By Greyhound

I set out to write what the Major Arcana means to me. This is not to say there are not other valid interpretations... I may even add keywords and change things over time. The more I learn about Tarot, the more there is to learn...

0 - The Fool:

Keywords: Naiveté, innocence, full of hope, unfettered by responsibility, faith, trust, willingness to risk, potential, the first steps, freedom

The Fool, accompanied by his little dog and carrying his satchel, steps out into the world holding the white rose of innocence and unaware of what awaits him... He looks upward, unconcerned with what lies ahead. The Fool is full of dreams and hopes... he is not afraid to take risks. If he steps off the cliff, he trusts that the Universe will catch him and all will end well. The Fool has no worries and carries little baggage. He is quick to trust. Because the Fool is full of dreams and unafraid to take the leap necessary, he has great potential. The Fool often represents the beginning... of a journey, of a lesson or of a stage in our lives. The Fool is also a representation of Everyman. He is us with all our human foibles. Stepping out and falling face first and getting right back up, sure that the next time we'll do it better. He is the big kid in us.

1 - The Magician:

Keywords: Force of will, raw power, creative energy, existence, being capable, tapping into your personal power, awareness

The Magician holds one hand toward the heavens and the other pointed down to the earth. I have heard it said that this is a reference to the phrase "As above, so below", or even "On earth, as it is in Heaven". Whether or not these familiar phrases were intentionally being made part of his energy or not, one thing is clear. The Magician knows how to tap into the energies around him and make things happen. Before him are the symbols of each suit... Pentacles, Cups, Swords, Wands. To me, this says he has everything he needs to take action and bring his dreams to fruition. He is equipped. He has what it takes. The Magician is capable of intensely focusing his will on what he wishes to learn or attain. This makes him extremely powerful. He literally can do anything he sets his mind to. The Magician is assigned the numeral 1... from the empty slate of the Fool, the Magician represents the coming into being of something. What was previously only an idea can become reality.

2 - The High Priestess:

Keywords: Mystery, feminine mystique, passivity, receptivity, purity, virginity, intuition

This poem comes to mind when I see this card:

She walks in beauty like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meets in her aspect and her eyes...

Lord Byron, from "The Golden Treasury"

In some ways she is the counterpart to the Magician, powerful but more internal/passive. She is the feminine mystique. She holds the secrets in her hands and sits before the veil hiding the mysteries. The pillars on each side of her labeled B & J. Boaz and Jachin were the names of the pillars at the entrance to the temple in Jerusalem. She is linked to the Moon and the cycles therein. (I have heard it said that the Moon card is the High Priestess card as seen from the other side...) She is calm, pure, unspoiled. She embodies intuition and inner knowledge... possibilities and things hidden.

3 - The Empress:

Keywords: Creativity, fertility, birth, bounty, abundance, fruitfulness, nurture, mothering, sensual pleasure

The Empress is all about fertility, creativity and sensual pleasure. She is sometimes described as Mother Earth or Mother Nature. A more mature woman than the High Priestess... comfortable with who she is and not afraid to be herself. Many Empress cards depict a pregnant woman or nursing mother... The Empress is linked to Venus and wears a crown of 12 stars (referencing the zodiac) and a necklace of 7 pearls (the 7 main planets used on astrology). Her birthing, nurturing qualities are not confined to children, however. She often shows up when we are "giving birth" to a new project, or are in the throes of a creative or artistic endeavor.

4 - The Emperor:

Keywords: Authority, order, law, society, organization of scattered energy

I sometimes have trouble really liking this card. He is the stern authoritarian father figure... although, I tend to take this image probably due to the stern visage my own father often wore... I have to remind myself that this card brings order and stability... that he is a loving protector. The Emperor is sometimes considered the Empress' counterpart or mate. Where she is giving and nurturing, he is stern and immovable. The many Rams on his throne are a link to Aries. He embodies the Law and societies expectations as taught to us by our fathers... He can bring together many parts into a cohesive whole.

5 - The Hierophant:

Keywords: Organized religion, working with a group, adhering to a code or manifesto, family hierarchy

The Hierophant brings us to the next step in our journey, having come to terms with the authority of our fathers, we now have to learn to function in a group. Organized religion is a good analogy for this, but the energy of this card can be applied across many types of organizations. He can refer to a group of friends or a workplace... Often he comes with an implied ethical code and when you are facing ethical questions, don't be surprised if this card makes a showing. Familial relationships and their structure can also figure in. Where the Emperor focuses on the authority figure, this card focuses on the group mind.

