The Major Arcana — The 22 Archetypes That Shape Your Tarot Journey
About the Major Arcanas
The Major Arcana cards represent the most significant forces in a tarot reading. Unlike the Minor Arcana, which reflects daily experiences and situational dynamics, the Major Arcana speaks to life lessons, personal transformation, and pivotal moments that shape your path.
When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it often signals that something meaningful is unfolding — a decision, awakening, challenge, or realization that carries long-term impact. These cards don’t just describe what’s happening; they illuminate why it matters.
| Card | Upright | Reversed |
|---|---|---|
| The Fool | Upright | Reversed |
| The Magician | Upright | Reversed |
| The High Priestess | Upright | Reversed |
| The Empress | Upright | Reversed |
| The Emperor | Upright | Reversed |
| The Hierophant | Upright | Reversed |
| The Lovers | Upright | Reversed |
| The Chariot | Upright | Reversed |
| Strength | Upright | Reversed |
| The Hermit | Upright | Reversed |
| Wheel of Fortune | Upright | Reversed |
| Justice | Upright | Reversed |
| The Hanged Man | Upright | Reversed |
| Death | Upright | Reversed |
| Temperance | Upright | Reversed |
| The Devil | Upright | Reversed |
| The Tower | Upright | Reversed |
| The Star | Upright | Reversed |
| The Moon | Upright | Reversed |
| The Sun | Upright | Reversed |
| Judgement | Upright | Reversed |
| The World | Upright | Reversed |
Behind the Scenes: The Art & Symbolism
Tarot is more than a system of meanings — it’s a visual language. Before a card is understood, it’s felt. Color, composition, gesture, and atmosphere all work together to wake the intuition before the mind ever steps in.
The imagery you see throughout this site and in our decks is chosen with intention. Each style, symbol, and artistic tradition is designed to help you read more fluently — not by memorizing definitions, but by learning to trust what the image itself is telling you.
- Explore the art styles behind the Tarot Guru tarot deck
Classical influences, modern aesthetics, and why visual coherence matters in a reading. - Discover the art traditions behind the Eastern Arcana tarot deck
Persian, Indian, and Silk Road–inspired symbolism woven into a distinct tarot lineage. - Step into the art history behind the Rumi Oracle deck
Sacred poetry, devotional art, and the mystical lineage that informs the oracle’s imagery. - Tarot vs. oracle cards: structure, freedom, and visual storytelling
How different systems use imagery — and why tarot’s archetypes create deeper narrative arcs.
Explore More Major Arcana Insights
Articles, readings, and deep dives tagged with the Major Arcana.
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