The 22 Major Arcana of the tarot, card by card
← Back to guides
One page per Major Arcana card, from The Magician to The World: the image, the symbols, the possible readings upright and reversed, and questions to ask yourself. The tarot is presented as a tool for reflection.
Major ArcanaThe FoolThe Fool, called Le Mat or Le Fou in French, is the starting card of the tarot: a wanderer without a number, somewhere between trust and recklessness. Images, meanings and practice.Major ArcanaThe Magician (Juggler)The Magician, called Le Bateleur in the Marseille tradition, is the first arcanum of the tarot: the card of the resources at hand and of initiative. Images, symbolism and practice.Major ArcanaThe High PriestessThe High Priestess, called La Papesse in the Marseille tradition, is the card of inner life, silence and discreet knowledge. Images, symbolism, meanings and journaling practice.Major ArcanaThe EmpressThe Empress, arcanum III of the tarot, is the card of creation, care and abundance. Images, symbolism, upright and reversed meanings.Major ArcanaThe EmperorThe Emperor, arcanum IIII or IV, is the card of framework, structure and responsibility. Marseille and Rider-Waite images, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaThe Hierophant (Pope)The Hierophant, called Le Pape in the Marseille tradition, is the card of teaching, tradition and the values passed down. Images, symbolism, meanings and practice.Major ArcanaThe LoversThe Lovers, arcanum VI, is the card of choice and of relationship. Marseille and Rider-Waite images, symbolism, meanings and journaling practice.Major ArcanaThe ChariotThe Chariot, arcanum VII, is the card of momentum, direction and the mastery of opposing forces. Marseille and Rider-Waite images, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaJusticeJustice, arcanum VIII in the Marseille tradition and XI in Rider-Waite, is the card of balance, discernment and responsibility. Images and meanings.Major ArcanaThe HermitThe Hermit, arcanum VIIII or IX, is the card of withdrawal, inner search and the lamp one carries. Images, symbolism, meanings and practices.Major ArcanaThe Wheel of FortuneThe Wheel of Fortune, arcanum X, is the card of cycles, turning points and impermanence. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaStrengthStrength, arcanum XI in Marseille and VIII in Rider-Waite, is the card of quiet courage and the gentleness that masters. Images, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaThe Hanged ManThe Hanged Man, arcanum XII, is the card of suspension and of a change of perspective. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism, meanings and practices.Major ArcanaThe Nameless ArcanumThe Nameless Arcanum, also called Death, arcanum XIII, speaks of the end of a cycle and of transformation, never of someone dying. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, meanings.Major ArcanaTemperanceTemperance, arcanum XIIII or XIV, is the card of balance, careful proportion and flow. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaThe DevilThe Devil, arcanum XV, is not an evil card: it speaks of attachments, desires and what holds us back. Images, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaThe Tower (La Maison Dieu)The Maison Dieu, or The Tower, arcana XVI, points to upheaval and a sudden awakening, often a liberating one. Images, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaThe StarThe Star, arcana XVII, is the card of hope, serenity and inspiration after trial. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaThe MoonThe Moon, arcana XVIII, is the card of dreams, intuition and uncertainty. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism, meanings and practices.Major ArcanaThe SunThe Sun, arcana XIX, is the card of clarity, vitality and simple joy. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism and meanings.Major ArcanaJudgementJudgement, arcana XX, is the card of calling, review and awakening. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism, meanings and writing practices.Major ArcanaThe WorldThe World, arcana XXI, is the card of fulfilment and integration. Images from Marseille and Rider-Waite, symbolism, meanings and writing practices.
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice.