An Introduction to the Major Arcana

 

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards which are numbered from 0 to 21. They show the Fool’s Journey, which is the path we take from our earliest awareness to finally becoming integrated and fulfilled. Each card represents one step along the journey of inner growth.

 

This journey starts with the Fool, then proceeds to the Magician, the High Priestess, the Empress, the Emperor, the Hierophant, the Lovers, the Chariot, Strength, the Hermit, the Wheel of Fortune, Justice, the Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, the Devil, the Tower, the Star, the Moon, the Sun, Judgement, and finally the World.

 

Not everyone goes through these stages in order, and sometimes people tend to go back and forth a bit rather than in a straight line. Some people also skip some of the steps. Everyone’s journey is different.

 

Overall, the cards of the Major Arcana signify things with deep and lasting meaning. They show universal themes.