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Tarot Cards - Major Arcana Meanings
The Tarot is a pack of playing cards that first emerged in 15th century Europe as a game. The first cards were hand-painted. Because of the expense of making them, they were primarily only available to royalty.
One of the most important early decks was the Tarot de Marseille (1736), as the design of many of the Major Arcana cards originated with this deck. The first person to popularize the use of Tarot cards for divination, and to make a living reading cards was Jean-Baptiste Alliette (1738-1791). The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, originally published in 1910, is to date the most popular deck ever created. The cards were drawn by Pamela Coleman Smith with instructions from the mystic scholar A.E Waite. The designs are rich in symbolism.
There are 78 cards in a Tarot Deck — 22 Major Arcana (or Trumps) and 56 Minor Arcana (or Lesser Arcana). What follows is my interpretation of the Major Arcana cards based both on research and on my experience as a Tarot card reader. The Major Arcana describe a journey, so let’s begin …
One of the most important early decks was the Tarot de Marseille (1736), as the design of many of the Major Arcana cards originated with this deck. The first person to popularize the use of Tarot cards for divination, and to make a living reading cards was Jean-Baptiste Alliette (1738-1791). The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, originally published in 1910, is to date the most popular deck ever created. The cards were drawn by Pamela Coleman Smith with instructions from the mystic scholar A.E Waite. The designs are rich in symbolism.
There are 78 cards in a Tarot Deck — 22 Major Arcana (or Trumps) and 56 Minor Arcana (or Lesser Arcana). What follows is my interpretation of the Major Arcana cards based both on research and on my experience as a Tarot card reader. The Major Arcana describe a journey, so let’s begin …

The Fool - 0
The Fool is the first card in the Major Arcana and is either unnumbered or assigned the number 0. Although we tend to think of a fool as someone who is innately stupid and without reason, the Tarot views the fool in a more positive light. The Fool card represents a youth on a journey, and because he lacks experience he is totally unfamiliar with the concept of failure. Like all young people, the Fool marches off into life expecting success because failure isn’t in his vocabulary. The Fool is seen with a bag over his shoulder, his dog by his side as he makes his way into the world. He is about to walk off of a precipice, unaware and unafraid of the consequences of his actions. The Fool card indicates that something brand new is on the horizon. While you may be inclined to arm yourself with knowledge before heading off into uncharted territory, sometimes it’s better to just forge ahead and see where you end up. Never let the fear of the unknown paralyze you from making a move.
“While they were saying it couldn’t be done, it was done.” — Helen Keller
Card shown is from the Waite-Rider deck
The Fool is the first card in the Major Arcana and is either unnumbered or assigned the number 0. Although we tend to think of a fool as someone who is innately stupid and without reason, the Tarot views the fool in a more positive light. The Fool card represents a youth on a journey, and because he lacks experience he is totally unfamiliar with the concept of failure. Like all young people, the Fool marches off into life expecting success because failure isn’t in his vocabulary. The Fool is seen with a bag over his shoulder, his dog by his side as he makes his way into the world. He is about to walk off of a precipice, unaware and unafraid of the consequences of his actions. The Fool card indicates that something brand new is on the horizon. While you may be inclined to arm yourself with knowledge before heading off into uncharted territory, sometimes it’s better to just forge ahead and see where you end up. Never let the fear of the unknown paralyze you from making a move.
“While they were saying it couldn’t be done, it was done.” — Helen Keller
Card shown is from the Waite-Rider deck

The Magician - 1
The motto of the Magician is “As above, so below”. He represents the active, masculine principle and has been called ‘the ultimate achiever’. The Magician is often depicted with a wand in his right hand raised to heaven, his left hand pointing to the earth. He bridges the gap between what is above (heaven/spiritual/ideas) and what is below (earth/material). The Magician card reminds us to take charge, and to transform our ideas into reality by applying our skills. It is a card that tells us to act now, provided we have a clear idea of what we want. Whereas the Fool sets off on a journey thinking that anything is possible, the Magician knows that it takes work to turn our dreams into reality.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!" - Goethe
Card shown is from the Alchemical Tarot Deck by Robert M. Place -- robertmplacetarot.com
The motto of the Magician is “As above, so below”. He represents the active, masculine principle and has been called ‘the ultimate achiever’. The Magician is often depicted with a wand in his right hand raised to heaven, his left hand pointing to the earth. He bridges the gap between what is above (heaven/spiritual/ideas) and what is below (earth/material). The Magician card reminds us to take charge, and to transform our ideas into reality by applying our skills. It is a card that tells us to act now, provided we have a clear idea of what we want. Whereas the Fool sets off on a journey thinking that anything is possible, the Magician knows that it takes work to turn our dreams into reality.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!" - Goethe
Card shown is from the Alchemical Tarot Deck by Robert M. Place -- robertmplacetarot.com

The High Priestess - 2
The High Priestess has been called the guardian of the unconscious. As such, she represents understanding, inner wisdom, serenity, inner knowledge, mystery, psychic power and intuition. Our inner worlds can only be accessed through things such as dreams, fantasy, and meditation. In many Tarot decks the High Priestess is depicted with an open book on her lap which says ”Tora”, meaning "Book of secrets". She reminds us to listen to our inner voice, as sometimes it’s impossible to use our intellect to solve our problems.
