The Virtues of the Major Arcana

Virtues are the profound human qualities that exemplify moral excellence. These character traits have long inspired us to make decisions that bring out the best aspects of human nature. There are three cards of virtue found in the Major Arcana. As a group, these cards may reveal the foundation for your character and how you interact with the world. If the cards are read upright, they often show the inner qualities that will help you excel during times of significant transformations. If reversed, the virtue cards may serve as warnings of weakness, injustice or extremism.

Each tarot deck is divided into the Major and Minor Arcana and each card is assigned a number. Additionally, each card is associated with an Astrological symbol to further clarify its significance. While many of the Major Arcana cards feature human and spiritual characters or natural elements, there are three cards that represent virtues. When you consider that Major Arcana cards that appear in your reading indicate major life transitions and exert influence over the other cards, the appearance of any of the three virtue cards are a telltale sign that you need to pay close attention to the decisions at hand.

The Virtue Cards of the Major Arcana

Strength—Identified by the number 8 (or 11 in certain decks), Strength is the Major Arcana card that signifies self-confidence, conviction and a deep faith in yourself and your abilities. When this card shows up in your reading, it is a signal that you will need to trust yourself and rely on your internal reserves of strength and patience to help you solve your problems. When reversed, the Strength card reveals weakness and vulnerability.

Justice—Identified by the number 11 (or 8 in some decks), the Justice card portends a fair and just outcome when it is read upright. Many times it will be a warning to weigh all the information and make a careful and thoughtful decision. When the Justice card appears reversed, it may indicate a wrong accusation or an unfair judgment that prevents you from getting what you deserve.

Temperance—The Temperance card in the Major Arcana is number 14. This card is associated with moderation and self-restraint that helps you find balance between two courses of action. When the Temperance card appears in your reading it reveals that your tolerance for diversity will help bring about a new creation. However, when Temperance is reversed it hints at extremism that throws your life off balance and quite possibly out of control.

The core of our character is made up with the virtues that we chose to embrace, as well as the vices. By closely examining the virtue cards in your reading, you will gain a better understanding and deeper clarity on the mindset you need in order to make advantageous decisions. As these cards are revealed in our readings, it is a reminder that the virtues of strength, justice and temperance have the potential to bring your life into balance.