The Soul Wisdom Of The Major Arcana

If you’ve ever felt a magnetic pull toward the Tarot, you’re not alone. For centuries, these cards have been used to unlock the mysteries of our life journey and soul path. Among the 78 cards in a traditional Tarot deck, there are 22 that stand out in their spiritual depth and archetypal wisdom: the Major Arcana.

The word “arcana” comes from the Latin arcanum, meaning “secret” or “mystery.” These 22 cards, beginning with The Fool and culminating with The World, chart a symbolic journey of spiritual awakening and self-discovery.

In readings, Major Arcana cards often speak to life-changing lessons and soul-level growth. These archetypal cards form the backbone of the Tarot, guiding seekers on their journey of  self-realization and spiritual refinement, known as The Fool’s Journey.

When several Major Arcana cards appear in a spread, I often sense that the querent (person receiving the reading) is going through a spiritually significant phase. These cards highlight soul contracts, karmic patterns, and transformative life events. They encourage us to pause, reflect, and connect with our higher self.

In contrast, the remaining 56 cards — known as the Minor Arcana — deal more with the day-to-day. They are divided into four suits representing the elements (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands) and include numbered cards and Court Cards, often called the “people cards.” When many Minor Arcana cards show up, the reading tends to focus on practical matters, offering insight and advice for navigating everyday challenges and choices.

The cards give you images and symbols to focus your vague intentions and transform them into action. Your will is the magic. In other words, you are the magic. ~ Theresa Cheung

Major Arcana cards, however, ask us to look deeper. They are not warnings or punishments, but invitations. They challenge us to release outdated patterns, rise above illusion, and align with our soul’s path. They are the spirit’s way of nudging us toward growth and transformation.

Take, for example, The Wheel of Fortune. This card doesn’t just hint at luck or coincidence. It signals a turning point — fate, karma, and destiny in motion. While it might bring to mind a game show, in the Tarot, this card speaks of cosmic alignment and significant, often unexpected changes. Upright, it usually heralds a positive shift: new opportunities, divine timing, and “meant-to-be” moments.

The Lovers card is another good example. It is often misunderstood as simply representing romantic attraction, but its symbolism runs far deeper. The Lovers speaks of sacred unions, inner harmony, divine connection, and crucial life choices that test our alignment with our true values.

When The Lovers appears in a reading, it asks us to consider: are we choosing with authentic love, or from fear? It calls us to connect authentically — with ourselves, with others, and with our spiritual path. It’s about unity, but also about discernment and commitment to what truly resonates at the heart-centered level.

Now, consider the infamous Death card. At first glance, it often strikes fear into the hearts of the uninitiated, yet it is one of the most liberating cards in the entire deck.  The Death card’s symbolism is not about physical endings, but rather, profound transformation and release. It signals the end of a chapter or obsession that no longer serves your highest good, paving the way for a spiritual rebirth.

When Death appears in a reading, it signals a rite of passage—a time to release outdated beliefs, relationships, or habits. Though it may feel like a loss, it is truly an initiation into deeper freedom and authenticity. This card clears the path for new life to emerge.

The High Priestess to me is about the deep well of wisdom that we can access when we learn to explore our own unconscious, to move between worlds, and to descend into the darkest parts of ourselves ~ Susan Harper

For me, one of the most iconic and mysterious cards in the Major Arcana is The High Priestess. Numbered 2 in most decks, she is often called the psychic or mystic of the Tarot. She’s the silent guardian of ancient wisdom, the bridge between the conscious and unconscious realms. Some even say the water that flows beneath her throne nourishes all other cards that contain water.

When The High Priestess card appears in a spread, it often suggests that not everything is as it seems. Hidden truths may be surfacing, or you might be called to trust your dreams, intuition, and inner knowing. From my experience, The High Priestess shows up during times of soul searching, when someone is tapping into a past life lesson or navigating subtle energetic shifts. Her message is simple yet profound: be still, listen, and trust. The High Priestess teaches us that silence and receptivity can reveal more than action.

One of the most popular and beginner-friendly Tarot decks is the Rider-Waite-Smith. Created by Arthur Edward Waite, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith (fondly known as “Pixie”), and originally published by Rider in London, this deck is rich in symbolism.

