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Category: Major Arcana

Major Arcana information from the Archives.

  • The Chariot – 7

    Learning to read Tarot will help you delve deeper into your own self and how situations flow around you. This moment carries you forward on your Tarot learning journey much like the Chariot carries it’s rider traditionally. Keeping your wits about you is how you don’t drown just as the Chariot rider must pay attention to not veer off course. Take your time to learn each card’s meaning instead of careening out of control.

    The Chariot card from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck where a chariot is pulled by 2 different sphinxes of black and white while the rider is clad in armor before

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Water

    Numerology: 16

    Planetary Ruler(s): Moon

    Zodiac(s): Cancer

    The Chariot card means movement in the Tarot. Where that movement heads for is determined by the rider’s ability to lead their horses or sphinxes. This is a balancing act in and of itself. Hold the reigns too tight and the creatures will be uncertain of themselves despite knowing the path forward. Hold the reigns too loose and they can become easily spooked running in opposite directions. The Chariot needs balance and confidence to carry the learner through the rest of the Tarot cards. Learn to harness your willpower to make the journey easier.

    Upright Meaning

    Journey, forward momentum, willpower, direction, confidence, transportation, travel

    Reversed Meaning

    Uncertainty, delays, cancelled travel, journey issues, aggression, out of control, stuck in place

    Important Symbols

    • Chariot
      • Transportation and movement
      • Traveling in relative comfort
    • Rider
      • Celebrated leader
      • Willpower controls direction
    • Sphinxes/Horses/Creature
      • One black and one white for balance and duality
      • Cooperation moves forward verses strife stalls out
    • Town
      • Leaving things/people behind
      • Stability
    • Curtains
      • Open to see what lies ahead
      • Closed would slow the movement through lack of sight

    <- The Lovers

    Tarot Archives

    Strength ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The Lovers – 6

    When you meet someone special, you try to learn all you can about them starting with things you can easily connect on. Likewise the Lovers card is one of the first Tarot cards most people learn well. It’s a simple card on the surface just like a budding new romance. However, just like that romance, give the Lovers card time to show you it is just as deep as any other Tarot card in the Major Arcana.

    The Lovers Tarot card from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Air

    Numerology: 15

    Planetary Ruler(s): Mercury

    Zodiac(s): Gemini

    Most people seek this card when they meet someone new that they hope is “the one”. That is fine for the rose-colored glasses moment, but Tarot isn’t just roses and rainbows. It, like any other art, mirrors life. Beyond the surface meaning of love is understanding, forgiveness, knowing you don’t always see eye-to-eye but choosing the other person anyway, and a lot of trust. The Lovers card seeks to teach that once that initial giddiness is stripped away you must have a foundation to stand on that can bridge your differences. Otherwise, there is no hope for partnerships to last through the Tarot journey or the journey of life.

    Upright Meaning

    Choices, commitment, partnership, relationship, harmony, duality, trusting, security

    Reversed Meaning

    Failure, disharmony, infidelity, separation, distrustfulness, uncertainty, plans gone awry

    Important Symbols

    • Lovers
      • Partners on opposite sides
      • Balancing each other while meeting on equal ground
    • Angel
      • Rising above disharmony
      • Seeing the bigger picture
    • Sun
      • New beginnings and Hope – Dawn
      • Losing light/sight – Dusk
    • Tree of Knowledge
      • Temptation to stray away
      • Understanding even if it’s not the answer you want
    • Tree of Life
      • Keeping secluded
      • Burning passion

    <- The Hierophant

    Tarot Archives

    The Chariot ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The Hierophant – 5

    Interpretation is the name of the game when it comes to learning to read Tarot. You could be preached to day and night, but if that isn’t your way of learning, then you’ll retain nothing. Finding the right way to learn is the best way to grow your knowledge of the cards. There is no perfect system for all people, and sometimes tradition isn’t the best way. No card in Tarot represents finding the right mentor than the Hierophant.

    The Hierophant Card from the Rider-Smith-Waite tarot deck

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Earth

    Numerology: 14

    Planetary Ruler(s): Venus

    Zodiac(s): Taurus

    When it comes down to it, most representations of the Hierophant are that of a religious leader teaching and guiding their people. Traditions and knowledge get passed down to the community from them. That works wonders for some to learn in the sacred ways. For others, it is a nightmare. They cannot understand how the Hierophant teaches and instead stumble through without the knowledge to proceed. However, this Tarot card also teaches that we should seek a mentor that can guide based off how we work. It is a fine line to walk that path of knowledge between the pillars that flank either side. Representing the precarious pathway between Freedom and Lawfulness.

