Learn the Major Arcana: Tarot’s Most Powerful Cards
Hellloo beautiful souls,
How’s everyone feeling today? I hope you’re all vibing high and keeping your energy grounded. Today, we’re going to dive deep into the heart of the tarot—the Major Arcana. But let me tell you right now, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill tarot lesson. Nah, we’re doing this my way. I’m blending the traditional meanings with my own unique takes—infusing light, shadow, and that potent divine feminine energy I’ve come to know so intimately. Because, let’s be real, tarot isn’t just a deck of cards; it’s a mirror to your soul, reflecting your path, your wounds, and your highest potential.
Now, if you’ve ever flipped a tarot card and felt it staring straight into your soul (you know what I’m talking about), you already know the Major Arcana are the heavy hitters. These 22 cards hold the keys to life’s biggest lessons, transformations, and wake-up calls. Each one has its own vibe—some are gentle and nurturing, like a warm embrace from the Empress, while others hit like a gut punch, forcing you to face truths you’d rather keep buried (hello, Tower).
I’m a tarot reader and healer, and these cards are more than just symbols—they’re guides, teachers, and sometimes, tough-love friends. When I read the tarot, I connect deeply with the energies, blending my intuition with the story the cards are trying to tell. For me, The High Priestess is the essence of dark divine feminine energy—mystical, intuitive, and unapologetically powerful. The Empress? She embodies the light divine feminine, nurturing and abundant. Each Major Arcana card carries both light and shadow aspects, and that’s what makes them so damn powerful.
So, if you’re ready to unlock the secrets of these cards, connect with your own light and shadow, and maybe even feel a little called out (but in a loving way), let’s dive in. This journey is about more than just learning tarot—it’s about getting real with yourself, growing, and maybe even transforming the way you see your life.
The Fool (0)
Alright, let’s kick things off with The Fool—the one who starts it all. This card is pure potential, unfiltered hope, and a willingness to jump into the unknown with open arms. It’s that moment when you decide to take a risk, to say “yes” to life’s crazy twists without worrying about where you’ll land.
Upright: Fresh starts, new journeys, and trusting yourself to take that leap. When The Fool shows up, it’s the universe’s way of saying, “Go for it.” No fear, no baggage—just trust in the process. Maybe you’ve been holding back out of fear or uncertainty, but it’s time to step out and see where it leads.
Reversed: Hesitation, recklessness, or clinging to comfort zones. Maybe you’re too afraid to move forward or, on the flip side, jumping without a plan. Either way, this is a call to slow down and check in with your intuition. Is it fear holding you back, or are you throwing caution to the wind when you need to pause?
The Magician (I)
The Magician steps in with some serious “you’ve got this” energy. Manifesting! This card is all about using your talents, focusing your intentions, and making things happen. It’s about tapping into that raw creative power and manifesting your desires into reality.
Upright: You have everything you need within you. Skills, intuition, drive—it’s all there. Now’s the time to focus and make it happen. When The Magician shows up, it’s like a big green light. Manifestation mode is on!
Reversed: Feeling scattered, out of touch with your own power, or maybe even dealing with manipulation (whether from others or yourself). Are you misusing your gifts or doubting your potential? Time to realign and remember what you’re capable of.
The High Priestess (II)
Ah, my favorite—the High Priestess. She’s the keeper of secrets, the voice of your intuition, and that quiet knowing that lives deep within you. This is dark divine feminine energy at its peak: mysterious, wise, and unapologetically in touch with her own power. When she shows up, it’s a call to listen to that inner voice—no matter what anyone else says.
Upright: Intuition, spiritual wisdom, hidden knowledge. The High Priestess invites you to trust your gut. You know what’s up, even if it doesn’t make sense on the surface.
Reversed: Ignoring your intuition, secrets coming to light, or feeling blocked from your inner wisdom. Maybe you’re too caught up in what others are saying and not enough in what you know deep down. Time to turn inward.
The Empress (III)
The Empress brings in the light divine feminine energy. She’s all about nurturing, creating, and embracing abundance. Think motherly love, creativity flowing, and a sense of beauty and growth everywhere you look. This is where you step into your power to create and nurture whatever you’re passionate about.
Upright: Abundance, nurturing, fertility (not just in the baby-making sense—this is about growing whatever you’re passionate about). It’s time to step into your power and create beauty in your life.
Reversed: Neglecting yourself, creative blockages, or feeling disconnected from your own needs. Are you giving too much to others and not enough to yourself? It’s time to find that balance.
The Emperor (IV)
The Emperor strides in with big “let’s get it together” energy. He’s all about structure, boundaries, and leadership. Think of him as the protector and provider, laying down the rules and keeping things steady.
Upright: Authority, stability, protection. This is your reminder to step into your own power and take control of what needs order in your life. Set boundaries and stick to them—it’s about building something that lasts.
Reversed: Domineering behavior, feeling stifled, or lack of discipline. Maybe you’re pushing too hard, or you’re letting someone else run the show. Time to find a balance between control and flexibility.