The Rider-Waite-Smith depiction of The High Priestess is steeped in mystical imagery: she may be seen as Persephone, Isis, Artemis, or the Corn Maiden. She sits between the black and white pillars of Boaz and Jachin, representing duality and balance, with a veil of pomegranates behind her—symbols of sacred duty and esoteric knowledge. She wears a flowing blue robe, signifying spiritual wisdom, and the crown of Isis on her head, linking her to lunar cycles and the Triple Goddess archetype. The Torah scroll, partially hidden in her lap, suggests that sacred knowledge is accessible, but only to those ready to receive it. Beneath her foot, the crescent moon reflects her command of intuition. Every detail in her imagery whispers of the unseen and the divine.

Ultimately, when a Major Arcana card makes its presence known, it’s wise to pay close attention. If you listen closely, these cards will speak — and in my experience, they never lie.

After 25 years of reading Tarot, I’ve come to know that Spirit, Source, God, Goddess, the Divine always wants the best for us. So, the next time a Major Arcana card shows up in your reading, take a deep breath, tune into your intuition, and trust that you’re being guided to become the powerful, radiant soul you were always meant to be.

Remember that the Tarot is a great and sacred arcanum – its abuse is an obscenity in the inner and a folly in the outer. It is intended for quite other purposes than to determine when the tall dark man will meet the fair rich widow ~ Jack Parsons

Here’s a beginner-friendly, soulful guide to the 22 Major Arcana cards. The cards collectively narrate the Fool’s Journey, a metaphor for personal growth and spiritual evolution. Each step provides insight into the challenges and triumphs we face on our path to self-realization.

0 — The Fool: Embark on a new adventure with innocence and trust. The Fool invites you to take a leap of faith and embrace the unknown with an open heart.

I — The Magician: Harness your inner power to manifest your desires. The Magician reminds you that you have all the tools necessary to create your reality.
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II — The High Priestess: Dive into the depths of your intuition and inner wisdom. She teaches that the most profound truths are sometimes found in silence and reflection.

III — The Empress: Embrace creativity, fertility, and nurturing energy. She encourages you to connect with nature and its abundance.

IV — The Emperor: Establish structure, stability, and authority in your life. The Emperor will guide you to take control and lead with confidence.

V — The Hierophant: Seek spiritual wisdom through tradition and shared beliefs. He represents the value of learning from established systems and mentors.

VI — The Lovers: Explore the depths of love, relationships, and choices. This card signifies the importance of aligning your values with your decisions.

VII — The Chariot: Charge forward with determination and willpower. The Chariot encourages you to overcome obstacles through focus and perseverance

VIII — Strength: Cultivate inner courage and compassion. Strength teaches that true power lies in patience and gentle resilience.

IX — The Hermit: Withdraw into solitude to seek inner guidance. The Hermit illuminates the path to self-discovery and enlightenment.

X — Wheel of Fortune: Embrace the cycles of change and destiny. This card reminds you that life’s ups and downs are part of a greater plan.

XI — Justice: Stand for truth, fairness, and accountability. Justice calls you to consider the consequences of your actions and seek balance.

XII — The Hanged Man: Surrender and see things from a new perspective. The Hanged Man teaches the value of letting go and embracing transformation.

XIII — Death: Allow endings to make way for new beginnings. Death signifies transformation and the shedding of old layers.

XIV — Temperance: Find harmony through balance and moderation. Temperance encourages blending different aspects of life to create peace.

XV — The Devil: Confront your shadows and break free from limitations. The Devil reveals the chains that bind you, as well as the power to release them.

XVII — The Tower: Experience sudden upheaval that leads to awakening. The Tower clears away false structures to make room for truth.

XVII — The Star: Renew your hope and trust in the universe. The Star illuminates healing, inspiration, and spiritual clarity.

XVIII — The Moon: Navigate the realms of dreams, illusions, and intuition. The Moon invites you to explore your subconscious and confront your hidden fears.

XIX — The Sun: Bask in joy, vitality, and success. The Sun brings warmth, clarity, and a celebration of life.

XX — Judgment: Awaken to a higher calling and embrace transformation. Judgment signals a time of reflection, forgiveness, and rebirth.

XXI — The World: Celebrate the completion of goals and achievements. It represents wholeness, fulfillment, and the integration of lessons learned.