The 22 cards that make up the Major Arcana are ancient and unique. Their meanings are not to be taken lightly. These 22 cards are believed to be far older than the rest of the deck and are filled with symbolism. The timeless archetypes depicted on Tarot cards deal with nothing less than the origin of life, the nature of God and humanity, cycles of existence, and one's place and meaning in the universe. When most of the cards in any layout are Major Arcana cards, there is likely to be an important issue that needs attention in the life of the person concerned; the issue may still be unconscious, but is one that demands attention.
Expect the unexpected when the Fool turns up in your layout, influences that could have a dramatic affect on the decisions and choices you make. When the Fool appears it is a time for new beginnings, a journey perhaps into the unknown that will be exciting and fun. Any trials along the way will make you a more experienced and perhaps wiser person. If the Fool falls in the first position of a reading exercise caution - it could indicate fool hardiness or perhaps the question you are asking is the wrong one or you are asking it for the wrong reasons. The Fool can also represent a person in a reading, if so be prepared to meet a real maverick, an eccentric with a lust for life.
1 The Magician The Magician is an excellent omen symbolizing new opportunities, the importance of new enterprise and that you will have the willpower and initiative to succeed in whatever you do. The mercurial nature of the Magician means that you will be able to think on your feet and bluff your way through any difficulties.
2 The High Priestess The High Priestess is the guardian of secrets so when she appears in a reading it can mean a secret is to be revealed or there is a secret you wish to be revealed. Symbolizing our intuitiveness and the realms of our unconscious, the High Priestess is our guide to our inner self and potential. When the High Priestess appears it suggests you should trust your instincts, let your intuition be your guide. she may even represent a person who will provide wise counsel and advice. In a man's reading the High Priestess can represent the most important woman in his life.
3 The Empress
The Empress symbolizes love, reassurance, prosperity and birth so when she appears in a reading in a favourable position she is a very welcome card. She can represent pregnancy or actual birth of a child however she can also represent the creation or birth of a creative project or involvement with nature.
4 The Emperor The Emperor is a sign of achievement and honour and in many cases can represent a strong male influence such as a father, husband/partner or man of significance in your life, or person of authority such as a boss. When he appears in a reading he can suggest that a man of authority or significance as outlined above will stand by you and support you, in personal as well as business matters. When the Emperor falls in position in a reading that refers to you he suggests that you will be able to influence people and have a great sense of your own authority.
5 The Hierophant
The Hierophant is a symbol of moral law, a wise and capable advisor, a practical instructor and spiritual guide. He also represents the more conventional, tried and tested traditional values, therefore advising on more conventional thinking rather than novel approaches. The Hierophant may actually represent a teacher, priest or advisor but is more likely to symbolise moral lessons to be learned from events. This card can be an indicator of marriage or a desire for marriage, as well as point to legal responsibilities and official documents.
6 The Lovers
The Lovers can symbolize that a new love is going to enter your life even if you can't see where from - you're in for a surprise . This is a card that symbolizes an importance choice that could affect the rest of your life. The Lovers symbolizes a choice between duty versus your heart's desire, take a risk and it could lead to greater happiness and emotional fulfillment, stay dutiful and life will remain the same. This card means that your heart rules your head and a dramatic change of attitude will lead to happier times.
7 The Chariot The Chariot symbolizes conflicts ending in victory, so advises sustained efforts if in a current struggle or facing one, as you will win in the end. This card also heralds unexpected good news and represents self reliance and belief in your own abilities. Travel and change is indicated by The Chariot as well as representing a vehicle - if in a favourable position it could mean you'll get that car you've been wanting!
8 Strength When the Strength card appears it represents not just physical strength but the ability to cope with extreme pressure and win through in the end. If ill health has been an issue this card indicates rapid recovery, if considering giving up an unhealthy habit such as smoking or drinking this card indicates a good time to start. The Strength card signifies triumph over most things; challenges in your relationships or career, even defending yourself against jealousy, ignorance and oppression .
