Tarot - Major Arcana - Meaning

Front 1

Back 1

Positive: new beginnings, optimism, spontaneity, fearlessness, excitement, visionary, joy, inventiveness.

Negative: naïveté, thoughtlessness, immaturity, lack of responsibility, impulsiveness, lawlessness.

Hint 1

Expect the unexpected when The Fool turns up in a reading, influences that could have a dramatic affect on the decisions and choices you make.

When The Fool appears it is a time for new beginnings, a journey perhaps into the unknown that will be exciting and fun. Any trials along the way will make you a more experienced and perhaps wiser person.

If The Fool falls in the first position of a reading exercise caution - it could indicate fool hardiness or perhaps the question you are asking is the wrong one or you are asking it for the wrong reasons.

The Fool can also represent a person in a reading, if so be prepared to meet a real maverick, an eccentric with lust for life. The Fool represents the untapped potential in all of us.

'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread' however sometimes it can be wise to 'Look before you leap'.

Front 2

Back 2

Positive: action, power, originality, confidence, individuality, willpower, new beginnings, potential.

Negative: trickery, deception, lack of self-confidence, indecision, abuse of power.

Hint 2

The Magician is an excellent omen symbolizing new opportunities, the importance of new enterprise and that you will have the willpower and initiative to succeed in whatever you do. The mercurial nature of The Magician means that you will be able to think on your feet and bluff your way through any difficulties.

Negatively this card represents trickery or deception and is a warning to be careful of whom you place your trust in. Another negative aspect of The Magician is that it may suggest that you are lacking in self-confidence and being indecisive.

Front 3

Back 3

Positive: intuitiveness, understanding, wisdom, mystery, psychic ability, the divine feminine.

Negative: lack of intuitiveness, emotional insecurity, secretiveness, hidden obstacles or opponents.

Hint 3

The High Priestess is the guardian of secrets so when she appears in a reading it can mean a secret is to be revealed or there is a secret you wish to be revealed. Symbolizing our intuitiveness and the realms of our unconscious, the High Priestess is our guide to our inner self and potential.When the High Priestess appears it suggests you should trust your instincts, let your intuition be your guide. she may even represent a person who will provide wise counsel and advice. In a man's reading the High Priestess can represent the most important woman in his life.

Negatively the High Priestess can represent emotional insecurity and the danger of being tempted to use emotional blackmail. Another negative aspect is that a secret is being kept from you, perhaps unknown obstacles or opponents.

In a man's reading the negative aspect of this card could represent a woman who is a bad influence on him.

Front 4

Back 4

Positive: fertility, birth, motherhood, harmony, nature, prosperity, joy, love, artistic ambition.

Negative: domestic upheaval, emotional blackmail, over-protectiveness, poverty, infertility, unwanted pregnancy, surpressed artistic expression.

Hint 4

The Empress symbolizes love, reassurance, prosperity and birth so when she appears in a reading in a favourable position she is a very welcome card. She can represent pregnancy or actual birth of a child however she can also represent the creation or birth of a creative project or involvement with nature.

Negatively The Empress can signal that you, or a woman in your life, is being too protective for comfort and may even resort to emotional blackmail to get what she wants. She may indicate money worries and a need to handle your finances carefully.

Another negative aspect of The Empress is that she can symbolize infertility or unwanted pregnancy.

Front 5

Back 5

Positive: achievement, authority, protection, support, trustworthy, discipline, provider, consolidation, reason, willpower.

Negative: weakness, immaturity, failed ambition, status driven, tyrannical, untrustworthy.

Hint 5

The Emperor is a sign of achievement and honour and in many cases can represent a stong male influence such as a father, husband/partner or man of significance in your life, or person of authority such as a boss. When he appears in a reading he can suggest that a man of authority or significance as outlined above will stand by you and support you, in personal as well as business matters.

When The Emperor falls in position in a reading that refers to you he suggests that you will be able to influence people and have a great sense of your own authority.

Negatively The Emperor can mean that either you or a man of influence in your life is using bullying tactics and being overbearing, an abuse of power.

Another negative aspect of this card is failed ambitions, a craving for status and insecurity around a man of authority.

