Major Arcana Tarot Card List: The Complete Order

The Major Arcana is the cornerstone of any tarot deck, a sequence of archetypal figures that narrate a profound story of life's journey. If you're just diving into the world of tarot, understanding the Major Arcana is absolutely key. Think of it as the backbone of all tarot readings. These cards represent significant life lessons, karmic influences, and pivotal moments that shape our paths. So, let’s break down each card in order, making it super easy to grasp their meanings and how they play out in readings.

What is Major Arcana?

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each a symbolic representation of a life lesson, a karmic influence, or a significant turning point. Unlike the Minor Arcana, which often deals with day-to-day events and emotions, the Major Arcana cards signify deeper, more profound themes. These cards aren't just about predicting the future; they're about understanding the bigger picture, the underlying forces that are at play in our lives. When a Major Arcana card shows up in a reading, it’s like the universe is nudging you to pay attention, to recognize the significance of the moment, and to understand the long-term implications of your choices. Each card is a stepping stone, guiding you through the ups and downs of existence, offering wisdom and insight along the way. They encourage introspection, prompting you to reflect on your past, present, and future, and to align yourself with your true purpose. Whether it's the raw potential of the Fool or the ultimate completion of the World, each card has a vital role in your personal journey.

The Major Arcana Cards in Order

Alright, let's get into the meat of the matter – the cards themselves! We’ll walk through each one, in order, to give you a solid understanding.

0. The Fool

The Fool card is all about new beginnings, spontaneity, and boundless potential. This card features a carefree traveler setting off on an adventure, often with a dog by their side. The Fool represents the start of a journey, a leap of faith into the unknown. It's about embracing new experiences without fear, trusting your intuition, and being open to whatever comes your way. The Fool doesn't worry about the details; they trust that everything will work out as it should. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you're ready to embark on a new adventure. It could be a new job, a new relationship, or a new personal project. The key is to approach it with an open heart and a sense of optimism. Don't get bogged down in planning or overthinking; just take the first step and see where it leads you. The Fool reminds you that life is an adventure, and sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them. So, embrace the unknown, trust your instincts, and enjoy the ride. The Fool's journey is a reminder that life is about the journey, not the destination. Each step brings new opportunities, new lessons, and new perspectives. Embrace the uncertainty, and you might just find that you're capable of more than you ever imagined.

1. The Magician

With The Magician card, you're seeing skill, manifestation, and resourcefulness. This card is the embodiment of turning potential into reality. The Magician stands before a table displaying the four suits of the Minor Arcana, symbolizing the tools and resources at their disposal. This card is a powerful reminder that you have everything you need to achieve your goals. The Magician is skilled at communication, using their words and actions to influence the world around them. They're confident, assertive, and know how to make things happen. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to tap into your own inner power. Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and take decisive action. Don't let doubts or fears hold you back. You have the skills, the knowledge, and the resources to create the life you want. The Magician encourages you to be proactive, to take the initiative, and to use your talents to their fullest potential. This card also represents the importance of focus and concentration. To manifest your desires, you need to be clear about what you want and stay committed to your goals. Don't let distractions or obstacles derail you. Keep your eye on the prize and use your skills to overcome any challenges that come your way.

2. The High Priestess

The High Priestess embodies intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. She sits between two pillars, representing the balance between light and darkness, conscious and unconscious. This card is all about trusting your inner voice and tapping into your intuition. The High Priestess represents hidden knowledge and the secrets that lie beneath the surface. She encourages you to look beyond the obvious and to delve deeper into your own psyche. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to pay attention to your intuition. Listen to your gut feelings and trust your instincts. Don't ignore the subtle messages that you're receiving from your subconscious. The High Priestess also represents the importance of self-reflection and introspection. Take time to be alone with your thoughts and feelings. Meditate, journal, or engage in any activity that helps you connect with your inner self. The answers you seek are within you; you just need to quiet the noise and listen to your inner voice. The High Priestess reminds you that true wisdom comes from within. Don't rely solely on external sources for guidance; trust your own intuition and inner knowing.