"When I examine myself and my methods of thought I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge." Albert Einstein
Card shown is from the Thoth Tarot deck
The High Priestess has been called the guardian of the unconscious. As such, she represents understanding, inner wisdom, serenity, inner knowledge, mystery, psychic power and intuition. Our inner worlds can only be accessed through things such as dreams, fantasy, and meditation. In many Tarot decks the High Priestess is depicted with an open book on her lap which says ”Tora”, meaning "Book of secrets". She reminds us to listen to our inner voice, as sometimes it’s impossible to use our intellect to solve our problems.
"When I examine myself and my methods of thought I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge." Albert Einstein
Card shown is from the Thoth Tarot deck

The Empress - 3
The Empress is the feminine principal, the mother of the deck. The card represents beauty, fertility, nurturing, mercy, sensuality, passion, sexuality, emotion, artistic and creative expression. The Empress encourages both men and women to get in touch with feminine energy by being caring, nurturing and supportive. Because she represents the beginning of all life, the Empress card may also indicate a birth or the birth of a new idea. She encourages us to connect with one another and to support our friends, family members, and anyone in need.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia
Card shown is from the Thoth Tarot deck
The Empress is the feminine principal, the mother of the deck. The card represents beauty, fertility, nurturing, mercy, sensuality, passion, sexuality, emotion, artistic and creative expression. The Empress encourages both men and women to get in touch with feminine energy by being caring, nurturing and supportive. Because she represents the beginning of all life, the Empress card may also indicate a birth or the birth of a new idea. She encourages us to connect with one another and to support our friends, family members, and anyone in need.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia
Card shown is from the Thoth Tarot deck

The Emperor - 4
The Emperor is the compliment to the Empress. Like the Magician, he represents the masculine principal. He is the father of the deck. The Emperor’s white beard symbolizes the wisdom and experience he as acquired over the years. He is a leader who believes in routines, discipline, law-and-order, rules-and-regulations, and set-boundaries. Whereas the Empress focuses on the heart and on emotions, the Emperor’s focus is on the mind. He reminds us to concentrate and stay focused.
“A leader is a person you would follow to a place you wouldn’t go by yourself.” Joel A. Barker
Card shown is from the Waite-Rider deck
The Emperor is the compliment to the Empress. Like the Magician, he represents the masculine principal. He is the father of the deck. The Emperor’s white beard symbolizes the wisdom and experience he as acquired over the years. He is a leader who believes in routines, discipline, law-and-order, rules-and-regulations, and set-boundaries. Whereas the Empress focuses on the heart and on emotions, the Emperor’s focus is on the mind. He reminds us to concentrate and stay focused.
“A leader is a person you would follow to a place you wouldn’t go by yourself.” Joel A. Barker
Card shown is from the Waite-Rider deck
The Hierophant - 5
The Hierophant is depicted as a religious figure. He represents learning and the pursuit of knowledge. The Hierophant is a very conventional, orthodox card which suggests that we adapt ourselves to our surroundings and conform to the rules rather than look for innovative solutions. The Hierophant may also indicate involvement in an established institution or a structured group such as a church or a club. He may also appear in your life as a priest, therapist, counselor, or a teacher who you turn to for advice or spiritual guidance. In its negative aspect, the Hierophant can stand for intolerance toward anything different, blind faith, and gullibility.
"The greater our knowledge increases, the more our ignorance unfolds." John F. Kennedy
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Thoth Deck, and the Tarot de Marseille by Jodorowsky
The Hierophant is depicted as a religious figure. He represents learning and the pursuit of knowledge. The Hierophant is a very conventional, orthodox card which suggests that we adapt ourselves to our surroundings and conform to the rules rather than look for innovative solutions. The Hierophant may also indicate involvement in an established institution or a structured group such as a church or a club. He may also appear in your life as a priest, therapist, counselor, or a teacher who you turn to for advice or spiritual guidance. In its negative aspect, the Hierophant can stand for intolerance toward anything different, blind faith, and gullibility.
"The greater our knowledge increases, the more our ignorance unfolds." John F. Kennedy
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Thoth Deck, and the Tarot de Marseille by Jodorowsky
The Lovers - 6
Mutual attraction, love, sex, relationships, and marriage are all reflected in the Lovers card. While a strong sexual attraction may be indicated, it is one that goes deeper than instant gratification. The angel pictured above the couple (Adam and Eve) is the archangel Raphael who is known as ‘the supreme healer’ in the angelic realm, and as an angel of the air he represents communication - an important part of any relationship.
In early versions of the Lovers card, a man was pictured with two women and he had to choose one; so the Lovers card can sometimes indicate that a situation is on the horizon that will require you to make difficult choice or decision. Love doesn't always have to do with a person; it can represent any passion, drive, or desire such as a career or profession.
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don’t know any other way of loving.” - Pablo Neruda
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Tarot of the Absurd, and the Tarot de Marseille by Jodorowsky
Mutual attraction, love, sex, relationships, and marriage are all reflected in the Lovers card. While a strong sexual attraction may be indicated, it is one that goes deeper than instant gratification. The angel pictured above the couple (Adam and Eve) is the archangel Raphael who is known as ‘the supreme healer’ in the angelic realm, and as an angel of the air he represents communication - an important part of any relationship.
