Major Arcana
The story of the tarot's major arcana reflects the emotional and spiritual evolution of man. Taken in order from 0, The Fool, to 21, The World, you see our growth from the totally undisciplined, naive youth so full of potential to the balanced picture of love, peace and power that we can become by absorbing the lessons and overcoming the trials of life represented in all of the previous cards. (Not that we always go in order or can't go backwards :-)
The following table cross-references some aspects of the cards that I believe will help in your initial study of the major arcana, whether for meditation, self-development or divination readings. The numbers, elements, signs and planets are fairly fixed attributes while the interpretation of stages, attributes and personalities are mine. As I complete individual major arcana card interpretations for Inspirations in Tarot, each card name will be linked from this page.
I apologize for posting this incomplete but I'm hoping the fact that it is visible will embarass me enough to finish it quickly. Thank you for your patience.
Element | Stage | Sign and Planet |
| 0 / Air | The Fool / Birth, Re-birth, Innocence, Ignorance (not stupidity), Potential | Open-minded, Free, Individual, Non-commital, Self-expression, Risk, Spontenatity, Purity, Energy, Levity, Inventor, Investigator, Rebel, Eccentric / Aquarius, Uranus |
| 1 / Air | The Magician/Magus / Aquisition of Experience and Practical Knowledge, Adding Discipline to create Action from Potential | Confidence, Initiative, Creativity, Focus, Mental Agility, Intellectualism, Communicator, Channelor, Interpreter, Writer, Speaker, Storyteller, Teacher / Gemini, Mercury |
| 2 / Water | The High Priestess / Gaining Wisdom from Experience and Knowledge, connecting with our Spiritual Selves. | Inner Reflection, Deeper Meaning, Emotions, Hidden Influences, Ancient Wisdom, Balance of Opposites, Mother, Psychic, Counselor, Protector/ Cancer, Moon |
| 3 / Earth | The Empress / Giving birth to Creativity, Life and Possibilities, Learning Respect for Life and Earth. | Nurturing, Understanding Nature and Cycles, Fruitful, Endurance, Persistence, Patience, Fertility, Passion, Sexuality, Sensuality / Taurus, Venus |
| 4 / Fire | The Emperor / Learning to judge creative endeavors worthy of pursuit. Taking on social responsibility and law enforcement. | Energy, Activity, Leadership, Strength, Vigilance, Civilization, Ruler, Survival, Discipline, Clear Thinking, Authority, Responsibility, Order, Methodical / Aries, Mars |
| 5 / Earth | The Hierophant / Mastery of the spiritual self. Learning to balance the spiritual and material in our lives. | Tradition, Principles, Spirituality, Religion, The Church, Philosophy, Initiation, Ritual, Moral Codes, Ethics, Education, Doctrine, Conformity / Taurus, Venus |
| 6 / Air | The Lovers / Uniting the male and female principles within us. Learning to balance reason and passion. | Sexual Love, Relationships, Marriage, Commitment, Sexuality, Personal Integration, Enlightenment through the Joining of Opposites / Gemini, Mercury |
| 7 / Water | The Chariot | /Cancer |
| 8 / Fire | Strength | Leo |
| 9 Earth | The Hermit | Virgo |
| 10 Fire | Wheel of Fortune | Sagittarius |
| 11 Air | Justice | Libra |
| 12 Water | The Hanged Man | Pisces |
| 13 Water | Death | Scorpio |
| 14 Fire | Temperance | Sagittarius |
| 15 Earth | The Devil | Capricorn |
| 16 Fire | The Tower | Aries |
| 17 Air | The Star | / Aquarius |
| 18 Water | The Moon | Pisces |
| 19 Fire | The Sun | Leo |
| 20 Water | Judgement/The Aeon | Scorpio |
| 21 Earth | The World/The Universe | Capricorn |
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