So, you pulled a Major Arcana card, and now you’re spiraling because OMG, what does it mean?! Don’t worry—I got you. The Major Arcana is like the VIP section of the tarot deck, the big leagues where the universe stops playing small talk and gets straight to the life lessons. These cards don’t deal with minor everyday drama; they bring epic realizations, spiritual upgrades, and major plot twists.

Whether you’re a total newbie or looking to deepen your tarot practice, this guide will help you decode the Major Arcana so you can actually use it (instead of staring at The Tower in sheer panic).

What Is the Major Arcana & Why Does It Matter?

The Major Arcana consists of 22 powerhouse cards (numbered 0 to 21), each symbolizing key spiritual lessons and transformative moments in life. Unlike the Minor Arcana (which handles the daily tea), these bad boys show up when the universe is redirecting your entire life script.

Think of them as the main characters in your personal hero’s journey, guiding you through challenges, breakthroughs, and self-discovery. Speaking of journeys, let’s talk about The Fool’s Journey, the storyline that ties these cards together.

The Fool’s Journey: A Crash Course in the Major Arcana’s Structure

The Fool’s Journey is basically the tarot’s version of a personal evolution montage. It represents a person (that’s you!) going through the highs and lows of life, leveling up spiritually with each new experience.

The Major Arcana is typically divided into three phases:

              1.         The Beginning (Cards 0-7) – Where you start out clueless, make some bold moves, and start learning life lessons.

              2.         The Middle (Cards 8-14) – Where things get real, and you’re tested by the universe.

              3.         The End (Cards 15-21) – Where you either boss up spiritually or get stuck repeating old cycles.

Now, let’s break down each card and what it means when it shows up in a reading.

The 22 Major Arcana Cards & Their Meanings (With a Side of Sass)

Phase 1: The Beginning (Cards 0-7) – Innocence, Potential & First Mistakes

🔹 0 – The Fool – Ah, fresh starts! This card screams new beginnings, spontaneous adventure, and taking risks. You’re stepping into something unknown—whether that’s a job, relationship, or spiritual awakening. Trust the process!

🔹 1 – The Magician – Manifestation mode activated! This card tells you you have all the tools to make magic happen. Stop doubting yourself and start working your power.

🔹 2 – The High Priestess – Your intuition is speaking—are you listening? This is a gut feelings, dreams, and deep spiritual insight kind of card. The answers you need? You already have them.

🔹 3 – The Empress – Big Mother Earth energy. This card radiates creativity, self-care, and abundance. Also, it might be telling you to nurture yourself (because burnout is not cute).

🔹 4 – The Emperor – Rules, structure, and boss energy. This card wants you to take control, be disciplined, and build something solid (like your finances or boundaries).

🔹 5 – The Hierophant – Tradition and wisdom. This card suggests you seek guidance from mentors, study deeper, or question authority. Are the “rules” actually serving you?

🔹 6 – The Lovers – Ooooh, love is in the air! Or… big life choices are staring you in the face. This isn’t just about romance—it’s about alignment. Are you choosing from the heart?

🔹 7 – The Chariot – You’ve got this—keep moving forward! This card is all about determination, willpower, and staying focused. The universe rewards momentum.

Phase 2: The Middle (Cards 8-14) – Tests, Shadow Work & Leveling Up

🔹 8 – Strength – Not brute force—inner strength. Master your emotions, fear, and self-doubt. True power is quiet but unstoppable.

🔹 9 – The Hermit – Time to retreat and reflect. If you’ve been feeling lost, step away from distractions and tune into yourself. Answers come in silence.

🔹 10 – Wheel of Fortune – Life is a rollercoaster, babe. This card says change is happening, so ride the wave and trust divine timing.

🔹 11 – Justice – Karma is real. If you’ve been making shady choices, brace yourself. If you’ve been playing fair, good things are coming. Balance is key.

🔹 12 – The Hanged Man – Pause, shift perspective, surrender. This card wants you to let go of control and see things differently.

🔹 13 – Death – Not literal death—chill. This card is about letting go, transformation, and major life changes. Stop resisting and allow the rebirth.

🔹 14 – Temperance – Balance, patience, and flow. This card reminds you to go with the flow instead of forcing things. Everything happens in divine timing.

Phase 3: The End (Cards 15-21) – Shadow Work, Rebirth & Completion

🔹 15 – The Devil – What’s keeping you stuck? This card calls out bad habits, toxic relationships, and unhealthy attachments. Time to break free.

🔹 16 – The Tower – Oh sht, something’s about to collapse.* But trust me, it’s for the best. Destruction makes room for real growth.

🔹 17 – The Star – Hope, renewal, and inspiration. After chaos (The Tower), you’re finally healing. Keep the faith—you’re on the right path.

🔹 18 – The Moon – Illusions and subconscious fears. Things might not be what they seem—trust your intuition over outside noise.

🔹 19 – The Sun – Pure joy and success! This card says YES, everything is working in your favor. Bask in it.

🔹 20 – Judgment – Awakening and purpose. It’s time for a major life decision or spiritual upgrade. No more playing small.

🔹 21 – The World – Completion, success, and leveling up. You’ve completed a huge cycle—now celebrate and prepare for what’s next!

How to Actually Use This Wisdom?

The Major Arcana isn’t here to scare you or make you feel like you’re locked into fate. It’s here to guide you through your personal evolution. Whether you’re facing big decisions, emotional shifts, or new beginnings, these cards help you navigate life with clarity.

🃏 Need a tarot reading? Book one today and let’s decode your life together!

Until next time,

Breanne