6 - The Lovers:

Keywords: Adult choices, love and passion, heart over mind, connections between people, yin and yang, duality

The Lovers is the next step in our growth as we make adult choices. Having worked with authority and with groups, we now need to step into being in charge of our own environment. The Lovers is assumed to depict romantic love, and it certainly can do that. More often, however, it shows us where a choice (and sometimes a difficult one) must be made. Often when making difficult decisions we find ourselves torn between where our hearts would lead us and what common sense would choose. It is at this point that we decide whether to throw caution to the winds and dive in or take a more cautious tack. This card also speaks of opposing forces, although not as obvious or as energetic as what we'll see in the Chariot.

7 - The Chariot:

Keywords: Opposing forces, hard control, reining in impulses, quelling opposition, being master of our fate, discipline and determination, motion and inertia

There are many possibilities when we take the reins of the Chariot. We can find ourselves pulled in different directions, we can rein ourselves in and exert discipline over our desires, we become powerful and capable of moving great distances with little effort, we can force a coming together for a purpose even though enmity exists between parties or entities. This card represents powerful energy... energy that can get away from us or can be harnessed for our purposes. We can put ourselves in the position of the driver, or we can work at cross-purposes and be one of the horses. So much is possible with this card. Wherever the Chariot energy exists, it is also within the seeker to take the reins and be the driver. It all depends on what role you choose for yourself.

8 - Strength:

Keywords: Soft control, life experience, wisdom, gentle persuasion, leading by example

The energy of the Strength card comes to us through understanding that true leadership is by example and not by force. Through living our lives we begin to understand that life isn't so simple. Through our wounds we gain wisdom and learn to empathize with others. They are naturally drawn to our gentle leadership. There is no need to manhandle our issues or anyone else for that matter... kid gloves will work just as well if we know how to use them. The strength of experience and wisdom may not appear stronger, but appearances can be deceiving.

9 - The Hermit:

Keywords: Looking within, alone time, introspection, spiritual seeking, willingness to be a vessel

The Hermit isn't lonely... He has reached a place where the need for fellowship doesn't direct his existence. It's perfectly OK to take time to be alone... to seek higher knowledge. The Hermit may choose to take this time or it may just happen. Sometimes the universe provides what is needed. When faced with time alone, it may feel like a punishment. It is a good time to be willing to obtain knowledge and by so doing, become a vessel to pass the knowledge on to others. We've all heard the saying, "Knowledge is Power". Knowledge that is not shared, dies. Look outside and see what the universe wants to pass on to you.

10 - The Wheel of Fortune:

Keywords: Fate, random chance, powerlessness, change, turning things around, luck

Round and round she goes... where she stops, nobody knows... The Wheel of Fortune reminds me of a roulette wheel. You make a bet and take a chance. You have no control over the outcome, fate will have her way. Sometimes this card is called Fortuna, in honor of the goddess that ruled fate. There is a powerlessness inherent in the energy of this card... we can't control everything that comes our way. What is sure when the Wheel of Fortune makes an appearance in a spread is that change is coming. In history, often this card was depicted as upsetting the fortunes of royalty... it gave people hope that no matter what your status at birth, it could all go away with the turn of the wheel. Another saying that comes to mind when considering this card is "Stop the world, I wanna get off!" Sometimes things move faster than we like. When you feel the world picking up speed and you feel ill prepared for the future, don't be surprised when the Wheel of Fortune makes a showing.

11 - Justice:

Keywords: Truth, justice, ethics, legal concerns, doing what's right, assisting the cause of justice, balance between issues, finding a solution

The figure from the Justice card is one we see often in front of courthouses and federal buildings... she is blindfolded and holds the scales in one hand and the two-edged sword in the other. She represents the relentless pursuit of truth and justice... The Rider-Waite card displays the figure a little differently, but the meanings are similar. Often justice and truth have nothing to do with the law, however... While we might see this card in conjunction with legal concerns, ethical issues arrive daily in our lives. This card represents an opportunity to do the right thing. Sometimes the wisdom of Solomon is required to come to a solution that benefits all parties. It is a literal tightrope that we tread, between being overly zealous to the letter of the law and adhering to the spirit of it, thus the additional meaning of balance. Justice is more than applying a set of rules to a situation... it includes thinking outside the box and seeing both sides of an issue.

