The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
ADVERTISEMENT
SPI RITUALIT Y
A Deep Dive Into The 22 Major Arcana
Cards + What They Mean In A Tarot
Reading
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
By Sarah Regan
What are the Major Arcana cards? The Fool The Magician The High Priestess The
Empress The Emperor The Hierophant The Lovers The Chariot Strength The
Hermit Wheel of Fortune Justice The Hanged Man Death Temperance The
Devil The Tower The Star The Moon The Sun Judgement The World
December 06, 2022
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our
selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.
Every card in a traditional tarot deck has a specific meaning. The cards are split into
two categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Whether you're newly dipping
your toes into tarot or you're a seasoned reader, here's a look at what each of the 22
Major Arcana cards in your tarot deck means and how to interpret them, according to
tarot experts.
What are the Major Arcana cards?
Before we dive into each card, let's first look at what the Major Arcana cards as a
whole are all about. These cards are also known as Trump cards, beginning with "The
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 1 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Fool" at zero, and ending with "The World" at 21.
00:08 08:07
The Major Arcana cards depict the Fool's Journey as he learns lessons along his path—
and when pulled during a tarot reading, they represent an overarching theme and
nudge us to think about the bigger picture, astrologist and tarotist Bess Matassa
previously explained to mbg.
The Major Arcana cards are also often complex and significant, and their appearance
will influence the entire reading. If you pull one or more in a multi-card pull, you'll want
to pay close attention.
Without further ado, here's what each of the 22 Major Arcana cards means:
The Fool, 0:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 2 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Beginning of a journey
Childlike wonder
Risk
Potential
Naivety
Being the first card in the deck, the Fool is all about embracing new beginnings,
expanding your horizons, and taking a chance based on your intuition, tarot reader and
founder of Witchy Wellness Leah Vanderveldt previously told mbg.
"It's about having an intuitive ping to do something—to take a leap—and trusting that
you'll be able to catch yourself." By extension, this card also has an element of naiveté
and speaks to the excitement of the unknown.
The Magician, I:
Image by mbg creative
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 3 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Manifesting
Healing
Spirituality
Connection to the divine
According to author of The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot Skye Alexander, the
Magician card represents the ability to understand and command the unseen forces
that operate in the universe.
ADVERTISEMENT
"When the Magician shows up in a reading, he indicates you have special powers, but
you may not realize them yet or you may not be using your powers," she says noting
that he reminds you that you're "constantly creating your reality and that your thoughts
are the forerunners of manifestation."
The High Priestess, II:
Image by mbg creative
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 4 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Divine feminine
Human wisdom
Studying nature
Spiritual mystery
One's inner world
The High Priestess tarot card, according to Alexander, is an enigmatic card symbolizing
feminine spiritual power, or the Goddess from whom all life comes and to whom it all
returns.
"She's sometimes positioned between two pillars—one black, one white—which
represent the dual nature of existence: good and evil, light and dark, truth and
deception, positive and negative," she adds.
The Empress, III:
Image by mbg creative
Nature
The Great Mother
Fertility
A channel for the High Priestess on Earth
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 5 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
According to tarot expert and creator of The Wild Unknown Tarot Kim Krans, the
Empress contains a mysterious power and magnetism—a vitality or life force relating to
the divine feminine found throughout nature.
"The big question for the Empress," Krans says, "is how will the power be used? Will
the Empress rule from above, looking down at those less fortunate? Or will the
Empress slow down, trust, and settle into the earth, finding new ways to govern by
spreading kindness and generosity throughout the realm?"
ADVERTISEMENT
Amore a prima vista.
The Emperor, IV:
Image by mbg creative
Leadership
Influence
Stability
Potential for mastery
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 6 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Just as the Empress is an archetypal mother figure, the Emperor is the paternal
equivalent and symbolizes leadership, strength, and power in the natural world.
As Alexander explains, he's a figure of supreme authority, and one to be reckoned with
at that. "He's the savvy executive, the brave warrior, the responsible civic leader who
has reached the summit of authority and achieved worldly power," she notes.
The Hierophant, V:
Image by mbg creative
Practical lessons related to natural law
Study
Mastering one's chosen area of expertise in this life
Sometimes referred to as "the Pope" in particular decks, the Hierophant almost always
relates to traditional structures of some kind, according to Alexander. "The Hierophant
is a figure of authority and power, like the Emperor, but the Hierophant's power is of a
spiritual nature," she explains.
Sometimes, he can also indicate you may seek to break away from traditional
limitations to follow your own spiritual path, she says, adding that this card can signify
an actual person, and namely "someone who is a leader of a spiritual group—and that
leader may be you, whether or not you realize it yet."
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 7 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
The Lovers, VI:
Image by mbg creative
Difficult decisions in relationships
Changes to come in relationships
Compromise
Growth in a relationship
ADVERTISEMENT
Amore a prima vista.
According to Vanderveldt, the Lovers is a card about connection and the possibilities
of deep intimacy. "When this card shows up, we are usually giving our power away to
something outside of ourselves. Sometimes it's a relationship; other times it's a title,
job, or something material," she adds.