3. The Empress

The Empress card is the archetype of femininity, nurturing, and abundance. She is often depicted as a pregnant woman or a mother figure, surrounded by lush vegetation. This card represents the power of creation, both in the physical world and in the realm of ideas. The Empress embodies love, compassion, and the ability to bring forth new life. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to connect with your feminine side. Embrace your creativity, nurture your relationships, and cultivate abundance in your life. The Empress also represents the importance of self-care and self-love. Take time to pamper yourself, to indulge in pleasures, and to appreciate the beauty around you. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, both by yourself and by others. This card encourages you to create a nurturing and supportive environment for yourself and for those you care about. The Empress reminds you that you have the power to create a life filled with love, joy, and abundance. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and embrace your feminine energy.

4. The Emperor

The Emperor embodies authority, structure, and control. This card represents leadership, discipline, and the establishment of order. The Emperor is a symbol of power and stability, providing a framework for society to function. He is a figure of authority who commands respect and expects obedience. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to take control of your life. Establish clear goals, set boundaries, and create a structure that supports your success. The Emperor also represents the importance of discipline and responsibility. Be accountable for your actions and follow through on your commitments. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment; make decisions based on logic and reason. This card encourages you to step into your power and take charge of your destiny. The Emperor reminds you that you have the ability to create order and stability in your life. Believe in yourself, trust your judgment, and take decisive action.

5. The Hierophant

The Hierophant is a symbol of tradition, spirituality, and guidance. This card represents established institutions, religious beliefs, and the search for meaning in life. The Hierophant is a teacher, a mentor, and a guide who provides wisdom and insight to those who seek it. He is a bridge between the divine and the mortal, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to connect with your spiritual side. Explore your beliefs, seek guidance from trusted mentors, and embrace the traditions that resonate with you. The Hierophant also represents the importance of learning and education. Expand your knowledge, seek new perspectives, and challenge your assumptions. This card encourages you to find meaning and purpose in your life. The Hierophant reminds you that you are part of something bigger than yourself. Connect with your community, embrace your values, and live a life of purpose.

6. The Lovers

The Lovers card symbolizes relationships, choices, and harmony. This card represents the union of opposites, the balance between masculine and feminine, and the power of love to transform lives. The Lovers card is a reminder that relationships are a source of joy, support, and growth. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to focus on your relationships. Nurture your connections, communicate openly, and embrace the challenges that come with intimacy. The Lovers also represent the importance of making choices that align with your values. Be true to yourself, follow your heart, and make decisions that support your well-being. This card encourages you to seek harmony and balance in your life. The Lovers remind you that love is a powerful force that can heal, transform, and inspire.

7. The Chariot

The Chariot embodies willpower, control, and success. This card represents the triumph of the human spirit, the ability to overcome obstacles, and the drive to achieve one's goals. The Chariot is a symbol of strength, determination, and the power of focus. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to take control of your life. Set clear goals, focus your energy, and take decisive action. The Chariot also represents the importance of willpower and discipline. Resist temptations, overcome challenges, and stay committed to your path. This card encourages you to believe in yourself and your abilities. The Chariot reminds you that you have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to.

8. Strength

The Strength card isn't about physical brawn; it's about inner strength, courage, and compassion. This card depicts a woman gently taming a lion, symbolizing the power of gentleness and understanding. Strength is a reminder that true power comes from within. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to tap into your inner reserves of strength. Face your fears, overcome your challenges, and embrace your vulnerabilities. Strength also represents the importance of compassion and kindness. Treat yourself and others with respect, understanding, and empathy. This card encourages you to believe in yourself and your ability to overcome any obstacle. Strength reminds you that you are stronger than you think.

