Major Arcana Flashcards
Learn the Tarot
ACTION
CONSCIOUS AWARENESS
CONCENTRATION
POWER
taking action
- doing what needs to be done
- realizing your potential
- making what’s possible real
- practicing what you preach
- carrying out plans
- producing magical results
- using your talents
acting consciously
- knowing what you are doing and why
- acknowledging your motivations
- understanding your intentions
- examining the known situation
concentrating
- having singleness of purpose
- being totally committed
- applying the force of your will
- feeling centered
- setting aside distractions
- focusing on a goal
experiencing power
- making a strong impact
- having vitality
- creating miracles
- becoming energized
- feeling vigorous
- being creative
The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle - the ultimate achiever. He symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Note his stance in the picture. He acts as a lightening rod - one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy. [note] His abilities appear magical at times because his will helps him achieve what seem to be miracles.
What makes the Magician so powerful? First, he is not afraid to act. He believes in himself and is willing to put that belief on the line. He also knows what he intends to do and why. He doesn’t hesitate because he understands his situation exactly. The Magician can focus with single-minded determination. As long as he remembers the divine source of his power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles.
In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration. This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.
BEGINNING
SPONTANEITY
FAITH
APPARENT FOLLY
beginning
- entering a new phase
- striking out on a new path
- expanding horizons
- starting something new
- beginning an adventure
- going on a journey
- heading into the unknown
being spontaneous
- living in the moment
- letting go of expectations
- doing the unexpected
- acting on impulse
- feeling uninhibited
- surprising someone
- feeling carefree
having faith
- trusting the flow
- staying open
- letting go of worry and fear
- feeling protected and loved
- living in joy
- recapturing innocence
- believing
embracing folly
- accepting your choices
- taking the “foolish” path
- pursuing a pipe dream
- being true to yourself
- taking a “crazy” chance
- trusting your heart’s desire
- As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.*
- The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.*
NONACTION
UNCONSCIOUS AWARENESS
POTENTIAL
MYSTERY
staying nonactive
- withdrawing from involvement
- allowing events to proceed without intervention
- being receptive to influence
- becoming calm
- being passive
- waiting patiently
accessing the unconscious
- using your intuition
- seeking guidance from within
- trusting your inner voice
- opening to dreams and the imagination
- being aware of a larger reality
seeing the potential
- understanding the possibilities
- opening to what could be
- seeing your hidden talents
- allowing development
- letting what is there flower
sensing the mystery
- looking beyond the obvious
- approaching a closed off area
- opening to the unknown
- remembering something important
- sensing the secret and hidden
- seeking what is concealed
- acknowledging the Shadow
The High Priestess is the guardian of the unconscious. She sits in front of the thin veil of unawareness which is all that separates us from our inner landscape. She contains within herself the secrets of these realms and offers us the silent invitation, “Be still and know that I am God.”
The High Priestess is the feminine principle that balances the masculine force of the Magician. The feminine archetype in the tarot is split between the High Priestess and the Empress. The High Priestess is the mysterious unknown that women often represent, especially in cultures that focus on the tangible and known. The Empress represents woman’s role as the crucible of life.
In readings, the High Priestess poses a challenge to you to go deeper - to look beyond the obvious, surface situation to what is hidden and obscure. She also asks you to recall the vastness of your potential and to remember the unlimited possibilities you hold within yourself. The High Priestess can represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve your goals. Sometimes they can be realized through a stillness that gives desire a chance to flower within the fullness of time.
MOTHERING
ABUNDANCE
SENSES
NATURE
mothering
- giving birth
- nourishing life
- nurturing and caring for others
- cherishing the world
- expressing tenderness
- working with children
welcoming abundance
- enjoying extravagance
- receiving lavish reward
- luxuriating in plenty
- having more than enough
- feeling rich
experiencing the senses
- giving and receiving pleasure
- focusing on the body
- appreciating beauty
- feeling vibrantly healthy
- being earthy
- doing physical activity
responding to Nature
- relating to plants and animals
- embracing the natural
- feeling connected to the Earth
- going outdoors
- harmonizing with natural rhythms
The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the major arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms. The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connections with the natural world which is the ground of our being. Too often false sophistications and pleasures take us far from our roots. Let the Empress remind you to keep your feet firmly planted in the Earth.
In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a major arcana card, she also goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence - the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention.
The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of all kinds. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses - food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.
FATHERING
STRUCTURE
AUTHORITY
REGULATION
fathering
- establishing a family line
- setting direction and tone
- protecting and defending
- guiding growth
- bringing security and comfort
- offering explanations
emphasizing structure
- creating order out of chaos
- categorizing
- being systematic
- providing shape and form
- being organized
- applying reason
- coordinating
- sticking to a plan
exercising authority
- taking a leadership role
- commanding
- exerting control
- representing the establishment
- being in a position of strength
- coming in contact with officials
- setting direction
regulating
- establishing law and order
- operating from sound principles
- applying rules or guidelines
- working within the legal system
- setting standards of behavior
- following a regimen
The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of this card. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule.