In early versions of the Lovers card, a man was pictured with two women and he had to choose one; so the Lovers card can sometimes indicate that a situation is on the horizon that will require you to make difficult choice or decision. Love doesn't always have to do with a person; it can represent any passion, drive, or desire such as a career or profession.
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don’t know any other way of loving.” - Pablo Neruda
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Tarot of the Absurd, and the Tarot de Marseille by Jodorowsky
The Chariot - 7
The Chariot card is a card of victory through willpower and self-control. It indicates success through determination and hard work. The driver of the chariot holds no reins - he guides through sheer willpower.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna is seen as the driver of a chariot on a battlefield. The chariot represents the body, the horses the senses which must be controlled in order to vanquish our inner demons. Although this is a simplistic interpretation of this part of the Gita, it is a good illustration of the message of the Chariot card.
Seeing the Chariot card in your spread means you will succeed, but success will not be handed to you. Have faith in yourself, take control and stay focused. On a much more basic level, the Chariot card may indicate travel; not just a drive down the road — a long trip.
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential; these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” Confucius
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, Navigators of the Mystic Sea Tarot, and the Thoth Deck
The Chariot card is a card of victory through willpower and self-control. It indicates success through determination and hard work. The driver of the chariot holds no reins - he guides through sheer willpower.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna is seen as the driver of a chariot on a battlefield. The chariot represents the body, the horses the senses which must be controlled in order to vanquish our inner demons. Although this is a simplistic interpretation of this part of the Gita, it is a good illustration of the message of the Chariot card.
Seeing the Chariot card in your spread means you will succeed, but success will not be handed to you. Have faith in yourself, take control and stay focused. On a much more basic level, the Chariot card may indicate travel; not just a drive down the road — a long trip.
“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential; these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” Confucius
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, Navigators of the Mystic Sea Tarot, and the Thoth Deck
Strength - 8
The strength card shows a woman patting a lion much the way one would pat a dog. She is strong because she has no fear, and her control over the lion is not because of her physical power, it is because of her inner courage. The strength card comes our way when courage, perseverance, resolve and self composure is called for. It is a card that reminds us that we all have these qualities at our disposal, and by calling upon them they can help us get through any situation. In addition, the more we show courage, the more courageous we become. Courage is like a muscle. The more we call upon it and use it, the stronger it becomes.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” - Otto Rank
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, Rowan Tarot, and the Apologia del Libro de Thoth Tarot
The strength card shows a woman patting a lion much the way one would pat a dog. She is strong because she has no fear, and her control over the lion is not because of her physical power, it is because of her inner courage. The strength card comes our way when courage, perseverance, resolve and self composure is called for. It is a card that reminds us that we all have these qualities at our disposal, and by calling upon them they can help us get through any situation. In addition, the more we show courage, the more courageous we become. Courage is like a muscle. The more we call upon it and use it, the stronger it becomes.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” - Otto Rank
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, Rowan Tarot, and the Apologia del Libro de Thoth Tarot
The Hermit - 9
The Hermit card indicates voluntary isolation. Now is the time to rest, contemplate and seek guidance from within. It is a time for meditation and reflection as you consider matters patiently and carefully before making a decision. The Hermit card may indicate a spiritual advisor, mentor, teacher, or a wise person. Depending on the cards around it, the Hermit card may be telling you that YOU are the mentor and that your help is needed. Because the Hermit is shown with his lantern held in front of him, the card may also indicate seeking of all kinds, be it for something that was lost or for knowledge and wisdom.
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” - Buddha
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, Light and Shadow Tarot, and Crystal Tarot
The Hermit card indicates voluntary isolation. Now is the time to rest, contemplate and seek guidance from within. It is a time for meditation and reflection as you consider matters patiently and carefully before making a decision. The Hermit card may indicate a spiritual advisor, mentor, teacher, or a wise person. Depending on the cards around it, the Hermit card may be telling you that YOU are the mentor and that your help is needed. Because the Hermit is shown with his lantern held in front of him, the card may also indicate seeking of all kinds, be it for something that was lost or for knowledge and wisdom.
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” - Buddha
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, Light and Shadow Tarot, and Crystal Tarot
The Wheel of Fortune - 10
When people first see the Waite-Rider (1910) version of the Wheel of Fortune card, they are often baffled. It is the only card in the Major Arcana that does not feature real people, and it is highly symbolic. Earlier versions of the card are much simpler (for example, the Marseillles Tarot above right), but the basic meaning is the same -- Change. In the Waite-Rider card we see:
"Everything changes; nothing remains without change." - Buddha
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Wild Unknown Tarot, and the Marseilles Tarot.
When people first see the Waite-Rider (1910) version of the Wheel of Fortune card, they are often baffled. It is the only card in the Major Arcana that does not feature real people, and it is highly symbolic. Earlier versions of the card are much simpler (for example, the Marseillles Tarot above right), but the basic meaning is the same -- Change. In the Waite-Rider card we see:
- The creatures in the four corners represent four of the signs of the Zodiac - Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo and Taurus.
- The words TORA and TAROT are spelled out in the inner circle, as is the Hebrew letters IHVH which stand for the unpronounceable name of God.
- The Egyptian symbols of the god Typhon (the snake) which represent both evil and the life force descending; and Hermes which represents intelligence and wisdom ascending.
- The Sphinx sits on top which represents life’s riddles.
- The alchemical signs for the four building blocks of life (mercury, suphur, water, and salt) and the four elements can be found in the middle wheel.