9. The Hermit

The Hermit card is all about introspection, solitude, and wisdom. This card depicts a solitary figure holding a lantern, seeking inner guidance and enlightenment. The Hermit represents the need to withdraw from the world, to reflect on one's experiences, and to seek deeper meaning in life. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to take time for yourself. Disconnect from the distractions of the world, quiet your mind, and listen to your inner voice. The Hermit also represents the importance of self-reflection and introspection. Examine your beliefs, evaluate your choices, and seek wisdom from within. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and to follow your own path. The Hermit reminds you that true wisdom comes from within.

10. Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune card is a powerful symbol of change, cycles, and destiny. This card represents the ever-turning wheel of life, with its ups and downs, its triumphs and setbacks. The Wheel of Fortune is a reminder that life is constantly changing and that nothing stays the same forever. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that change is on the horizon. Embrace the new opportunities that come your way, adapt to the changing circumstances, and trust that everything is happening for a reason. The Wheel of Fortune also represents the importance of accepting the cycles of life. Learn from your past experiences, embrace the present moment, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. This card encourages you to take control of your destiny. The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that you have the power to shape your own life.

11. Justice

With the Justice card, expect themes around fairness, truth, and accountability. The Justice card embodies impartiality, objectivity, and the consequences of one's actions. Justice is a reminder that everyone is held accountable for their choices and that fairness will prevail in the end. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to examine your actions and ensure that you are living in alignment with your values. Be honest with yourself and others, take responsibility for your mistakes, and strive to create a more just and equitable world. Justice also represents the importance of making fair and impartial decisions. Consider all sides of a situation, weigh the evidence carefully, and make choices that are in the best interest of all involved. This card encourages you to seek truth and justice in all aspects of your life. Justice reminds you that your actions have consequences and that you are responsible for the impact you have on the world.

12. The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is all about sacrifice, surrender, and new perspectives. This card depicts a figure suspended upside down, willingly sacrificing their comfort and security for a higher purpose. The Hanged Man represents the need to let go of control, to surrender to the flow of life, and to see things from a different point of view. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to release your attachments and surrender to the present moment. Let go of your expectations, accept the things you cannot change, and trust that everything is happening for a reason. The Hanged Man also represents the importance of gaining new perspectives. Challenge your assumptions, question your beliefs, and look at things from a different angle. This card encourages you to embrace sacrifice and surrender. The Hanged Man reminds you that sometimes the greatest growth comes from letting go.

13. Death

Okay, don't freak out! Death isn't about physical death; it symbolizes transformation, endings, and new beginnings. The Death card represents the natural cycle of life, the ending of one phase and the beginning of another. Death is a reminder that change is inevitable and that endings are necessary for new growth. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that a major transformation is on the horizon. Let go of the old, embrace the new, and trust that this change will lead to a better future. Death also represents the importance of releasing the past. Forgive yourself and others, let go of regrets, and move forward with a clean slate. This card encourages you to embrace change and transformation. Death reminds you that endings are necessary for new beginnings.

14. Temperance

The Temperance card is a beautiful symbol of balance, harmony, and moderation. This card represents the blending of opposites, the integration of different aspects of yourself, and the ability to find equilibrium in all areas of your life. Temperance is a reminder that moderation is key and that extremes can be harmful. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to find balance in your life. Avoid extremes, seek moderation, and integrate different aspects of yourself. Temperance also represents the importance of patience and perseverance. Trust the process, have faith in yourself, and know that everything will work out in the end. This card encourages you to seek harmony and balance in all aspects of your life. Temperance reminds you that moderation is key to a fulfilling and balanced life.

15. The Devil

The Devil card isn't about evil; it's about shadow selves, bondage, and materialism. This card represents the dark side of human nature, the limiting beliefs that hold us back, and the temptations that lead us astray. The Devil is a reminder that we all have shadows and that we must confront them to achieve true freedom. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to examine your shadow self. Identify your limiting beliefs, confront your fears, and break free from the chains that bind you. The Devil also represents the importance of self-awareness and self-control. Be aware of your temptations, resist the urge to indulge in harmful behaviors, and take control of your own destiny. This card encourages you to confront your shadow self and break free from your limitations. The Devil reminds you that you have the power to overcome your demons.

