The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana of the Tarot are the 22 most well-known cards in the deck.
The word Arcanum means 'Secret'. So the Major Arcana are the cards that contain the major, or most important, secrets of the entire deck.
Each card contains an inexhaustible symbolism and lends itself to a lifetime of reflections and insights.
#0 - The Fool
Meaning
The card represents an individual who is about to start something new that could take him anywhere. The innocence and freshness of his attitude will protect him from possible dangers. The choice to throw himself into something new is not dictated by reason, but rather by instinct and the Spirit that guides him.
#1 - The Wizard
Meaning
This Arcanum represents a person with intelligence and creative ability, who knows how to use the tools at his disposal to achieve what he sets out to do.
He is master of himself; everything he does is in accordance with his Will. He does not act at random or guided by instinct; what guides him is Reason, which he uses to plan the future.
#2 - The Popess
Meaning
This card represents the power of intuition and occult knowledge. Its power comes from the moon and water, its wisdom allows it to see hidden things and foresee the future.
The Priestess does not act on a material level, but on the deepest level of the psyche. She is calm and detached, she knows how to wait for the right time to act, her inner purity allows her not to be contaminated by negative emotions.
#3 - The Empress
Meaning
This Major Arcana symbolizes the creative force of nature. She is a strong, warm woman, aware of her power, capable of bringing energy and healing. As a mother, she gives life and protects it. As the Goddess of Love, she is a warm and passionate lover. Any kind of creative project will be stimulated and protected by her energy.
#4 - The Emperor
Meaning
This card represents a man of power. Unlike the High Priestess, whose power is spiritual, his power is earthly, extending to the material world, to people and things. He has gained great experience and self-control: he is a leader, his influence on others is great, his inner strength immense.
#5 - The Pope
Meaning
This Arcanum represents spiritual power in its non-esoteric aspect, the strength of tradition and orthodoxy. It represents a person with the function of guide or teacher who holds knowledge that has been formed over time. Its function is not to create, but rather to transmit, explain, illuminate. It is difficult to find itself alone, because the profound meaning of its existence is manifested in the relationship with the disciples.
#6 - The Lovers / Love
Meaning
This card reminds us of the strength of the power of Love, whether it is towards another person, an idea or any goal that we are passionate about. In front of true love we must be naked, that is, sincere and authentic, ready to give ourselves entirely. In this way this inexhaustible energy will push us upwards, towards the Angel of the figure, and the best part of us will emerge.
At the same time, the decision to abandon ourselves to love always requires a choice on our part, the choice not to give in to fear but to follow what our heart truly desires. The main teaching of this Arcanum is therefore that only through a courageous choice does the possibility of Union come.
#7 - The Chariot
Meaning
This Arcanum represents Victory that can be achieved through self-discipline, sustained effort, constant commitment and energetic action. It is the time to act quickly and decisively. You must attack problems as if you were in a fight, concentrating all your energy to deliver a single mortal blow to your opponent. This card teaches you to pursue your goals with determination and full confidence in yourself.
The journey that the Chariot makes represents the path from a point A (your current condition, where you are now) to a point B (your goal). This is the time to begin the journey and realize your dreams.
#8 - Justice
Meaning
Justice is the one who makes sure that every individual must experience the consequences of their actions, for better or for worse. The scales represent the fact that such consequences must be actually commensurate with the actions undertaken. The sword symbolizes the severity and rigor with which the judgment is issued.
This Arcanum reminds us that all knots come to a head. The individual at peace with his conscience can find comfort in the scales; the one who has committed evil deeds must instead fear the blade of the sword.
#9 - The Hermit
Meaning
This card depicts an older person who has achieved wisdom through study and reflection. He has no desire for material goods, his life is simple and solitary. He moves slowly and cautiously, or not at all.
From a material point of view he is poor, while from a spiritual point of view he has accumulated enormous wealth over time, and this makes him a beacon and a guide for those who are ready to listen to him.
#10 - The Wheel (of Fortune)
Meaning
This Arcanum represents Destiny, the imponderable factors that operate in our lives and that are beyond our control. Since the nature of the wheel is to turn, it symbolizes the perpetual alternation of life cycles. There are spiritual forces at work behind the fabric of reality, forces that manifest themselves at crucial moments in our existence.
