The successive advancement of the major arcana aka 'trump' cards represents the 'Fool's journey' of spiritual development. These cards are calls to action (CTAs) to learn very significant life lessons or character templates, aka archetypal themes. (In other words, these cards do not directly represent real people). Examples:
- The Magician card represents manifestation and resourcefulness.
- The Lovers card explores relationships and choices.
In other words, these cards are CTAs for introspection and self-discovery, by encouraging you to reflect on your current circumstances within the context of these broader themes.
Major Arcana cards also signal significant events or turning points in your life. In this case these cards are CTAs for attention and reflection into these pivotal moments, especially when there is a predominance of Major Arcana cards. These events are so significant because they will have lasting impacts on one's entire life.
Needless to say and conversely, if many Major Arcana cards are reversed, it may indicate missed lessons or resistance to necessary changes.
- The Hanged Man in reverse often symbolizes a lack of perspective or unwillingness to let go of your Ego's perspective (limited understanding, etc). While the upright position encourages surrender and seeing things from a different angle, the reversed position indicates that one might be clinging too tightly to their current viewpoint or situation. Consider someone who has been offered a chance to collaborate on a project but refuses due to their rigid thinking or fear of stepping outside their comfort zone. The Hanged Man reversed illustrates how this refusal can lead to missed opportunities for personal growth and new experiences. By not being open to new perspectives or ideas, they may miss out on valuable insights and connections that could have enriched their life.
Reversed cards may also indicate imbalance in how you approach the card's message. For instance,
- The empress reversed may suggest that while you have embraced the feminine energy of the empress card, maybe through resting, self-care and pampering yourself, you have done so to such an extreme that there is no balance. Ultimately, you have become lazy.
0. The fool
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A lightly dressed young traveler walks joyfully toward the edge of a cliff beneath a bright sky, seemingly unaware of the danger immediately ahead. His colorful floral clothing symbolizes innocence, openness, optimism, and youthful idealism, while the harsh snow-capped mountains behind him contrast sharply with his carefree appearance, suggesting that the journey ahead will involve real difficulty, uncertainty, and unfamiliar terrain for which he is not yet fully prepared. The cliff symbolizes risk, transition, leap into the unknown, and the beginning of a transformative life journey. The jagged mountains lower in the landscape resemble sharp forms associated with the swords suit symbolic of clarity and discernment, suggesting that wisdom and understanding will develop gradually through lived experience rather than rigid certainty. Beside the Fool walks a small white dog, symbolizing instinct, conscience, loyalty, innocent guidance, and the aspects of the self that may still help protect and orient him during the journey. CTA: recognize that freedom and possibility often arrive together with uncertainty and vulnerability. The beginning of a new life path may feel exhilarating and destabilizing at the same time. CTA: Remain open to growth and exploration, but develop discernment along the way. Do not fear mistakes or uncertainty, yet avoid abandoning every valuable lesson or moral strength from the past simply because the old structure no longer fits. In reverse, the card's CTA relates to facing new opportunities in a way that is somehow misaligned with your higher purpose. Example(s).
- A man leaves a highly controlling religious community and suddenly finds himself overwhelmed by freedom and endless possibilities. He impulsively jumps between identities, beliefs, and life directions while searching for certainty. The card reflects both the excitement and danger of beginning life anew without a fully developed internal compass. It encourages him to continue exploring and growing while slowly developing discernment, grounded values, and trust in his own evolving judgment.
- You need to address fear and lack of confidence and trust in the universe to proceed with a new opportunity. Fears may be unnecessary like fear of judgment by others. The CTA is to proceed even without understanding how things will work out. Be a fool in the sense of being a fool for the universe.
- You need to address fear the recurrence of past negative outcomes when faced with similar situations. This fear is a CTA to examine what went wrong the previous time to figure how to correct it this time around before proceeding with the current new opportunity. Learn that lesson this time around with love and compassion for yourself. Counterintuitively with this card, the situation might even require you to make firm plans, be patient, etc before proceeding.
- You have entered into a new opportunity with practical preparation that is within your worldly abilities.
(See article: Aces, pages and the fool - how these cards (RWS) of beginnings differ)
1. The magicianImage (opens in additional tab)
The magician is the first person that the fool meets. His pose (and double-ended wand in his upwards pointing hand) symbolize the unification of the physical and spiritual worlds (typically encapsulated in 2nd hermetic principle of correspondence "As above, so below. As below, so above.") which enables manifestation of intentions into the physical world as tangible results. Also, the magician makes himself a conduit for manifesting between worlds. This card references power, determination and ability to achieve goals. As with any magician, he recognizes that, to manifest, he must call upon the 4 elements, which BTW is the point of involving the 4 elements in magick circle and other rituals. He wears a headband, among the several symbols that recur throughout the tarot deck. For those so inclined, this card is a possible CTA to recognize that you already have the tools needed to exploit latent psychic power or power related to a specific goal (whether finance, career, etc). There is a repetition of symbology to suggest the magician's (potential) ability to tap into the infinite power of the universe. These symbols include the infinity symbol above his head and the snake around his waist that swallows its tail (an ouroboros). They, along with other noteworthy symbols that include the magician's headband, red roses and white lilies, are among those noteworthy symbols that recur throughout the tarot deck. Read more about their meaning.
