major arcana
Twenty-two archetypal cards
The major arcana are the twenty-two trump cards in a tarot deck, distinct from the fifty-six minor arcana.
These cards—including the Fool, the Magician, Death, the Tower—carry greater symbolic weight in divination, representing major life themes and spiritual lessons rather than everyday matters.
The reading was all major arcana, which felt significant.
Unwise, gullible person
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- high priestessSenior female clergy leader
- empressFemale ruler of empire
- emperorMale ruler of empire
hierophant · lovers · chariot · strength · hermit · wheel of fortune · justice · hanged man
One admired for courage
- shadowLight blocked by object
- animaInner personality essence
- animusDeep-seated hostility
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
sage · maiden · mentor · mother · father · self · individuation · collective unconscious
Analysis of artistic symbols
- imageryVivid descriptive language
- numerologyMystical significance of digits
- astrologyDivination by celestial positions
- kabbalahJewish mystical tradition
tree of life · elements · alchemical · celestial · animals · colors · postures · objects
Interpreting written text
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- spreadTo distribute widely
- intuitionInstinctive immediate understanding
- oracleAuthoritative wisdom source
fortune · fate · guidance · prophecy · insight · revelation · querent · upright
Seeking journey for something
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- progressionSequential forward movement
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
- passageSegment of text
transformation · awakening · trials · threshold · departure · return · enlightenment · ascent
fool
Unwise, gullible person
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- high priestessSenior female clergy leader
- empressFemale ruler of empire
emperor · hierophant · lovers · chariot · strength · hermit · wheel of fortune · justice · hanged man · death
hero
One admired for courage
trickster · sage · maiden · mentor · mother · father · self · individuation · collective unconscious · persona
iconography
Analysis of artistic symbols
- imageryVivid descriptive language
- numerologyMystical significance of digits
- astrologyDivination by celestial positions
kabbalah · tree of life · elements · alchemical · celestial · animals · colors · postures · objects · pillars
reading
Interpreting written text
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- spreadTo distribute widely
- intuitionInstinctive immediate understanding
oracle · fortune · fate · guidance · prophecy · insight · revelation · querent · upright · reversed
quest
Seeking journey for something
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- progressionSequential forward movement
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
passage · transformation · awakening · trials · threshold · departure · return · enlightenment · ascent · descent
- cardsplaying cards, playing card, card deck, poker deck, bridge deck
- Tarottarot, tarot cards, tarot reading, the fool, the magician
- card termsace, pair, flush, king of hearts, straight