You may feel like external circumstances and relationships give you value when this
card appears. "If you took that particular person away, you are still a loved and loving
individual. If you took the job away, you are still capable and good at what you do,"
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 8 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Vanderveldt notes, adding, "It's a process of choosing yourself first before engaging in
a healthy relationship with anything outside yourself [...] We're being asked to fully
accept ourselves as worthy."
The Chariot, VII:
Image by mbg creative
Controlling opposing forces
Willpower
Resolving conflict
Travel
The Chariot is a card of opposing forces, as well as how to overcome and/or control
them, Alexander notes. "In some decks, he holds no reins—he uses sheer willpower to
keep his steeds moving together in a forward direction," she adds.
When you pull this card, it represents "mastery of opposing forces and control over
inner conflicts," and on a literal level, it can also indicate travel and transportation,
Alexander says.
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 9 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Strength, VIII:
Image by mbg creative
Ego versus intuition
A need for discipline
Refinement of self-interest to achieve harmony with the inner self
The Strength tarot card depicts a woman controlling a powerful lion and even treating
him affectionately. As Alexander explains, this represents inner power, overcoming
weaknesses, courage, and persistence.
"Although some interpretations view this card as emblematic of the struggle with your
'animal' nature, others see it as symbolic of self-confidence and inner strength, and of
being in harmony with your instinctive nature," she adds.
The Hermit, IX:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 10 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Introspection
Contemplation
Inner reflection
The benefit of time spent alone
As its name suggests, the Hermit is about going within, solitude, and reflection.
Alexander notes it also relates to inner wisdom, guidance, and self-evaluation and is
often a call to introspect.
"A seeker of truth, he lights the way ahead for those who follow," she explains, adding
that when the Hermit appears in a reading, it can mean a guide figure is at hand,
offering help. "But usually it refers to inner guidance or getting in touch with a spirit
guide, [...] withdrawing from the busyness and distractions of the outer world, [and
doing] some soul-searching," she notes.
Wheel of Fortune, X:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 11 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Imminent and often positive change
The inevitable seasons and cycles of life
Beginnings and endings
ADVERTISEMENT
Amore a prima vista.
The Wheel of Fortune is all about change and cycles. It symbolizes the inevitability of
change, beginnings, and, of course, endings. As Vanderveldt previously explained to
mbg, it's also related to "what happens at the crossroads of fate and choice, where we
break old patterns through choice."
This card calls on the subject to be adaptable as they navigate these changes,
Vanderveldt says, and stay centered. "When this card comes up, it's a good time to ask
yourself: How do you want to respond (to the good, bad, and everything in between)?"
she says.
Justice, XI:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 12 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Fairness
Moral sensitivity
Karma
Attention to detail
According to Vanderveldt, the Justice card represents truth, balance, and objectivity, as
well as accountability, fairness, sacred truth, inner knowing, and of course, justice.
"It can often come up when you're being asked to have radical honesty with yourself to
make a choice," she notes, adding, "Balance comes from making the choice that's
right, even if it's difficult. There's a call for harmony and balance, but to find the
correct equilibrium for the situation, you must first get totally honest about the
situation or decision."
The Hanged Man, XII:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 13 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Consequence
Surrender
Stagnation
A situation that must be waited out
mindbodygreen
A daily dose of well-being in your inbox
Get The Long Game newsletter featuring the latest discoveries in health & well-being.
Email Address
SIGN UP
By clicking "SIGN UP" you agree our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Appearing right before the Death card in the Major Arcana, the Hanged Man represents
letting go, surrendering, sacrifice, and seeing things from a different perspective,
according to Alexander.
"When this card
By clicking "SIGNappears in our
UP" you agree a reading," shePrivacy
Terms of Use and notes, "it
Policy. can mean surrendering to a
situation, or letting go of old patterns or attitudes," adding, "You're ready to make
sacrifices in order to be true to yourself."
Death, XIII:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 14 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Endings
Harvesting
Freeing oneself
Moving forward
While it may look ominous, this card isn't a prophecy of death. It is, however, a sign of
endings, according to Vanderveldt. She previously told mbg that it's a card of change
and transformation, noting that, "It's a big piece in the process of personal evolution in
which we release old patterns."
The Death card represents the shedding required to continue progressing along one's
path, and the cards on either side (the Hanged Man and Temperance) are also part of
the "death journey," in which we prepare for an ending by surrendering and releasing
fears of judgment (the Hanged Man) and then go through a rebirth by transmuting our
past pain (Temperance).
Temperance, XIV:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 15 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Moderation
Balance
Self-evolution
Avoiding extremes
The Temperance card represents moderation, balance, self-evolution, and avoiding
extremes. As author and tarot expert Claire Goodchild previously explained to mbg,
this card appears in our lives when we're feeling out of balance—and sometimes even
when we don't feel out of balance but actually are.
ADVERTISEMENT
It can also indicate that we've been too indulgent and need to take a step back, she
says. The word temperance, after all, literally means "moderation in action, thought, or
feeling," as well as abstinence from drinking alcohol. "The Temperance card's main
theme is about restoring balance, and another big part of it is mind over matter,"
Goodchild notes, adding, "Anything you want to do, you can do. It just takes a little bit
of work and finessing what's happening."