Regardless of the card's position, upright or reversed, I think it also carries a sense of urgency.
Reversed. CTA to beware of magick that goes counter to your higher purpose in some way. For instance, it may refer to someone trying to manipulate or deceive you or even that something about you (whether your current intentions, state of mind, ideas or the like) is misaligned with your highest good. In short, the card is a warning to take action to counteract these issues.
Within a health context, the magician revered is a CTA to pursue competent professional or other adequate remedial action as soon as possible. This can even relate to a need to avoid over-exertion.
2. The high priestess
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High priestess.
The first mentor that the fool meets.
3 the empress
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Key themes include feminine creative energy, limitless creative potential, and, by extension nature, femininity, nurturing, abundance and fertility.
Given the empress' key themes, the first CTA is to ask yourself what you want to birth into existence. While this may be significant, it may also be something very small and easy to achieve within the next few minutes or hours.
When The Empress appears in a reading, it serves as an invitation to take specific actions.
The imagery of the Empress and her lush garden (reminiscent of the concept of the Garden of Eden) embodies the archetype of Mama Gaia, the ultimate in creativity. For instance, various decks frequently portray her as full-figured (ie voluptuous or pregnant). Unlike other high ranking tarot figures whose thrones are hard stone, her throne is covered in plush red cushions that suggests a 'soft life'. This fact holds a strong CTA to embrace your nurturing qualities. To this end, be serious about your self-care and emotional well-being or that of others. Examples. You dedicate time each week for activities that promote relaxation and joy, like meditation, yoga, creative hobbies like gardening or painting. In short, you prioritize your personal well-being. Example. You seek out supportive relationships or join groups focused on personal growth. These interactions all you to engage in open communication about feelings and cultivate and emotionally rich environment. Ultimately, this contributes to your overall sense of wealth in life. Example. Make it a priority to spend time in Nature regularly. Strive to enjoy harmony with nature and to spend time outdoors to ground your energy and to rejuvenate your spirit.
The the entire scene symbolizes abundance and growth. This is evident in the lush landscape around her. It features this symbology with its fields of wheat, trees, and flowing water. Even the many ripe pomegranates printed on her gown, (a fruit symbolic of fertility) reinforce this message. The empress' relaxed posture gives the impression that she is enjoying life with great abundance. I see this beautiful garden as offering the CTA to dare dream of abundant rewards of hard work. This seems to relate strongly to nurturing relationships. Even if it is the end goal, the long term vision is a great point from which to start your work. This is the point of vision boards and vision statements. Notice that the imagery portrays wealth from the perspective of nature, versus imagery from the suits of pentacles. While suit of pentacles relates to more narrowly to material wealth through resource hard work and effort, the perspective of the empress is broader but she encourages you to use more receptive feminine energies to build wealth, whether material, emotional or spiritual. This CTA is to focus on nurturing all type of meaning relationship in your life, whether romantic, familial or business. Examples.
- Showing appreciation and support for loved ones. Examples. If you own a restaurant, nurture customer relationships. For instance, you may host workshops on sustainable farming practices that engage your customers. You may also work collaboratively with local chefs and restaurants to create unique dishes using your produce. In other words, you can build material wealth by nurturing business relationships.
- Practice gratitude for what you have achieved so far in life; this mindset can attract even more abundance.
- If you have ideas or projects that you've been contemplating, take the actionable steps of specifying your dreams, as by writing down or visualizing them with great specificity. Now is the time to bring them into fruition.
- Plan to take only small steps at a time. For instance, you might need to learn how to handle new situations like a novice.
Give yourself the space to grow, even if that means patiently plodding through steps. Another CTA is to be like the stream of water, go with the flow. In other words, allow room for changes in your original ideas and plans based on feedback and inspiration you gain along the way.
A shield bearing the symbol of Venus rests on her right side, ie the side that relates to dominant aspect of this archetype. This association with Venus reinforces her association with love, beauty, sensuality, and pleasure. Consequently, another CTA is to connect with the more relaxed, receptivity of feminine energy by engaging in activities that promote self-love and self-care. This could include pampering yourself or exploring creative outlets, like artistic endeavors or activities from which you derive pleasure for its own sake. This may also mean doing what is necessary to take care of your mental health. Example(s)
- Decide what projects you will select and which you will let go.
The empress wears a crown adorned with twelve stars, symbolizing her connection to the celestial realm and the cycles of life. For context, this may relate to the 12 zodiac signs, each of which represent different traits and influences that the empress may consider when making decisions. The number 12 also represents cycles, like the months of the year, moon phases that influence a woman's fertility, just as seasons do the fecundity of the earth. Consequently, another of this card's CTAs is to tune in to and follow natural cycles and seasons. This reminds me of the hermetic principle of rhythm. It applies not only to the physical but even in relationships. For instance, recognize when the season of a good relationship or even conversation has ended so you could move on. Doing otherwise would be akin to continuing to wear the same Summer clothing in Winter and therefore suffering the dire consequences. Example.
