Major & Minor Arcana Tarot Card Meanings
Learn what each card of the tarot deck means—the major arcana, the minor arcana, they're all here.
Major Arcana Cards
The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Hierophant
The Lovers
The Chariot
Strength
The Hermit
The Wheel of Fortune
Justice
The Hanged Man
Death
Temperance
The Devil
The Tower
The Star
The Moon
The Sun
Judgment
The World
Minor Arcana Cards
A Beginner's Guide to Tarot Card Meanings
Welcome, cosmic travelers, to the wondrous realm of tarot! As we embark on this mystical journey, let us delve into the profound meanings behind the cards that weave the fabric of fate. Tarot cards serve as mirrors to our souls, guiding us through the labyrinth of life's uncertainties with wisdom and insight. Join me as we explore the enchanting world of tarot card meanings, from the awe-inspiring Major Arcana to the intricate tapestry of the Minor Arcana, and discover the secrets they hold.
The Major Arcana
Behold the Major Arcana, a sacred procession of 22 cards that depict the archetypal journey of the human spirit. Each card in this illustrious deck is imbued with profound symbolism and represents significant life events and spiritual lessons. These cards symbolize significant life themes. From the boundless potential of The Fool to the cosmic wisdom of The World, the Major Arcana serves as a celestial roadmap, guiding us through the ebbs and flows of existence with grace and enlightenment. When a major arcana card shows up in your reading, a major life event may be taking place or about to take place.
The Minor Arcana
In contrast to the grandeur of the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. These cards illuminate the everyday experiences and challenges we encounter on our earthly journey. Each suit embodies an earthly element (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth) and represents a distinct realm of human experience, offering guidance and insight into the intricacies of our daily lives. Although not as impactful as the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana can give us more insight into the lesser, but consistent energies throughout our daily experience.
The Suit of Wands
Venture into the fiery domain of the Suit of Wands, where passion and creativity reign supreme. Representing the element of fire, Wands inspires action, ambition, and innovation. From the fiery intensity of the Ace of Wands to the transformative power of the Page, Knights, Queens, and Kings, the Suit of Wands encourages us to embrace our inner fire and pursue our dreams with unwavering determination. Wand cards are also good indicators of when to start a new passion project or a signal if your temper is hindering your progress in a particular situation.
The Suit of Cups
Dive deep into the ethereal waters of the Suit of Cups, where emotions flow freely, and intuition guides the way. As vessels of the heart, Cups symbolize love, relationships, and emotional fulfillment. From the boundless love of the Ace of Cups to the emotional depth of the Queen and King, the Suit of Cups invites us to explore the depths of our hearts and cultivate meaningful connections with others. Cup cards emerge when there are matters of the heart at the forefront of your mind and your emotions are leading the way. These cards also represent psychic ability and prophetic dreams.
The Suit of Swords
Enter the realm of intellect and truth with the Suit of Swords, where clarity and discernment prevail. Representing the element of air, Swords cut through illusion and confusion, revealing the truth that lies beneath the surface. From the piercing insight of the Ace of Swords to the intellectual prowess of the Queen and King, the Suit of Swords empowers us to embrace logic and reason as we navigate life's challenges with courage and conviction. These cards may emerge if you are experiencing communication issues, school-related concerns, or questions about planning and strategizing.
The Suit of Pentacles
Ground yourself in the fertile soil of the Suit of Pentacles, where material abundance and earthly wealth flourish. Representing the element of earth, Pentacles symbolize prosperity, security, and tangible achievements. From the bountiful harvest of the Ace of Pentacles to the steadfast resilience of the Page, Knights, Queens, and Kings, the Suit of Pentacles reminds us to honor the physical world and cultivate abundance in all areas of our lives. These cards may appear if you have questions about your money, physical health, living situation, or job.
How to Interpret Tarot Cards in a Spread
As we gaze upon the tapestry of tarot cards spread before us, it's essential to approach their interpretation with an open heart and mind. Each card holds a unique message, but it's the synergy between them that reveals the deeper narrative of our lives. Pay attention to the relationships and patterns that emerge within the spread and trust your intuition to guide you in deciphering their meaning. Remember, the tarot is not a fortune-telling tool but rather a mirror reflecting the intricacies of our souls and the journey that lies ahead. There are a vast number of spreads you can use, each spread curated for a particular reason. For example, you can use a soulmate spread for a love question, a career spread if you're concerned about money, or a simple general spread if you don't have any pressing concerns.
So, in conclusion, dear cosmic voyagers, the tarot is a profound tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and spiritual growth. By exploring the meanings behind the cards and embracing their guidance, we embark on a transformative journey of enlightenment and self-awareness. May the wisdom of the tarot illuminate your path and inspire you to embrace the magic that lies within!