The lesson of the wheel is to accept the constant change and to trust in the Cosmic Design of which our life is a fragment.
#11 - The Force
Meaning
This Arcanum represents two types of strength: the brute one represented by the Lion, and the spiritual one, symbolized by the maiden. The spiritual strength is able to tame the material one, thus proving to be the most powerful.
Strength teaches us to dominate our 'animal' nature through self-control, patience, gentleness. This is not an aggressive force, which attacks what is outside, but rather it is the strength of spirit that allows the individual to resist temptations and tame his own internal demons.
Meaning
A man has voluntarily undergone an initiation process from which he will emerge transformed. Through self-sacrifice and pain a new individual will emerge. At this moment his body is immobilized, and he must accept everything the universe brings him: cold, rain, suffering.
Through acceptance he will come to a total renewal of his being. Even if he cannot act externally for the moment, his spirit is free to work internally, on himself, in the depths of his soul.
#13 - Death
Meaning
This Arcanum indicates the end of something. This is not the time to build, but to destroy. Whether we like it or not, a change must occur, and this change will be triggered by the powerful destructive energy of Arcanum No. 13.
We must be ready to let go of everything that is useless, superfluous, non-essential. We must accept the inevitable transformation, cleanse ourselves of the waste of the past and trust in the eventual rebirth.
#14 - Temperance
Meaning
The angel depicted in this Arcanum brings protection and purification, balance and harmony. His virtues are moderation and prudence.
This card teaches us that sometimes the right approach is not force, but gentleness. The pouring of liquid from one cup to another symbolizes the opportunity to reconcile opposing energies. This is the time to bring together, integrate and synergize people, situations and opportunities.
#15 - The Devil
Meaning
The Devil symbolizes all the chains that imprison us and deprive us of our freedom. He is the enemy, who manifests himself in our lives in the form of evil individuals, obstacles, problems.
More often, however, the Enemy is within us, fueling fear and trying to subdue our courage. It makes us slaves and dependent: on substances, people, negative thoughts. The possibilities of escape from the prison in which we find ourselves exist, if we manage to maintain self-confidence.
#16 - The Tower
Meaning
The Tower represents sudden change, the unexpected and sudden destruction of the lifestyle to which one was accustomed. Defenses collapse, what seemed solid and safe turns out to be fragile. You have to find another place to live, another life to lead.
It is necessary to see the positive side of the situation: what is destroyed leaves room for something new. The greatest test will be to accept the change without being overwhelmed by it.
#17 - The Star
Meaning
The Star guides and illuminates the way. Its influence is beneficial and inspiring. It is a time to visualize, dream, and have great visions. As the cosmos above us is boundless, so our thoughts must fly free and have no limits. Our actions must be pure and inspired by high ideals.
The water in the figure suggests the idea of purification and renewal. You can relax peacefully, certain that the Universe is on your side: the stars protect and help you.
#18 - The Moon
Meaning
The Moon is the dream, the magic and the illusion; it is the imagination, the poetry, the night. In the moonlight you can't see clearly, things appear different than they do during the day, more fascinating and at the same time more disturbing.
This Arcanum indicates that it is better not to do things in the open, but in a hidden and indirect way. It also indicates an individual enchanted, seduced or influenced by another person or situation that is the source of such fascination.
#19 - The Sun
Meaning
The Sun shines high in the sky, indicating Victory and success. Its rays radiate light and warmth and bring healing and harmony. This is a symbol of great positive energy at work.
You have to act in the world, be extroverted and proactive, do everything in the open and be ready to gather fame, honors and consensus.
#20 - The Judgement
Meaning
This Arcanum calls us to a new life. It is never too late to start over, it is never too late to be reborn. You can get out of routine and old negative patterns.
By judging yourself, you can learn from your mistakes, leave the past behind, and lay the foundation for a new, meaningful existence. You have to answer the call, follow your vocation, and get back on the right path in life.
#21 - The World
Meaning
The World represents the fulfillment, the realization, the positive conclusion of a cycle of existence or a project. It is a time to celebrate and dance, fully savoring the here and now.
This Arcanum represents the infinite beauty of life, which is pure joy. We must celebrate and share with all sentient beings the gifts that the universe, infinitely prosperous and abundant, has given us.