major arcana cards

Every standard tarot pack has 78 cards split into two sections, the major and minor arcana.

The major arcana consists of 22 cards. These are numbered from #0 (The Fool) to #21 (The World).

Major arcana cards are the backbone of the tarot. They focus on significant themes we encounter in life, like love, finances, and health, rather than looking at everyday events or issues. (That’s where the minor arcana cards shine.)

Each major arcana card features an image designed with various symbols, all chosen to reinforce the messages it conveys. Sometimes, the major arcana cards also represent important people who have a place in our lives.

Although each major arcana card has an independent meaning, the entire set tarot is designed to tell a story when read in order. This is known as ‘The Fool’s Journey’. Here’s how the story goes.

The Fool is the star character on a quest to find more meaning in life. As he moves from one card to the next, the Fool faces new information, challenges, insights, and life lessons. This is a progressive experience that ends naturally with The World tarot card.

A card from the major arcana is used as the starting point in a typical tarot reading. Every further tarot card is interpreted in relation to this key symbol, so a specific storyline with genuine meaning and insights develops.