All 22 Major Arcana Tarot Cards Explained

What is the Major Arcana?

The Major Arcana in tarot consists of 22 cards, each representing powerful archetypes and universal themes. These cards go beyond everyday concerns and touch the deeper currents of life, spiritual growth, and transformation. Below you’ll find each card, its symbolism, and what it means in a tarot reading.

What does the Fool (0) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Fool is depicted as a young traveler standing at the edge of a cliff, often accompanied by a small dog. He carries a small bag on a stick, symbolizing innocence and untapped potential. Above him shines the sun, illuminating his carefree spirit. The Fool’s number, 0, represents infinite possibility and beginnings.

Meaning in a reading: The Fool represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and a leap of faith. It suggests embracing opportunities without fear, trusting in the journey even when the destination is unclear. Upright, it signals fresh starts and divine trust; reversed, it warns against recklessness or hesitation.

What does the Magician (I) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Magician stands before a table holding the four suits of tarot: cup, pentacle, sword, and wand. One hand points to the sky and the other to the earth, symbolizing “as above, so below.” Above his head floats the infinity symbol, showing unlimited potential.

Meaning in a reading: The Magician signifies manifestation, focus, and personal power. It encourages you to use your skills and resources to bring visions into reality. Upright, it is about clarity and inspired action; reversed, it warns of manipulation, distraction, or wasted talent.

What does the High Priestess (II) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The High Priestess sits between two pillars marked “B” and “J,” representing duality. A scroll marked “TORA” rests in her lap, symbolizing hidden wisdom. Behind her is a veil decorated with pomegranates, linking her to intuition and the mysteries of the subconscious.

Meaning in a reading: The High Priestess represents intuition, inner knowing, and sacred silence. Upright, it calls you to listen to your inner voice and trust the unseen. Reversed, it may warn of ignoring intuition, keeping secrets, or spiritual disconnection.

What does the Empress (III) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Empress is depicted surrounded by lush fields and wheat, wearing a crown of twelve stars that represent cosmic cycles. She embodies Venus, the planet of beauty, fertility, and love. Her throne rests in the natural world, showing her as a mother figure.

Meaning in a reading: The Empress represents nurturing, fertility, and abundance. Upright, she signifies creativity, love, and the flourishing of projects or relationships. Reversed, she cautions against neglect, overdependence, or creative blocks.

What does the Emperor (IV) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Emperor sits on a stone throne decorated with rams, symbols of Aries and authority. His crown and scepter signify power and order, while the mountains behind him reflect stability and endurance.

Meaning in a reading: The Emperor represents authority, discipline, and structure. Upright, he suggests leadership, boundaries, and responsibility. Reversed, he warns of control issues, rigidity, or chaos caused by lack of order.

What does the Hierophant (V) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Hierophant is portrayed as a religious figure seated between two pillars, with followers kneeling before him. Crossed keys lie at his feet, symbolizing the unlocking of spiritual knowledge.

Meaning in a reading: The Hierophant represents tradition, guidance, and moral values. Upright, it suggests learning through structure, mentorship, or ritual. Reversed, it warns of dogma, rebellion without purpose, or misuse of authority.

What does the Lovers (VI) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Lovers depict a man and woman beneath an angel’s blessing, often framed by a tree of life and a tree of knowledge. The image suggests both romantic and spiritual union.

Meaning in a reading: The Lovers symbolize choice, unity, and relationships. Upright, it reflects harmony, commitment, or significant decisions in love or life. Reversed, it warns of disharmony, temptation, or misalignment in values.

What does the Chariot (VII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Chariot shows a figure in armor riding a chariot drawn by two sphinxes or horses of opposing colors. The stars on his canopy represent celestial guidance.

Meaning in a reading: The Chariot represents determination, willpower, and victory through focus. Upright, it indicates triumph, discipline, and control. Reversed, it suggests lack of direction, scattered energy, or forceful behavior.

What does Strength (VIII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: A serene woman calmly closes the jaws of a lion, representing courage and compassion. Above her head floats the infinity symbol, showing eternal mastery over primal instincts.

Meaning in a reading: Strength represents inner resilience and self-mastery. Upright, it suggests courage, patience, and gentle power. Reversed, it warns of self-doubt, anger, or misuse of control.

