Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: The Major Arcana

What is the Major Arcana?

The Major Arcana is a set of 22 cards that represent major life events, spiritual themes, and personal transformation. Think of them as the “headline moments” in your journey—stuff that changes you or teaches you something big.

Unlike the Minor Arcana (which is about everyday stuff), the Major Arcana zooms out and shows you the big picture.

The cards are numbered from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World) and tell a symbolic story called The Fool’s Journey—your soul’s path through growth, challenges, and enlightenment.

Major Arcana Cards & Meanings

Here's a simple breakdown of all 22 cards with quick meanings you can actually remember.

	0. The Fool Keywords: New beginnings, spontaneity, leap of faith Vibe: You’re standing at the edge—ready to jump into something fresh. Trust the journey.
	I. The Magician Keywords: Manifestation, personal power, taking action Vibe: You have everything you need. Use your tools and make magic happen.
	II. The High Priestess Keywords: Intuition, secrets, inner knowing Vibe: Pause and listen to your gut. What’s unseen is just as important as what is.
	III. The Empress Keywords: Nurturing, creativity, abundance Vibe: It's time to care, create, and connect. Think love, art, nature, and self-care.
	IV. The Emperor Keywords: Authority, stability, structure Vibe: Get grounded. Take control. This is boss energy—with a plan.
	V. The Hierophant Keywords: Tradition, learning, spiritual wisdom Vibe: Look to mentors or teachings. You don’t have to go it alone.
	VI. The Lovers Keywords: Relationships, choices, alignment Vibe: Love is in the air—but this card is also about choosing what truly aligns with your heart.
	VII. The Chariot Keywords: Willpower, control, victory Vibe: You’ve got this. Stay focused and steer your life where you want it to go.
	VIII. Strength Keywords: Courage, patience, inner calm Vibe: Power doesn’t have to be loud. This is quiet strength, grace under pressure.
	IX. The Hermit Keywords: Reflection, solitude, soul searching Vibe: Unplug. Go within. You’ve got some inner work to do.
	X. Wheel of Fortune Keywords: Change, cycles, destiny Vibe: What goes up must come down—and back up again. Life’s a wheel. Go with the flow.
	XI. Justice Keywords: Truth, fairness, consequences Vibe: Time to be honest—with yourself and others. What’s fair will come to light.
	XII. The Hanged Man Keywords: Surrender, new perspective, patience Vibe: Pause. Let go of control. Sometimes, you need to see things upside down.
	XIII. Death Keywords: Endings, transformation, rebirth Vibe: Don’t fear this one—it’s about letting go of the old to make space for the new.
	XIV. Temperance Keywords: Balance, healing, moderation Vibe: Don’t rush. Blend things together. Your peace is worth protecting.
	XV. The Devil Keywords: Temptation, materialism, unhealthy patterns Vibe: What’s got a hold on you? Time to face it and take back your power.
	XVI. The Tower Keywords: Sudden change, chaos, awakening Vibe: Something’s shaking things up—yes, it’s intense, but it’s clearing the way.
	XVII. The Star Keywords: Hope, inspiration, renewal Vibe: A breath of fresh air. After the storm, your light returns.
	XVIII. The Moon Keywords: Illusion, fear, dreams Vibe: Things aren’t what they seem. Trust your intuition, not appearances.
	XIX. The Sun Keywords: Joy, success, clarity Vibe: This is your golden moment! Shine bright and soak it up.
	XX. Judgment Keywords: Awakening, reflection, second chances Vibe: Rise up. You’ve grown. Now, answer your soul’s call.
	XXI. The World Keywords: Completion, fulfillment, wholeness Vibe: You’ve come full circle. Celebrate your journey—it’s a new beginning, too.

How to Work with the Major Arcana

Here are some fun, beginner-friendly ways to connect with these cards:

Daily pull: Shuffle and draw a card to set the tone for your day.
Fool’s Journey journal: Write about how each card relates to your life story.
Card meditations: Pick a card and visualize stepping into its world.
Ask big questions: Use Major Arcana cards for guidance on life decisions or spiritual growth.

Final Thoughts

The Major Arcana is your cosmic roadmap. It’s not about fortune-telling—it’s about self-discovery, intuition, and growth. Whether you’re facing The Tower or basking in The Sun, each card has something to teach you.

Tarot isn’t about memorizing meanings—it’s about forming a relationship with the cards and with yourself. You already have the answers. The cards just help you see them.

June 12 2025 Holly Curran

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