tarot card interpretations: major arcana
greetings, friends! a long time ago i made a few posts with the tarot card meanings i had compiled from several of those little booklets you get with tarot decks, plus a couple websites. however, once i got a book with more detailed interpretations i realized i wasn't happy with the posts and decided to delete them and restart. this is the culmination of that!
also i should mention now that reversed interpretations largely depend on the situation and reader, so there will often be multiple lines of reasoning that i put forward. it's up to you to decide which one works the best for you
0 - THE FOOL
upright: the beginning and end of all things, the fool is a young person just about to start on the journey of enlightenment, innocent and free of life's burdens. although inexperienced, the fool knows they are on the right path, and they freely embrace beginner's luck. they are lighthearted and free, and are unafraid to take risks (whether for better or worse, but usually better). the fool tunes into their inherent intuition and uses it to guide them where the path is usually unclear. leave the past behind, and openly embrace the future. being bold is the best way to move up and ahead. be okay with the unknown
reversed: reversed fool may indicate that you are holding back or holding on too much, especially to preconceived notions of yourself or others. you may fear change or are about to jump too quickly into a big change. since the fool often indicates a certain level of naivete, you may want to wait until you understand the situation better before moving forward. plan carefully. balance unrealistic expectations and fears. self-centeredness or vanity
1 - THE MAGICIAN
upright: the magician is able to use the full potential of all four elements to their advantage. with a balance of clear intentions and passion you can make the physical and spiritual connect. you have the powers of manifestation at your fingertips, and your willpower is all you need to motivate you forwards. know your worth, and go after what you want. inspiration, "as above, so below," diplomacy, a deepening spiritual practice. you are a conduit through which energy flows, and you have the power to give the formless form
reversed: the reversed magician may be a bad actor in your life with an advantage over you. they are out of balance, and often abuse their power to manipulate others to get what they want. they take the easy way out at the expense of others. if this card represents the querent then it can also represent self-doubt and insecurity, often times disguised under a thin layer of ego. it's time to reconnect with your inner source of power, instead of turning to external sources. poor judgement. lying. look for alternative paths and consider redirecting your energy there
2 - THE HIGH PRIESTESS
upright: the high priestess is a card of intuition, and connection between yourself and the divine. more generally it also evokes feminine energy, but specifically this card can represent fertility, emotional intelligence, the phases of the moon, and wisdom. it gives you permission to take a sacred (or necessary) silence: you don't need to overthink this issue, there's no need to "get to the bottom of things" if it's draining you. in a relationship this card can represent an unspoken, unshakeable trust between the two people where secrets have no room to exist. outside of that (or any other situation where secrecy doesn't serve you), it can represent a mystery, a cloudy future which you may be seeking to rectify. trust your gut
reversed: the reversed high priestess most commonly means there is a disconnect between the querent and intuitive forces (whether internal or external, like a deity). confusion and disharmony is ruling you, most likely because of outside influence. you may find yourself relying on others for guidance too often, or maybe just the few people you do consult are misguided. try to find answers within yourself, even if it's uncomfortable. silence, disconnection from others
3 - THE EMPRESS
upright: the empress often represents the querent or a person in their life who evokes the divine feminine, in whatever that may mean. to some it may mean being okay with receiving, rather than acting, coaching yourself to wait for just a little bit longer. it may mean to act selflessly on behalf of others, rather than only for yourself. it may represent creation, or fertility, as is often represented on the card itself with pomegranates and Venus' symbol, which can also be seen as an empowerment of women. to be clear, this card in no way has to represent someone who identifies as a woman, or even someone who is assigned female at birth: this card can represent anyone who may embody these aspects. if this card is not describing an individual, it can describe security in a relationship, trusting that your own passion and creativity will lead you down the right road, and engaging in self-love and self-care. something is working in the background in your favor. look towards a parent/nurturing figure or think about acting as that for someone else
