Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: The Major Arcana

So, you’ve picked up a tarot deck, maybe pulled a card or two… and now you’re wondering what the Major Arcana is all about.

These 22 cards are the soul of the deck, packed with symbolism, life lessons, and spiritual insights. Whether you're new to tarot or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through each card in the Major Arcana—no gatekeeping, no confusing jargon.

Let’s get mystical! ✨

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

  • 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. Judgement

    Keywords: Awakening, reflection, second chances

    Vibe: Rise up. You’ve grown. Now, answer your soul’s call.

  • XXI. The World

    Keywords: Completion, fulfilment, 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.

Want to Go Deeper?

Explore the other suits in this series:

💧Suit of Cups

🌿Suit of Pentacles

🗡️Suit of Swords

🔥Suit of Wands