- The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the 8 yearly pagan “Sabbats” which represent the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.
- The blue background represents wisdom.
"Everything changes; nothing remains without change." - Buddha
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Wild Unknown Tarot, and the Marseilles Tarot.
Justice - 11
The Justice card represents truth, fairness, and the law. It reminds us that our decisions and actions have consequences, and that our current situation is the result of our past actions. The scales of the Justice card are shown to be in balance which symbolizes that we reap what we sow. Justice reminds us to remain objective and to base our judgements on facts rather than on our prejudices. It also reminds us to be honest with ourselves, and to search for the truth in all matters. The Justice card may come up when we are required to make a decision, or that something in our life needs our attention. Obviously, the Justice card can refer to legal matters, court cases, and legal contracts. If you see the Justice card in these cases, the outcome will be just and fair.
"Ladies who play with fire must remember that smoke gets in their eyes." - Mae West
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Thoth Deck, and the Aquarian Tarot
The Justice card represents truth, fairness, and the law. It reminds us that our decisions and actions have consequences, and that our current situation is the result of our past actions. The scales of the Justice card are shown to be in balance which symbolizes that we reap what we sow. Justice reminds us to remain objective and to base our judgements on facts rather than on our prejudices. It also reminds us to be honest with ourselves, and to search for the truth in all matters. The Justice card may come up when we are required to make a decision, or that something in our life needs our attention. Obviously, the Justice card can refer to legal matters, court cases, and legal contracts. If you see the Justice card in these cases, the outcome will be just and fair.
"Ladies who play with fire must remember that smoke gets in their eyes." - Mae West
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Thoth Deck, and the Aquarian Tarot
The Hanged Man - 12
There are many different designs of the Hanged Man card, each design hinting at a different interpretation. The most recognizable version is the Waite-Rider design, which shows a man hanging by one foot, his other foot bound behind his back at an angle, his hands tied behind his back, a halo surrounding his head. His expression suggests that he is at peace, which tells us that he is hanging on the tree of his own free will. The figure is roughly in the shape of an inverted triangle, the sign of water in alchemy, which symbolizes the subconscious.
The Waite-Rider design indicates that a period of waiting is called for, and that decisions should be suspended. Although you may feel “stuck”, more time may be needed to reflect upon the situation before making a decision. The card may also be telling you to take more time to consider the situation, and that you may need to look at things from a different point of view.
The Alchemical Tarot shows the hanging man in a state of panic, money falling from his pocket. He is clearly hanging against his will. One foot is bare as if he has kicked off his shoe while struggling to be free. A snake binds him to the scaffold, which appears ready to bite. If this Hanged Man card were to come up in a reading, the message might be that things are at a standstill because of external forces. It would indicate that the subject is uneasy with their current situation rather than at peace as shown in the Waite-Rider deck.
Several decks depict the Hanging man as being naked. If using this type of deck, the card may indicate that your situation is more serious. You may feel that you are unable to extricate yourself from a situation, and that you have no means to protect yourself. Some who see this card may feel that it indicates shame or humiliation or that some private information about you was made public against your will.
"Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer." - William S. Burroughs
Images shown are from: (Panel 1) The Waite-Rider Deck, The Alchemical Tarot, and the Prisma Visions Tarot; (Panel 2 - Nude) Druidcraft Tarot, Golden Tarot de Klimt, and The Aztec Tarot; (Panel 3) Ludy Lescot Tarot, Thoth Deck, Linestrider Tarot
There are many different designs of the Hanged Man card, each design hinting at a different interpretation. The most recognizable version is the Waite-Rider design, which shows a man hanging by one foot, his other foot bound behind his back at an angle, his hands tied behind his back, a halo surrounding his head. His expression suggests that he is at peace, which tells us that he is hanging on the tree of his own free will. The figure is roughly in the shape of an inverted triangle, the sign of water in alchemy, which symbolizes the subconscious.
The Waite-Rider design indicates that a period of waiting is called for, and that decisions should be suspended. Although you may feel “stuck”, more time may be needed to reflect upon the situation before making a decision. The card may also be telling you to take more time to consider the situation, and that you may need to look at things from a different point of view.
The Alchemical Tarot shows the hanging man in a state of panic, money falling from his pocket. He is clearly hanging against his will. One foot is bare as if he has kicked off his shoe while struggling to be free. A snake binds him to the scaffold, which appears ready to bite. If this Hanged Man card were to come up in a reading, the message might be that things are at a standstill because of external forces. It would indicate that the subject is uneasy with their current situation rather than at peace as shown in the Waite-Rider deck.
Several decks depict the Hanging man as being naked. If using this type of deck, the card may indicate that your situation is more serious. You may feel that you are unable to extricate yourself from a situation, and that you have no means to protect yourself. Some who see this card may feel that it indicates shame or humiliation or that some private information about you was made public against your will.
"Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer." - William S. Burroughs
Images shown are from: (Panel 1) The Waite-Rider Deck, The Alchemical Tarot, and the Prisma Visions Tarot; (Panel 2 - Nude) Druidcraft Tarot, Golden Tarot de Klimt, and The Aztec Tarot; (Panel 3) Ludy Lescot Tarot, Thoth Deck, Linestrider Tarot
Death - 13
To say that the Death card is the most misunderstood of all Tarot cards is a major understatement. People fear this card so much because they immediately interpret it as physical death. It is actually one of the most positive cards in the deck because it signifies a significant change, transformation or transition. Unless we end one phase of our life, we cannot begin a new one. Let’s face it, if you were in debt and a card came up in a reading which indicates the end of your financial troubles, you’d be overjoyed! That’s the death card. Something is coming to an end, and something new is on the horizon. It may indicate the end of a project or a relationship. Depending on the question asked, it may be an indication that it is time for you to put the old ways of thinking behind you; to finally free yourself from a past which no longer serves you and to work towards a brighter future.
"For Life and Death are one, even as the river and the sea are one." - Khalil Gibran
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Marseilles Tarot and Mary-el Tarot
To say that the Death card is the most misunderstood of all Tarot cards is a major understatement. People fear this card so much because they immediately interpret it as physical death. It is actually one of the most positive cards in the deck because it signifies a significant change, transformation or transition. Unless we end one phase of our life, we cannot begin a new one. Let’s face it, if you were in debt and a card came up in a reading which indicates the end of your financial troubles, you’d be overjoyed! That’s the death card. Something is coming to an end, and something new is on the horizon. It may indicate the end of a project or a relationship. Depending on the question asked, it may be an indication that it is time for you to put the old ways of thinking behind you; to finally free yourself from a past which no longer serves you and to work towards a brighter future.
"For Life and Death are one, even as the river and the sea are one." - Khalil Gibran
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Marseilles Tarot and Mary-el Tarot
Temperance - 14
The Temperance card symbolizes moderation, patience, compromise, balance and harmony. The card will often come up when these attributes are called for in a situation, or when we need to synthesize two or more ideas into one.
The symbols on the Temperance card include the angel which is a hermaphrodite, a mix of male and female; the pouring of water between two cups symbolizing the combining of ideas to become one; one of the angel’s feet is on the land, the other is on the water symbolizing the balance between the material world and the subconscious. These and other symbols indicate balance and harmony.
In questions of health the Temperance card indicates well-being, healing and recovery. Because it is a card of balance, you might expect a renewed sense of vitality and strength. Depending on the question asked, it may be that we need to work toward these health goals. For example, if you were to ask “What can I do to improve my health?” Temperance might be telling you to improve the balance of exercise, eating habits, and meditation. If your question was, “What will my health be like over the next few months”, the card would indicate an improvement in how you feel and suggest a healing.
“A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility.” - Mary Shelley, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Light and Shadow Tarot, and the Thoth deck.
The Temperance card symbolizes moderation, patience, compromise, balance and harmony. The card will often come up when these attributes are called for in a situation, or when we need to synthesize two or more ideas into one.
The symbols on the Temperance card include the angel which is a hermaphrodite, a mix of male and female; the pouring of water between two cups symbolizing the combining of ideas to become one; one of the angel’s feet is on the land, the other is on the water symbolizing the balance between the material world and the subconscious. These and other symbols indicate balance and harmony.
In questions of health the Temperance card indicates well-being, healing and recovery. Because it is a card of balance, you might expect a renewed sense of vitality and strength. Depending on the question asked, it may be that we need to work toward these health goals. For example, if you were to ask “What can I do to improve my health?” Temperance might be telling you to improve the balance of exercise, eating habits, and meditation. If your question was, “What will my health be like over the next few months”, the card would indicate an improvement in how you feel and suggest a healing.
“A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility.” - Mary Shelley, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Light and Shadow Tarot, and the Thoth deck.
The Devil - 15
The devil card comes up when we are in despair, depressed, or when we feel stuck in a situation because we believe that external forces leave us no choice. The devil card can also indicate that you are obsessing over something, and this obsession is preventing you from moving forward. It can also indicate attachment to money and material things. The card also comes up in readings having to do with addictions such as drugs, alcoholism, gambling, co-dependent relationships, or unhealthy lifestyles. Once you accept that these things have a negative hold on you, you can remove them from your life.
If Death is the most feared and misunderstood cards in the deck the Devil card is a close second, and with good reason. Just look at it. A Satyr-like creature watches over a naked couple who are chained to his pedestal. Their tails and horns indicate that the longer they are in his presence, the more like him they become. The inverted pentagram over the devil’s head represents the dark side of the occult. Unlike the Magician who raises a wand to heaven, channeling heaven’s wisdom down to earth; the devil’s hand points down (to hell?) with a burning torch pulling negative energy upward, the other hand is raised and open as if spreading this negativity outward.
The Devil card represents our negative beliefs, fears, and addictions. The devil is a liar, and he creates the illusion that we are bound to him and all of his negativity. But if you look closely at the card, the couple’s chains are loose fitting. They can leave whenever they want. They have freely given the devil power over them, but it is a choice they have made. He has no real power over them.
“The devil whispered in my ear, ‘You are not strong enough for the storm’. Today I whispered in the devil’s ear, ‘I am the storm.’” - Unknown
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Aquarian Deck, and the Universal Tarot de Marseille deck.
The devil card comes up when we are in despair, depressed, or when we feel stuck in a situation because we believe that external forces leave us no choice. The devil card can also indicate that you are obsessing over something, and this obsession is preventing you from moving forward. It can also indicate attachment to money and material things. The card also comes up in readings having to do with addictions such as drugs, alcoholism, gambling, co-dependent relationships, or unhealthy lifestyles. Once you accept that these things have a negative hold on you, you can remove them from your life.
