The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana's twenty-two trump cards represent the archetypal energies that reside within each of us. It is this underlying and influential energy that often goes unacknowledged. Yet, at the same time, it performs an essential role in how we respond to situations as we travel along life's journey.
We begin our trip through the Tarot as the Fool, childlike, free, and optimistic. To the Fool, the world offers boundless opportunities that feed our desire for spontaneity, entertainment, and adventure. For the Fool, it is not about the final destination; instead, the purpose of the journey lies in the experiences and possibilities for gratification. When we encounter the Magician, we take control, no longer content with going with the flow; we accept accountability for the outcome.
Through the Magician, we learn how to pull together resources that will create an inspired transformation. Here, we recognize our power and the magic we hold within.
The High Priestess moves between the material and spiritual realms. When she appears, she comes as an advisor and connects to our higher self or subconscious mind. It is the voice of the High Priestess that signals when and when not to act.
The Empress enters at a time when our journey would benefit from a mother's nurturing and abundant energy. The Emperor arrives as a respected leader to ensure that advancement continues and our trip proceeds with integrity and a clear vision.
The energy of the Emperor complements the loving, motherly Empress, and the Emperor serves as a traditional father figure who restores order during times of chaos and creates a feeling of security.
When our tour reaches the Hierophant, we seek to understand our cultural heritage; in our search for belonging, we find the wise soul who serves as a teacher and spiritual advisor.
As we mature and our individual beliefs develop, we reach the Lovers, who propose an opportunity for two opposing forces to unite to establish a karmic bond.
When our values become part of our identity, we sense the Chariot's fearless and charging energy. During this leg of the journey, we discover the advantage of control and discipline as we learn how to direct our impulses and emotions with precision.
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The Chariot delivers us to Strength. Understanding our motivations and feelings, Strength teaches us how to apply this knowledge when working with others who may bring conflict. Strength shows us the power of patience and developing a soft touch to reach the desired outcome. At this point in our journey through life, we learn about grace and our inner strength.
When we enter the deep dark woods, when we encounter the Hermit, we go inward and experience introspection. This is when we meet a mentor and a guiding light. The wisdom we attain during this time will someday light the way for others.
The Wheel of Fortune marks the halfway point of the Fool’s journey, and it is here that we begin to understand our destiny, our place in this world, and the power of good luck. The Wheel of Fortune also serves as a reminder that the course is not direct; instead, it twists and turns to offer moments that are smooth and easy, and at other points, it is steep and riddled with impediments. In time, we will inescapably encounter both.
With growth and wisdom comes a greater awareness of our responsibility, as Justice brings to our journey a willingness to hold ourselves accountable for our deeds.
Despite the knowledge gained and the strength achieved, we encounter forces beyond our control and holding us back.
When progress stalls at the hands of another, it is because we have met the Hanged Man. Although stagnation can be frustrating, the Hanged Man pushes us to see our situation from a new perspective and thus sparks growth.
The time comes to confront the inevitable when Death appears along the trail; we must accept the demise of something so we can continue progressing, as fate is not done with us just yet.
Not long after we encounter Death, Temperance emerges, bringing moderation and an urge to find balance as a means of relieving or soothing a problematic or painful ending.
Every journey that grants an opportunity for growth and learning includes interaction with the Devil. The energy of the Devil teaches us that not all beasts appear as they are: some arrive in masks. The Devil causes us to feel comfortable to the point of laziness and removes pain until we become numb to all the sensations of life. It is the Devil that will have us placing ourselves in bondage. However, despite his many faults, the Devil sometimes adds value to a situation as he creates passion and fuels desire.
The Tower follows the Devil on our mission, and its purpose is to generate havoc. The disturbance caused by the Tower is one that we can’t ignore, as it uproots us and causes distress that rattles our bones. It is the Tower that shows us what we are made of. Can you rebuild?
When the dust settles, the divine light of the Star elevates us up and out of the rubble.
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The Star bears the gifts of inspiration and the promise of a better tomorrow. When our trip seems to be going smoothly, and we see the sky as cloudless, that is when our journey takes us to the Moon.
The light of the Moon reflects our anxieties and illusions; it reveals the shadow self we try to suppress. The Moon encourages us to remove the mask that conceals our inner nature and not only confront our true self but also allow our shadow moments some freedom.
We awake to a rising Sun that revitalizes the soul with its warmth and comforting glow. In the brilliant light of the Sun, we dare to stand center stage, allowing ourselves to be seen.
As the journey enters its final leg, we must face Judgment. During this encounter, we are called to reflect upon our lives, to honor our history as a whole story, a complete account compiled of the good, the bad, and yes, the times we wish we could do-over. Combining our experiences create a comprehensive picture of who we are, not solely as a human being, but as spiritual being. To advance, we must accept ourselves as a whole and take responsibility for who we have become.
Our trip concludes with the World, and much like the end of a delicious several-course meal, the feeling we experience at this point in our journey is utterly satiated. For now, life is pleasant, and there is a feeling of ease in the air. Rest up as you bask in this moment of success because, with every ending, there will be a beginning.