    Upright Meaning

    Righteousness, religion, tradition, teacher/mentor, sacredness, hierarchy, order, beliefs, ethics, knowledge, education

    Reversed Meaning

    Ignorance, gullibility, rebellion, unorthodox/non-conformity, rejecting tradition, originality, lack of guidance

    Important Symbols

    • Hierophant
      • Mentor/Teacher
      • Ethics and beliefs
    • Crown/Papal Tiara
      • Order
      • Hierarchy
    • Worshipers
      • Passing on information
      • Teaching
    • Pillars
      • Law and Freedom
      • Obedience and disobedience
    • Triple Cross & Keys to Heaven
      • Religion
      • Tradition/Conformity

    <- The Emperor

    Tarot Archives

    The Lovers ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The Emperor – 4

    Tarot means a lot is left up to interpretation, but The Emperor isn’t going to just let that be wishy-washy. He’s here to make sure that the structure of the Tarot is followed. There is a right and a wrong way to do things, and he wants you to do things the “right way”. That way he can just be there to support and not have to punish you. After all, he maybe understanding, but The Emperor must still have those follow the laws of his land.

    The Emperor card sitting upon a throne with golden crown, globe, staff, and cloak adorning him

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Fire

    Numerology: 13

    Planetary Ruler(s): Mars

    Zodiac(s): Aries

    Whenever The Emperor makes his presence known, he has many ways to go. While he is there to lead and guide, The Emperor is still ready at a moments notice to spring into action as needed. Ready to take up arms should the moment arise. Until such a time, he will remain steadfast in his duties while remembering a bit of gentleness more-so embodied by his counterpart. The Emperor means to weigh the paths laid before him and keep in mind there are consequences if he acts too rashly.

    Upright Meaning

    Stability, leadership, power, promotion, protection, conviction, reason, authority, structure, law & order

    Reversed Meaning

    Compassion, ego, tyranny, stubbornness, immaturity, obstruction, rigidity, ego, tyranny, confusion

    Important Symbols

    • Emperor
      • Masculinity
      • Leadership
    • Stone Ram Throne
      • Stone for Rigidity
      • Rams for Aries
    • Crown, Scepter, and Orb
      • Dominion and control
      • Worldly authority
    • Armor
      • Ready to fight if necessary
      • Strength and protection
    • Mountains
      • Solid foundation
      • Hard to penetrate once set
    • River
      • Emotional distance
      • Still understanding emotions can be at play

    <- The Empress

    Tarot Archives

    The Hierophant ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The Empress – 3

    The Empress showcases the meaning of fertility in the Tarot. Abundance flows all around her and from her. The Empress is the Tarot’s “traditional” answer to motherhood, femininity, birth/rebirth, and all things considered nurturing. She remains the bridge that brings new life forth and all that triumph entails. There are secrets here, but emotions are also kept in mind when she is speaking to you. There maybe some harsh truths. Still, The Empress will provide you what she can to help you understand the meaning of her card and what she has to tell you.

    The Empress from the Rider-Smith-Waite Tarot Deck

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Earth

    Numerology: 12 & 21

    Planetary Ruler(s): Venus

    Zodiac(s): Taurus & Libra

    The Empress has dominion over the nature she is surrounded by, but isn’t overwhelming in her presence. Instead, she is there as regal as her counterpart, but far more approachable. The gentle and nurturing nature she represents is shadowed only by the ignorance of those whom do not understand womanhood. She is not here to explain that to them either. The Empress is here to make sure her people are cared and provided for with the bounty she can bring them.

    Upright Meaning

    Fertility, fruitfulness, comfort, intuition, motherhood, stability, abundance, nurturing, gentle influence, ignorance

    Reversed Meaning

    Fertility issues, financial strife, failing self-actualization, indecisive, unraveling of matters, light, truth

    Important Symbols

    • Empress
      • Nurturing
      • Regal leadership/guidance
    • Wheat/Trees
      • Abundance
      • Dominion over nature
    • Fruit (Traditionally Pomegranates)
      • Fertility
      • Rebirth and life
    • Planchette with Venus
      • Revealing secrets
      • Feminine secrets
    • Crown of Stars
      • Guiding gentle light
      • Shining through the dark
    • Scepter
      • Divine rule
      • Ritual and ceremony (particularly towards fertility)
    • Cushions
      • Gentleness
      • Softening what could be harsh blows

    <- The High Priestess

    Tarot Archives

    The Emperor ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The High Priestess – 2

    So you want to know the meaning of The High Priestess in Tarot? She is the perfect card for that very endeavor. The High Priestess has the knowledge you seek and more. The true question is a different one, though. Are you ready for the knowledge and secrets she maintains?

    The High Priestess from the Rider-Smith-Waite Tarot deck

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Water

    Numerology: 11 & 20

    Planetary Ruler(s): Moon

    Zodiac(s): Cancer

    Sitting between the Pillars to Solomon’s Temple is where we find The High Priestess. She knows well the knowledge that rests in the scroll she keeps. The secrets that lie just behind her is more of the wisdom The High Priestess safeguards. What you get to know and have illuminated is up to how much she’s willing to reveal. Be honest with her because her intuitive feel for you will determine how much The High Priestess gives away.