12 - The Hanged Man:

Keywords: Sacrifice, being willing to suffer for the greater good, being in a holding pattern, inability to move forward, suspended animation, consider things from another point of view, postponement

There are many stories about just who the Hanged Man represents. Some say he is Saint Peter, who refused to allow himself to be crucified in the same manner as his master. Others have said he is Judas Iscariot, which is why he is sometimes depicted with coins falling out of his pocket. Still others have said he is Odin, who agreed to hang in a tree until he should receive enlightenment. I can't say which is the historically correct assertion, but I do find the Odin tale more applicable for me, personally. Being willing to sacrifice for the greater good is an important part of the Hanged Man's meaning, but he also means that one may feel 'stuck' or unable to move on. Sometimes there is a particular lesson that must be learned before we will be able to so do. There is an implied letting go of ideas that may be necessary... When you find things just aren't moving along and there is no explanation why, try considering your problems from another vantage point. Sometimes the universe turns things upside down for us so we can see things from a new perspective...

13 - Death:

Keywords: Transition, passage, a new beginning, ending of old things, letting go, change

As no doubt you've read elsewhere, the Death card doesn't mean literal death. The Death card deals with endings and beginnings of all sorts. It is the transition into a new phase in your life, the phoenix rising from the ashes of it's former self. Like the Hanged Man, a letting go of the old is often necessary, but unlike the Hanged Man which can bring stagnation and postponement, the Death card brings sweeping changes. The Death card depicts several figures being confronted from several classes or walks of life... This implies that none of us are immune to the energy that Death brings, nor can the forces be resisted. It is a time that one must simply surrender to what is and go with the flow.

14 - Temperance:

Keywords: the blending of energies, balance and harmony, moderation, the alchemist

The Temperance card shows an angel pouring a liquid from one vase into another. Sometimes the card is depicted as mixing differing or opposite elements (i.e. fire and water), which implies the blending of energies in order to produce something new. The gentle balance of Temperance is often the perfect antidote for the sweeping changes the Death card can bring... Temperance brings with it wholeness and health. If you tend to lean to extremes in opinion, in how you treat your body, in the way you approach life, you may need more temperance energy. Temperance brings harmony and stillness. In our very fast-paced existence it seems we take less and less time to find this balance. You may find that living so fast and furious takes a toll on your personal health. When you see the Temperance card in a spread, look for areas in your life that you need moderation, areas where there is tension or chaos, areas that the harmony of Temperance is needed.

15 - The Devil:

Keywords: Materialism, addiction, enslavement, lack of freedom, limitation, our shadow self, the flaws we attempt to hide from ourselves

The Devil card is often interpreted primarily as materialism... as being enslaved to worldly goods. Actually, this enslavement can assume many forms. Anything we do to ourselves, even though we know it isn't good for us (i.e. using drugs or alcohol... even when it hurts our health, making poor choices to continue in relationships that are toxic). The Devil often relates to short-term thinking, a failure to see how our actions now will affect our future, or not caring about the future enough to make healthy choices. Often this type of thinking accompanies poverty of all kinds. The Devil can also touch on issues we hide from ourselves, areas where we need growth or change but choose not to look at or confront. The Devil card shows two people who are chained, but they appear neither upset about this, nor bound very tightly. I have often heard it said that the people in the image could easily remove the chains from around their neck, but choose not to. Either they don't realize they can, or they just don't want to take responsibility for their own destiny. The Devil card highlights for us, areas that need our attention, areas we may be trapped.

16 - The Tower:

Keywords: Abrupt changes, devastation, a force beyond our control, a wake up call, ending of a pattern, being forced to let go or move on

The Tower depicts a card being struck by lightening with people hurtling to the ground below... and no, it doesn't look like much fun. The Tower is a difficult card with life-arranging energy. Sometimes things change a little and sometimes the Tower intercedes and really shakes things up. I've often looked at this card as a "wake up call from the Universe". It's telling me that changes need to be made, or they will be made for me. When the Tower comes up in a spread, look for areas in your life where letting go or moving on is important. It's much easier to do these things for ourselves than to have them done for us. Other cards in the Tarot deal with control, this one addresses the total lack thereof. Often the end result is a good one, ending in a positive change that was very needed, but the experience itself is unsettling at best.

17 - The Star:

Keywords: Hope (even when there appears to be no reason to hope), faith, rest, rejuvenation, centering, opening your heart, tranquility, healing, the light at the end of the tunnel

After all these difficult cards on the Fool's Journey, we find the Star... the card of hope and healing. These dark cards were necessary, but painful. Now it's time to look up and find that there is still hope and charity in the world, that you can trust again. Your irritating neighbors show up on your doorstep with supplies during a snowstorm, your lost pet finds it's way home, the guy you accidentally hit in the parking lot calls and says his bumper is already fixed and it didn't cost anything. Hope springs eternal... This time is a necessary time for rest and rejuvenation. There is more work to be done, but for now, do something kind for yourself and one other person. Enjoy the serenity and gentleness of this card...