reversed: trying to force a situation that will not move no matter what you do. feeling cut off from others or unable to love yourself in place of others. difficulties with romance, especially relating to miscommunication or trying to force things to work even if it's evident it won't. lack of satisfaction, especially when it comes to receiving positive reinforcement or affection from others. a parent or caretaker who is not fulfilling their role completely. consider reconnecting with nature for a little bit. an imbalance of power
4 - THE EMPEROR
upright: the emperor often represents the querent or a person in their life who evokes the divine masculine, in whatever that may mean. on this card rams are often depicted, as well as Mars' symbol. this card is often considered the opposite counterpart to the Empress, so where she would advise one to sit and wait, the Emperor advises to always be constantly fighting onwards and upwards. he acts from a position of power and self-control, he does not react based on instinct or fear. he has a healthy relationship with his masculinity, and allows himself (and others) to take up the space they require. structure and stability is paramount here, and the emperor is not someone who would let his insecurities get the best of him (as we often see in the modern "alpha males"). you have to be okay with setting boundaries and being ambitious or assertive. take on a leadership role if you're offered it, don't let yourself be trampled over. honor, discipline, balance
reversed: the reversed emperor is often not the opposite of upright, but rather a bastardization of it. it represents abuse of power, the patriarchy, and immaturity. a tyrannical leader who is inherently weak at their core, someone who does not use the lessons the upright reading teaches us. it can also be someone who feels weak, powerless, or is made to feel that way by a tyrannical person. confusion, overly-emotional, being too quick to the draw
5- THE HIEROPHANT
upright: the hierophant has a strong relationship to the divine similar to the high priestess. however, in this case, the hierophant's knowledge comes from studying and upholding traditions, participating in rituals, and spreading their teachings to others. he has a strong faith and rigid principles, and he is happiest having his path laid out before him. the lesson here is that education is a never-ending process, and to always be open to new learning opportunities. it encourages following the grain and not trying to reinvent the wheel--it may not be as big of a deal as you're building it up to be in your head. if you're in a position to spread your wisdom, jump at it as soon as you can. it you're presented a situation in which your personal rules or values are challenged, stick to your guns, or if you don't have a preconceived notion, seek guidance from an older, wiser person. as a person this represents a religious, timid, good and merciful individual who believes in the power of putting your nose to the grindstone, and working your way up in social/economic hierarchies in a "traditional" way (following the rules and laboring).
reversed: the reversed hierophant is the embodiment of non-conformity. this may mean a person who is stubborn and constantly fighting against others, refusing to learn and listen OR it represents a person who is being suppressed by uptight, rigid societal beliefs, and is actively rebelling against them. they believe in their right to being free, love trying new things, and are a little eccentric. this might be someone who has been expected to give as much as possible at all times, and now you're being encouraged to think more about yourself. if you're feeling a little bit used in your relationships that's okay, and it might be a smart decision to reconsider the state of your relationships right now.
6- THE LOVERS
upright: the lovers is, understandably, a card of love, passion, and lust, balanced with vulnerability and trust, there's a big emphasis on balance. if you're at a time of your life where things are feeling all thrown all out of wack, it might be time to take stock of what you have going on right now, and cutting out burdens or adding self-care routines. choosing to maintain healthy communication and mutual respect bar nothing will lead you to the type of love you've been seeking. you shouldn't compromise on the big things, your boundaries especially so, but where you can compromise you should try to, even if it puts you out of your comfort zone (meaning like going with your friend to a party even though you're more of an introverted person NOT forcing a crazy non-monogamy set-up because your partner wants to cheat or some shit). you're faced with a choice, and there might be a small sacrifice involved, but it will be worth it. harmony between two people, while maintaining individuality
reversed: codependency or unrealistic expectations, breaking of boundaries, and lack of commitment. you or others are refusing to take responsibility for yourselves: you can't change how things happened, only how you choose to react. the world isn't going to lay itself at your feet in order for you to overcome this obstacle, that's something that you will only be able to accomplish through hard work and introspection. that doesn't mean you can't ask for help though, a mental health professional that helps you do your introspection could absolutely be the right call here. this could also indicate a contrarian, confusion.
