We begin our journey of Tarot by examining the significance of the Fool card, which is the first card in the Major series. Because the Fool contains all potentialities, this card carries the number “0”. One cannot assign a number to something that is formless. The Fool is considered the observer of all the other cards in the deck. This card represents a journey to discover self, society and the sacred. It is the Hero’s Journey, and we are the hero. All is unknown, unformed and completely open at this stage of the game. The Fool is in a perfect state of existence, completely innocent. There is no division of “this” or “that”, no opposites buried deep in our psyche, only free abandon and open joy to new possibilities.

Now, the role of the Major Arcana is to portray and allow the reader to explore the steps necessary to bring one to enlightenment. As such, it depicts the Fool evolving through struggles common to us mere mortals who live on this planet we call Earth. In the process of struggling, one learns things, one suffers, and one (hopefully) finds a path to purification and the dissolution of duality. The Fool is in the process of exploring the struggles we all face in life. As the Fool moves through the deck of the Major Arcana, various stages on the road to this discovery are unearthed.

 During the difficult times in our lives, the Fool will often remind us that our own inner selves can best tell us what to do. This card can symbolize new beginnings and portray the bravery necessary for setting of on grand adventures, especially when a leap of faith is needed rather than careful planning. If the card is read in reverse, it can mean that the qualities of the card have become blocked, distorted or weakened in some way. Instead of joyful abandon, perhaps it may convey too much caution or a failure to follow your own instincts. But the beauty and fascination of Tarot is that alternate meanings can be true as well. The card may also represent that great chances must be taken only at the proper time and that additional planning may be needed. It is in the context of other cards in the spread which give the ultimate clarity and deeper meaning of a reading.

The Fool is you. The Fool is me. The Fool is each one of us, learning, evolving, growing and becoming. Welcome to Tarot. The fun is just beginning….

The Magician is a sort of a wizard with a magic wand, which symbolizes bringing forth the reality of the spirit force. The energy of life force the Fool carried so effortlessly on his shoulder with a bundle on a stick now becomes the energy the Magician manipulates. The Magician represents conscious awareness, action and creation. His image evokes the power of manifestation and creating something real out of infinite possibilities. On the table before him, we see all four emblems of the Minor Arcana. He not only uses the physical world for his magical operations, but also creates his world, in the sense of giving life a meaning and direction. The flowers surrounding him point to the fact that emotional and creative power must be grounded in physical reality for us to receive any benefit.

The Magician stands with one hand pointing to heaven, the other pointing to Earth. By opening himself up to Spirit, he becomes a lightning rod of power and magic, drawing from the Source and becoming a vessel to bring it to Earth. Notice that a lightning bolt has such energy that it becomes a very dangerous thing, unless it is released into the ground. The energy must be discharged, grounded into something real, because the power is not meant to be contained, but only to be passed on. The Magician reminds us that we function best as a channel for energy. We live most fully when we create and are active in anything that produces something real and valuable outside of ourselves.

The posture of the Magician signifies the importance of standing in balance between Earth and Sky, while remaining open to possibilities. This card implies an awareness of power in one’s life, of spirit or simple excitement possessing you, or someone else’s power as an influence over an individual. It can refer to the actual steps involved in a new beginning, both the inspiration and excitement that sustains one through hard work in order to reach a goal. This card can also mean will power because all one’s strength is channeled into one direction.

If the Magician is reversed in a meaning, it may be that the proper flow of energy is blocked in some way. The power is there, but unavailable. Perhaps it may mean a weakness or confusion of purpose that leads to stagnation and/or depression. It can also represent fear and mental confusion. If we do not ground the lightning into the Earth, it can become trapped in the body and create anxiety.

For those who are unsure about what Tarot might possibly be about, perhaps a quick outline of how the deck is constructed is in order. There are 78 cards in traditional Tarot decks, 22 of which are called the “Major Arcana”. These can sometimes be referred to as the “Trump Cards”. The other 56 cards are considered “Minor Arcana”. Of these remaining 56 cards, there are four sub-divisions which are usually (depending on which deck you use) depicted by the categories of wands, cups, swords and pentacles. These four subdivisions can be considered similar to a regular deck of playing cards with divisions of clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds.