- Exercise enough self love to studying yourself enough to recognize and cater to your internal 'seasons'. For instance, plan appropriate tasks that meet the ebbs and flows of your energy levels.
She holds a scepter in her right hand, representing authority as a nurturer of life, relationships and environments. In the sense of leadership, she has a balanced approach to authority with responsibility, respects natural laws and promotes harmony. Examples.
- People, communities or projects that commit to environmental stewardship or does things to shape future generations positively.
Another CTA is to recognize that there is a relationship between the Empress and Emperor cards that can be viewed in terms of balance between feminine and masculine energies. Seek ways to embrace the Empress' feminine energy to be a precursor to the Emperor. In other words, shape your curren actions into the fertile ground from which ideas (or empires) grow. Example,
- the empress energy may focus on training and self development for herself or others in anticipation of the real world application, as embodied by the emperor.
While considering how this card of female card relates to a male counterpart, I remember the queen and king of swords and that queen's side profile to suggest an inner mental transformation. In contrast, the empress is at a 45 degree angle, as if to suggest that her role involves nurturing for herself and others with whom she is bonding. (She prepares for the emperor, who like the king of swords faces straight ahead, as if to suggest full engagement with the outer world. Either way, without your nurturing influence, there would be no foundation for the structured authority and governance represented by the Emperor. Her role can be likened to that of a mother figure who nurtures her children, enabling them for their 'emperor' motivated role as responsible adults.
VIDEO HERE Third party YouTube video by Daily tarot girl 'The empress'
4 The emperor
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This card's key themes are initiative, assertiveness, confidence and leadership. The emperor's throne is adorned with the heads of four rams, representing his strong astrological association with Aries and emphasizing his connection to strength and leadership. In one hand, he holds a scepter, symbolizing his dominion and control over his realm, while in the other hand, he grasps an orb that represents the world he governs.
The red color of the emperor's robe suggests not only his authority unapologetically but also that he has the energy and passion necessary to fulfill his mission. His armor suggests readiness for battle and protection. His long white beard indicates wisdom gained through experience, reinforcing his knowledge as a leader. Behind him are barren mountains that symbolize ambition and determination to reach greater heights. A small river flows at the base of these mountains, representing hope and emotional depth beneath his stern exterior.
A key CTA is to embrace your masculine energy because this is the time for authoritative communication, like an emperor. Another but subtler CTA is to remember to consider the perspective of the counterparty (as Aries is associated intense commitment to being heard, sometimes not taking enough account of the other perspective). This may be useful for the most successful conflict resolution or other negotiation. Balance your authority with compassion. Encourage mutual trust, respect and healthy give-and-take power dynamics. Another CTA includes having structure and structure. For instance, establish rules and systems. Establish and follow through with clear, well-structured objectives and strategic plans.
5 The hierophant
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The Hierophant is a pope-like figure seated on a throne between two mostly plain stone pillars against a plain stone background. He dominates the scene. In other words, you hold him in the utmost esteem. Helping his ability to be such an imposing figure is the fact that he wears a golden triple crown, and his right-hand index and second fingers point upwards and the keys (to Heaven) are at his feet. Well below the hierophant and pillars are 2 priests who look up at him, willing to obey his guidance.
The hierophant represents established hierarchical power structures and institutions with fixed rules and traditions. It evokes thoughts of religion, spiritual leaders, government, formal education, 'the system', even life coaches, your yoga teacher who is teaching you to manifest and so on. He also represents group membership and the associated sense of belonging. He also represents conformity and groupthink. Given the 2 men below him, he also represents a teacher or superior of some type that operates within some type of power structure. To use the context of contrast to highlight his qualities, consider that he is the opposite of the emperor. The emperor was a trailblazer. The hierophant prefers the well-trodden path and therefore suggests the system is imposed on you.
In short, this card gives insight into your relationship with 'authority' and social norms and rules; the balance between your individuality and need for group harmony and stability.
Upright; this card suggests a desire for stability and security in your life. It can also indicate a strong desire to conform. It is a CTA to seek guidance from 'authority' figures in your situation.
6 The lovers
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The card is the epitome of conscious union that allows creation. The Lovers in the Rider–Waite–Smith deck depicts two naked figures standing before one another beneath a radiant angel emerging from the clouds. Their nudity symbolizes openness, honesty, vulnerability, and the willingness to be fully seen. Behind the feminine figure stands the Tree of Knowledge with a serpent winding upward through its branches, evoking themes of wisdom, awakening, consciousness, and deeper understanding beyond surface reality. Behind the masculine figure stands a tree associated with fire, passion, vitality, and life-force. Between them rises a red mountain, symbolizing transformation, challenge, ascent, and the profound changes that conscious union can create. Above them, the angel and the sun suggest higher awareness, blessing, illumination, healing, and the possibility that something greater than the individual self is overseeing the connection. The card is often associated with romantic love, but its symbolism extends far beyond romance alone. It may represent the union between two people, the reconciliation of different aspects of oneself, the merging of creativity and discipline, or even the integration of logic and intuition. In this sense, the card is fundamentally about conscious connection and the transformative potential that emerges when separate forces unite authentically.
