Major Arcana of Tarot

Upright Meaning: The Fool symbolizes beginnings, creativity, carefreeness, and an openness to new experiences. It is a card of new starts, encouraging one to approach life with enthusiasm and an open mind. On a spiritual level, The Fool represents enlightenment and the ability to perceive reality in its pure form, free from mental constraints.

Reversed Meaning: In the reversed position, the card indicates recklessness, empty hopes, and a lack of preparation. It may also warn against false information or misleading situations. In this context, The Fool emphasizes the need for caution and awareness of the consequences of one’s actions.

Upright Meaning: The Magician represents the ability to act, creativity, and the effective use of available resources to achieve goals. It suggests inner strength and determination to utilize one’s talents and tools in a practical manner. On a spiritual level, The Magician indicates the application of unconventional approaches and the use of intuition in problem solving.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, the card signifies manipulation, selfishness, and abuse of power. The Magician in this position warns against people or situations that may be deceptive. It can also indicate a lack of clarity in actions or a focus solely on one’s own benefits at the expense of others.

Upright Meaning: The High Priestess symbolizes intuition, mysteries, and hidden psychic potential. She is a card of the unconscious and spiritual insight. This card may relate to the search for knowledge, especially in occult or spiritual realms. It indicates situations where information is unclear or hidden, and the subject appears beyond the full reach of understanding.

Reversed Meaning: When reversed, The High Priestess unveils secrets, manipulations, or a hidden woman – often a lover or a person who intentionally creates confusion. It may indicate the use of love magic or situations in which someone acts covertly to influence the querent. This is a warning to examine the situation carefully and trust one’s intuition.

Upright Meaning: The Empress is the archetype of the Mother, symbolizing life, fertility, and nurturing. She may signify the birth of a child, the development of a project, or harmonious creative energy. This is a card of care, abundance, and commitment to fulfilling plans. It indicates a period of growth in both personal and professional aspects.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Empress warns against over-control, overprotectiveness, and smothering. It may symbolize a dominant presence (such as a mother or boss) whose behavior restricts freedom and growth. In context, the card points to excessive pretentiousness or imbalance in relationships.

Upright Meaning: The Emperor symbolizes authority, structure, and stability. He is the archetype of the Father, representing reliability, discipline, and durability. This card refers to individuals in positions of power (such as a father or boss) or situations related to real estate, business, or the pursuit of material stability. The Emperor encourages consistency and the establishment of strong foundations.

Reversed Meaning: When reversed, The Emperor indicates abuse of power, excessive pressure, or despotic behavior. It may suggest that the structures meant to provide support have become burdensome – for instance, a home or business generating too many problems. In a negative context, the card reveals unbridled energy that can lead to destruction.

Upright Meaning: The Hierophant symbolizes spiritual authority, tradition, religion, and hierarchical systems. It can refer to figures such as priests, teachers, mentors, or spiritual guides. This card underscores moral principles, spiritual practice, and social structures such as marriage or educational systems. It emphasizes the need to seek knowledge, rely on established principles, or find support in traditional values.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Hierophant warns against false teachers, religious or spiritual manipulation, and the risk of falling into toxic structures such as cults. The card suggests that the querent’s trust may be exploited and the values they hold dear may be turned against them. It also represents a rejection of rigid rules and conformity.

Upright Meaning: The Lovers represent choice and decision. They signify a moment when a key decision must be made that will affect the future, whether in matters of love, relationships, or career. In an emotional context, the card refers to a relationship built on harmony, love, and mutual understanding. In a reading, it indicates the need for a conscious choice and a thoughtful consideration of the right path.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Lovers signify difficulties in decision-making, internal discord, and a lack of clarity in one’s actions. The querent may feel immobilized by a fear of the consequences of a choice, leading to stagnation. In relationships, the card can suggest a lack of harmony or communication problems between partners.

