The Major Acrcana
or
Trumps

Unlike the Minor Arcana, or 'Numbered Suits', The Major Arcana of the Tarot represent the major turning points in our lives that we must all go through in order to evolve, and journey through life... They are the significant events that mould us, as opposed to the four numbered suits that reflect the more day to day events that we live through. Significant, dramatic, important...
The Cards The Meanings

No1: The Magician

Planetary influence: Mercury

The Magiacian reveals that now is the time to get organised and prepared for a new and important phase in your life, using all your talents and gifts. This could include fro exmple, preparation for a new job, organising a CV and similar. He also represents matters of intellect and communication and emphasises these. However, the Magician can also refer to issues of health and medicine and the intervention of a doctor or surgeon.

reversed
Abuse of powers and gifts that are given. The inability for organisation, or to see projects through.

No 2: The High Priestess

Planetary influence: The Moon

Our Priestess gazes out, with the crescent moon shining form her brow....
The Spiritual side to you nature, with emphasis on the intuition and the trust in it that accompanies. That which is not revealed whereas the faith to believe in it is there. Independence and strength also come within the domain of this card. The High Priestess also represents the woman in someone's' life where appropriate, as in a long term relationship or marriage.

reversed
All that has been hidden and disguised is now obvious and out in the open. Take things at face value.

No 3: The Empress

Planetary influence: Venus

The Empress is seen here as an Earth Goddess full of beauty and fertility, watching over everything that grows.  She is crowned with acorns holds her staff-like scepter like the Queen she is.
The Empress is the Great Mother figure of the Tarot. Powerful yet gentle and nurturing. She reveals that plans in the pipeline
will come to fruition in the fullness of time, and any ideas that are germinating will blossom and bear fruit.
She is all that is Beauty, Love and Motherhood. Generally fertility of any kind as indicated here, be it of a personal or professional nature. ...and pregnancy. The Empress is seen as the highest profile card for heralding the birth of a child.
The Empress is generally seen as a card of crowning bliss and contentment for whoever receives her.

reversed
A disruptive woman. Disharmony in the home due to external influences.

No 4: The Emperor

Astrological association: Aries

The 'Green Man' is seen here as the Emperor. A God of the Earth and of Nature.... Ancient and wise....
The Emperor represents anything to do with security and the dealings with established orders such as Government, schools, offices of the law and so forth. However, with the power he possess, he tells us that we have the will power and determination to see a situation through.
Leadership, perseverance and justice.
This card can also represent an older and established man (or woman).

reversed
Disorganisation and the resulting conflicts. Arguments and misunderstanding.
Ruthlessness. Sometimes the reluctance to move forward in our lives, and stubborness.

No 5: The High Priest or Heirophant

Astrological association: Taurus

The High Priest is a powerful card that can represent the man in your life and one who can hold the keys to yur future. He can also the man who will soon come to you with a view to a serious or long term relationship or marriage. With this in mind, this card also connects
you with the rights of religion and spirituality and sometimes as a result, there are journeys to be made and lessons to be learned.

reversed
A disciplined and civilised man; one who is stable in his outlook. A professional and academic man.

No 6: The Lovers

Astrological association: Gemini

Traditionally, The Lovers reveals our relationships past present and any new ones coming in the future. Attraction, lust and love come within the more regular domain of this card. The Lovers aslo refers to the coming together of opposite energies which ultimately form new ideas which will come to fruition in the fullness of time, much like a child is concieved and born of a man and a woman. The Lovers can also speak of agreements and contracts being made.

reversed
Here the opposite applies..... The path of love that does not run smoothly, with frustrations and contrarieties of all kinds. Marital discord and divorce. Also jealousy.

No 7: The Charioteer

Astrological association: Cancer

A man is seen here driving his chariot with two horses, one black an one white, which he  sometimes struggles to control.
Riding head on into change is the Charioteers message to us. Change and the obstacles that these changes may deliver. However Victory and all it's possibilities are also revealed to us where the winning becomes the challenge, but not one that is beyond our capabilities. Sometimes indecision as to which way to proceed can hold things up though, ultimately the goal is in sight.

reversed
It is not a good time to rush into things at the moment. Prudence on every level is called for. Take your time when making decisions as tis is ultimately teh best course of action to follow.