The calls to action associated with The Lovers involve choosing openness over defensiveness, sincerity over fragmentation, and conscious alignment over avoidance. The card asks whether one is willing to enter meaningful connection honestly and intentionally. In a relationship reading, this may suggest emotional vulnerability, mutual respect, and authentic partnership. In a personal-growth reading, it may ask someone to reconcile conflicting parts of themselves, such as balancing responsibility with creativity or intellect with emotion. In a collaborative context, it may point toward the powerful results that can arise when two individuals combine complementary strengths to create something new. Ultimately, the card suggests that genuine transformation often emerges not through isolation, but through conscious union, integration, and shared creation.
7. The chariot
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This card references progress, will power and self control to overcome challenges. Determined progression that is unrestrained by the material world. CTA to move forward with focus and determination, even if you can not get all the details perfectly planned to feel confident or can not see the path clearly ahead. Proceed nonetheless. Rest assured that, if you keep on, you will be victorious.
The charioteer is covered by a canopy adorned with stars. he also wears a crown of stars, which symbolize the superconscious mind. His crown also feature laurel leaves, symbols of victory. The chariot is pulled along by black and white sphinxes, symbols of duality and the challenges one faces within a world of duality. In other words, this card is a reminder to take charge of your chariot, push forward despite the challenges of opposition and positivity of supporters. You must keep forward to control your emotions and mind because you are connected with the superconscious mind and will be victorious if you remain on task. The charioteer also holds a wand, a suit that suggests a CTA to take action and stay on task. His apron skirt features ceremonial symbols that seem to correspond with the energy of the wand and ceremonial magick. This is a strong CTA card. There is also re-assurance because the square on the charioteer's chest is a symbol of stability and readiness to manifest intentions. His shoulder pads are crescent moons, which seems to suggest some reliance on intuition. An interesting aspect of the charioteer's control is that, it is not through his physical manipulation of reins. Instead, his intentions and connection with the superconscious are what control the chariot.
8. Strength
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This card represents personal power when facing some type of testing enemy. It predicts your triumphant conclusion to a major life challenge (illness of any type, your failing at some challenge that is very critical to your spiritual advancement, temptation, situation, financial or other challenges, fears around something you as difficult, etc) with the use of your strength of character. By strength of character, I am referring to patience, grace (courteous goodwill), resilience and trust in your strength to handle any obstacle victoriously. CTA to recognize that the universe is saying, 'All things remaining equal, you will be fine because you have the strength and stamina to see this situation through. Do not give up. Stand up for yourself.' So conquer your fears. The infinity sign over her head is among symbols that recur throughout the tarot deck. Read more about their meaning.
Example(s)
- If the challenge relates to your financial well being as it relates to your salary, you may negotiate a well deserved pay raise.
- If the challenge was that you lost miserably in a test against enemy tests, be patient and gentle with yourself as the card depicted with the lion (the failing). Make gentle and patient self corrections. In other words, lovingly listen to the trauma you experienced, how it still haunts you to the extent of blocking your advancement and how to to resolve it. Be your own loving best friend. Do NOT beat yourself up. [Hear YouTuber Dr Elliott Adam discuss this.]
Reminiscent of the powerful magician (from card 1), she has a lemniscate (aka infinity symbol) over her head.
The card depicts a woman calmly taming a lion with her hand over its face and mouth, symbology of quiet confidence to conquer fears. Despite being an ordinarily fearsome animal, the lion's tail is between its legs as it looks up to her, signs of its submission to her. In this interaction, her motives are pure, as depicted by her white gown (ie, certainly not with brute force).
Reversed. In this reversed position, the card references lack of inner strength and use of personal power. It signals excessive vulnerability to external influences, or crippling fear. The CTA is to do soul searching to understand these fears and how to resolve them.