Upright Meaning: The Chariot symbolizes movement, progress, and achievement. It indicates overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, and attaining success through determination and self-discipline. This card marks a turning point when the querent is ready to move on to a new phase. It may also refer to journeys, both physical and spiritual, that open up new perspectives.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Chariot suggests regression, lack of progress, or chaotic and uncoordinated actions. It may indicate a return to the past, moving in circles, or acting in haste. The card warns against attempting to speed up events without proper preparation or favorable conditions.

Upright Meaning: Strength symbolizes inner power, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. It indicates that the querent has the energy and courage to face both external difficulties and inner demons. This card represents mastery over one’s instincts, prudence, and perseverance. In a reading, it can suggest a moment when patience and self-control are crucial for achieving success.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, Strength indicates uncontrolled temperament, a lack of discipline, or an inability to manage a difficult situation. It may suggest that the querent is overwhelmed by a challenge, or that impulsiveness and unbridled anger are causing problems. The card warns against the destructive potential of a lack of balance.

Upright Meaning: The Hermit is a card of introspection, solitude, and the spiritual quest. It signifies a time for reflection, examining one’s values, and discovering hidden talents. It may indicate the need to withdraw from everyday concerns to gain insight into oneself and one’s life path. The Hermit symbolizes wisdom, a philosophical perspective, and the willingness to make sacrifices for a higher purpose.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Hermit points to isolation, evasion of responsibility, or an escape from reality. It may suggest that the querent is hiding behind the illusion of learning or spiritual development instead of actively working on personal growth. This is a caution against becoming too detached from the world and avoiding life’s challenges.

Upright Meaning: The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes fate, change, and the cyclical nature of life. It stands for moments of good fortune, sudden shifts, and opportunities that may lead to success. This card suggests that it is time to take a risk because fate is on the querent’s side. It serves as a reminder that life is constantly changing and that luck can vary – it is wise to act when fortune smiles upon you.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, the Wheel of Fortune indicates a period of misfortune, stagnation, and persistent difficulties. It is a time when the querent must accept that not everything is under control and, instead of battling fate, concentrate on enduring the challenging period. The card reminds us that even the darkest moments are transient and that good fortune will eventually return.

Upright Meaning: Justice represents morality, truth, and balance. It is a card of accountability, adherence to principles, and the pursuit of fairness. It may indicate legal matters, documents, negotiations, or situations that require an objective evaluation. For the querent, this card foretells that justice will be served provided that their actions are aligned with ethical principles.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, Justice warns of a loss of ethical direction, injustice, and the risk of failure in legal matters. It may point to wrongful decisions, dishonesty, or corruption. It also serves as a reminder that past mistakes may now have their consequences.

Upright Meaning: The Hanged Man symbolizes stagnation, sacrifice, and a shift in perspective. He indicates situations that require patience and an acceptance of circumstances beyond the querent’s control. This card may imply the necessity of relinquishing something for a greater good or obtaining a new insight into a difficult situation. It is a time of reflection and spiritual growth.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Hanged Man signifies a trap set by the querent themselves. It may denote an inability to move forward due to poor decisions or inaction. The card also implies that the potential to escape stagnation exists if the querent is willing to view the situation from a fresh perspective and take responsibility for their actions.

Upright Meaning: Death symbolizes the end of a phase and radical change. It is a card of transformation that signals the conclusion of one cycle to make way for another. Although it may seem negative at first, Death often heralds renewal and the opportunity for fresh beginnings. It may indicate the end of a relationship, the process of letting go of the past, or profound internal transformation.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, Death warns against being trapped in the past and resisting change. It may reflect a fear of abandoning the familiar, even if it is harmful or limiting. The card suggests that clinging to what is known hinders opening up to positive change and growth.

Upright Meaning: Temperance symbolizes harmony, balance, and inner peace. It is a card that signifies stability and a calm period in life, offering time for reflection and relaxation. The card suggests a time without major challenges, conducive to analysis and acceptance of reality. It also represents the ability to blend opposites and find a middle path during difficult circumstances.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, Temperance indicates a lack of balance, stagnation, and a reluctance to act. The card warns against overanalyzing situations at the expense of taking decisive actions. It may also suggest difficulties in managing emotions, which can lead to chaos in both personal and professional environments.