9 The Hermit
When The Hermit appears in a reading he symbolizes a need for careful consideration of issues and possibly a desire for peace and quiet and solitude. He warns against making hasty decisions and recommends taking advice from someone you trust before making any decisions. Concerning health, The Hermit indicates a time of convalescence and rest.
10 The Wheel of Fortune
When The Wheel of Fortune appears it heralds a new cycle in life, good luck and fortune. it is fate that has brought this into your life rather than your own doing. This card heralds an end to current problems and rewards for past efforts.
11 Justice When The Justice card appears in a reading it can represent justice, fairness and equilibrium in all dealings with people, so it's a good omen concerning partnerships, business deals and legal issues.This card can also signify the righting of a wrong that has been done to you in the past, or you seeking justice for another. A karmic card that heralds good fortune and reward for past efforts even if you are unsure why you are being favoured.
12 The Hanged-Man
The Hanged Man symbolizes self-sacrifice, whether that be material or emotional, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This card can represent a time of limbo or a pause in life until something or perhaps someone is given up for greater gain. The Hanged Man can represent ill health, stress and anxiety, this is a time for patience, not worry.
This card represents a trial of passage and hence the self-sacrifice aspect of this card has spiritual overtones.
13 Death
The Death card can represent rather shocking or unexpected events or changes, they usually clear the way for a brand new start and a greater value for life itself. Out with the old and in with the new, a time of transformation is another way of looking at this card.
14 Temperance When the Temperance card appears it symbolizes self-control, the ability to handle volatile factors and so bring about a positive result. This card heralds a time of harmonious relationships, peace and harmony a time to be enjoyed. Moderation is the key and spirituality will bring comfort. it can be said that this card represents an angel or guardian spirit looking over you.
15 The Devil The Devil is not all bad, if marriage or commitment to a relationship is under consideration and this card falls in a favourable position in a reading The Devil is a good omen. Regarding most other issues this card is not a very positive one. The Devil symbolizes lust of the flesh, temptation and addiction which don't tend to lead to favourable outcomes. Concerning relationships this card can warn against obsession or people that are no good for us and prompts you to to examine the situation carefully. The Devil stands for a warning against the destructive consequences of your actions motivated by greed, lust and power. More positively, the Devil can be a sign that you are gaining control, or at least awareness, of your weaknesses or addictions. Always consider your motives when The Devil appears, it is a helpful indicator for you to change course, you still can.
16 The Tower After the Death card and the Devil, the Tower is likely to be the card that causes most fear and devastation. It's hard to find a positive side to this card, however, it tells you that the unexpected shock and upheaval of events will create new opportunities and make you a stronger and wiser person. The Tower represents sudden and sometimes shocking changes in events and can often represent problems or delays relating to your home or the purchasing of home. Whether material or emotional upset, this card encourages you to see that such upheavals can force new directions that can be more beneficial.
17 The Star
The Star is a welcome card bringing insight into the future, optimism and hope, renewal of faith and unexpected gifts! When considering a new relationship or enterprise The Star is an excellent omen. This card heralds good times for many things, artistic or educational endeavours, travel, health and spiritual awareness or development.
18 The Moon When The Moon appears you can be sure it will be a time of highly charged emotions and confusion . Despite any fear you may have, even if the path you are on is tough, all will turn out right in the end. Upright and in a favourable position in a reading this card is a good omen if you are involved in a clandestine affair, otherwise it may signify that your secret may be exposed. The Moon can lead to artistic expression through art, writing or music, which may lead to unexpected opportunities.
19 The Sun
Simply one of the best, if not the best, cards in the Tarot. The Sun is a most welcome card and a signal of very happy, joyous times. This card can represent holidays, good news around children or perhaps news of a conception or birth of a much wanted baby. The Sun heralds a time of fun with friends and family and agreeable companionship's and relationships. Ultimately the Sun dispels negativity and promises of a happy ending.