What does the Hermit (IX) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Hermit stands alone on a mountaintop, holding a lantern that contains the six-pointed star of wisdom. His staff represents support and spiritual authority.

Meaning in a reading: The Hermit signifies solitude, introspection, and wisdom gained through reflection. Upright, it calls for patience, inner searching, or mentorship. Reversed, it warns of isolation, avoidance, or spiritual stagnation.

What does the Wheel of Fortune (X) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Wheel of Fortune depicts a rotating wheel with mystical creatures around it, symbolizing fate, cycles, and the ever-changing nature of life.

Meaning in a reading: The Wheel of Fortune represents change, destiny, and cycles of fortune. Upright, it signals opportunity, luck, or turning points. Reversed, it cautions against resisting change or feeling trapped by cycles.

What does Justice (XI) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: Justice shows a seated figure holding scales and a sword, representing fairness and truth. Her direct gaze symbolizes impartial judgment.

Meaning in a reading: Justice represents fairness, truth, and accountability. Upright, it suggests balanced decisions, honesty, and karmic resolution. Reversed, it warns of dishonesty, imbalance, or denial of responsibility.

What does the Hanged Man (XII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Hanged Man hangs upside down from a tree, forming a cross with his legs and a triangle with his arms. His calm face and glowing halo represent surrender and enlightenment.

Meaning in a reading: The Hanged Man signifies surrender, pause, and new perspective. Upright, it suggests letting go and seeing differently. Reversed, it warns of stagnation, resistance, or false sacrifice.

What does Death (XIII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: Death is often depicted as a skeletal rider carrying a black banner with a white rose. In the distance, the sun rises, symbolizing transformation and renewal.

Meaning in a reading: Death signifies endings, transformation, and rebirth. Upright, it indicates profound change and release. Reversed, it warns of resistance to change or fear of transformation.

What does Temperance (XIV) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: Temperance depicts an angel blending water between two cups, symbolizing harmony and flow. One foot is on land, the other in water, showing balance between physical and spiritual.

Meaning in a reading: Temperance represents balance, integration, and moderation. Upright, it signals healing, patience, and harmony. Reversed, it suggests imbalance, excess, or lack of clarity.

What does the Devil (XV) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Devil is shown as a horned figure with two chained figures beneath him. The chains are loose, symbolizing that bondage is self-imposed.

Meaning in a reading: The Devil represents temptation, control, and unhealthy attachments. Upright, it warns of addiction or entrapment. Reversed, it suggests release, awareness, and breaking free.

What does the Tower (XVI) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Tower shows a tall structure struck by lightning, with figures falling from its heights. Fire and chaos symbolize destruction of false foundations.

Meaning in a reading: The Tower signifies upheaval, sudden change, and revelation. Upright, it signals disruption that clears the way for truth. Reversed, it may warn of resistance or delayed collapse.

What does the Star (XVII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Star depicts a woman kneeling by a pool, pouring water onto land and into water. Above her shine seven small stars and one large central star, symbolizing inspiration and hope.

Meaning in a reading: The Star represents renewal, healing, and inspiration. Upright, it brings hope and spiritual clarity. Reversed, it warns of despair, doubt, or disconnection.

What does the Moon (XVIII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Moon shows a path leading into the distance, flanked by two towers. A dog and wolf howl beneath the moon, while a crayfish crawls from the water.

Meaning in a reading: The Moon represents illusion, intuition, and uncertainty. Upright, it suggests trusting intuition during unclear times. Reversed, it warns of deception, confusion, or fear.

What does the Sun (XIX) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Sun depicts a radiant sun shining over a child riding a white horse. Sunflowers bloom behind, representing joy and abundance.

Meaning in a reading: The Sun represents success, joy, and clarity. Upright, it signals positivity, confidence, and achievement. Reversed, it suggests temporary doubt, pride, or setbacks.

What does Judgment (XX) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: Judgment traditionally shows an angel blowing a trumpet as people rise from graves, symbolizing resurrection and reckoning.