Upright Meaning: The Devil represents human desires, ambitions, and temptations. It points to the potential for great success but also warns of the price that must be paid for it. It signifies addictions, enslavement to material values, or unhealthy relationships. It may also indicate intense emotions such as obsession or lust.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Devil exposes lies, betrayal, and the consequences of past mistakes. It signals a moment when sins and negative behaviors come to light. This may be a time to confront the repercussions of addictions or toxic relationships. In some cases, the reversed Devil represents liberation from these bonds, albeit achieved through challenging experiences.

Upright Meaning: The Tower is a card of radical change, destruction, and chaos. It indicates a moment when the current structure of the querent’s life is shattered. This may involve the loss of a job, the breakdown of a relationship, or other events that force the rebuilding of one’s life from scratch. It is a time of crisis but also an opportunity for renewal.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Tower suggests accumulated pressure and hidden aggression that may eventually explode. The card warns against ignoring problems and allowing conflicts to build until they erupt violently. It may also hint at internal tension that negatively affects the querent’s mental well‐being.

Upright Meaning: The Star is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and dreams for the future. It represents creative thinking, harmony, and inner peace. The card indicates positive energy that leads to the fulfillment of goals and spiritual evolution. It may denote reflective moments as well as the pursuit of ideals. Often, it relates to creativity, art, or distant ambitions – both physically and mentally.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Star suggests illusions, uncertainty, and a life lived in fantasy. It may indicate a lack of self-confidence, wandering in one’s dreams, and an avoidance of facing reality. The card advises grounding oneself and confronting one’s illusions with the real state of affairs.

Upright Meaning: The Moon symbolizes intuition, the unconscious, and mysteries. It represents hidden emotions, unobserved aspects of situations, and the magic and mysticism that lie beneath the surface. The card encourages the reliance on intuition to discover deeper truths that may be concealed. However, it may also indicate confusion, illusions, or challenges in understanding the truth.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Moon warns against conflicts, scandals, and the breakdown of joint projects due to misunderstandings. It suggests tendencies toward manipulation, deceit, and envy. It may also expose hidden fears and phobias that influence the querent’s decisions. This is a time to confront one’s fears and seek clarity.

Upright Meaning: The Sun is the card of joy, success, and fulfillment. It represents the achievement of goals, recognition, and moments of happiness. Radiating positive energy, it brings motivation and optimism. It is also a time for rest and reaping the rewards of hard work. The Sun stands as a symbol of clarity, transparency, and triumph.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The Sun may indicate egoism, narcissism, and a tendency to dominate others. It can suggest overconfidence that leads to mistakes, as well as a disregard for the needs of others. The card warns that excessive activity and a lack of moderation can become destructive, potentially leading to burnout or conflict.

Upright Meaning: Final Judgment symbolizes evaluation, accountability, and spiritual awakening. It indicates a moment when the querent’s actions are assessed, and reward or punishment is dispensed in accordance with their merits. This card calls for introspection, confronting the past, and embarking on a new phase of life with greater awareness. It underscores the importance of ethics, conscience, and higher values.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, Final Judgment suggests forgetfulness, indecision, and stagnation. It may indicate a sense of injustice, prolonged waiting for resolution, or the need to accept delays. In certain cases, the card cautions about the repercussions of past actions or even symbolically refers to the inevitability of physical death, pointing instead to the necessity of closing a particular chapter.

Upright Meaning: The World is the card of ultimate fulfillment, harmony, and completion. It signifies the achievement of a goal, the reward for hard work, and the chance to start a new phase in life. It represents a balance between spirituality and materiality, highlighting both internal beauty and the external world. It may also refer to travels, both physical and mental, and the utilization of global resources such as the internet.

Reversed Meaning: Reversed, The World denotes inaction, being stuck, and a lack of closure. It may suggest living in illusions, neglecting responsibilities, or withdrawing into spirituality or emotional relationships in place of addressing reality. It warns of the risk of losing stability and the possibility of a metaphorical “fall from grace” if balance between dreams and reality is not maintained.