7- THE CHARIOT
upright: the chariot is a card of building momentum, of creating a plan and building foundations for lasting change. being fueled by purely your own determination or anger will not last, you need to create structure in order to stay focused on that path. schedule your days and stick to that schedule, lest things spiral out of control. maintaining control is important to you, but you should be prepared for things to get a little out of hand sometimes. plan for it, accept it, and you'll be better able to handle it when it happens. things are moving quickly, especially in relationships: the best course of action is creating a vision for your future (or lack of one) together. triumph and righteous vengeance is indicated. if you're not sure where to start, follow your gut (or pull more cards for clarification). overcoming a conflict.
reversed: the logical opposite of the chariot is defeat and a loss of willpower. take the momentum that the chariot has built up, and turn it in on itself. you may be being warned against possible self-immolation due to doubt and anxiety (or at least that is your worst case scenario). you've lost your direction, even if it feels like momentum is forcing you along. mindless work, hesitation over taking the next step. quarreling and in-fighting, degradation of support system or foundation. maintain impulse control. measure twice, cut once, don't miss any important steps.
8- STRENGTH
upright: the strength card basically represents exactly it's namesake: courage, assertiveness, and triumph over a difficult obstacle. if you maintain inner peace and peace will return back to you. don't be afraid to be vulnerable with others, as it will only strengthen your bond. it's scary, yes, but remember your power. even moreso, be sure you're wielding it correctly: be that compassionate person that people can rely on, a pillar of stability. in no way does that mean that you should ignore or bottle up your fears, you just shouldn't allow them to hold you back. it's pertinent now to sit with your emotions, and process them, so that they don't become a burden on your psyche or on your relationships with others. be open to speaking your mind, and standing up for what is right.
reversed: the reversed strength card, while it can indicate weakness and self-doubt, often also includes abuse of power and reluctance to show vulnerability. you or others are holding on too tight, fearing that any small move can usurp your control. remember the line between assertiveness and aggressiveness. this card can point to feeling apprehensive to stand up for yourself or others, or not taking action when it's necessary. remember that while a bad situation might have you feeling weak, you are the only one who can determine your worth.
9- THE HERMIT
upright: the hermit is another card that represents almost exactly what the name implies. it encourages the querent to take a period of solitude to find your way towards wisdom and the answers to your questions. the hermit grows his power through deep introspection, teaching himself to rely on himself, and exercising patience. while many people fear loneliness, the constant noise of well-meaning people can often obscure your path more than it helps. this isn't a permanent thing by any stretch of the imagination, but you'll know when it's time to return to the "real world" when your energy level feels back to normal again. if you're looking to go soul-searching, do not distract yourself by looping others into the process. try out meditation or going on meditative walks if you think it might help. it may indicate a mentor, a teacher, an elder to help you on your way.
reversed: the reversed version often indicates that isolation is the last thing you need right now, and exile would only be a form of punishment. it's time to reach out for support and connection, as your time of solitude needs to come to an end. be wary of acting too hasty, or letting your abundance of caution become an overabundance. getting trapped in your own world and an unending cycle of anxieties. losing connection with reality. being too caught up in other people's issues or drama.
10- WHEEL OF FORTUNE
upright: the wheel of fortune is a card that reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the universe. it indicates luck, and the whims of fate. this card may mean that the situation at hand is outside of your control, that the tides are already changing without your intervention. it encourages you to have optimism and faith so that you can gather that energy and use it to adapt to obstacles as they arise. cultivating your spiritual practice may also be imperative moving forward, as the divine will assist you as you evolve. even if you are in a bad spot, remember that the world is ever-changing, and that "this too, shall pass." if you are in a good spot, it's important now to be living well in the moment. feel empowered to enjoy the positive moments when they come, and use that to navigate the uncertain or challenging moments down the line. they will come, but that's nothing to fear, you will tackle them as they come. let go of what you cannot control, it will open you to your fate. enjoy the possibility of new positive experiences after a period of sadness. new fortune, new job opportunities, new wealth. the cycle of death and rebirth. stay on path.
reversed: the reversed wheel of fortune indicates that cycles have come to a stop, that stagnation and delay is plaguing you. bad luck may be clinging to you, but trying to interfere with and micro-manage everything won't help you move past it. this time of chaos and instability is temporary, and something so much better will take's place. there are so many opportunities for positive change, but they will not be forced. life has a way, as excruciatingly slow as that may feel sometimes.