Meaning in a reading: Judgment represents awakening, renewal, and accountability. Upright, it suggests rebirth and higher calling. Reversed, it warns of denial, fear, or avoiding responsibility.

What does the World (XXI) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The World shows a dancer surrounded by a wreath, holding wands of balance. Four living creatures (bull, lion, eagle, angel) symbolize stability and the four elements.

Meaning in a reading: The World represents completion, fulfillment, and unity. Upright, it signals achievement, wholeness, and integration. Reversed, it warns of incompletion, delay, or resistance to closure.

Do all tarot decks use the same 22 Major Arcana cards?

In most tarot systems, there are 22 Major Arcana cards, running from the Fool (0) through the World (XXI). These archetypes form the universal foundation of tarot and appear consistently across nearly every deck.

However, some decks reinterpret the imagery and meanings to reflect different spiritual philosophies. One of the most famous examples is Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, which makes a few significant changes to the traditional Major Arcana. In the Thoth system, three cards were renamed and reimagined to better express Crowley’s Thelemic worldview.

Below, you’ll find an explanation of these Thoth-specific changes—Adjustment, Art, and the Aeon—and how they differ from their Rider-Waite counterparts of Justice, Temperance, and Judgment.

What does Adjustment (VIII) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: In the Thoth Tarot, the traditional Justice card becomes Adjustment. The figure of Maat, goddess of truth, stands poised within a vesica piscis, holding scales and a sword. Her posture is not fixed; instead, she is portrayed as balancing in constant motion, showing that truth and harmony are not static but continuously refined. The imagery includes symbols of Libra, the Hebrew letter Lamed, and the balance of severity and beauty on the Tree of Life.

Meaning in a reading: Adjustment represents truth, precision, and inner alignment. Upright, it asks you to refine your choices, live with integrity, and continually return to balance. Reversed, it suggests dishonesty, distortion, or refusal to correct yourself. Unlike Justice in older decks, Adjustment emphasizes a living process of calibration, not a single verdict.

What does Art (XIV) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: Crowley replaced Temperance with Art, transforming the angel blending two cups into a divine androgyne engaged in alchemical fusion. Fire is poured into water, and water into fire, creating something entirely new. Above the figure shines a rainbow, symbolizing harmony after conflict, while the cauldron below represents the alchemical vessel of transformation. The Hebrew letter Samekh and the sign of Sagittarius connect this card to aspiration and integration.

Meaning in a reading: Art signifies alchemy, integration, and transformation through creative fusion. Upright, it calls you to embrace paradox and consciously blend opposites into wholeness. Reversed, it warns of imbalance, forced union, or impatience with natural processes. Unlike Temperance, which suggests moderation, Art reflects Crowley’s view of spiritual growth as dynamic transmutation.

What does the Aeon (XX) tarot card mean?

Symbolism: The Aeon replaces the traditional Judgment card in the Thoth deck. The artwork shows Nuit, the star goddess, arching across the sky, with Hadit depicted as a winged globe, and Ra-Hoor-Khuit, the crowned and conquering child, standing in sovereignty. Together, they form the Thelemic trinity of infinite space, concentrated energy, and awakened being. The card retains the Hebrew letter Shin and the element of Fire, but now it is the fire of illumination rather than judgment.

Meaning in a reading: The Aeon represents awakening, evolution, and stepping into your True Will. Upright, it signals spiritual rebirth and liberation from outdated roles or karmic debts. Reversed, it warns of denial, hesitation, or clinging to the past. Where Judgment once implied an external call to rise, the Aeon emphasizes awakening from within—a conscious choice to evolve into the new self.

Why did Crowley change these Major Arcana cards?

Crowley’s reinterpretations in the Thoth Tarot were rooted in Thelemic philosophy, which sought to move beyond the static morality of earlier tarot systems. Justice, Temperance, and Judgment became Adjustment, Art, and the Aeon to better express the ideas of dynamic balance, conscious alchemy, and inner awakening.

These changes reframed the archetypes as living processes rather than fixed decrees. Instead of teaching moderation or judgment from outside authority, the Thoth deck presents self-alignment, creative transformation, and personal evolution as the heart of spiritual progress. In doing so, Crowley shifted the Major Arcana from moral lessons into a visionary map of becoming.