Front 6

Back 6

Positive: advice, wise counsel, spiritual consolation, knowledge, identification, faith, conformity, tradition.

Negative: misinformation, lack of faith, deviousness, bad advice, confusion, disorderly conduct.

Hint 6

The Hierophant is a symbol of moral law, a wise and capable advisor, a practical instructor and spiritual guide. He also represents the more conventional, tried and tested traditional values, therefore advising on more conventional thinking rather than novel approaches. The Hierophant may actually represent a teacher, priest or advisor but is more likely to symbolise moral lessons to be learned from events. This card can be an indicator of marriage or a desire for marriage, as well as point to legal resonsibilities and official documents.

Negatively The Hierophant can symbolize feeling stifled by others wanting you to conform to their expectations rather than being yourself, and not wanting to take more traditional options. however there is an upside to this negative aspect of the card that can mean making your own rules.

Another negative aspect of this card is that he can represent confusion, a crisis of faith or self belief that results in disorderly conduct.

Front 7

Back 7

Positive: desire, new lover, relationships, physical attraction, love, sex, commitment.

Negative: lust, moral lapse, temptation, indecision, seperation, failed love affair, emotional loss.

Hint 7

The Lovers can symbolize that a new love is going to enter your life even if you can't see where from - you're in for a surprise . This is a card that symbolizes an importance choice that could affect the rest of your life. The Lovers symbolizes a choice between duty versus your heart's desire, take a risk and it could lead to greater happiness and emotional fulfillment, stay dutiful and life will remain the same. This card means that your heart rules your head and a dramatic change of attitude will lead to happier times. Negatively the Lovers can represent an unhappy love affair or relationship yet you are unsure what decision or choice to make. Another negative aspect of this card is that it can represent intense temptation and warns of being unfaithful to your own morals.

Front 8

Back 8

Positive: triumph, movement, change, self-belief, assertiveness, good news.

Negative: rage, tyranny, overinflated ego, selfishness, arrogance, delays, frustration.

Hint 8

The Chariot symbolizes conflicts ending in victory, so advises sustained efforts if in a current struggle or facing one, as you will win in the end. This card also heralds unexpected good news and represents self reliance and belief in your own abilities. Travel and change is indicated by The Chariot as well as representing a vehicle - if in a favourable position it could mean you'll get that car you've been wanting!.

Negatively The Chariot can mean that either you or someone of influence around you is being a bully, arrogant and selfish. Another negative aspect is that it can represent frustrations and delays or travel plans that don't go well.

Front 9

Back 9

Positive: strength, willpower, compassion, patience, courage, triumph, fortitude.

Negative: cowardice, fear, inertia, defeat, loss of opportunity.

Hint 9

When the Strength card appears it represents not just physical strength but the ability to cope with extreme pressure and win through in the end. If ill health has been an issue this card indicates rapid recovery, if considering giving up an unhealthy habit such as smoking or drinking this card indicates a good time to start. The Strength card signifies triumph over most things; challenges in your relationships or career, even defending yourself against jealousy, ignorance and oppression .

Negatively this card represents insecurity, fear and giving up, perhaps being beaten by unfair means. The Strength card warns of missed opportunities and not to give up when you could be so close to the finish line.

Front 10

Back 10

Positive: introspection, solitude, guidance, advice, patience.

Negative: obstinacy, suspiciousness, fear, impatience, folly, arrogance.

Hint 10

When The Hermit appears in a reading he symbolizes a need for careful consideration of issues and possibly a desire for peace and quiet and solitude. He warns against making hasty decisions and recommends taking advice from someone you trust before making any decisions. Concerning health, The Hermit indicates a time of convalescence and rest.

Negatively The Hermit can imply arrogance and obstinacy, suspiciousness and a refusal to accept advice when help would be beneficial. Other negative aspects of this card are impatience leading to bad decisions and loneliness.

Front 11

Back 11

Positive: destiny, movement, vision, good luck, new cycle, synchronicity.

Negative: obstacles, temporary bad luck, unpleasant surprises .

Hint 11

When The Wheel of Fortune appears it heralds a new cycle in life, good luck and fortune. it is fate that has brought this into your life rather than your own doing. This card heralds an end to current problems and rewards for past efforts.