21 The World The World heralds the arrival of your heart's desire, whatever that may be, a time of achievement, recognition, success and triumph.This card signals a time of enjoyment, holidays, travel, time with loved ones, a fulfilling relationship and spoiling yourself with the material things you've been wanting. The World also marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
0 The Fool
Expect the unexpected when the Fool turns up in your layout, influences that could have a dramatic affect on the decisions and choices you make. When the Fool appears it is a time for new beginnings, a journey perhaps into the unknown that will be exciting and fun. Any trials along the way will make you a more experienced and perhaps wiser person. If the Fool falls in the first position of a reading exercise caution - it could indicate fool hardiness or perhaps the question you are asking is the wrong one or you are asking it for the wrong reasons. The Fool can also represent a person in a reading, if so be prepared to meet a real maverick, an eccentric with a lust for life.
1 The Magician 
2 The High Priestess 3 The Empress
The Empress symbolizes love, reassurance, prosperity and birth so when she appears in a reading in a favourable position she is a very welcome card. She can represent pregnancy or actual birth of a child however she can also represent the creation or birth of a creative project or involvement with nature.
4 The Emperor 
5 The Hierophant
The Hierophant is a symbol of moral law, a wise and capable advisor, a practical instructor and spiritual guide. He also represents the more conventional, tried and tested traditional values, therefore advising on more conventional thinking rather than novel approaches. The Hierophant may actually represent a teacher, priest or advisor but is more likely to symbolise moral lessons to be learned from events. This card can be an indicator of marriage or a desire for marriage, as well as point to legal responsibilities and official documents.
The Lovers can symbolize that a new love is going to enter your life even if you can't see where from - you're in for a surprise . This is a card that symbolizes an importance choice that could affect the rest of your life. The Lovers symbolizes a choice between duty versus your heart's desire, take a risk and it could lead to greater happiness and emotional fulfillment, stay dutiful and life will remain the same. This card means that your heart rules your head and a dramatic change of attitude will lead to happier times.
7 The Chariot 
8 Strength 
9 The Hermit When The Hermit appears in a reading he symbolizes a need for careful consideration of issues and possibly a desire for peace and quiet and solitude. He warns against making hasty decisions and recommends taking advice from someone you trust before making any decisions. Concerning health, The Hermit indicates a time of convalescence and rest.
10 The Wheel of Fortune
When The Wheel of Fortune appears it heralds a new cycle in life, good luck and fortune. it is fate that has brought this into your life rather than your own doing. This card heralds an end to current problems and rewards for past efforts.
11 Justice 
12 The Hanged-Man The Hanged Man symbolizes self-sacrifice, whether that be material or emotional, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This card can represent a time of limbo or a pause in life until something or perhaps someone is given up for greater gain. The Hanged Man can represent ill health, stress and anxiety, this is a time for patience, not worry.
This card represents a trial of passage and hence the self-sacrifice aspect of this card has spiritual overtones.
13 Death The Death card can represent rather shocking or unexpected events or changes, they usually clear the way for a brand new start and a greater value for life itself. Out with the old and in with the new, a time of transformation is another way of looking at this card.
14 Temperance 
15 The Devil 
16 The Tower 
17 The Star The Star is a welcome card bringing insight into the future, optimism and hope, renewal of faith and unexpected gifts! When considering a new relationship or enterprise The Star is an excellent omen. This card heralds good times for many things, artistic or educational endeavours, travel, health and spiritual awareness or development.
18 The Moon 
19 The Sun Simply one of the best, if not the best, cards in the Tarot. The Sun is a most welcome card and a signal of very happy, joyous times. This card can represent holidays, good news around children or perhaps news of a conception or birth of a much wanted baby. The Sun heralds a time of fun with friends and family and agreeable companionship's and relationships. Ultimately the Sun dispels negativity and promises of a happy ending.
21 The World 
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