Tarot Card Meanings-Major Arcana

The exact origin of the tarot is not known, but it is thought that they originated from somewhere around India and were brought to Europe with the Gypsies. The earliest known deck seems to have appeared around the fourteenth century.

The 22 cards of the major arcana are the heart of the deck. Each of these cards symbolizes some universal aspect of human experience. They represent the archetypes - consistent, directing patterns of influence that are an inherent part of human nature. The major arcana cards are special because they draw out deep and complex reactions. The images on the Rider-Waite deck are evocative because they combine esoteric symbolism with recognizable figures and situations. The symbolism is subtle, but effective.                                                                              

Chariot........ You are having a conflict of interest with your feelings, thoughts and desires. This is causing you a great deal of confusion. You need to set some goals. If you stick to your goals you will have a successful outcome. You will triumph over difficulties and obstacles.

Death........ I see a lot of changes coming your way in the near future; things you never thought would end are coming to a close. With the ending of these things, I see the promise of a new beginning. It is the time for change. Some of this will be painful, but it will provide a clear way to build a new life of your own.

Devil........ You have nagging doubts and fears for reasons you cannot quite put your finger on. You feel vulnerable and weighted down with worry. You can lift yourself up and out of this situation by simply changing your thoughts and attitudes. You must face your fears, and then you can come to terms with them. As you accept the good in yourself, you shall be able to do so with others. Once you do this, you can release a great deal of positive energy and out of dark despair, much good can come.

Emperor........ There is a person in your life that has considerable power over you. This person has money and status and is a fair and understanding person. Listen to this person’s advice and will help you to gain material success and stability. This person stands for authority, ambition and worldly gain or achievement

Empress........ I see the beginning of a new life. Someone you know is pregnant or will be pregnant soon. You will have a happy stable relationship with your significant other. Your near future is filled with love, marriage and motherhood

Fool ...... You are going on a journey into the unknown. You seem to be on the edge of a cliff. Yet you are calm and confident. As you stand at the edge of the cliff you cannot see what lies beneath. If you feel any fear at all you are still prepared to take the plunge into uncharted territory. You are a free spirit and you love taking chances. You have no fear of death because you know there is always a rebirth in-store for you. You are like a child always searching for a new meaning or sense of purpose in your life. You may be sure that an unexpected influence will soon come into play. There may be a sudden unlooked for opportunity, or the possibility of an adventure or escape. You will abandon the old ways and start something new and untested. Anything could happen, so hold your nose and jump!

Hanged Man........ That which is beneath the surface is about to emerge. A sacrifice must be made and something must be given up in order to gain something of greater value. This sacrifice is voluntary and should be made without outside pressure. You have to start making your own decisions.

Hermit........ This is the time for you to withdraw from the busy outside world and enter into the quiet inner one. One of your greatest fears is that of growing old, not so much the age part, but the thought of being alone in your latter years. The truth is that we are all always alone. To face this fact is often frightening and uncomfortable. By facing the truth you will be half way to accepting it. Once it is accepted it stops being so frightening. Now is the time for some soul searching and meditation, a time to work things out quietly.

Hierophant........ You are deeply spiritual and a very private person. However you need to seek assistance from a wise or helpful person. You also need to seek guidance on spiritual matters to find spiritual meaning in your life.

High Priestess....... You have a lot of potential as yet unfulfilled. If you are thinking of trying something new, changing jobs, buying a house, or going back to school, now is the time to do it. There are secrets to be revealed, secrets that have laid dormant for years, but will soon surface. You have a lot of psychic ability and should work on the development of your powers of intuition and natural insight.

Judgment........ You are going to begin a new phase in your life along with new opportunities. Rewards for past efforts will come to pass. There will be some stress to go along with these changes. If you give some thought to these matters you will know what direction to take. You will be able to pay off all your old debts. A positive new life will follow.

Justice........ Now is the time to use logic and clear thinking. It can help you from letting things get out of proportion. You must learn to solve your problems impartially. You must weigh up, balance and then make rational judgments. Your battle can be won using your logic and clear thinking.

Lovers........ You are involved or will soon become involved in a relationship or love affair.  There will be some sort of trial or choice involved.  You will have to choose between what you have and what you want.  The choice will be hard and only you can make it.

Magician........ You will be receiving a message from a teacher -guide, a person who is with you in this life or the after-life. This person will offer you advice in the school life. Pay attention to this advice because it indicates an important beginning. Now is the time for action because an important beginning will be coming your way. New opportunities for creative pursuits and the possibilities for new ventures seem assured. A great reserve of power and energy is available; it is up to you as to how it is to be used.

Moon........ You are having mood swings and are feeling a great deal of uncertainty. Look at what your dreams are trying to show you. The solution to your problems can be found through dreams and intuition rather than logic and reason. Your course of action should emerge slowly rather than suddenly. Once the path is shown to you, take action quickly, you will succeed.

Strength........ You are strong and firm and have a lot of willpower, yet you are kindly, especially to old people and small children. You have strong desires and wishes, which, although they need not be denied or repressed, sometimes need to be controlled. You have the strength and endurance necessary to achieve self control.  Any obstacles that you encounter can be overcome through willpower and determination.

Wheel of Fortune........ Fate does not seek you out; you turn to meet your fate. This is a difficult lesson for you to learn. You need to take responsibility for your own life and fate. A new chapter in your life is just beginning. You need to make an important decision. This will be the lucky year in your life. The more you are aware of your own power over your destiny, the clearer things will become.

Temperance........ You are a gentle person and show a lot of compassion towards people. You would do well working in social work with children, the elderly and the disabled. You have an angel with you at all times; he is dressed in pure white robes with rainbow colored wings. You are intuitive and if you use listen to your angel you could find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It would be wise to make compromises in your relationships.

Tower........ For years you were taught a way of life that you didn’t agree with. What suited those who taught you was not the way you wanted to live the rest of your life. This is the time when your needs, thoughts and ideas need to be tested, evaluated and lived by. New life and new ways are indicated, the old ways torn down and replaced. Change today and live your own chosen way. You will be much happier for it.

Sun........ You are like a child, friendly, happy, your arms outstretched spreading joy and friendship. You are full of desire and energy and want to help save the world. You are an old soul and have lived many past lives. And in each life you have searched for truth and justice and have believed you could and did make a difference. You have great energy and strength and in your search for success you will find prosperity happiness and true friends.

Star........ You are a great advocate of truth and justice. You are very open for you have nothing to fear and nothing to hide. You are also very spiritual and you get quite emotional about it. You are a believer the old saying, "If you wish upon a star your dreams will come true”. This will be a lucky year for you. You will have much good fortune, joy and happiness.

World........ You have reached a place in life that promises success.  The goals you have set are nearing completion. Your feelings and emotions are getting back on a more even keel. You have reached the completion of one phase of your life; it promises success,  harmony and achievement.