Major Arcana can be considered as portrayals of various stages of big life events, rather like a symbolic picture attempting to convey deep emotional meaning. All of us, if we live long enough, will probably experience the adventure of a new and exciting change, a moment of inspiration, clarity and an unknowable “knowing”, some sort of death to old habits or ways of being or some kind of psychological break-through or “rebirth”. The Major Arcana do a beautiful job of depicting these big life moments.

Major Arcana are also commonly referred to as “Trump Cards” and are numbered from 1 to 21. The first card in the major Arcana series, the Fool, does not carry a number. Instead this card is shown with a zero to represent infinite potential as the Fool makes his journey through each of the cards, meeting new challenges and adventures and learning important lessons along the way. Eventually reaching the completion of his journey with the World card (number 21). This process is known as the Fool’s Journey, much like Joseph Campbell’s work depicting the Hero’s Journey.

In readings, when a Major Arcana makes an appearance, it implies one is being called to reflect on important life lessons and themes represented by the card. Many times, Major Arcana cards will “set the stage” for the entire reading while Minor Arcana cards tend to relate back to the core lessons from any presenting Major Arcana cards.

If a reading is made up predominantly of Major Arcana cards, it implies life-changing events with likely long-term effects. You are being asked to recognize important life lessons in order to progress further on your spiritual path or personal quest. Consideration of the basic elements of each card can be a powerful way to create a fresh perspective during a difficult or challenging time in life, especially if these cards are reversed, meaning they present upside down when drawn from the deck. A reversed meaning may be a sign that you are not paying enough attention to these important life lessons. Careful consideration may be necessary before the situation will resolve.

The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana depict more mundane aspects of life. These are themes which are more about how we choose to go about living our lives on a daily basis. “Should I take that new job?” “How do I break out of my shell?” “Why does my life not seem to be working so well now?” ”Will I ever find my true love?” Minor Arcana seem innately suited to these more day-to-day situations. And while these cards don’t carry as much “punch” as the Major Arcana, it doesn’t mean that these cards won’t significantly impact the reading. Minor Arcana will tend to reflect daily life and repetitive patterns which can offer much insight into how your path is evolving. These cards tend to be less permanent and have more ability to shift and evolve. They represent an energy that is moving through your life which can be more easily changed, depending on the actions you take. 

The beauty of Tarot is that all 78 of these cards visually depict a variety of life themes, concepts, challenges and successes in a multitude of ways when considering the context between Major and Minor Arcana. There is often a fascinating blend between the two, reflecting a myriad of themes to consider when either reading or receiving a message from Tarot.

All of this is well and good, but many individuals wonder how it all fits together. How does Tarot “work”. Is it all just wishful thinking, imagination, trickery or something far more precise and real? Opinions abound, so let’s take a look at what Rachel Pollack, a long standing authority on Tarot and author of the “Tarot Bible”, Seventy-eight Degrees of Wisdom, has to say about how Tarot works.

Random patterns (as in a Tarot draw of cards), much like synchronicity, bypass the ordinary moment-by-moment way in which people experience life. Like dreams, they step outside the normal logic-bound language of conscious humanity. And by stepping outside it, they transcend it…. We come to the notion that the Tarot works precisely because it makes no sense. The information exists. Our unconscious selves already know it. What we need is a device to act as a bridge to conscious perception. From the mixing of Tarot cards emerges awareness.

The study of Tarot is a marvelous mystery, a fascinating adventure and just plain loads of fun! Come along with East Tennessee Tarot, as together, we pick up a deck and begin to explore!

The Empress is the 4th trump card in the Major Arcana. Because the Fool has no number, her card number is “3”, which represents a harmonious coming together. When the Magician (card number 1) and the High Priestess (card number 2) come together, The Empress arrives. She is a more approachable feminine energy, whereas the High Priestess is a more passive, elusive feminine energy. She is able to move her focus from one of introspection (like the Priestess) to one of action (the energy of the Magician). 