9 Hermit
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The Hermit depicts a mature figure moving slowly and deliberately through a dark, barren landscape, illuminated only by the light of his lantern. His careful posture and downward gaze suggest deep contemplation, patience, and thoughtful consideration of each step rather than impulsive action. The surrounding darkness symbolizes uncertainty, the unknown, and the fact that not all answers are immediately visible. Yet the Hermit does not fear this limitation. Instead, he trusts the small circle of light before him, understanding that wisdom is often gained gradually rather than all at once. The lantern symbolizes inner truth, insight, self-discovery, and the lessons accumulated through experience. Significantly, it illuminates only a small portion of the path ahead, emphasizing trust in the process and the willingness to move forward without knowing exactly how the journey will end. The staff in his left hand represents accumulated wisdom, life experience, stability, and the practical application of lessons already learned. It supports him as he navigates difficult terrain, suggesting that personal growth is strengthened by reflection upon past experiences rather than by rushing toward future outcomes. The barren landscape and absence of distractions reinforce the card's themes of introspection, purposeful solitude, and temporary withdrawal from external pressures, expectations, and validation. The white mountain-like terrain symbolizes clarity, truth, discipline, higher understanding, and wisdom earned through effort and perseverance. Unlike loneliness, which is often characterized by unwanted isolation, the Hermit's solitude is intentional and meaningful. It is a period devoted to understanding oneself more deeply, examining past experiences, and integrating important life lessons before moving forward. The card encourages thoughtful self-examination, patience, discernment, and the willingness to trust a gradual process of growth. However, since the man is actively moving forward (even if slowly), it also contains a subtle warning: solitude should serve wisdom rather than become permanent avoidance. The Hermit's path is valuable because it leads to greater understanding, not because it separates him indefinitely from the world. The Hermit represents introspection, self-discovery, wisdom, patience, discernment, purposeful solitude, gradual growth, and the thoughtful application of life's lessons. It often appears when a person is being called to step back from distraction, examine their experiences more deeply, and allow insight to develop naturally over time. CTA: Trust the process of self-discovery without demanding immediate answers or complete certainty about the future. Move forward thoughtfully, applying the lessons you are learning to each step along the way. Embrace meaningful solitude when it serves growth and healing, but remain mindful that the ultimate purpose of wisdom is to help guide your return to life with greater clarity, understanding, and authenticity.
Wheel of fortune
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References luck and fate. CTA to beware that your luck will change (in a good or bad way). Despite your best preparation, some things are simply outside of your control.
11 Justice
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The keywords associated with this card are calm objective rationalization, truth seeking and law. The imagery includes a seated figure with the hands in the symbolic 'as above so below' gesture; holding a sword in the upwards pointing hand and scales in the next. The figure is seated between two pillars of polarity, a sign of her balance. In short, justice is manifest in the material world based on clear understanding and (as symbolized by the square on the crown) methodical examination of a situation. Justice is clear in minds and, as the other square on the chest shows, in the heart. The square over the heart contains a circle, which suggests the completion of a cycle perhaps of deception, lacking understanding, etc. The white shoe peeking out from beneath the clothing also symbolically serves as a spiritual reminder that the outcomes of actions are spiritual consequences. The CTA is to be like the figure; to proceed with integrity and fairness based on methodical and objective analysis of the facts. The card may also be a foreboding that this type of justice is impending, perhaps in a public forum involving others. In that case, the CTA is to trust in the higher spiritual power. Justice will reign because it has occurred in the spirit realm and now has to manifest in the physical. There is also gender symbology in that the female figure that manages this card's otherwise masculine nature reconfirms the idea of balance. While the queen of swords has achieved the same on a personal level, this figure has made the achievement with various parties. Within the context of relationships, this card's CTA is to check one's biases (and those of others) to find the full truth. Afterall, we see the world from our own perspective. However, this card is a CTA to transcend this human limitation, de-personalize your analysis. For instance, continually guard against your biased assumptions and judgment.
"All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as self-evident". Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860)
Example:
- A successful father is forced to confront the emotional consequences of choices he once believed were unquestionably right. The card calls him to actively pursue truth through disciplined and balanced examination — not self-condemnation or defensiveness, but the willingness to honestly weigh both his perspective and the lived experiences of his children.
- A useful way to remember this card is to think about what an ideal court of law is supposed to represent: objective examination of multiple parties, balance, evidence, accountability, fairness, and the pursuit of truth without emotional distortion or personal bias.
12 Hanged man
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This card references surrender. The hanged man is suspended upside-down by an ankle. His other free leg is bent at the knee and tucked behind the connected leg. The fact that a leg is free suggests that he enjoys some element of choice within these constraints. Both arms are akimbo and tucked behind his back. The colors of his clothing are also significant. Specifically, the red of his pants symbolizes the physical while the blue of his blouse symbolizes emotional calm. His facial expression is one of calm (which is in striking contrast with the expectation for someone who was forcibly hung). His head also has a halo (aka nimbus), a sign of sacredness. This image is reminiscent of an ancient archetype in various cultures (Norse, Greek, Christianity, etc). Examples of this archetype include how Christianity's Jesus allowed himself to endure persecution and hanging. Odin, the norse god hanged himself from the world tree that was center of everything for 9 days and nights, symbolically sacrificing himself in search for wisdom from the experience. The fact that he was a god with superiority over others suggests that he was essentially sacrificing himself to himself. BTW, 9 is also a number of completion. These traditions illustrate willing self-sacrifice and prior knowledge of subsequent rebirth.