    Upright Meaning

    Intuition, divine wisdom, deep knowledge, subconscious, inner voice, mystery, science, secrets being revealed

    Reversed Meaning

    Conceit, surface knowledge, repressed emotions, withheld information, secrets remaining out of reach, egotism

    Important Symbols

    • Priestess
      • Feminine keeper of secrets
      • Empathetic but steadfast
    • Pillars (Typically of Boaz and Jachin at Solomon’s temple)
      • Knowledge kept
      • Duality (Black and White) of truth
    • Scroll (Tora)
      • Information easily accessed
      • Easier for some to understand than others
    • Veil/Curtain
      • Hidden if just glancing at the cracks
      • Easily moved for those that step forth
    • Crescent Moon
      • Intuition
      • Lighting even in dark moments
    • Water
      • Emotions
      • Seeing as far as you’re willing to go (surface looks gain surface knowledge, but deeper looks gain more)
    • Fruit Tree (Typically Pomegranate)
      • Tree of life
      • Seeds of knowledge but must be worked for

    <- The Magician

    Tarot Archives

    The Empress ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The Magician – 1

    In Tarot, The Magician means a great deal as he is the master of manifestation. “As above, So below” isn’t just a phrase to him. This means whatever is in the Higher or Spiritual Plane is also available in the Physical Plane. One just needs the determination and skill to do so. The Magician has the tools in front of him for this very goal.

    The Magician from the Rider-Smith-Waite Tarot Deck

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Air

    Numerology: 10 & 19

    Planetary Ruler(s): Mercury

    Zodiac(s): Gemini & Virgo

    While The Magician in Tarot is all about skill and reshaping the worlds, he doesn’t reach for the tools in front of him to access this potential. He has mastered the tools in front of him. It took time, determination, and practice, but he has achieved all of those. Now The Magician knows it is within him to bring the Spiritual/Higher Plane to the Physical Plane. He can call upon those tools he’s mastered if need be, but now he has control of the greatest resource to make those changes at The Magician’s whims ~ Himself.

    Upright Meaning

    Transformation, determination, adaptability, resourceful, skillful, self-confidence, willpower, manifestation

    Reversed Meaning

    Confusion, disquiet, disgrace, ill-intention, illusions, unable to see truth, lackluster energy

    Important Symbols

    • Magician (Traditionally male)
      • Arm up to the Higher Plane
      • Arm down to the Physical Plane
    • Infinity Symbol
      • Limitless potential
      • Connectivity between planes
    • Table of “Tools” (Minor Arcana Suits)
      • Mastery of each skill set
      • Available but unnecessary
    • Garden
      • Successful skill cultivation
      • Manifestation through determination
    • Double Ended Wand
      • Mirrored ends for bridging Above and Below
      • White for potential (just as a white candle can be substituted for any other candle)

    <- The Fool

    Tarot Archives

    The High Priestess ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

  • The Fool – 0

    Learning the meaning of Tarot is a Fool’s errand. That is why he starts the journey through the Major Arcana and Tarot as a whole. No one is more ready at heart than The Fool to set off on a journey. How long it will take and how he intends to get there are trivial matters.

    The Fool from the Rider-Smith-Waite Tarot deck

    Suit: Major Arcana

    Element(s): Air

    Numerology: All

    Planetary Ruler(s): Uranus

    Zodiac(s): Aquarius

    The Fool is the beginning. He’s setting off on a journey, though, he may not have told anyone where he was going. Or that he was going. He has his loyal companion at the heel trying to prevent him from falling, but The Fool has their small bag and a dream. What more do they need? It’s time for their new journey! The sun is rising, the mountains are calling, and there is a fresh start to be had.

    Upright Meaning

    New beginnings, innocence, wonder/childlike wonder, free spirit, new horizons, journey, spontaneity, romanticism of an adventure

    Reversed Meaning

    Chaos, reckless, lack of direction, falling off the path, naivety, stupidity, failure to find solid ground, spiraling into unplanned areas

    Important Symbols

    • Young Fool (Traditionally male)
      • Wonder/Open Mind
      • Romantic Notions of the world
    • White Dog
      • Loyal to his person
      • Energetic
    • Sun/Sunrise
      • Lightheartedness/Joy
      • Fresh Beginnings
    • Cliffs Edge
      • The point of no return
      • The leap of faith
    • Mountains
      • Journey into the unknown
      • Wonder for the beyond
    • Satchel/Rucksack
      • Some planning/forethought
      • Nourishment/tools
    • White Rose
      • Purity/Innocence
      • Reverence

    <- The World

    Tarot Archives

    The Magician ->

    TJ Gilbert

    Tiffany “TJ” Gilbert is a Practicing Witch and Tarot Reader. Their work with and understanding of Tarot and Witchcraft has been a driving force for over 20 years. They have also spent that same amount of time in the gaming world, and want to help bridge the gap between their two major loves. They live in Des Moines, Iowa while caring for aging relatives.

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