The Empress represents motherhood, sexuality, emotion and passionate feelings. She is quite literally, pure emotion. She isn’t very logical. Her primary form of navigating through the world is based on whatever feels good. She has a passionate approach to life, focusing on nature. She is voluptuous, sensual, passionate and unburdened by ego or personality. She experiences the universe directly, without preconceived ideals or labels, much like a little child. She is driven by the emotion of the moment.

If the Empress shows up in your readings, she can represent a time of passion, a period when feelings and pleasure are more important than analysis or thought. This passion can be sexual or motherly, but in either situation, it is deeply felt and when balanced well, can bring great satisfaction.

 If the Empress is reversed, it may indicate a stubborn emotional approach to problem solving or a refusal to be logical and face facts. Self-indulgence when a more temperate approach is needed can also be indicated if this card is reversed. But not all reversals are negative. Reversed, she can indicate a new intellectual awareness, especially if there is a highly emotional problem that requires some thinking through of possibilities.

If the Empress (trump #3) is a mother figure and represents nature, it is safe to say that the Emperor (trump #4) is the father figure and represents societal rules. He is the one who enforces the rules of society and demands obedience. Trumps 3 and 4 of the Tarot represent the parents in their archetypal roles and the Emperor symbolizes the abstraction of society replacing the direct experience of nature. The Emperor is the archetypal energy of a social ruler who allows for protection of the masses and provides a framework for us to all work together and benefit from those around us. But the Emperor can also represent the power of unjust laws in a society where stability is more important than morality. Where the Empress is spontaneous, the Emperor is rigid and repressed, representing that if we lose touch with our passions, we can become cold and barren.

It is the Emperor who teaches us that the rules, traditions, and beliefs of society must be learned. It is only then that one can go beyond that which has been taught to us and find our own personal code of conduct. Rachel Pallack says:

“We must absorb these rules, as well as our society’s traditions and beliefs, then go beyond them to find a personal code of conduct. This does not mean that “rules are made to be broken”. People who feel compelled to flaunt all laws remain as bound to those laws as the person who follows them blindly.”

The Emperor can symbolize a time of stability and order or indicate a specific person who holds a great deal of power. This card can also indicate the ability to defend one’s territory or set firm boundaries. When the Emperor card shows, consider a more rational approach to problem solving, taking time to analyze all the facts. It may be wise to limit emotional approaches or avoid decision making based on intuition.

If this card shows up in a reading in the reversed position, it may indicate a more kind and compassionate approach. There may something soft and gentle not yet seen, about to unfold. Reversed, this card can also indicate significant immaturity or an inability to make harsh decisions and carry them through. As with every card in a reading, context and intuition is the thing that helps a reader determine the true meaning of the card.

Trump 5 is called the Hierophant in the Rider Waite deck. Other decks call trump 5 the Pope card or the High Priest. Most of us never use the word “Hierophant” and don’t understand what that means. The name actually belonged to the high priest of the Greek Eleusinian mysteries where initiations were held every year for Demeter and Persephone. These initiations are historically considered the most famous of the secret religious rites of ancient Greece. As such, the Hierophant is an excellent icon for the message of the dogma and philosophies of the religious societies and churches. But his message runs deeper than simple church doctrine. It also signifies initiation into a secret doctrine, such as those which flourished around the turn of the century and are now experiencing a renewed interest in England and America. The Order of the Golden Dawn, which originated during this early time, was probably the first to begin using the term “Hierophant”.

We can interpret the Hierophant to suggest both an acceptance of the standard religious doctrines, or as a rejection of this well-trodden path in search of a deeper, more intimate knowledge of the sacred. Both paths require faith and the embracing of a doctrine with a set of beliefs which must be learned and accepted before one can embark on one’s own spiritual journey. 

This card represents education and tradition. The Hierophant is a nice counterpoint to the Emperor, as the Emperor teaches and guides us like a wise father to help provide for our physical existence, setting societal rules and guiding us through expectations of the physical world. The Hierophant teaches and guides us as a wise father, showing us how to grow spiritually and care for our souls. The Emperor symbolizes and enforces the rules of society. The Hierophant shows us our own inner sense of obedience. Just as the Emperor requires us to learn the “rules” of society before we can find our own path, the Hierophant offers us a “traditional” view of the spiritual so we can study and learn a firm tradition, which may then move us forward into new domains and new ways of seeing spiritual growth.