The Devil, XV:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 16 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
The shadow self
Material and worldly pleasure
Unhealthy relationships
Entrapment
According to Vanderveldt, the Devil card is like a stand-in for our inner demons. "The
things we give our power away to, the voices that keep us small or ashamed—
essentially our shadowy parts," she previously explained, adding this card often shows
up around unhealthy patterns in our lives, be it in relationships, negative or harmful
self-talk, and/or issues of addiction.
"The good news is when the Devil comes around, you're given the opportunity to
dance with this energy and liberate yourself from any cycles or dependencies that are
keeping you down and afraid," she says. This card can also be an invitation to dive into
some shadow work.
The Tower, XVI:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 17 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Imminent or present danger
Upheaval
Unexpected change
ADVERTISEMENT
A tutta vita.
The Tower is one of the more ominous cards in the Major Arcana, as it typically heralds
major change, disruption, and even danger. Tarot reader Theresa Reed previously told
mbg it symbolizes disruption, chaos, the collapse of a faulty structure, as well as
something coming to a dramatic end.
And as tarot reader Mark Horn adds, "There's an element of surprise to the Tower—it's
a change you weren't expecting, usually because your idea about what is going on is
either a fantasy or you don't have all the information you need." When you pull this
card, just remember it represents a necessary ending, Reed notes.
The Star, XVII:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 18 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Spirituality
Purpose
Connecting to the divine
Transcendence
Inspiration
According to Brigit Esselmont, founder and CEO of Biddy Tarot, the woman depicted
in the Star card is both practical and intuitive, and her nudity represents both her
purity and vulnerability. The single large star shown also symbolizes her core essences,
while the seven smaller stars represent the seven main chakras.
"It's a beautiful card with a deep and powerful message, especially for those going
through a rebirth of some kind," Esselmont previously told mbg, adding that it invites
the reader "to shed her skin—all the layers that have built up over the years—and be
'naked' under the beauty of the starry night sky"—aka being vulnerable, authentic, and
raw.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Moon, XVIII:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 19 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Image by mbg creative
Illusion
Impressionability
Deception
Confusion
Strife
The Moon card appears when the subconscious is reflected back to us and we get the
chance to work with it, Vanderveldt previously told mbg. "There's an element of diving
deep into the depths of who you are and being willing to see and accept everything
you find."
She adds that when you pull this card, it's an invitation to "release the control you've
held over your internal, emotional realm in order to access your innermost truths."
Relating to this card requires connecting deeply to—and accepting—all that you are,
she explains, noting that, "There's an urging to turn to your intuition and dreams during
this time to assist you," when the Moon appears.
The Sun, XIX:
Image by mbg creative
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 20 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Vitality
Joy
Good fortune
Confidence
Authenticity
Arguably one of the most positive cards you can pull in a tarot reading, the Sun is all
about happiness, success, pleasure, self-expression, and vitality. According to
Alexander, the Sun card also represents life itself, "for the sun gives life to everything
on Earth."
She notes that it's one of the most joyful cards in the tarot, heralding success, good
fortune, confidence, and all the other positive associations we hold with the sun as a
life-giving force.
ADVERTISEMENT
A tutta vita.
Judgement, XX:
Image by mbg creative
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 21 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
Resurrection
Awakening
Freedom from inner conflict
Decisions to be made
A card of awakening, self-realization, choices, and rebirth, Alexander says the
Judgement has overtones of Christianity's "Day of Judgement," when God judges all
souls—and either rewards or punishes them.
"In a broader sense, however, Judgement represents a time of awakening and self-
realization," she explains, "when you must make adjustments to reflect who you truly
are."
The World, XXI:
MbgMindfulness SHOP HEALTH COACHING CLASSES EDITOR'S PICKS Login
Image by mbg creative
Ending of a cycle
Major change
Self-actualization
The final card of the Major Arcana, and subsequently, the Fool's Journey, the World
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 22 of 26
The Meanings Behind Each Of The 22 Major Arcana Cards In Tarot | mindbodygreen 17/03/24, 20:48
card is a big up-level. As Vanderveldt previously explained to mbg, it's a card of
"absorbing the lessons and wisdom that bring a person into a new understanding of
their life and their role in it."
"It's an encapsulation of the dance of life—sometimes mysterious but ever moving and
cycling," she says, adding this card also relates to hard-won lessons, growth, and the
satisfaction that comes with it. "It may not have been easy or pretty getting through it,
but on the other side, you're at a new stage of life—wiser and ready for a new phase."
The takeaway.
Each of the Major Arcana cards has a nuanced meaning that relates to common
themes in our lives, as well as the different stages of the Fool's Journey. Whether you
pull the Fool, the World, or any of the cards in between, it's not so much the card itself
that's important but rather what you choose to do with its lesson on your own spiritual
journey.
Life is too short to not feel your best.
Your personalized supplements plan is 90 seconds away.
BEGIN QUIZ
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/major-arcana-cards Page 23 of 26