11- JUSTICE
upright: the imagery of this card often includes the sword of truth and the scales of justice, and these two themes are present throughout the interpretation of this card. the scales of justice encourages logic and objectivity, while the sword of truth points to personal integrity and honesty towards others. in another vein, disputes and disagreements are on their way to being resolved, more often in a positive way for the querent than not. find balance in your relationships by standing up for yourself and/or hearing the other person's side. reconcile with the past and fulfill your karmic contracts (like paying back money or favors you owe). the justice card is often times correlated to ongoing legal or domestic matters. perhaps you're in the process of signing a lease for an apartment, or someone you know is going through a divorce. in these situations, try to be as diplomatic as possible, but no specific outcome or course of action is really indicated within this card, so you should look to other cards
reversed: the reversed of this card can indicate that the scales of justice have been thrown off balance. bias, bigotry, and cruelty are present here, even some sense of living in denial (either the querent or the subject of the query). an issue of morals and ethics is at hand, particularly if they've been thrown out of wack in some way. look into where your effort is lacking and needs to be rebalanced. some sort of struggle is going on, and it's possible that there is no other way out than straight through it. bad legal decisions. one-sided feelings or relationship
12- THE HANGED MAN
upright: the hanged man is not, as some may think, someone who is in any sort of distress. he hangs from his feet, and sinks into a trance of spiritual enlightenment. if you find yourself unable to move forward, take the opportunity you've been given to see your situation from a new perspective. instead of getting impatient of moving past this period, restructure your thought process into one of learning. accept the life lessons that are being thrown at you, even if they're difficult ones. surrender yourself to the current, find peace, in whatever way that means to you. waiting for the right time, stalling any major decision, is important here. don't make hasty decisions. spiritual wisdom, prophecies, and divination are enhanced in this card. you're being asked to make a sacrifice, or choose between the lesser of two evils, and it's better now to wait to have all the information before you do. trust that the timing is right, even if it feels abrasive or uncomfortable. this isn't a punishment, it's no reward, but this pain isn't for nothing.
reversed: if the upright hanged man is stagnation, then the reversed can be either backwards or forward movement. you may have missed your chance, and now it's time to backpedal a little bit. you certainly haven't missed the timing Forever, but it might take more effort now than it would have in the past. quiet your mind, and listen for messages or omens from the divine. if you're sure that looking to the past is not the right move here, then maybe it's time to move forward. whatever it is, it is time to take some sort of action. don't move too hastily, don't be too reckless, and even too, don't be too self-centered here. remember your place in the world, and center yourself appropriately, you'll know what kind of movement is right based off of that
13- DEATH
upright: the death card is another misleading or misunderstood card. death does not always mean death, it isn't necessarily even a bad card at all. instead, this card is one of change, transformation, and letting go of unhealthy attachments. in the spiritual world death is not the end, as it only leads to rebirth, the restarting of a cycle. change is not only natural but it's encouraged. just so as the seasons change, you will grow and evolve in a similar way. this card isn't supposed to be easy, or one you can detach yourself from, but something better is coming your way. often times this will feel like a radical turn around, or unexpected, but it's important to mitigate your fear. purging habits and thought processes will improve your sense of self-awareness and intelligence. this shift will have you feeling more secure in yourself, it will affirm that you can get through things, you can do hard things. remind yourself of your own mortality, that life is short, and you should make the most of it while you can. not that you're going to die, or should be worried about that, just that you don't have to maintain perfection all the time. it's okay to be messy, it's okay to be wrong and make mistakes, it's okay to play a little more fast and loose while you're still able to. don't be reckless, but you don't have to punish yourself for every little thing
reversed: the reversed death card can indicate that you are resisting a necessary change, you are stubbornly clinging onto the past. your fear of the unknown isn't keeping you safe, it's keeping you isolated. you may be feeling depressed, lethargic, like you've lost inertia. if you feel like you're stuck in a cycle, it might help to act a bit more outside of your comfort zone. if you're struggling with that, it's always possible to seek help from outside sources: your friends, your parents, even a mental health professional. resistance to change could be what is amplifying your pain, and although it'll be difficult to deconstruct that, you should still put in the effort. learn to let go, and trust that the universe has your back