The Hierophant may represent initiation as a means through which one becomes united with the universe. How that initiation happens is an individual process, but initiation seems to occur naturally before there can be a merging with higher spiritual laws. One must be “accepted” before one can enter into either traditional religious paths or the secret places of deeper initiation and knowledge. The Hierophant gives us a place to start in creating a personal awareness of God.

The three people, one large, two smaller, represents a motif often repeated throughout the Tarot, much like the pillars of the High Priestess and into the next two cards with the angel over the Lovers, and the Charioteer in the Chariot over the sphinxes. We can view this as a representation of the trinity, but it can also reflect the symbolizing of the dualities of life. The Hierophant, the Lovers and the Chariot all represent attempts to mediate between opposing poles of life and somehow, find a way to balance them.

When the Hierophant appears in a reading, it may signify churches, doctrines, orthodoxy, and education in general. It may represent conformity or a surrender of responsibility

If this card is reversed in a reading, consider concepts like unorthodoxy, new ways of viewing problems, and the possible need to form more original ideas. It may also mean one is not thinking for oneself and may need to take some time to understand exactly what one feels, regardless of what others say or do. One must accept the responsibility of truly finding their own way.

Trump 6 is the Lovers card and in the past was sometimes referred to as “The Choice” card. The card symbolizes an important choice which must be made, sometimes between something respectable but perhaps boring, or something one greatly desires, but might not be in one’s best interest. This can be a minor decision, or even something as big and important as a major crisis. It can be so encompassing that it refers to one’s entire life and the choices one makes in living that life. Again, the context of other cards within a reading can help make the meaning come alive.

This card can refer to the choice between an “acceptable” path, where one’s life is laid out neatly and predictably, or a confrontation of your deepest self to examine what truly matters to you and how you will live your life in alignment with that truth.

The first real choice most of us make, independently of his or her parents, is usually the act of finding a mate or sexual partner. As a result, we will often break away in other areas as well, doing the work of life in finding out who we are and what we want to accomplish with our lives. For this reason, the card will often indicate adolescence and the work of defining self.

Other meanings of the card are about conscious connections and meaningful relationships. It is a card of open communication and raw honesty. Since the man and woman are both naked, they are both willing to be in their most vulnerable states and have learned to trust and share their truest feelings. 

This card can encourage us to unify dual forces, as evidenced by the connection between male and female, bringing together two parts that are seemingly in opposition to one another and to create something that is unified and harmonious. In every choice, there is an equal amount of advantage and disadvantage, opportunity and challenge. When one accepts these opposites, one can begin to work toward unity with the underlying element of love. In the Waite-Smith deck, the triangular motif of the two figures below, with the angel above represent the dualities of life and the mediating force between them, which is love. 

The card may imply that a particular relationship has been or will be a positive one, perhaps leading to new understanding and opportunities. This card may also indicate assistance or help, most notably through emotional support. However, if this card is in the “past” position of a spread, it may indicate an unwillingness to let go of a lost love or a refusal to look at the present situation.

If this card is reversed, it may indicate a time when you are out of sync with those around you. It may indicate a destructive love, especially if the querant is in a bad marriage. It may refer to romantic or sexual problems which may dominate a person’s life, indicate romantic immaturity, childish fantasies or an inability to fully commit to a mature and loving relationship.  One other interpretation of a reversed Lovers card is that it may imply one is not loving one’s self. It may ask the question of how one honors and accepts who they are and encourages consideration of the value one brings to this world.

 This card asks one to choose the path most in alignment with your Highest Good – no matter how hard it might be. Trump 6 has a lot to say to us about important choices and how the power of love may help us direct those choices and bring unity through the power of love.

Card number 12 is the Hanged man, reminding us that acceptance and the release of desires can be transformed into spiritual energy. The upside-down position of this figure reminds us that a reversal of attitude can create an experience of spiritual awakening. This spiritual awakening requires a withdrawal from the chaos of the world and a surrender from the rhythms of life. In order to find the new opportunities that await us, we must see the world from a new and fresh perspective.

