Major Arcana: A Brief Introduction

Understanding Tarot Symbology: Major Arcana

Previously we touched on the introduction of the use of Tarot cards and their ability to support us as we move through transition. Tarot’s symbols and images have fascinated mystics and artists alike for centuries. Every symbol and image in tarot is worth more than 1000 words; in fact, every card in tarot seems to tell a part of a universal story. A facet of life is depicted in each card, and when the cards are put together in a spread you can read the message like a page in a story book.

Based on their interpretations of tarot, several artists and mystics have created their own decks. They may seem completely different from one another, but if you focus on the images and colors you will realize that the stories they tell are essentially the same.

The tarot uses some basic universal images and symbols that evoke an emotional reaction in all of us. Whether or not you have studied tarot, the cards will speak to you. Studying tarot symbology in detail and learning how to listen to the voice of your intuition will help you understand the deeper meaning behind the cards.

The tarot deck can essentially be divided into two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Most tarot beginners should start the process of understanding tarot by first studying the Major Arcana cards.

The Major Arcana cards are numbered from 0 to 21 and represent typical characteristics that permeate all humanity. The symbols and images are such that you will have an immediate emotional response to them. In fact, if you look at the Major Arcana cards in totality you will realize that they represent a human being’s entire lifecycle, starting from the innocence to corruption and eventually redemption and completion of the cycle of life and death.

The Major Arcana cards speak in a visual language and convey many esoteric meanings. Every card holds a certain obvious interpretation and accuracy. Complete understanding, however, can only be achieved by combining your intuitive guidance with the obvious meaning.

For instance, the first card of The Rider-Waite deck (the most commonly used deck by beginners), “the fool,” depicts a man with a carefree demeanor at the edge of a cliff who’s shown carrying his possessions in an old fashioned bag and has a little dog trailing him.

The most obvious interpretation of the card is someone ready to take a blind risk or willing to start off on a new journey without knowing where it will lead. If you have studied tarot, however, or are already attuned to listening to the voice of your intuition, you will be able to come up with a specific meaning for this card in context of the person you are doing the reading for.

Every Major Arcana card is also numbered, so a basic knowledge of numerology can also help you understand tarot symbology better since the number associated with every Major Arcana card also holds a symbolic meaning. For instance, the Fool’s number is 0, which means the beginning or pure potential.

Whether or not you wish to use tarot for divination purposes, a study of Major Arcana symbology can help you gain a better understanding of yourself and humanity in general. As you note your response to every Major Arcana card, you will realize certain emotional reactions and behavior traits actually permeate all humanity. A study of tarot can also help you understand how all of us, irrespective of our race, status, or nationality, have to go through similar life stages in order to learn our lessons on earth.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen