Major Arcana

A typical Tarot card deck contains 78 cards. Twenty two of these are called the Major Arcana cards (the other 56 cards are referred to as the Minor arcana). These show allegorical images of the Fool’s Journey to enlightenment. The Major Arcana is representative of situations and the inner workings of personal and spiritual significance.

When a card from the Major Arcana appears in a reading, the questioner can expect some rather drastic life changes and feelings of major importance. These cards often show the workings of fate or destiny with regard to the situation or circumstances of the questioner. This can also mean that the querent could be caught up in events out of his or her control. The Major Arcana cards refer to things of great importance, personal changes, and a life crisis.

[edit] The Fool’s Journey

The Journey of the Fool begins with card 0 of the Major Arcana. This card is the Fool, looking ahead with innocence to reaching his potential. He moves forward to card number 1, the Magician. It is here that he learns to focus his creative energy, using his tools and talents. He takes this knowledge and combines it with spirituality, the hidden and the unconscious of the High Priestess. Once the Fool has made it this far, he is ready to meet the Empress and the Emperor, who signify the parental figures. Next, the Fool moves on to the Hierophant to learn about traditional morals and values. He takes what he has learned from the Hierophant and moves to the Lovers. Here he learns all about relationships, which takes him to the Chariot. He will take the understanding of life’s conflicts and compromises from this card.

And so goes the Journey of the Fool. With each Major Arcana card, there is a new lesson for him to learn. He reaches completion of his journey of enlightenment with the World card. This is where he reaches the achievement of wholeness and being one with Self.

[edit] Major Arcana readings

Some questions only require the use of the 22 Major Arcana cards. When a question is of such great importance and requires only a short answer, this is the time to use only these cards. Your answer will be revealed according to the spread used and the cards that are drawn. It can be read much as the story of the Fool’s Journey. Put the cards together as a miniature storyboard in order to read your answer.

A Major Arcana meaning is always the most significant in a reading, no matter what position it falls into. Always make sure you fully understand what any of these cards are trying to tell you in a reading. The information that this card has to share with you will always lend guidance to your particular situation or circumstance.

[edit] Your own Journey

Now that you are more familiar with the Major Arcana meaning, you may want to take your own journey of enlightenment using the cards. This can be a very eye opening and revealing experience for you. You may need a reader to help guide you, but it will be a journey to remember.