The Hierophant (V)
Here’s where tradition and spiritual teachings come into play. The Hierophant represents structures, beliefs, and wisdom passed down. He’s like that guide who helps you find your path, but sometimes he can feel a bit rigid.
Upright: Spiritual guidance, traditions, and seeking wisdom from established practices. It’s a nudge to learn from trusted sources or reconnect with spiritual roots.
Reversed: Breaking free from norms, rejecting tradition, or feeling restricted. Maybe it’s time to question what you’ve always been told and find your own truth.
The Lovers (VI)
The Lovers card isn’t just about romance; it’s about choices and connections. It represents union, whether with a partner, a path, or yourself.
Upright: Love, deep connections, alignment. Whether it’s a soulmate, a life decision, or a passion, this card shows harmony and connection on a soul level.
Reversed: Misalignment, difficult choices, or imbalance in relationships. Are you out of sync with someone or with yourself? Time to figure out what’s not aligning.
The Chariot (VII)
The Chariot charges in with determination and willpower. It’s about taking the reins of your life and moving forward, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.
Upright: Control, victory, and determination. You’ve got the power to steer your path—just stay focused and driven.
Reversed: Lack of direction, feeling out of control, or obstacles in your way. Maybe it’s time to reassess your path or regain focus.
Strength (VIII)
True strength isn’t about physical power; it’s about courage, compassion, and resilience. This card is about taming your inner beasts and facing life’s challenges with grace.
Upright: Inner strength, courage, patience. This is about staying soft in a hard world and finding strength within.
Reversed: Self-doubt, weakness, or being overwhelmed. You’re stronger than you think—time to believe it.
The Hermit (IX)
When The Hermit shows up, it’s a call to turn inward. This is the soul’s retreat, the quiet place where you seek clarity and wisdom.
Upright: Introspection, solitude, spiritual growth. Take a break from the noise and listen to your own truth.
Reversed: Isolation, feeling lost, or avoiding self-reflection. Don’t shut yourself out; connect within.
Wheel of Fortune (X)
Change is inevitable, and the Wheel reminds us that life is full of ups and downs. The key? Embrace the cycles.
Upright: Good luck, cycles, and turning points. Fortune is shifting—embrace the new chapter.
Reversed: Bad luck, resistance to change, or feeling stuck. Life’s cycles can be rough—ride it out.
Justice (XI)
Justice is the card of truth, fairness, and karmic balance. It’s about accountability and making things right.
Upright: Fairness, truth, accountability. Decisions are being made, and justice is on your side—be honest and fair.
Reversed: Injustice, dishonesty, imbalance. If things feel unfair, check your actions or find ways to correct the scales.
The Hanged Man (XII)
Pause. Reflect. Let go. The Hanged Man calls for a change in perspective and surrendering control.
Upright: New perspective, letting go, and surrender. Sometimes you need to pause to move forward.
Reversed: Stubbornness, delay, or resisting change. Are you clinging to what no longer serves you?
Death (XIII)
Don’t freak out—Death isn’t literal; it’s transformation, rebirth, and endings that make way for beginnings.
Upright: Transformation, endings, and renewal. Something needs to end for something new to begin.
Reversed: Fear of change, stagnation. Are you resisting necessary endings?
Temperance (XIV)
Temperance brings balance, moderation, and harmony. It’s about finding your flow.
Upright: Balance, patience, and blending different aspects of life.
Reversed: Imbalance, excess, or feeling scattered.
The Devil (XV)
The Devil shows up when we’re trapped by fear, addiction, or our own darkness.
Upright: Temptation, attachment, facing shadows. Time to break free from what binds you.
Reversed: Breaking free, reclaiming power. You’re ready to let go of what no longer serves.
The Tower (XVI)
Brace yourself—The Tower shakes things up. Sudden change, breakdowns, and breakthroughs.
Upright: Sudden upheaval, revelations, breaking down illusions.
Reversed: Resistance to change, avoiding a necessary shake-up.
The Star (XVII)
Hope, renewal, and healing energy flow through The Star. It’s your reminder to dream again.
Upright: Healing, inspiration, and hope.
Reversed: Despair, feeling disconnected. Find your light again.
The Moon (XVIII)
The Moon represents intuition, mystery, and things hidden beneath the surface.
Upright: Intuition, dreams, illusions. Trust what’s beneath the surface.
Reversed: Confusion, fear of the unknown. Face what you’re avoiding.
The Sun (XIX)
Light, positivity, and clarity—the Sun shines bright.
Upright: Success, joy, positivity. Embrace the light.
Reversed: Delays, feeling dimmed. Find what brings you joy again.
Judgment (XX)
It’s time to reflect, assess, and rise to your calling.
Upright: Rebirth, self-evaluation, and transformation.
Reversed: Self-doubt, avoidance. Are you holding back?
The World (XXI)
Completion, fulfillment, and cycles coming full circle.
Upright: Achievement, wholeness, and endings.
Reversed: Incomplete cycles, feeling stuck.
And there you have it—the journey through the Major Arcana. Each card carries a story, a nudge, and a chance to see yourself in a new light. Ready to dive deeper? Book a general tarot reading with me and let’s uncover what the cards have to say about your path.
Much love,
MysticMMoon
