Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings
0 (XXII)
The Fool
New beginnings, innocence, a leap of faith
1
The Magician
Willpower, manifestation, resourcefulness
2
The High Priestess
Intuition, mystery, inner wisdom
3
The Empress
Abundance, nurturing, creativity
4
The Emperor
Authority, structure, stability
5
The Hierophant
Tradition, guidance, spiritual teaching
6
The Lovers
Love, harmony, meaningful choices
7
The Chariot
Determination, willpower, victory
8
Strength
Courage, patience, inner strength
9
The Hermit
Introspection, solitude, inner guidance
10
Wheel of Fortune
Cycles, destiny, turning points
11
Justice
Fairness, truth, accountability
12
The Hanged Man
Surrender, new perspectives, letting go
13
Death
Transformation, endings, renewal
14
Temperance
Balance, moderation, patience
15
The Devil
Shadow, attachment, materialism
16
The Tower
Upheaval, revelation, breakthrough
17
The Star
Hope, inspiration, renewal
18
The Moon
Illusion, subconscious, dreams
19
The Sun
Joy, success, vitality
20
Judgement
Rebirth, calling, self-evaluation
21
The World
Completion, fulfilment, wholeness
Recommended decks for studying the Major Arcana
Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra and helps keep these readings free.
- Rider-Waite Tarot Deck (classic edition)The 78-card deck this site's meanings are based on.
- The Pictorial Key to the Tarot — A.E. WaiteWaite's original companion guide to the deck.
- Tarot for Beginners — Lisa ChamberlainPlain-English card-by-card guide for newcomers.
- Hardcover tarot journal (lined, undated)Pocket-sized journal for daily card pulls and reflections.
Looking for the Minor Arcana? Browse all 56 cards across the four suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards numbered 0 through 21. They represent the great archetypal themes of human experience — birth, death, love, power, transformation, and spiritual awakening. When Major Arcana cards appear in a reading, the situation usually carries deeper significance than everyday events.
How many Major Arcana cards are there?
There are 22 Major Arcana cards, beginning with The Fool (0) and ending with The World (21).
What is the difference between Major and Minor Arcana?
Major Arcana cards deal with significant life themes and spiritual lessons. Minor Arcana cards (56 cards across four suits) address the texture of daily life — actions, emotions, thoughts, and material concerns.
Do I need to memorise all 22 cards?
No. Most readers build familiarity over time through practice. Start with your birth card and a few cards that resonate with you, then gradually expand your knowledge.
Which Major Arcana card is the most powerful?
Every card has its own power. The World (XXI) represents completion and wholeness, The Tower (XVI) represents dramatic transformation, and The Magician (I) represents creative potential. The most 'powerful' card in any reading is the one most relevant to your situation.
Disclaimer
Tarot readings on this website are for entertainment, reflection, and personal insight only. They are not medical, legal, financial, psychological, or professional advice. Please do not make major life decisions based only on an automated tarot reading.