Negatively The Wheel of Fortune is obviously turning in the opposite direction and heralds a time of misfortune and unpleasant surprises, however this is temporary - as the wheel turns downwards, in time it will turn up.

Front 12

Back 12

Positive: justice, truth, integrity, balance, arbitration, responsibility, fairness.

Negative: prejudice, injustice, bad judgement, bias, bad advice.

Hint 12

When The Justice card appears in a reading it can represent justice, fairness and equilibrium in all dealings with people, so it's a good omen concerning partnerships, business deals and legal issues. This card can also signify the righting of a wrong that has been done to you in the past, or you seeking justice for another. A karmic card that heralds good fortune and reward for past efforts even if you are unsure why you are being favored.

Negatively The Justice card represents injustice, business deals that flounder, legal decions that won't go your way even if you are morally right. Another negative aspect is that it can symbolize bad judgement and receiving bad advice.

Front 13

Back 13

Positive: transition, flexibility, rebirth, deliverance, release.

Negative: materialism, inflated ego, lack of willpower, easily influenced, martyrdom.

Hint 13

The Hanged Man symbolizes self-sacrifice, whether that be material or emotional, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This card can represent a time of limbo or a pause in life until something or perhaps someone is given up for greater gain. The Hanged Man can represent ill health, stress and anxiety, this is a time for patience and not worry. This card represents a trial of passage and hence the self-sacrifice aspect of this card has spiritual overtones.

Negatively The Hanged Man symbolizes selfishness, the use of emotional blackmail by playing the martyr. Another negative aspect of this card is that a weakness of will may lead you in a wrong direction, materially, emotionally and lead to missed opportunities.

Front 14

Back 14

Positives: endings, transformation, clearance, sweeping change.

Negative: stagnation, loss of opportunity, loss of friendship, fear of change.

Hint 14

Without a doubt it is this card that causes most fear in a reading and yet it rarely, if ever, symbolizes actual death, more a time of absolute endings and absolute beginnings. Whilst The Death card can represent rather shocking or unexpected events or changes, they usually clear the way for a brand new start and a greater value for life itself. Out with the old and in with the new, a time of transformation is another way of looking at this card.

Negatively there isn't much difference, other than you may have a greater sense of fear and dread. when this card appears it's time to show what you're made of.

Another negative aspect of The Death card is stagnation, resisiting change when change is essential which may lead to lost opportunities.

Front 15

Back 15

Positive: harmony, health, moderation, compromise, peace, self-control.

Negative: impatience, lack of foresight, conflict, quarrels, domestic strife.

Hint 15

When the Temperance card appears it symbolizes self-control, the ability to handle volatile factors and so bring about a positive result. This card heralds a time of harmonious relationships, peace and harmony a time to be enjoyed. Moderation is the key and spirituality will bring comfort. it can be said that this card represents an angel or guardian spirit looking over you.

Negatively Temperance represents over indulgence, lack of foresight, impatience, conflict and quarrels causing domestic strife. This card warns of making hasty decisions out of impatience that will thwart your progress.

Front 16

Back 16

Positive: permanance, commitment.

Negative: entrapment, lust, greed, ignorance, anger, tyranny, obsession.

Hint 16

The Devil is not all bad, if marriage or commitment to a relationship is under consideration and this card falls in a favourable position in a reading The Devil is a good omen. Regarding most other issues this card is not a very positive one. The Devil symbolizes lust of the flesh, temptation and addiction which don't tend to lead to favourable outcomes. Concerning relationships this card can warn against obsession or people that are no good for us and prompts you to to examine the situation carefully.

The Devil stands for a warning against the destructive consequnces of your actions motivated by greed, lust and power. More positively, the Devil can be a sign that you are gaining control, or at least awareness, of your weaknesses or addictions.

Always consider your motives when The Devil appears, it is a helfpul indicator for you to change course whilst you still can.

Front 17

Back 17

Positive: re-evaluation, necessary change, a blessing in disguise.

Negative: sudden change, downfall, disruption, disaster.