This card references moments during which you are destabilized and your situation feels like your world has turned upside-down; you are left voiceless, option-less, in fear, etc. This card is a CTA to pause. It is likely that the situation is outside of your capacity. Maybe you do not have enough knowledge or other form of access. And just in case you are wondering whether this card in any way is similar to the four of swords, consider the contrast between the two cards to deepen your understanding of this card. If you had drawn the four of swords, that CTA would have indicated rest and recuperation to avoid burnout, that you already understand enough and the issue is not clarity but current mental capacity and little system, your mental health. Instead, the hanged man CTA suggests that you may need to rethink everything before moving. The hanged man card relates more to the ego level pause so you can take a different mindset it's done point (versus the 4 of swords type of temporary pause).
In other words, this card asks you to surrender to this moment of challenge because, cosmically speaking, it is somehow a necessary evil for your higher purpose. Like the hanged man with his hands behind his back, do not try to unbind yourself or even to beat yourself up to learn the lesson. Just hang for the time being, mustering up your inner strength! You are promised resurrection soon. Release fears of this current challenge.
13. Death
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In the foreground, a skeletal rider dressed in black moves steadily across a bleak landscape upon a white horse. Though frightening at first glance, the figure does not appear cruel or violent, but calm, inevitable, and purposeful. Around the rider, a man, woman and chil react differently to the transformation taking place: the man collapses, while the others remain open and receptive. In the middle plain, the scenery is dull. It features calm water. A colored ship sailing calmly along. The path between the foreground through this Middle point and to the background is unclear. The background features two towers through which a brilliant rising sun is visible in the distance. The sun symbolizes emotional passage, renewal, and the emergence of a new phase of life after the ending of an old one. This card rarely represents physical death. Instead, it points toward profound psychological or life transformation. Something old — an identity, relationship, worldview, or emotional structure — is dissolving because it can no longer sustain future growth. Personal example: a woman’s breakup has triggered a necessary metamorphosis. Her early-morning reflections, journaling, emotional rawness, and imagining of different futures are signs that an old version of herself is dying while a new self slowly begins to emerge. Her feeling untethered currently is like the card's lacking clarity about her path to transformation. CTA: Remember that Transformation often feels disorienting because the old self fades before the new self fully forms. The discomfort does not mean the process is wrong; it means change is genuinely occurring. CTA: Allow the transformation to unfold instead of clinging to the previous version of your life. Stay emotionally receptive, reflective, and patient with the uncertainty of becoming someone new.
14. Temperance
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The key themes of this card are balance, moderation, patience and harmony. If you can listen and respond to the engine of a vehicle, you will know what I mean. For instance, the engine works optimally at whatever speed and gear meet the needs of your dynamic driving conditions. This card references the point at which the engine sings smoothly.
The card depicts an angelic figure standing with one foot on land and the other in water. The wings are symbolic of the freedom and transcendence that you can achieve from whatever chaos or confusion you are experiencing, if you apply temperance. He pours liquid between 2 cups that he holds. This action symbolizes the key CTA, ie to integrate the extremes of duality in life to create balance. I will elaborate this point later. To his right is a winding path that has emerged from the water up through hills on either side towards the sunrise.
The angel implies that a higher power is available to guide you in achieving balance and moderation. A key CTA of this card is to pay attention. You may be seeing more synchronicities or some form of spiritual communication at this time. Trust divine guidance and your intuition as you navigate challenges related to balance.
Considering that 2 opposing sides in tarot cards symbolize duality in life, this card illustrates the idea in several ways. The most obvious instance is the 2 cups. Others include the 2 sides of the winding path and 2 positions of the feet; one in the water (emotions) and the other on land (practical aspect of life). These recurring duality symbols reinforce the need for integrating the 2 extremes. Also read about the hermetic principle of polarity. In short, that main CTA urges you to evaluate areas where you may be overindulging or lacking moderation. These areas could be anything, whether in relationships, work-life balance, personal habits, thinking patterns and so on. Also integrate opposites rather than allow them to be in conflict. Example(s).
- Maybe this involves setting a schedule that limits your work hours each day to allow you to focus on personal development, enjoying life, relationships and so on. Conflict manifests as working late into the night, feeling burnt out, strained relationships, depression and so on.
- Respect personal values while respecting social expectations that may clash with those personal values. If you do not integrate these, you may go through the motions to publicly conform with social expectations while privately feeling resentful.
- Discipline vs indulgences. A common example of integrating these extremes may include food choices that allow you to cheat from time to time to satisfy cravings without compromising health goals. Subscribing to extremes sometimes lead to rebellious tendencies towards the opposite extreme during low points.
- Independence vs interdependence in relationships.
- Making rational decisions rather than emotional expressions by applying stoicism and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) techniques. For instance, during heated discussions, considering both sides may lead to constructive resolution rather than emotional reactions.
Some interpretations suggest that everything is in perfect balance and the CTA is to be patient for the manifestation to occur and go with the flow. You can not always control situations but you can instead wait them out. Do not force things to happen or go to extremes through your impatience. This interpretation is reminiscent that manifestation first occurs in the spiritual realm before then appearing in a recognizable way in the physical world. Consequently, patience is required.
