Rider-Waite Tarot - Major Arcana Study Sheet

June 04, 2017 • Tarot

This is a study guide that I made to help in learning the Major Arcana Tarot Cards.

Major Arcana Tarot meanings:

The Major Arcana represent a path to spiritual awareness.
They depict the various stages we encounter as we search for greater meaning.
They illustrate the structure of human consciousness.
One should study the images of the cards to contemplate their messages.
Look beyond the keywords and use your intuition to seek out your own personal meanings.
The more you understand the symbolism, the deeper your understanding of what they represent.
When a tarot reading is predominately made up of Major Arcana, the questioner is experiencing life-changing events which will have long term influences.
There are important lessons which they must pay attention to in order to progress further in their spiritual and personal quest.
If many of the Major Arcana are reversed, it is indicative that the questioner is not paying attention to these important life lessons and should return to the lesson of the previous card before moving forward.
Tarot readings can be done using only the Major Arcana.
The readings in this case are usually related to spiritual self-awareness where one requires deep insight from the collective unconscious.

0 The Fool:

Ruled by Uranus
Innocence
Leaping into the unknown
Starting new
Spontaneity
A free spirit
Extravagance

Reversed:

Unable to make a decision or move forward
Foolishness
Risk-taking
Naivety
Carelessness

1 The Magician:

Ruled by Mercury, messenger of the gods
Powerful, masculine energy
New ideas and creativity
Connection to source
Concentration
Resourcefulness
Self-confidence
Skills
The querent or querent's interest
All 4 Elements are represented on the altar.
Focus and concentration.
Law of correspondence ..
As above so below, as below so above as the vertical held wand and redirection down to the rosebed of subconsciousness.

Reversed:

Lack of skill
Manipulation
Poor planning
Conceit
Deception
Be careful where to put your trust

2. The High Priestess:

Ruled by the Moon
Spirituality
Intuition and patience
Subconscious
Mystery
Higher powers
Something remains hidden so do not rush
Knowledge and wisdom
The querent or querent's interest

Reversed:

Vanity
Instability
Selfishness
Ignorance
Deception
Hidden agendas
Need to listen to inner voice

##3 The Empress:
Ruled by Venus
Abundance and wealth
Initiative and action
Ignorance regarding concerns or stresses
Beauty, nature, femininity, fertility
Creativity
Clandestine
The unknown
Difficulty or doubt
###Reversed:
Overindulgence
Barrenness
A tendency to be domineering
Losing power
Creative block
Dependence on others

##4 The Emperor:
Associated with Aries
Material wealth
Independence
Power
Discipline
Authority
Protection
Stability
Structure
Solid foundation
Reason
Conviction
###Reversed:
Immaturity
Lack of self control
Miserly
Domination
Rigidity
Inflexibility
Excessive control

##5 The Hierophant:
Associated with Taurus
Mercy and compassion
Inspiration
Bridge between deity and humanity
Marriage, alliance
Captivity, servitude
Conformity
Tradition or beliefs
Religion

Reversed:

Unconventional
Disregard for rules
Weakness
Restriction
Challenging the status quo

6 The Lovers:

Associated with Gemini
Partnership, love, friendship
Duality of earthly and divine love
Attraction, love, beauty
Trials overcome
A test you will pass
Values
Alignment

Reversed:

Quarrels
Separation
Infidelity
Hasty, unwise choices
Disharmony
Imbalance
Misalignment of values
Loss

7 The Chariot:

Linked to Cancer and the Moon
Balance negative and positive forces to achieve success
Maintain focus
Control
Will power
Determination
Assertion
Triumph overcoming obstacles

Reversed:

Lack of control and direction
Bad habits
Failure to follow through
Aggression
Defeat

8 Strength:

Associated with Leo
Use your head, not your heart
Exercise restraint
Courage
Patience
Control
Compassion
Healing qualities
Spiritual power

Reversed:

Weakness and lack of self control
Lack of confidence
Lack of self-discipline
Cowardice

9 The Hermit:

Associated with Virgo
Looking inward
Soul-searching
Introspection
Inner guidance
Healing
Seeking the inner path
Self-knowledge
Caution

Reversed:

Loneliness and depression
Isolation
Withdrawal
Hasty decisions
Fear
Overly cautious

10 Wheel of Fortune:

Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion
A turn for the better
Reward for past deeds
Fortune, power, movement and change
The cyclical nature of life
Good luck
Destiny
Success

Reversed:

Turn for the worse
Blind optimism can lead to failure
Bad luck
Out of control
Negative external forces

11 Justice:

Associated with Libra
Decisions will be made- fairly
Balance
Truth
Cause and effect
Law

Reversed:

Unreasonable decisions
Others may not be forthright
Unfairness
Lack of accountability
Dishonesty
Bias

12 The Hanged Man

Stepping back to reassess and rest
Wisdom as a result of self-sacrifice
Letting go
Suspension
You must be patient

Reversed:

Unwillingness to make sacrifices
Or sacrifices made for the wrong reasons
Martyrdom
Indecision
Delay
Selfishness
Effort is required

13 Death:

Rebirth
Transition
Endings,
beginnings
Accept change
Let go of the past
Transformation

Reversed:

Refusal to budge
Resistance to change
Unable to move forward
Stagnation
Possible loss of friendship

14 Temperance:

Linked to Sagittarius
Good health
Balance within oneself and relationships
Moderation
Patience
Purpose

Reversed:

Disharmony
Frustration
Clashing interests
Imbalance
Excess
Lack of long-term vision

15 The Devil

Associated with Capricorn
Emotional, spiritual or physical bondage
Relationships based on material gain
Sexuality
Addiction

Reversed:

Detachment
Breaking free
Power reclaimed
You face bad habits or addictions but these can be overcome

16 The Tower:

Ruled by Mars
Radical transformation
Destruction bringing change
Disaster, upheaval
Revelation
A partnership may suddenly dissolve
Disruption

Reversed:

Avoidance of disaster
Fear of change
Trapped by old habits
Stuck in a rut

17 The Star:

Linked with Aquarius
Creativity and new ideas
Hope and inspiration
Spirituality
Renewal
Serenity
A bright future

Reversed:

Lack of faith
Despair
Discouragement
Disappointment perhaps due to stubbornness
An unfulfilling association may come to an end

18 The Moon:

The Moon rules the subconscious
Psychic powers are revealed
Intuition is strong
Beware of deception
Unusual events may occur
Fear, anxiety, insecurity
Illusion

Reversed:

Release of fear, unhappiness or confusion
Deceptions are unmasked
Small mistakes can be corrected

19 The Sun:

Growth, contentment, positive energy
Happy relationships
Creative endeavors
Expand your horizons
Success
Positivity
Vitality and warmth

Reversed:

Temporary depression
Lack of success
Blocked energy
Setbacks
Keep an eye on important relationships

20 Judgement:

Ruled by Pluto
Transformation
Rebirth
Inner calling
Absolution
A fresh start
Forgive and forget
Soul searching

Reversed:

Self-doubt
Refusal of self-examination
Stop delaying the inevitable
Indecision can lead to missed opportunities

21 The World:

The completion of life's circle
Mystical unity with the Universe
Success and liberation through spiritual rebirth
Integration
Accomplishment
Travel

Reversed:

Lack of completion or closure
Success may be delayed
Filter out imperfections and refine your vision
Failure
Inertia
Evil reward

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