Major Arcana Cards Explained: Meanings You Need to Know

When people think of tarot, the Major Arcana cards are usually the first that come to mind. These 22 cards form the backbone of any tarot reading, representing life’s biggest lessons, spiritual transformations, and karmic cycles.

Unlike the Minor Arcana, which focus on everyday events, the Major Arcana reveal the deeper forces shaping your soul’s journey. Understanding the major arcana tarot card meanings can transform the way you interpret readings and connect with your higher self.

At AstroLoveGuide, we help you explore tarot symbolism, intuitive guidance, and the meanings of the Major Arcana so you can unlock spiritual insight and clarity.

🌟 What Are the Major Arcana in Tarot?

The tarot deck is divided into two main parts:

Major Arcana (22 cards) – Represent spiritual lessons, karmic patterns, and major life shifts.
Minor Arcana (56 cards) – Reflect everyday situations, decisions, and emotions.

The Major Arcana explained: Each card is a milestone in the “Fool’s Journey”—a symbolic path of self-discovery from innocence to enlightenment.

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🔮 The Fool’s Journey – A Spiritual Map

Tarot readers often describe the Major Arcana as stages of life. The Fool (card 0) represents the beginning of a journey, while The World (card 21) symbolizes completion and wholeness.

Together, these cards reflect the ups and downs of life: risks, growth, challenges, transformation, and ultimate fulfillment.

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🃏 Major Arcana Cards and Their Meanings

Here’s a breakdown of the 22 Major Arcana cards and what they mean in tarot readings:

0 – The Fool

Meaning: New beginnings, innocence, taking a leap of faith.
Symbolism: Starting a new chapter, trusting the universe.
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I – The Magician

Meaning: Manifestation, skill, personal power.
Symbolism: Turning ideas into reality.
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II – The High Priestess

Meaning: Intuition, mystery, divine wisdom.
Symbolism: Secrets revealed, inner knowledge.
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III – The Empress

Meaning: Fertility, creativity, nurturing energy.
Symbolism: Growth, abundance, motherly care.
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IV – The Emperor

Meaning: Authority, structure, leadership.
Symbolism: Stability, discipline, father figure.
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V – The Hierophant

Meaning: Tradition, spirituality, guidance.
Symbolism: Religion, mentorship, moral values.
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VI – The Lovers

Meaning: Relationships, harmony, choices.
Symbolism: Love, soul connections, balance.
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VII – The Chariot

Meaning: Determination, victory, control.
Symbolism: Moving forward with confidence.
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VIII – Strength

Meaning: Inner courage, patience, self-control.
Symbolism: Taming fears, compassion over force.
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IX – The Hermit

Meaning: Introspection, solitude, wisdom.
Symbolism: Searching for truth within.
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X – Wheel of Fortune

Meaning: Cycles, destiny, change.
Symbolism: Turning points, fate at play.
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XI – Justice

Meaning: Truth, fairness, accountability.
Symbolism: Cause and effect, making balanced choices.
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XII – The Hanged Man

Meaning: Surrender, new perspective, letting go.
Symbolism: Seeing things differently.
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XIII – Death

Meaning: Transformation, endings, rebirth.
Symbolism: Shedding old cycles for new growth.
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XIV – Temperance

Meaning: Balance, harmony, patience.
Symbolism: Blending energies for healing.
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XV – The Devil

Meaning: Temptation, addiction, restriction.
Symbolism: Breaking free from toxic patterns.
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XVI – The Tower

Meaning: Sudden change, upheaval, revelation.
Symbolism: Destroying illusions to rebuild truth.
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XVII – The Star

Meaning: Hope, inspiration, renewal.
Symbolism: Spiritual healing, guidance, optimism.
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XVIII – The Moon

Meaning: Illusions, intuition, dreams.
Symbolism: Facing fears, trusting inner vision.
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XIX – The Sun

Meaning: Joy, success, clarity.
Symbolism: Positivity, enlightenment, warmth.
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XX – Judgment

Meaning: Awakening, forgiveness, higher calling.
Symbolism: Self-reflection and rebirth.
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XXI – The World

Meaning: Completion, wholeness, fulfillment.
Symbolism: Achievement, unity, harmony with life.
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🌠 Upright vs. Reversed Major Arcana Meanings

In tarot readings, each card can appear upright or reversed (upside down), slightly altering its interpretation.

Upright: Reflects the positive, direct energy of the card.
Reversed: Suggests delays, inner blocks, or lessons not yet learned.

Example: The Sun upright brings joy and clarity, but The Sun reversed may reveal temporary doubt or overconfidence.

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🌙 Major Arcana in Love, Career, and Spiritual Readings

The Major Arcana carry weight in all areas of life:

Love readings: The Lovers, The Empress, and The Devil often reveal relationship dynamics.
Career readings: The Magician, The Chariot, and The World highlight professional growth.
Spiritual readings: The High Priestess, Death, and The Hermit show deep transformation.

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✨ Final Thoughts

The Major Arcana tarot cards act as mirrors of the soul, reflecting the biggest lessons and transformations we face. By learning their meanings, you gain powerful insight into your spiritual path and daily life.

Understanding the Major Arcana explained gives you clarity in love, career, and self-growth. Whether you’re new to tarot or an experienced reader, these cards offer timeless wisdom.

🌟 Ready to dive deeper into tarot and discover your spiritual path? Explore more guides and insights at AstroLoveGuide.