15. Devil
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A dark horned figure sits above two chained individuals who resemble an inverted reflection of the figures from The Lovers card (where are the lovers card depicts healthy connection). Above the figure’s head is an inverted pentagram, symbolizing materialism, compulsive desire, ego, distorted priorities, and lower drives overpowering higher values or spiritual balance. The figure's posture with one hand pointing upwards while the other downwards is a reminder of the hermetic principle of correspondence; as above, so below. The right hand (the hand of will) is empty and points upward empty, while the other points downward holding a blazing torch, suggesting intense stimulation, passion, and fixation directed toward worldly or addictive pursuits rather than deeper fulfillment. The surrounding darkness and empty background create a feeling of spiritual constriction, emotional emptiness, and disconnection from higher meaning. The figures are chained to the figure who is on a pedestal above them and symbolize psychological enslavement. This is an inversion of the lovers card of healthy or wholesome. This enslavement is not necessarily through force, but through attachment, dependency, fear, validation-seeking, or compulsive behaviors. Importantly, the chains are often loose enough that freedom may still be possible if awareness is regained. The card is somewhat of a warning to recognize certain unhealthy patterns that could lead one away from the higher self. The devil also imitates higher symbolism in a degraded form by essentially imitating the as above so below posture that is more accurately portrayed by the magician card. The division of the devil's fingers may be interpreted this way. He is unlikely to appear virtuous at first glance but is actually embodying more base motivations. CTA: Recognize pursuits of external validation, pleasure, control, or status can slowly distort identity and disconnect a person from their authentic self. Intense stimulation is not the same as genuine fulfillment. CTA: Recognize unhealthy attachments and or addictive pattern before they fully define your identity. Reconnect with authenticity, autonomy, and deeper values instead of allowing fear, ego, or external approval to dictate your direction. Examples:
- A man becomes suddenly popular online for thoughtful content and initially feels deeply appreciated and understood. Over time, however, he becomes emotionally dependent on praise and increasingly shapes his voice around audience approval. The card warns that he risks losing touch with his authentic self by becoming psychologically chained to validation, attention, and performance. Although the admiration feels exciting and emotionally stimulating, it may ultimately leave him spiritually empty if he abandons authenticity in pursuit of approval.
- Addictions do not only relate to physical ones, like to substances or habits. Addictions may be mental like negative thought patterns. Negative thinking does not necessarily mean 'bad'. For instance, someone's negative unbalanced thinking may be too naive. An already common understanding relates to an excessive focus on material wealth at the expense of spiritual growth.
- A person begins posting spiritual or healing content online. At first the motivation is sincere: helping others, sharing insight, encouraging healing. Over time, however, the person becomes increasingly attached to admiration, praise, follower counts, and appearing wise or enlightened. The spirituality itself slowly becomes secondary to the emotional stimulation of approval and status. This directly relates to the symbolism of The Devil because the Devil imitates sacred symbolism in a distorted form. The raised hand gesture resembles higher spiritual gestures seen in other cards, but here it becomes corrupted or inverted. The gesture looks spiritually meaningful, yet the energy behind it is directed downward toward ego, attachment, validation, and material identity rather than genuine spiritual growth. The symbolism teaches: not everything that looks elevated is truly spiritually healthy. The person is not necessarily lying consciously. The corruption happens gradually through attachment and dependency — symbolized by the chains and the growing horns on the figures below
- A person says: “I love you and need you in my life.” At first this may sound romantic and emotionally deep. But over time the relationship becomes driven less by authentic care and more by fear of abandonment, emotional dependency, jealousy, control, or the need for validation. The relationship still outwardly resembles love, but internally it has shifted into attachment and psychological enslavement. This connects strongly to the chained man and woman in The Devil, who visually resemble the figures from The Lovers. The symbolism suggests that something once capable of genuine connection has become inverted or degraded through fear, compulsion, ego, or dependency.
16. The tower
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Indication that things are about to change drastically (ultimately for the better). The target / the 'hero' (being you, another soul, alter ego, or even structure) is at the mercy of forces that are outside of its control or understanding. The target is truly powerless against this unexpected situation. This card instills a lot of fear because it often translates into the resurrection of the hero's problems. However, recognize that it is not necessarily as traumatic has feared. Rather than this being a signal that you are facing impending doom, the message may be a CTA to recognize that what is falling away is the trauma-related system of dissociative parts or a major part of it could not keep carrying. Considered the other cards that you have been receiving and whether in the current reading or otherwise. For instance if you have repeatedly received the four of swords which for someone experiencing considerable cptsd, you may need to rest so that you do not burn out because your dissociative parts have become too burdenensome. Is a nervous system overburdened not only regarding how you feel but is it even affecting your physical health, like neurological issues. You may encounter a major breakthrough because of this Tower moment that shatters or at least begins to destabilize a dissociative part that has been playing a role at an ego level, requiring this major arcana card. Your other cards should be considered closely for clues as to how to manage this scenario strategically. Example (s):
An alter ego might have existed for so much of your life trying to protect you with anticipatory rumination because of the very real danger that you have faced all your life without protection. This alter ego has truly helped you to be safe. However because of ongoing danger, it is a double-edged sword because it disrupts your ability to sleep or to allow your nervous system to rest. You have a baseline that is at a level of arousal that is higher than normal. This means that you have an elevated response to smaller triggers than normal and may not be able to function appropriately when real dangers occur. Your nervous system desperately needs the rest so that it can recuperate and help you to integrate this altar ego in a more useful way. However, this card may be telling you that that alter ego as it exists currently needs to be destabilized. Maybe this destabilization will look like it's death at first because it really is afraid to let go of it grasp over you. It is time now for you to learn in your four of swords moment how to take control of this altar ego, how to tell it that it it can stay but right now it needs to rest and that you and that alter ego must try the new process of it's reintegration in a way where it can work for you only when it is strategically sound for it to become fully engaged and when you instructed to be come engaged.