No 8: Strength

Astrological association: Leo

A woman controls the Beast, or does the Beast control the woman?  Traditionally, a woman does battle with a lion, but here the beast (in this case a leopard) and she have been united as one.. and with equal weaknesses... and strengths.
To have Strength appear in a reading is to have Strength on your side.... here it is shown that the power of the wild beast is being itself bested by the power of your own soul.... Be patient and persevere. In spite of any obstacles, you have not lost control of the situation and will achieve your goals. If in a partnership, the partnership is equal.    Self control, courage and understanding also come within the domain of this card and so prevail. Good health is also indicated.

reversed
There is need to seek reassurance. Over compensation and shuttered thinking cloud issues that can be resolved.

No 9: The Hermit

Planetary influence: Jupiter

A hermit is seen here alone in the woods, but with her lanterns to guide hrer.
The Hermit is a slow moving card with many deep significances.   She speaks of awareness, learning, and self knowledge.   The Hermit also refers to the teacher and deep inner wisdoms .    Step by step movement forward is what's called for here, being careful and looking first before you go.

reversed
Inflexibility and hostility to that which is around you, Egocentricity and isolation leading to bitterness.

No 10: The Wheel of Fortune

Astrological association: Virgo

Like the Roulette wheel of the more familiar age, Fate and Chance have a key role to play here. This Wheel of Fortune signifies change and its consequences, be they good or bad. It is also a card of opportunity and of new beginnings as the 'game of chance' takes us further along our path and toward our destiny.... as such and, in spite of its mischievous nature, should be taken in a more positive light. Renewal, a new cycle begins.

reversed
Feelings of inconstancy, resignation to events that seemingly overtake us and rebellion against them. Chaos in the natural order of things. A change for the worse.

No 11: Justice

Astrological association: LibraWhen the Justice card appears in a reading, it shows us that legal matters (be it house purchase, courts etc) are the issue of the day. that aside however, it also reveals that there will be a fair outcome of a given situation, with Justice being served. Weighing things up to come to a reasonable decision. Justice also indicates Inner balance and peace for you or your situation.

reversed
The opposite applies in all matters. Injustice, unfairness, imbalance and indecision reign when this card appears reversed.

No 12: The Hanged Man

Planetary influence: NeptuneA man is seen here, hanging and waiting for the inevitable...  and in limbo.
The Hanged Man here refers to life Life being at a standstill, or put on hold. The ticking of the clock is slow and you must wait and see what transpires. There are however, delays in the inevitable. It is a time to be patient. The hanged and also reveals that it is a time for  giving up of old ways and issues. There is a need to make personal sacrifices to further a cause. It represents a turning point in life.

reversed
Loss of balance and inner peace. Exhaustion. Materialism. A loss of perspective and direction.

No 13: Death

Astrological association: ScorpioThe traditional image of the Grim Reaper is seen here with an eclipse in the background, representing transition, for what could be more noticeably transitory than and eclipse?  but hidden behind the mask of Death is the face of an Angel....
The Dark Angel of Death is sometimes seen a a reaper for the harvest of life, or a hideous skeletal figure that shows no mercy.... In any respect, Death is a card of transformation. In other words, The Death card tells of the clearing away of the old to make way for the new, and a complete and total change in life in all aspects. A new beginning and for that reason this card should be seen as positive.. The ending of emotional ties but also the release that follows. Rebuilding.

reversed
Fear of change and failure. Lack of progress, with life seemingly at a standstill. Stagnation and self pity.

No 14: Temperance

Astrological association: Sagittarius

Temperance is a card of new beginnings and new understandings. Transformation is indicated here as is also healing through the transforming energies. There is a new beginning on the horizon, but it will come calmly or slowly and patience is required to meet it, which is the attitude you should adopt. Harmony, balance and inner peace.

reversed
Loss of equilibrium and harmony. Excessive waste of energy giving rise to feelings of frustration and moodiness. Jumping to the wrong conclusions

No 15: The Devil

Astrological association: Capricorn

Represented in this case by a Gorgon, who has control over two other figures, the Devil is shown as an ancient Wise One who's ultimate power can dominate or damn.
The Devil reveals old wisdoms and as such the rediscovering of inner passions and deep emotions....often those that come from the deepest hidden depths within the soul. There is strong sexual energy here and to some extent, spiritual renewal is also present. Domination and controlling forces are also at play here. Though the symbolism of this card is dark, it is not necessarily for that reason, evil.

reversed
Obsessive and compulsive behaviour; misdirected passion and the darker consequences of these. The inability to think clearly, and being held back
.