The Emperor represents structure, order and regulation - forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already over-controlled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints.
The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector and provider.
EDUCATION
BELIEF SYSTEMS
CONFORMITY
GROUP IDENTIFICATION
getting an education
- pursuing knowledge
- becoming informed
- increasing understanding
- studying and learning
- seeking a deeper meaning
- finding out more
having a belief system
- sharing a cultural heritage
- learning a religious tradition
- honoring ritual and ceremony
- identifying a world view
- following a discipline
- knowing where to put your faith
conforming
- following the rules
- taking an orthodox approach
- staying within conventional bounds
- adapting to the system
- fitting in
- going along with the program
- doing what’s expected
- being part of the Establishment
identifying with a group
- being committed to a cause
- devoting energy to a group
- joining an organization
- working as part of a team
- feeling loyal to others
- being in an institutionalized setting
Except in rare cases, every human grows and develops within a culture. We learn by living with others. The Hierophant represents such official learning, especially in groups. A Hierophant is someone who interprets secret knowledge. On Card 5 we see a religious figure in a formal church setting. He is wearing the elaborate vestments of his office. His task is to bring the two initiates into the church so they can take up their appointed roles.
Besides churches, there are schools, clubs, teams, companies, and societies. The Hierophant represents all of these because his realm is structured groups with rules and assigned roles. Such environments emphasize belief systems - facts, rules, procedures, and ritual. Members are rewarded for following conventions. They develop a group identity. The Hierophant is one of three cards that focuses on the group. (The 3 of Cups and the 3 of Pentacles are the others.)
In readings, the Hierophant often represents learning with experts or knowledgeable teachers. This card also stands for institutions and their values. The Hierophant is a symbol of the need to conform to rules or fixed situations. His appearance in a reading can show that you are struggling with a force that is not innovative, free-spirited or individual. Groups can be enriching or stifling, depending on circumstances. Sometimes we need to follow a program or embrace tradition, other times, we need to trust ourselves.
RELATIONSHIP
SEXUALITY
PERSONAL BELIEFS
VALUES
relating to others
- establishing bonds
- feeling love
- forming a union or marriage
- acknowledging kinship
- sympathizing with another
- getting closer
- making a connection
- being intimatebeing sexual
- seeking union
- experiencing desire
- making love
- opening to another
- responding with passion
- feeling a physical attraction
- tapping inner energy
establishing** personal beliefs**
- questioning received opinions
- figuring out where you stand
- staying true to yourself
- setting your own philosophy
- going by your own standards
- making up your own mind
determining** values**
- struggling with temptation
- choosing between right and wrong
- facing an ethical or moral choice
- refusing to let ends justify means
- finding out what you care about
VICTORY
WILL
SELF-ASSERTION
HARD CONTROL
achieving victory
- reaching your goal
- winning
- being successful
- dominating
- coming out on top
- beating the competition
using your will
- being determined to succeed
- focusing your intent
- rising above temptation
- letting nothing distract you
- sustaining an effort
- concentrating your energies
- fixing on a goal
asserting yourself
- being ego-focused
- establishing an identify
- knowing who you are
- feeling self-confident
- having faith in yourself
- looking out for your interests
achieving hard control
- mastering emotions
- curbing impulses
- maintaining discipline
- holding in anger
- getting your way
- assuming the reins of power
- showing authority
Picture Julius Caesar riding his chariot triumphantly into Rome. He has defeated his enemies and conquered vast, new lands. This is the spirit of the Chariot. Card 7 represents the victories that are possible through willpower and self-mastery. A military image is appropriate for the Chariot because this card stands for the strengths associated with combat - discipline, grit, determination and assertiveness.
The Chariot represents the positive aspects of the ego. A healthy ego is one that is strong and self-assured. It knows what it wants and how to get it. We can get annoyed at someone whose ego is too healthy, but we often turn to that person to lead us through difficult moments. We know he or she won’t be wishy-washy.
In readings, the Chariot often appears when hard control is or could be in evidence. At its best, hard control is not brutal, but firm and direct. It is backed up by a strong will and great confidence. The Chariot can mean self-control or control of the environment. This card also represents victory. There are many types of wins; the Chariot’s is of the win-lose type. Your success comes from beating the competition to become number one. Such moments are glorious in the right circumstances.
STRENGTH
PATIENCE
COMPASSION
SOFT CONTROL
INTROSPECTION
SEARCHING
GUIDANCE
SOLITUDE
DESTINY
TURNING POINT
MOVEMENT
PERSONAL VISION
JUSTICE
RESPONSIBILITY
DECISION
CAUSE AND EFFECT
LETTING GO
REVERSAL
SUSPENSION
SACRIFICE
ENDING
TRANSITION
ELIMINATION
INEXORABLE FORCES
TEMPERANCE
BALANCE
HEALTH
COMBINATION