When this card shows up in a reading, it may mean that projects and activities may come to an unexpected halt. Now is a time to re-evaluate. Much like a chrysalis, something new is emerging, and it will take a little time to emerge. Make some space for new potentialities, then wait to see what will happen. You may be preparing for your next uplevelling, so look for opportunities to flow smoothly and effortlessly to you.

This is a card of acceptance. Settle in, calm down and look within. All will be made clear in due time. Meanwhile, change your perspective and shift your energy. While this card looks quite passive, this is a card of choice and action, just like the preceding card of Justice. The Hanged Man makes a conscious choice to settle in and quieten down. The waiting is a deliberate course of action, not something that just happens for no reason. The Hanged man has deliberately turned the world on its head and maintains inner calm. He rests in the confidence of knowing his own inner connection to Spirit.

Reversed, this card can indicate an inability to get free of social pressure or a tendency to fight the inner self in some way. It may indicate an attempt to deny some basic aspect of self in order to “fit in” with others.

The fact that the Death card comes immediately after the Hanged Man is no coincidence. As the Hanged Man takes a pause from life to reflect, there is a natural movement toward ending what no longer serves and opening to new potentials. For that to happen, the past must end to prepare the way for renewal and transformation. Death provides the means for this natural movement forward.

The appearance of the Death card speaks of a time for clearing away the old to bring in the new. Sudden and unexpected change is implied in the image of the card. The ego is portrayed in various stages through the images of the people in the path of Death. The king, fully prostrate, shows a rigid ego. If life strikes us with enough force, the ego may completely collapse. The priest stands and faces Death due to the support of his stiff robes. His hat protects his head, illustrating that a formal belief system can sometimes help guide us past fears of death and change. The young woman symbolizes partial innocence. Here, the ego is not quite so powerful and rigid. She is still aware of her ego and not completely willing to surrender, but enough of her innocence remains to allow her to remain upright, although her face is turned away. It is only the child who can greet death with no fear and brings an offering of flowers to indicate that the change of death will ultimately bring renewal.

The Death card can be a sign that one is feeling caught in the path of sweeping change and cannot escape. Although the sudden upset is a surprise, it can create new opportunities for the future.

Death may speak of unhealthy attachments which may need to end for new beginnings to occur. This card tells us that letting go is a necessary part of life and that the eternal will always triumph over the transitory. 

Temperance is card number 14 in the major arcana and represents spontaneity, balance, and knowledge. When most people think of temperance, a form of moderation or self-control come to mind. With this card, there is no need for “control” as true Temperance is an honest, authentic response to all situations, moment to moment. Temperance allows an individual to take life as it comes. It is the result of a natural flow of both the person and the outer world.

When we look at the Rider-Waite deck, there are multiple images which convey this theme of person and situations flowing together in beautiful synchronicity. We notice first the water poured from one cup to another. The upper cup is not directly above the lower, so that the image portrays a physical impossibility. To most people, the ability of Temperance to smoothly manage all of life’s problems with joy and peace appears magical. There is a flow or ease that seems mystical.

The angel stands with one foot on land and the other on water, indicating a blend between the unconscious and the known. A Temperate person acts from an inner sense of truth and links the two realms together, and thus brings into reality the miracles others can only dream of.

The flower on the angel’s left side indicates an awareness of the unconscious and also a sign of peace. The flower is an iris, which is a nod to the Greek goddess Iris, whose sign is the rainbow. This implies peace after a storm, which is fitting since Death came immediately before Temperance on the landscape of the major arcana. Old patterns of life have died and now a renewal and promise of new life appears with Temperance.

When this card arrives in a reading, it’s time to recover your flow, stabilize your energy, and find the middle path. Above all, remain calm. Very often, this card encourages one to “do nothing”, meaning wait quietly to see where the next step needs to be taken. Trust the universe to provide the answers, while also being open to combining diverse elements in new ways to achieve a higher perspective. Temperance brings energy to higher learning and for a better quality of life to emerge after the ego’s Death.

Reversed, the car indicates a certain wildness or going to extremes. There is no inner awareness or stability. There is a need to restore balance and moderation. Focus on long-term goals and perspectives. A reversal may also indicate a need for self-healing and self-care in order to gain more flow in life.

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