Hint 17

After the Death card and the Devil, The Tower is likely to be the card that causes most fear and constenation. It's hard to find a positive side to this card, however, it tells you that the unexpected shock and upheaval of events will create new opportunities and make you a stronger and wiser person. The Tower represents sudden and sometimes shocking changes in events and can often represent problems or delays relating to your home or the purchasing of home. Whether material or emotional upset, this card encourages you to see that such upheavals can force new directions that can be more beneficial.

Negatively The Tower represents unecessary suffering. You may be falsely accused of something and suffer some form of imprisonment or isolation, or you may be the one causing the shock and change with a rebellious attitude. The main thing to remember with this rather unpleasant card is that this phase will pass and that a new direction or new opportunities can be created from it.

Front 18

Back 18

Positive: hope, generosity, serenity, wishes coming true, good health, spiritual awareness.

Negative: self-doubt, lack of trust, cynicism, pessimism.

Hint 18

The Star is a welcome card bringing insight into the future, optimism and hope, renewal of faith and unexpected gifts!. When considering a new relationship or enterprise The Star is an excellent omen. This card heralds good times for many things, artistic or educational endeavours, travel, health and spiritual awareness or development.

Negatively this card warns against the perils of self-doubt and negativity that may lead to lost oportunities. However even with the negative aspect of this card you will be surprised with good luck despite your cynicism.

Front 19

Back 19

Positive: imagination, unexpected possibilities, illumination.

Negative: fear, confusion, highly charged emotions, bewilderment, lies, deceit.

Hint 19

When The Moon appears you can be sure it will be a time of highly charged emotions and confusion . Despite any fear you may have, the wan light of The Moon will illuminate the way, and even if the path you are on is tough, all will turn out right in the end.

Upright and in a favourable position in a reading this card is a good omen if you are involved in a clandestine affair, otherwise it may signify that your secret may be exposed. The Moon can lead to artistic expression through art, writing or music, which may lead to unexpected opportunities.

Negatively this card stands for lack of progress because of deep rooted fears and anxieties. It tells of failure of nerve, it also warns of lies and deceit - perhaps this is the cause of your worries.

Front 20

Back 20

Positive: happiness, greatness, enlightenment, vitality, good health, love, fulfillment.

Negative: misjudgement, delays, potential failure, inflated ego.

Hint 20

Simply one of the best, if not the best, cards in the Tarot. The Sun is a most welcome card and a signal of very happy, joyous times. This card can represent holidays, good news around children or perhaps news or the conception or birth of a much wanted baby.

The Sun heralds a time of fun with friends and family and agreeable companionships and relationships. Ultimately The Sun dispels negativity and promises of a happy ending.

Negatively The Sun perhaps suggests delays to your plans or achievements and does warn against arrogance and misjudgement caused by an inflated ego.

Front 21

Back 21

Positive: rebirth, rejoicing, absolution, new potential, rewards for past efforts.

Negative: guilt, loss, self-reproach, delays, fear, obstinacy.

Hint 21

The Judgement card heralds a time of accomplishment and rewards for past efforts. Taking stock of ones life and consideration of a brand new phase in life. If there has been ill health this card signals a recovery with a new lease of life.

The Judgement card brings an opportunity which, once given, must not be ignored, a new project or decision could change your life. This card generally speeds up events in your life.

Negatively this card warns of obstinacy and a refusal to move with change when change is essential, which only causes delays. you will experience fear of nearly everything, fear of change, illness, perhaps even death.

Another negative aspect of the Judgement card warns of self doubt and guilt over past mistakes - this will only blur the way forward.

Front 22

Back 22

Positive: fulfillment, completion, satisfaction, joy, wholeness, success.

Negative: stagnation, lack of will, impatience, delays.

Hint 22

The World heralds the arrival of your heart's desire, whatever that may be, a time of achievement, recognition, success and triumph. This card signals a time of enjoyment, of holidays and travel, time with loved ones, a fulfilling relationship is on offer and spoiling yourself with the material things you've been wanting. The World also marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.

Negatively, The World points toward delays and that you may still need to overcome some challenges before you suceed, so don't give up so close to the finish line. Don't be lacking in vision or feel insecure, success will soon be yours.