If Death is the most feared and misunderstood cards in the deck the Devil card is a close second, and with good reason. Just look at it. A Satyr-like creature watches over a naked couple who are chained to his pedestal. Their tails and horns indicate that the longer they are in his presence, the more like him they become. The inverted pentagram over the devil’s head represents the dark side of the occult. Unlike the Magician who raises a wand to heaven, channeling heaven’s wisdom down to earth; the devil’s hand points down (to hell?) with a burning torch pulling negative energy upward, the other hand is raised and open as if spreading this negativity outward.
The Devil card represents our negative beliefs, fears, and addictions. The devil is a liar, and he creates the illusion that we are bound to him and all of his negativity. But if you look closely at the card, the couple’s chains are loose fitting. They can leave whenever they want. They have freely given the devil power over them, but it is a choice they have made. He has no real power over them.
“The devil whispered in my ear, ‘You are not strong enough for the storm’. Today I whispered in the devil’s ear, ‘I am the storm.’” - Unknown
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Aquarian Deck, and the Universal Tarot de Marseille deck.
The Tower - 16
There are remarkably few cards in the Tarot that are primarily negative. The Tower is one of them. It represents a sudden, explosive upheaval or crisis which there is little or no time to prepare for. This disturbance will often reveal something about ourselves or about a situation that was hidden, but because it is so sudden this new insight may be difficult to take in all at once. Depending on the cards that surround it, the Tower card may also indicate a sudden downturn in fortune.
The change that the Tower portends is so sudden and jarring that it may be impossible for you to embrace or accept your new situation or the knowledge that you gained from the upheaval. Just keep in mind that the disruption came about because it was needed, and the lessons you learned and insight you gained are extremely valuable.
“And how will this come to pass?' He paused and lowered his voice. ' In the same way all change comes to pass, I fear, And I am sorry it is so. It will come to pass by violence and upheaval, by flame and by fury, for no change comes calmly over the world.”
― from “A Canticle for Leibowitz” by Walter M. Miller Jr.
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Peanuts Tarot, and the Alice Tarot
There are remarkably few cards in the Tarot that are primarily negative. The Tower is one of them. It represents a sudden, explosive upheaval or crisis which there is little or no time to prepare for. This disturbance will often reveal something about ourselves or about a situation that was hidden, but because it is so sudden this new insight may be difficult to take in all at once. Depending on the cards that surround it, the Tower card may also indicate a sudden downturn in fortune.
The change that the Tower portends is so sudden and jarring that it may be impossible for you to embrace or accept your new situation or the knowledge that you gained from the upheaval. Just keep in mind that the disruption came about because it was needed, and the lessons you learned and insight you gained are extremely valuable.
“And how will this come to pass?' He paused and lowered his voice. ' In the same way all change comes to pass, I fear, And I am sorry it is so. It will come to pass by violence and upheaval, by flame and by fury, for no change comes calmly over the world.”
― from “A Canticle for Leibowitz” by Walter M. Miller Jr.
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, the Peanuts Tarot, and the Alice Tarot
The Star - 17
The Star card represents faith in the future, blessings, success and great expectations. Stars reside in the heavens, and when we turn our thoughts in the direction of heaven good things happen. The Star card is telling you that the universe is pouring out its blessings. It is time for you to put aside any negative feelings for others. It is also time for you to forgive yourself and to let go of any mental baggage you’ve been carrying around. These things will not serve you as you begin to transform yourself into a stronger, more positive person. Because the Star card follows the Tower, it may indicate that bad times are finally at an end. It is time to focus on the future, and to put the past behind you.
“May the stars carry your sadness away. May the flowers fill your heart with beauty. May hope forever wipe away your tears. And above all, may silence make you stronger.” - Chief Dan George, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Canada
Cards shown are from the Waite Rider deck, the Thoth deck, and the Peanuts Tarot.
The Star card represents faith in the future, blessings, success and great expectations. Stars reside in the heavens, and when we turn our thoughts in the direction of heaven good things happen. The Star card is telling you that the universe is pouring out its blessings. It is time for you to put aside any negative feelings for others. It is also time for you to forgive yourself and to let go of any mental baggage you’ve been carrying around. These things will not serve you as you begin to transform yourself into a stronger, more positive person. Because the Star card follows the Tower, it may indicate that bad times are finally at an end. It is time to focus on the future, and to put the past behind you.
“May the stars carry your sadness away. May the flowers fill your heart with beauty. May hope forever wipe away your tears. And above all, may silence make you stronger.” - Chief Dan George, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Canada
Cards shown are from the Waite Rider deck, the Thoth deck, and the Peanuts Tarot.
The Moon - 18
When we walk in the daylight, things are clear; when we walk in moonlight, things are hidden and vague. The Moon card represents illusion, deception, and the dark parts of the subconscious mind. Psychologically, The Moon is our subconscious mind taking fearful/negative past experiences and projecting them into the present and the future. When the Moon card appears in a reading, it is time to look deep into your psyche and examine your anxieties, fears, and phobias. Only by facing our fears and phobias head-on can we release the hold they seem to have on us.
In addition to it being symbolic of the unconscious, the Moon card also represents intuition and dreams. It may be telling you to pay close attention to your dreams, as they are messages from your subconscious trying to give you valuable information.
