The Men and Women of the Major Arcana

Whether they feature traditional imagery or modern interpretations of ancient themes, a deck of tarot cards always contain the same characters and cards. While each card has its own significance, it pays to meet the cast of characters that inhabit the deck that holds the answers.

Each deck is divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of twenty-two cards that are also known as Trump cards. These are known as Trump cards because their appearance and symbolism “trumps” other cards. They always carry a great weight in a reading and can herald monumental life changes that may be a defining moment in your life. While the cards in the Major Arcana hold more weight in a reading, other cards and the position of the card will give you additional clarity in your reading. It is important to remember that the men and the women of the Major Arcana may appear as characters in your daily life or they may simply be an indicator of the human qualities found in our everyday life and relationships.

Meet the Players

The Emperor—Number 4 of the Major Arcana, The Emperor indicates the adult world of authority, societal structures and rational thought. When the Emperor appears in a reading it suggests that you have the ability to use rational thoughts and action to achieve success. However, if the Emperor is reversed in your reading, it indicates that you are not progressing on your journey or that you are running away from problems.

The Hierophant—Number 5 of the Major Arcana, The Hierophant embodies tradition and orthodoxy. His appearance in your reading may indicate a yearning for moral development or a search for a deeper spiritual truth. It also suggests that an expert or trusted authority may be able to assist you in achieving your goals. The Hierophant reversed in your reading suggests a break with tradition and setting off on a new and uncharted course.

The Magician—When the Magician, or Number 1 of the Major Arcana, appears it indicates that it is time to take your future in your own hands. He reveals that a period of discipline and focused study will help you successfully achieve your goals. This card is a clue that it is time for you to hone your skills and observe the world to make the most of new situations. However, if The Magician is reversed in your reading it shows that your indecision is keeping you from productive action.

The High Priestess—The appearance of The High Priestess signals internal forces at work in your internal life. Whether there is a secret that needs to be brought to life or you need the confirmation to trust your inner voice, The High Priestess is there to show you to trust your intuition or to search for hidden meanings. In the event that the High Priestess is reversed in your reading it may indicate that you are not listening to your inner voice or that someone is secretly working against you or the influence of someone who is mentally ill.

The Empress—Often recognized as the mother of the tarot deck, The Empress is Number 3 of the Major Arcana and signifies abundance, material comforts and creativity. If The Empress appears in your reading it is a sign of good fortune that may indicate that your creativity and hard work will be repaid with material success. While The Empress is a card of good fortune when read upright, when reversed it indicates an obstacle to your creativity and productiveness.