14- TEMPERANCE
upright: temperance teaches us to keep all things in moderation (both good and bad, rest and work) and that the divine will provide their assistance if asked. be flexible and take the moderate route in all things: don't overwork yourself, but also don't overindulge either. seek connection with others and the divine, and have patience as fate goes to work in the background. seek balance and harmony within your relationships. good health. the metaphorical stream between the divine and you flows in both directions, it has to, for a mutualistic relationship. look for signs or omens, and follow the guidance that is relayed to you. use your intuition to determine what the best interpretation is, but don't be afraid to ask for more guidance and elaboration
reversed: reversed temperance is often reliant on the cards surrounding it in a reading, as it can mean any of three things: imbalance, impatience, and/or a breakdown in relationships. if you're struggling in your friendships due to misunderstandings, take a step back and evaluate what the best way to mitigate it in the future would be, possibly even seek guidance from other people or spiritual guides. imbalance can be present in a number of places throughout the querents life: reckless behavior, being too uptight or anxious, letting yourself be taken advantage of by others, etc. as for impatience, it's often present through trying to force things to move along before you or it is ready
15- THE DEVIL
upright: the devil is a card that represents the physical pleasures in life, addictions, self-destructive behaviors, and fears. in the original rider-waite card, the couple from the lovers card are seen chained to a humanoid, goat-faced, winged figure: representing their attachment to their vices, specifically lust. this figure is the embodiment of greed and overindulgence, unhealthy attachments. maybe it's time to revisit your coping mechanisms and ask if they're still serving you. think about if the power dynamics in your relationships are working for you. identifying why you engage with self-sabotaging behavior, what fears and anxieties are at the root, can be illuminating and healing. there could be a toxic relationship holding you back, with a friend, a partner, a boss/coworker, family, etc. disillusion, complacency, entrapment.
reversed: the reversed devil is all about breaking from the bondage of self-destruction and addiction. you may have recently started your healing journey, ended a bad relationship, or moved to a new and better place. a time of rest after a period of overwork and stress. a positive transformation is at hand, but it won't come without some amount of effort (as with all things). this card is often a good sign, as it points towards a renewal of hope and happiness, freedom from a hurtful past. if there is some sort of crossroads ahead of you, it might be that the difficult route is the best one
16- THE TOWER
upright: this card represents a vast, earth-shaking change, something that permeates to the core of the querents foundations. it is often sudden, and may well be distressing. however, despite that, the best course of action is to accept the changes as they come, because it will eventually turn out positive. the imagery of this card often depicts a disaster, tragedy, or something similarly explosive. it could be the beginning of a period of misery (which will come to an end, as with all things), or a great liberation. the relationships in your life might be feeling particularly turbulent, and/or some patterns that were not serving you are now breaking down. a loss clearing the path to a breakthrough. keep a level head and your chin up and muscle your way through. this sudden upheaval will create new illumination along your path, guiding you in the right direction. change is not only possible, but inevitable
reversed: the reversed version of the tower can mean the same as the upright, just less severe, or it can mean that the querent is resisting the effects of above. you may be clinging on to the past, and old ways of doing things. just because something is "old school" doesn't mean that it's still worth engaging with. crisis may feel like it's looming on the horizon, but you should trust you're being led in the right direction. you are being reassured that you'll be safe if you accept this coming change
17- THE STAR
upright: the star card can be interpreted as the therapeutic recovery after the events of the tower. the divine are giving you a renewed sense of hope, faith, inspiration, and spiritual and physical healing. trust that your path is guided and protected, and you should try to take advantage of all your gifts (creative and otherwise). be open to flashes of inspiration and remain optimistic. a sense of calmness and serenity permeates you and your relationships with others. healing from the past. improved health and positive growth. recovering from the past but still bringing the good parts with you into the future. the star represents all the possible routes radiating out from you (like a star).
reversed: the reversed version of this card is kind of if the upright card was on delayed release. healing and divine assistance is coming your way, but you either don't need it yet, or need to take some personal steps before it'll step in. this can also be a card of arrogance, a disconnect from the divine, and lack of self-esteem or inspiration. there may be some sense of hopelessness, monotony and boredom. declining physical health may also happen here.