18 - The Moon:

Keywords: Fear, the lunar cycle, evolving, animal instincts, dreams and imagination, fantasy, our psyche, the subconscious, confusion, disorientation

The Moon and her eerie light casts shadows that we laugh off during the light of day. As children, the shadows on our wall become scary bears or monsters under the bed. We see the dog and the wolf on this card, our instinctual/animal side and our civilized one. We are both... which side will win? Out of the water comes a crustacean... will he evolve to a higher life form? The lunar cycle affects us all, directing the tides of our planet and much more. This can be disorienting and confusing. The Moon is a powerful force, one we cannot escape. Since we are so bound, let's look to how the Moon can empower us. Dreams and imagination come from this mystical body, the ability to dream of what's never been done, the creation of songs before they are played on an instrument, a literary work still in the author's head, even architectural marvels, new medical miracles... all just waiting to be imagined, for that initial spark. This is the place of the Moon. The word "lunatic" is derived from the Latin luna "from the belief that lunacy fluctuated with the phases of the moon" (www.webster.com). It is said that we use only 10 percent of our brains. The Moon governs the other 90...

19 - The Sun:

Keywords: Joy, happiness, energy, lightness of spirit, carpe diem (seize the day), health, brilliance and prominence

The sun, oh blessed morning! After what some authors call "the dark night of the soul" (The Moon card), we wake to sunny skies and joyful existence! Full of energy this Sun, banishing all the eeriness of the night without effort. This is the energy that enables leaping out of bed to embrace whatever the day will bring. This energy is so strong and vibrant we feel it in our bones. This is singing and whistling energy... the world opens up to the possibilities we have dreamt. We can shine! We are amazing! Now if only we couldn't all get up with this kind of strength... How many of us are actually morning people? I'm not! I think if I had to choose one card, the Sun or the Moon, which is more prominent in my life, I would have to say I'm more akin to the Moon. It doesn't mean we don't have sunny days, we moon folk... But we may see the Sun less in our spreads and feel less of its influence. In the world, there is a need for all kinds of people... we all experience joy and sorrow, pain and suffering, happiness and love. If today is not a sunny day for you and yet this card shows up in your spread, be aware that you may have to work a little to tap into this joyful energy. Sit down and spend 5 or 10 minutes meditating on this card... if you can enter the card and listen to what it has to tell you, do it! You may find a secret to tapping into its energy. The reason the card has come up in your spread is that this energy IS around you... it's a matter of learning how to connect.

20 - Judgment:

Keywords: Rebirth, karma, spiritual enlightenment, destiny, awakening, redemption

Often, we grow up with a very stern image of a vengeful god who delights in condemning us. When I first saw this card, it scared me for this reason. One area I believe this card is meant to help us master is to confront this image and let it go. We can struggle our whole life attempting to be perfect and we will fail. Perfectionism hurts us and it isn't healthy. The Judgment card depicts people rising from their graves and being reborn, the Angel Gabriel sounds his horn to spur their awakening to new life. Something has happened that allows us to be more aware, more in tune with universal truths. We let go of things that are less important. We trust that all will be as it should be in the end, and it's not always ours to control. We may find a sense of renewed purpose and destiny... We feel more awake, less worried. We understand that our lessons come in the order that they were meant to, and that not everything that happens in life is to teach us a lesson.

21 - The World:

Keywords: Fulfillment, completion, arrival, abundance, wholeness, gratitude

The dancer on the World card leaps through the opening with joy, she is constantly moving and you won't find the grass growing under her feet. Though she has reached a place of fulfillment or accomplishment, it doesn't stop there. When we speak of the Fool's Journey, and setting out on this path we tread, it refers to both the journey of our life and the smaller journeys within that life. We go through the series of cards both once and many times (and not necessarily in order). There is no stopping at that one place we hope to achieve, it is simply a transition to the next phase. All the elements come together in a harmonious place for this time of transition. We have achieved! We have succeeded! We have braved the dark and not floundered! We have beaten our illness! We have broken a bad pattern! Because we all move through our stages of this life differently, and because we all have different destinies, don't feel that this time must measure up to someone else's scale of success. For some of us, the World would mean we are still breathing... for others the fulfillment of their life’s dream. Be thankful for this period.