“The moon will guide you through the night with her brightness, but she will always dwell in the darkness, in order to be seen.” - Shannon L. Alder
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Tarot of the Old Path, and the Golden Tarot
When we walk in the daylight, things are clear; when we walk in moonlight, things are hidden and vague. The Moon card represents illusion, deception, and the dark parts of the subconscious mind. Psychologically, The Moon is our subconscious mind taking fearful/negative past experiences and projecting them into the present and the future. When the Moon card appears in a reading, it is time to look deep into your psyche and examine your anxieties, fears, and phobias. Only by facing our fears and phobias head-on can we release the hold they seem to have on us.
In addition to it being symbolic of the unconscious, the Moon card also represents intuition and dreams. It may be telling you to pay close attention to your dreams, as they are messages from your subconscious trying to give you valuable information.
“The moon will guide you through the night with her brightness, but she will always dwell in the darkness, in order to be seen.” - Shannon L. Alder
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, The Tarot of the Old Path, and the Golden Tarot
The Sun - 19
The Sun is, perhaps, the most positive card in the Tarot deck. It signifies a time of joy, hope, success, celebration health and happiness. Whereas the Moon card symbolizes that which is hidden or vague, The Sun card is about clarity and truth. The card depicts a naked child riding a white horse. The child represents our joyful soul which is fully aware that it is never separated from God, and therefore all things are possible. The Sun card is an action card, as indicated by the waving banner and the rays of the sun. It suggests that we actively celebrate this joyful time. Physical strength and vitality are at a high. Take advantage of it! It is a time of confidence and enlightenment, and a time to share your love with others.
“The Lord is like the sun which illuminates everything and cannot be illuminated by anyone.” - A.C Bhakivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, the African American Tarot, and the Secret Tarot deck.
The Sun is, perhaps, the most positive card in the Tarot deck. It signifies a time of joy, hope, success, celebration health and happiness. Whereas the Moon card symbolizes that which is hidden or vague, The Sun card is about clarity and truth. The card depicts a naked child riding a white horse. The child represents our joyful soul which is fully aware that it is never separated from God, and therefore all things are possible. The Sun card is an action card, as indicated by the waving banner and the rays of the sun. It suggests that we actively celebrate this joyful time. Physical strength and vitality are at a high. Take advantage of it! It is a time of confidence and enlightenment, and a time to share your love with others.
“The Lord is like the sun which illuminates everything and cannot be illuminated by anyone.” - A.C Bhakivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider Deck, the African American Tarot, and the Secret Tarot deck.
Judgement - 20
Because Judgement is the penultimate of the major arcana cards, it suggest that you are nearing the end of a journey and are about to reach a significant new stage in your development. The theme of the card is "awakening to a new life" and a realization that it’s time to put aside your old ways and start fresh.
We usually think of judgement as coming from someone else; but we also judge ourselves, and often far more harshly than others judge us. The judgment card reminds us that we have all the information we need to make good choices, and that now is the time to “rise up” and start living the life we were meant to live.
“The common eye sees only the outside of things, and judges by that, but the seeing eye pierces through and reads the heart and the soul, finding there capacities which the outside didn't indicate or promise, and which the other kind couldn't detect.” — Mark Twain
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, The Secret Tarot and the Kazanlar Tarot
Because Judgement is the penultimate of the major arcana cards, it suggest that you are nearing the end of a journey and are about to reach a significant new stage in your development. The theme of the card is "awakening to a new life" and a realization that it’s time to put aside your old ways and start fresh.
We usually think of judgement as coming from someone else; but we also judge ourselves, and often far more harshly than others judge us. The judgment card reminds us that we have all the information we need to make good choices, and that now is the time to “rise up” and start living the life we were meant to live.
“The common eye sees only the outside of things, and judges by that, but the seeing eye pierces through and reads the heart and the soul, finding there capacities which the outside didn't indicate or promise, and which the other kind couldn't detect.” — Mark Twain
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, The Secret Tarot and the Kazanlar Tarot
The World - 21
The World is the last card of the Major Arcana. It signifies the end of a journey, fulfillment, achievement, success after hardship and challenges, and closure. While many cards indicate the end of a cycle, The World signifies bringing all of the parts together harmoniously, achieving balance, and experiencing wholeness. When you see the World card, it means that you have realized your goals and your hearts desires, and you are finally seeing your dreams come true.
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
— Robert Frost
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, The Tarot of the Angels, and the Kazanlar Tarot.
The World is the last card of the Major Arcana. It signifies the end of a journey, fulfillment, achievement, success after hardship and challenges, and closure. While many cards indicate the end of a cycle, The World signifies bringing all of the parts together harmoniously, achieving balance, and experiencing wholeness. When you see the World card, it means that you have realized your goals and your hearts desires, and you are finally seeing your dreams come true.
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
— Robert Frost
Cards shown are from the Waite-Rider deck, The Tarot of the Angels, and the Kazanlar Tarot.
