The MAJOR ARCANA symbolizes the steps we take in each cycle of life. The eternal cycle repeats itself until we learn the lessons we have come here to learn, not in just one way, but in numerous ways. You can determine where you are in a life cycle by finding the Major Arcana card that most closely represents your present position in life. In a reading, these cards symbolise the major steps you have taken, or will take in the future.
THE FOOL is the Dreamer, the novice who is beginning on the path of a new cycle in life. New and startling opportunities arrive that are completely out of the usual way you live your life. You are contemplating a decision to break with the old way and embrace a new path. In reversal, The Fool can show that there is a need for a new beginning, but that there is some hesitancy about making it happen. The Fool has progressed far enough to see results from magickal studies and endeavours, thus becoming a practicing alchemical
MAGICIAN. Study and practice in a new career or spiritual path attracts you. Your thoughts and energies flow in harmony to accomplish what needs to be done. Even when reversed, the Magician is about making higher - and better - use of all of one's power.
As a HIGH PRIESTESS, the Magician has learned that they are responsible for any magick she or he does. Ancient mystical knowledge or practical information comes your way. This is an excellent time to make new goals. Even when reversed, the High Priestess is a very spiritual card - often with sexual overtones.
THE EMPRESS is a creator, of life, of romance, of art or business. She is patient, loving, giving, generous, devoted. When she appears in reverse in your reading, it can indicate that you are placing too much emphasis on your masculine energies, and have a need to give attention to your feminine side. We all have both masculine and feminine energies inside.
THE EMPEROR card is the "Who's the boss?" card. It is an important question. The meaning of the card includes being in control over your environment, your body, your temper, your instincts, your love life. This card gives the querent permission to be aggressive, brave, and bold, in command. Even when reversed, The Emperor can tell us that we are giving our heart more credence than what our mind and logic is telling us.
THE HIEROPHANT, also known as the Pope, is representative of the need to follow tradition, ceremony or a path of ideas and beliefs, even if they are out-dated. It could be interpreted as a need for group/mentored learning or the need to conform or change the rules. Even when reversed, you are stuck in tradition. Unable to change with the times. Foolish exercise of generosity, overkindness, or repeated errors.
The Upright LOVERS card represents an attunement with others and an improvement in your relationships, especially romantic ones. You may well meet your perfect mate, especially if you relax and follow your heart. Even when reversed, the Lovers card warns of rash decisions that will more than likely be regretted down the road. You must consider your options carefully; test them with your own intuition.
THE CHARIOT symbolises the principle that the human 'Will' functions only when the whole being is behind it. This card is about the struggles we have with ourselves and with life. Even when reversed, the Chariot suggests that you are feeling as if you have very little control over your life. You may have lost steering power over the opposing forces and you are now at their mercy.
JUSTICE is numbered eight in some decks and eleven in others. Only logical thinking and facts will enable you to move forward. There can be a satisfactory conclusion to a legal matter if you take care. This card may herald the signing of contracts or legal papers. When reversed, Justice suggests a miscarriage of justice. There may be serious conflicts regarding legal matters or possibly even criminal proceedings.
THE HERMIT has arrived at a high point of spiritual wisdom and is willing to share it. In its upright position, the Hermit suggests it is a time for withdrawal and privacy. Meditation and contemplation are needed to progress and connect with the quiet wisdom both within ourselves and of the universe. Even when reversed, the Hermit warns that excessive isolation can be harmful. You may feel lost, lonely, and without purpose.
The WHEEL OF FORTUNE indicates that the second half of the soul's journey has begun. The upright Tarot card meaning points to a day full of interesting surprises. Someone from your past will try to make contact with you and offer unexpected opportunities to you. When reversed, the Wheel shows a period of bad luck upon you. This card can often show a need for good luck and prosperity.
STRENGTH applies more to inner strength than actual physical strength. Strength indicates the importance of mind over matter, and reminds you to focus on what you do want rather than what you don't want in your life. Even when reversed, Strength does not indicate that you are not strong; on the contrary, it indicates typically that there is more strength in you and in your immediate situation than you are likely to be seeing at this time.
Just the term "HANGED MAN" can be off-putting, and has a tendency to put us ill at ease. When we pull this card it is an indication that we may be "hung up" in our own distracting thoughts, we're complicating things, or we need to step away from something. Reversed, there is no sacrifice, no new insight. This suggests that whatever the querent is hoping to achieve, or do, they cannot do. All of us stop and shift in our seats when we come upon the grim reaper.
DEATH as an ending, like getting called out of the game of life. Thankfully, that is not what this card is about. The Death card speaks of a major conclusion in an area of our lives. Reversed, it often indicates that the changes that are likely to be coming into our life are of a less intense nature than the changes indicated by the upright card.
TEMPERANCE is a card about balance, in many ways, and relationships of all kinds. Friendships, family, romantic, and work partnerships all need your attention. You have been able to take the middle road, avoiding extremes and maintaining a great sense of calm in your life. Temperance reversed reflects a time when something is out of balance, in conflict or excessive, therefore creating stress and tension in your life.
THE DEVIL is a card about bondage but often this bondage is metaphysical and/or internal. Matter overpowers mind. Desires rule. Beware of your dark side. Cleanse yourself of behaviours and habits that are doing you no good. Things are unclear for you now. Don't let yourself be intimidated and don't judge others too harshly. Others seem uptight, set in their ways. Are you? Don't let past issues cloud today's progress. Reversed the querent was in danger, but held out, or changed their mind, eluding temptation/enslavement.
THE TOWER is a card about change. Trying to hold too tightly to the status quo can be disastrous now. Roll with the changes. Don't be upset if things don't turn out as planned. Try to compromise and see others' points of view. Delays are inevitable. A fall from glory is likely. Be prepared to change course midstream. Reversed the querent will be seen as a liar whilst trying to reveal a terrible scam or scandal. They will suffer by the disbelief of others.
THE STAR is one of the most favourable cards in the tarot pack; it represents the goals that are hoped to be achieved. The person for whom the Star appears can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and they're about to reach their target. Beware of pride; aim for cooperation/innovation. Remain humble. Reversed it is a very bleak and black time for the querent as they may be dying or suicidal.
THE MOON shows people acting clannish and emotional. Don't join the crowd. Read between the lines. Your intuition is very strong right now, but you're still likely to be deceived. This is not the time to start anything new. Have patience and roll with the punches. Don't be too trusting or willing to go the extra mile - unless you can afford it. Reversed it suggests that order is moving into chaos and that only the primitive reigns - unchecked, directionless, with no purpose or hope of coming to an end.
THE SUN is possibly one of the nicest cards to have in a spread. If you have been having a hard time recently then this cards signifies the end of the dark days and the start of the sunshine. Enthusiasm and self-assurance bring results. A promotion is on the horizon. When reversed, relationship hassles are likely. Don't get wrapped up in yourself so tightly that you ignore your partner's or other's needs.
JUDGMENT represents a job well done, and one that delivers many rewards; laziness is punished. Make peace, don't nit-pick yourself or others too harshly. Health improves, but it may take some effort on your part. Reversed, your desire to escape is strong. Keep your ears open and your mouth closed. Listen. Read all the fine print. Self-esteem is low and needs a boost.
THE WORLD card requires you to look at both sides of a situation and surround yourself with those who truly love you. Refuse to get shaken when others try to undermine your confidence in your strengths and abilities. When reversed, don't be too trusting. Put your faith in number one! Pamper yourself and the object of your affection.
Blessings
Suzanne
