Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

The 22 cards that make up the Major Arcana of the Tarot are ancient and unique. Unlike the Minor Arcana, they do not correspond to playing cards and their meanings are not to be taken lightly. These 22 cards are believed to be far older than the rest of the deck and are filled with symbolism. The timeless archetypes depicted on Tarot cards deal with nothing less than the origin of life, the nature of God and humanity, cycles of existence, and one's place and meaning in the universe. Any time a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it trumps the meanings of other cards. If 3 or more appear in a reading, it usually means that events are out of one's control, and in the hand of destiny.

The cards of the Major Arcana are listed below. Click on the appropriate card to learn both its symbolism and what it likely means in a reading.

Tarot Card Meanings: Introduction to the Tarot

Wands: Tarot Card Meanings

Cups: Tarot Card Meanings

Swords: Tarot Card Meanings

Pentacles: Tarot Card Meanings