The Use of Tarot Cards During Paranormal Investigations
The cards shown in the following article are from the Alchemical Tarot: Renewed 4th Edition and The Burning Serpent Oracle, and are copyrighted by Robert M. Place. Of all the Tarot and Lenormand decks that I own, I find myself using these two decks the most because of their rich visual imagery and beautiful artwork. I highly recommend both decks, as well as the accompanying books Alchemy and the Tarot by Robert M. Place and The Burning Serpent Oracle: A Lenormand of the Soul by Rachel Pollack. To purchase the Alchemical Tarot deck, The Burning Serpent Oracle deck, and other decks designed by Robert M. Place, as well as the aforementioned books please visit robertmplacetarot.com
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Using Tarot cards and Lenormand cards may not be the first thing you think of when Ghost Hunting, but they can be very valuable tools. Prior to any investigation I ‘reach out’ intuitively to see if I can pick up any information about the spirit or spirits haunting a home. What I usually come up with are names or phrases that repeat over and over, brief flashes of scenes, or physical sensations connected to the spirits inhabiting a house. Using Tarot or Lenormand cards is just another way of asking the universe ‘What information can you give me that will be helpful to the upcoming investigation?’ For example, if I asked for information about a spirit haunting a house and drew the following Tarot cards ...
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Using Tarot cards and Lenormand cards may not be the first thing you think of when Ghost Hunting, but they can be very valuable tools. Prior to any investigation I ‘reach out’ intuitively to see if I can pick up any information about the spirit or spirits haunting a home. What I usually come up with are names or phrases that repeat over and over, brief flashes of scenes, or physical sensations connected to the spirits inhabiting a house. Using Tarot or Lenormand cards is just another way of asking the universe ‘What information can you give me that will be helpful to the upcoming investigation?’ For example, if I asked for information about a spirit haunting a house and drew the following Tarot cards ...
I would think that the investigation involves an enthusiastic younger man (The Knight of Staffs) once involved in the field of finance (Four of Pentacles - Burying gold for the future) who had some sort of a sudden ending to his life (Death) and whose spirit is now in a state of confusion or conflict (Two of Swords).
Reading Tarot cards is not as difficult as you might think. Some people shy away from them because it seems difficult keeping track of the meaning of all 78 cards. But the real trick to reading Tarot cards is asking yourself what a card means to you when you look at it. When you draw a card, you are being shown visual images for a reason. Look carefully at all of the details on the card and you will be amazed at what you will see and learn, and how easy it is to gather information.
What do each of the above cards mean to you?
- You might look at the Eight of Vessels (Eight of Cups in standard decks) and think of an artist. Perhaps your upcoming investigation involves an artist, musician, sculptor or even a potter.
- If you were seeking information about a spirit and you drew the Lady of Coins card, wouldn't you assume that the spirit was a female? Also, observe that she is holding or presenting flowers to someone and she is outdoors with the moon over her shoulder. Perhaps the spirit makes herself known at night or has been seen outdoors. The handing of the flowers might mean that this female spirit has been attempting to communicate with the family.
- Three of Coins shows a man writing with a quill. He may be an author or someone who does a lot of writing for his job. Don't overlook the body of water just outside of his window. You might find that the house you are investigating is near a lake or by the ocean.
- The Fool is wandering around blindfolded. He is using a staff to guide himself even though he could take off the blindfold any time he wants. This card might indicate someone who has gotten themselves into trouble by not thinking, or a young person just starting out in life who is not necessarily foolish, but just inexperienced. It also may indicate someone who is literally blind.
- The Ten of Swords is such a violent looking card that it's hard to mistake it for anything but violent death, sickness, or some sudden tragedy.
Another type of divination deck that ghost hunters can use for investigations are Lenormand cards. The traditional Lenormand deck is made up of just 36 cards, each with a simple illustration. The Burning Serpent Oracle deck contains two additional cards. Interpreting the meaning of Lenormand cards is very easy.
In the above examples taken from the Burning Serpent Oracle deck, you'll notice that each card has very simple imagery -- A House, A Fox, A Ship, A Divided Path, and A Dead Tree. The meaning of each card is pretty straight forward:
- The House on the Hill (The House in traditional decks) is about home and family.
- The Fox can indicate a sly person; someone who is "foxy" or tricky, or an entrepreneur.
- The Voyage (The Ship in traditional decks) indicates a trip, usually to a distant place.
- The Path (The Crossroads in traditional decks) indicates a decision.
- The Dead Tree (The Coffin in traditional decks) indicates the sudden end of a situation - not necessarily death itself, although when asking about spirits it may indicate someone who is no longer living.
Lenormand cards become powerful tools when the cards are read as combinations.
Although The House on the Hill card usually indicates a happy home, the presence of the fox in the above three card spread may mean that something is not right in the house you are about to visit. There is some sort of deception going on. You might wonder if the deception is by the home owners themselves (are they trying to deceive you by claiming their house is haunted?) or if the cards are pointing to the presence of a sly spirit. The Fox card combined with the The Dead Tree card seems to indicate that this is the work of a tricky spirit. This spirit might be playing tricks on the homeowners, such as moving objects or making sounds to confuse them.
When you conduct your investigation, present your card readings to the home owners. You will be amazed at how accurate Tarot and Lenormand cards can be in revealing the type of activity a family is experiencing in their home. They can also give valuable information about the spirit responsible for the activity. The information you glean from the cards can go a long way in helping you understand the haunting, and they can aid you in conducting an effective clearing.
When you conduct your investigation, present your card readings to the home owners. You will be amazed at how accurate Tarot and Lenormand cards can be in revealing the type of activity a family is experiencing in their home. They can also give valuable information about the spirit responsible for the activity. The information you glean from the cards can go a long way in helping you understand the haunting, and they can aid you in conducting an effective clearing.