No 16: The Tower

Planetary influence: Mars

Upheaval and change; the change being both sudden and total. Moving home (or job of work).... and relocation are aslo indicated here. The Tower is a card that can predict the irreversible decline and ending of relationships. Divorce, even bereavement when in the proximity of other cards. Certain, but sudden health issues also come within the shadow of this card. No matter how well we believe we are ready for this, we are never truly prepared for what is to come. Seldom a smooth process but often a necessary one. This card also symbolises a rebirth, especially if followed by a strongly positive card such as the Ace of Cups, or Judgenent....

reversed
The same but to a lesser degree. Another account indicates that the trials will soon be over.

No 17: The Star

Astrological association: AquariusThe spirit of the Star can come form within us as the woman in the card clearly demonstrates....
The Star represents intuition, clear vision, and inspiration, Hope, Bright prospects, aspiration and ambition also fall with in the auspices of the Star. It is a card that reveals self knowledge and the light that shines on the path to destiny, showing you the way..

reversed
Self doubt and lack of confidence. Pessimism, narrow mindedness. Ill health.

No 18: The Moon

Astrological association: PiscesThe moon is seen through a cavern and across the open sea.  It's reflected glory doesn't its true self, nor can we see clearly, anything that's beneath the stormy sea.
As The Moon shows us only reflected light, we do not see it for what it truly is and perceive it to be something quite different. With this card come revelations that things are not what they appear to be on the surface, but that the currents run much deeper. And, as with the Moon something is always hidden from view, so we will not as yet have seen the full story......    Deceit, doubt and insecurity, and untrustworthy people
surround you, or that one is deceiving you. However, in some circles, Intuition and insight together with spirituality also come within the realms of this card.

reversed
Deception, hidden enemies and the darker side of spirituality like witchcraft

No 19: The Sun

Instead of being shown as the Sun with two children being nurtured by it, here the Sun is shown with its own, less traditional children.. two planets...
When the Sun Shines on you in a reading, it means that there is success and growth in all ventures as the Sun represents the light of the world in its nurturing glory. It heralds the fruitfulness of ones ideas and labours
as an ongoing concern. Sometimes this card refers to fruitfulness of a more personal nature by way of forthcoming pregnancy and child birth.

reversed
Time to look at your life again and re-evaluate what is going on around you. Any progress is slower than desired, but with care this trend can be revered. The mislaid sense of direction will once more be found.

No 20: Judegment

Planetary influence: PlutoLost souls herald the arrival of The Angel, in readiness for a new beginning an a second chance.
When the Last Judgement appears in a reading,  It symbolizes renewal, and  new beginnings. It is a time of coming to terms with the past and preparing for the future. New strengths as well as old are drawn on here to facilitate this. Liberation, healing and rebirth are also indicated.

reversed
Fear of Death and loss. A sense of mortality that is overwhelming. Sometimes mourning. Fear of failure. A distorted sense of reality.

No 21: The World

Planetary influence: SaturnThe World can be your oyster if you receive this card in a reading.  As a rule it reveals flight, emigration, a change of place or a change of residence to the querent, as also travel to other countries. There is a gentle completion of one phase in life, and the beginning of a new one here.   A new lease of life.
Great success for the recipient of this card in all aspects of life.   Harmony of body, mind and spirit. A very positive and optimistic time awaits.

reversed
Stagnation and loss of interest in the self and life in general. The loss of self esteem and confidence, and the loss of property.

Zero: The Fool

Planetary influence: UranusA man is seen here with man made wings taking that leap of faith. With the correct approach, a new dawn is breaking, unlike that of Poor Icarus when it was his wings that broke as he allowed delirium to take over, causing him to fall from the skies.
The Fool is essentially the card of the traveler, be they traveling across the world, or on the journey through life. This card also shows an innocent trust in life and the courage to take a chance. Taking that 'leap of faith' and stepping in to the unknown without inhibitions. Being spontaneous and carefree.  Sometimes though, the arrival of this card in a reading portends folly, mania and intoxication.

reversed
Recklessness and careless stupidity with a marked lack of consideration of the consequences, Irresponsibility and thoughtlessness.