16. The Tower

Expect sudden change, upheaval, and revelation with The Tower card. This card depicts a tower being struck by lightning, symbolizing the sudden and unexpected разрушение of old structures and beliefs. The Tower is a reminder that sometimes разрушение is necessary for growth and that unexpected events can lead to new opportunities. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that a major upheaval is on the horizon. Be prepared for sudden changes, let go of your attachments, and trust that this разрушение will lead to a better future. The Tower also represents the importance of releasing old beliefs and structures. Challenge your assumptions, question your values, and be open to new ways of thinking. This card encourages you to embrace change and upheaval. The Tower reminds you that разрушение can lead to new beginnings.

17. The Star

The Star card is a beacon of hope, inspiration, and renewal. This card depicts a woman pouring water into a pool, symbolizing the flow of creativity and healing. The Star is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you are on the right path. Trust your intuition, follow your dreams, and believe in yourself. The Star also represents the importance of healing and renewal. Take time for self-care, connect with nature, and embrace the beauty that surrounds you. This card encourages you to find hope and inspiration in all aspects of your life. The Star reminds you that you are a shining light in the world.

18. The Moon

The Moon card is all about illusion, fear, and the subconscious. This card represents the hidden aspects of the self, the emotions that lie beneath the surface, and the illusions that cloud our perception. The Moon is a reminder that things are not always as they seem and that we must trust our intuition to navigate the unknown. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to pay attention to your intuition. Trust your gut feelings, explore your emotions, and be aware of the illusions that may be clouding your judgment. The Moon also represents the importance of facing your fears. Confront your insecurities, embrace your vulnerabilities, and trust that you have the strength to overcome any challenge. This card encourages you to explore your subconscious and face your fears. The Moon reminds you that true understanding comes from within.

19. The Sun

The Sun card radiates joy, success, and vitality. This card depicts a bright sun shining down on a happy child, symbolizing the joy of life, the abundance of the universe, and the potential for success. The Sun is a reminder that life is full of blessings and that we have the power to create our own happiness. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you are on the path to success. Embrace the joy of life, celebrate your accomplishments, and share your blessings with others. The Sun also represents the importance of self-confidence and optimism. Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and approach life with a positive attitude. This card encourages you to embrace joy and success in all aspects of your life. The Sun reminds you that you are a radiant being full of potential.

20. Judgment

The Judgment card brings awakening, renewal, and absolution. This card represents the moment of reckoning, the time to evaluate your life, and the opportunity to be reborn. Judgment is a reminder that we are all accountable for our actions and that we have the power to transform ourselves. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you need to take stock of your life. Evaluate your choices, forgive yourself and others, and embrace the opportunity for renewal. Judgment also represents the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. Embrace your flaws, celebrate your strengths, and recognize your inherent worth. This card encourages you to embrace awakening and renewal in all aspects of your life. Judgment reminds you that you have the power to transform yourself and create a better future.

21. The World

Finally, we have The World, symbolizing completion, integration, and fulfillment. This card represents the culmination of a journey, the achievement of a goal, and the realization of one's full potential. The World is a reminder that we are all connected and that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. When this card appears in a reading, it's a sign that you have reached a major milestone. Celebrate your accomplishments, embrace your success, and prepare for the next chapter of your journey. The World also represents the importance of integration and wholeness. Embrace all aspects of yourself, integrate your experiences, and recognize your connection to the universe. This card encourages you to embrace completion and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. The World reminds you that you are a complete and perfect being.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it – the Major Arcana, all laid out in order. Take your time, study these cards, and let their wisdom sink in. Tarot is a journey, and understanding the Major Arcana is a massive step forward. Happy reading!