Implementation: Answer pointed questions related to its theme. For a recurring Tower card, you might ask: “What structure in my life feels unstable, and why am I afraid to let it go?” For Strength, ask: “Where in my life am I using force when compassion would be more effective?” This helps you confront and integrate the card’s lesson, especially its more challenging aspects.

3. The “Fool’s Journey” Spread

Use the narrative structure of the Major Arcana to map out your own personal projects or goals. This three-card spread helps you understand the trajectory of your personal journey.

• Card 1: The Fool (Your Starting Point): What innocent energy or new beginning are you embarking upon? This represents your initial state.
• Card 2: The Chariot (Your Current Challenge/Action): What willpower and determination are required right now? This card highlights the focused effort needed to move forward.
• Card 3: The World (Your Potential Completion): What does successful integration and completion look like? This shows the ultimate goal and the sense of wholeness you can achieve.

Understanding the profound tarot major arcana meanings is your gateway to unlocking a deeper connection with your intuition and the universe. These archetypes are not just pictures on cards; they are living energies, timeless teachers, and powerful mirrors for your soul. Embrace their wisdom, apply their lessons, and watch as your path becomes clearer, your decisions more confident, and your life more aligned with your authentic self. The journey is yours to walk, and these cards are your trusted companions.