18- THE MOON
upright: the moon is another one of those cards that often has two meanings: one about a "shadowy" aspect to the self, and one about sneaky, thwarting people. the "shadow" self is the aspects of shame, fear, depression, and self-deception that each person has. you may be holding back from exploring those deeper parts of yourself because of the pain that it would cause. on the other hand, you may be surrounded by sneaky people, or people who are keeping secrets from you. these may not necessarily be bad secrets, just things surrounded by aforementioned shame. illusions and mysteries. evolution on a spiritual path, developing your intuition and instincts: explore dream work and astral projection. read all contracts in great detail, just in case there's hidden fees or the deal is too good to be true. your fear will only hinder you.
reversed: the reversed moon occurs when the negative aspects of the upright take over. confusion, instability, and deception (especially self-deception) are overwhelming you right now. you or someone else may be refusing to accept the truth or resisting looking inwards. insomnia or just general discontent might be becoming an issue. trust guidance from others (within reason). gauge where you are on your spiritual journey before interacting with others, you might be getting ahead of yourself.
19- THE SUN
upright: the sun is, in my opinion, the most positive card to pull in the entire major arcana. the card offers clarity in a time of confusion, renewed vitality in a time of fatigue, and passion during a time of monotony. in all things it is a positive symbol. your mental and physical health is or will be improving. consider indulging your inner child, and reconciling with your past wants and joys. enthusiasm for new or once abandoned hobbies and projects. a bright future with love on the horizon. success, happiness and pleasure is in store for you. share your gifts and wealth with others, especially family or your partner. contentment, the universe is on your side, positivity and optimism.
reversed: for the most part, the reversed sun means the same as upright. there is room for some differences, like maybe you can't acknowledge the joys in your life. you might be feeling some uncertainty, but it's all going to turn out alright. change might not happen overnight, but it's on the way. in the meantime, celebrate the small wins as they come. beware of pessimism and nihilism overwhelming you, as things will improve soon.
20- JUDGEMENT
upright: the judgement card is all about reflecting on your life, choices, actions, and experiences. the rider-waite card has imagery of resurrection and divine awakening (following the call from the heavens). in this process, remember to have compassion for your past self, as you were doing the best with the information you had. in order to move forward, you have to be willing to accept your mistakes and look at the past with at the very least ambivalence, but ideally some appreciation. surrender to the changes as they come, and accept that you are constantly evolving, and the person a year from now will be just as foreign to you as the person from back then. accept reconciliation if it is attempted, but don't force it, it isn't necessary for closure. heed signs from the universe and accept your gifts. acquiring a purpose, life-altering decisions.
reversed: this interpretation is about repeating patterns without learning the right lessons to move forward. indecision due to self-doubt and harsh judgement. not being able to evolve as a person because you're clinging to the past. ignoring a higher calling. separation and denial, especially in relationships. take time for yourself to recover and heal. embrace growth and change.
21- THE WORLD
upright: the world, as the final card in the major arcana, represents the fool at the end of his journey. for all his effort he will be rewarded, and that will be reflected in the querent as well. all is for naught. celebrate your wins and acknowledge how far you've come. similar to the wheel of fortune, this card reminds us how life is cyclical, but it adds on to that. at the end of each road you have traveled, you have gained something: knowledge, wealth, maturity. be generous with your winnings, and express your love for others freely and openly. wealth and recognition. travel or the end of your travels. consider taking on more responsibility in your job. accept this new phase in your life, and feel proud of yourself for making it this far.
reversed: the reversed world card signifies that a cycle is coming to an end, whether you're ready for it or not. there might be a lack of closure or delayed gratification, but both will come in time. if closure is what you need, feel assured that you can offer it to yourself through self-affirmations and taking (measured) risks (to improve your trust in yourself). disappointment in yourself or your life situation. failed plans: don't be afraid to try again.
SOURCES
"Guided Tarot for Seamless Readings" by Stefanie Caponi
Labyrinthos
Various booklet guides from tarot decks
