What is the Major Arcana? 

The Major Arcana of the Tarot deck is a fascinating collection of 22 archetypal cards, each representing fundamental human experiences and spiritual lessons. These cards are like the main characters and pivotal scenes in the story of life, with “Arcana” meaning “secrets” or “mysteries”. They provide a narrative arc, from The Fool to The World, guiding us through various stages and challenges of existence.

Each card in the Major Arcana symbolizes a powerful archetype or life stage. We embark on this journey as The Fool, card 0, an emblem of innocence and beginnings. As we progress, we encounter different opportunities and lessons, depicted by each subsequent card:

• 1 The Magician: Manifestation, creation.

• 2 The High Priestess: Intuition, mystery.

• 3 The Empress: Fertility, nature.

• 4 The Emperor: Authority, structure.

• 5 The Hierophant: Tradition, conformity.

• 6 The Lovers: Relationships, choices.

• 7 The Chariot: Willpower, triumph.

• 8 Strength: Courage, influence.

• 9 The Hermit: Introspection, guidance.

• 10 Wheel of Fortune: Cycles, fate.

• 11 Justice: Fairness, truth.

• 12 The Hanged Man: Sacrifice, new perspectives.

• 13 Death: Endings, transformation.

• 14 Temperance: Balance, moderation.

• 15 The Devil: Bondage, materialism.

• 16 The Tower: Upheaval, revelation.

• 17 The Star: Hope, inspiration.

• 18 The Moon: Illusion, intuition.

• 19 The Sun: Success, vitality.

• 20 Judgment: Reckoning, awakening.

• 21 The World: Completion, wholeness.

This path from The Fool to The World represents “The Fool’s Journey,” a metaphor for our own journey through life. The term “Tarocchi,” sometimes linked to the word “foolishness,” may allude to this journey’s unpredictable and diverse experiences. The Major Arcana cards, with their grand themes and profound lessons, contrast with the Minor Arcana’s focus on the daily nuances of life. Together, these two sections of the Tarot create a comprehensive picture of our existence, encompassing both the major life events and the day-to-day details.