17. Star
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CTA to be reassured that all will work out. Have faith.
18. Moon
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Visually, the card depicts a night scene which suggests something mysterious and unknown. Two towers are shown in the background below the moon on either side of the frame, an allusion to the
hermetic principle of polarity. The middle ground is divided by a central path into 2 pastures, also reminiscent of the
principle of polarity; the conscious mind and unconscious mind. A wolf is on the right pasture and a domesticated dog on the left pasture. The path winds beyond the howling animals toward the horizon. Meanwhile, in the foreground, a lobster emerges from the water onto the beginning of the path. The moon is an oversized face that looks downward onto the scene as if ruling over it. The moon is depicted atypically like the sun, ie in vibrant yellow with radiating yellow beams. Additionally, 15 golden divine sparks (called '
yods' or '
dew drops') emanate from the moon. The moon represents the unconscious, hidden emotions that, despite being hidden have a powerful effect over your life. Notably, both the wolf and dog howl at it, as if subject to its effects. Since the wolf represents your raw and unfiltered self while the domesticated dog represents the rational, well-curated public persona self, this card is a reminder that, regardless of how well you try to hide your true self, the moon / your subconscious self affects your feelings, reactions, and actions. The lobster has a hard outer shell that acts as protective armor. The lobster's emergence symbolizes your repressed emotions that reveal themselves above the surface from time to time.
On these bases, this card is a CTA that suggests that you are not sufficiently tuned in to some unconscious emotions. You must trust your intuition as something hidden may have just come to light. Confront what is hidden to avoid distress. This card alludes to the inextricable connection between the moon and lunacy as water bodies shift on the planet. For context, the Latin word for the moon is 'luna' and the root for the English word 'lunatic'. In other words, this card suggests that one can avoid distress by examining the subconscious and then resolving the issue with balance along a de-polarized path (the image's central path). Furthermore, notice that the path is winding and even disappears under the landscape on occasion. This fact is not only an acknowledgment of the ups and downs in life but a reminder to stay on the path with your eyes on the goal without being discouraged by those ups and downs. As a sidenote, this card reminds me of the 2 of pentacles card in which the knight must remain balanced by being flexible and adaptable during the ups and downs that he encounters. In your high moments, do not lose yourself, in the low moments, do not give in to patterns of fears. Rather, find creative alternatives because you are on the way to your destination.
The appearance of the moon seems noteworthy. It is yellow like the sun and even emanate divine sparks (aka yods). The sun symbolizes divine inspiration (ie some download from Source), especially as it relates to following your passion. Perhaps this card suggests that through deep introspection into your subconscious, you can also figure out how to pursue your divinely inspired passion.
Consider that the unseen issues may relate not only to you but also to others, like haters who emerge like the lobster.
19. Sun
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A Bright sun dominates the imagery. It's raised extend far. The sun symbolizes clarity, truth, vitality, warmth. The card suggests a very strong, even extreme level of positivity. A Child rides a white horse symbolizes purity , innocence, freedom, confidence, authenticity. The Sunflowers restate the sense of vitality of the sun symbolism, the show growth, life force, joy. They're may symbolize the product of whatever the sun represents. The child carries a Red banner which symbolizes life energy, enthusiasm, movement. A Stone wall behind is behind the child and the horse, symbolizing that limitations were already overcome. When I consider this set of symbols, I can't help but think about how this card is like the positive outcome of the full card, where the same child's like innocent exuberance was passionate and took on some new venture but it did so successfully, overcoming any sort of obstacles along the way. Core keywords include Joy, success, openness, vitality, clarity, optimism, emotional warmth, things becoming visible. CTA: to Be open and authentic. CTA : Step into visibility instead of hiding. CTA - Trust clarity when it appears.. CTA - Allow yourself enjoyment and confidence. If you are recovering from hardship, disregulated nervous system, etc, allow yourself to be light spirited, to have fun. CTA: Engage life directly rather than overthinking. CTA to celebrate your growth. And yes no readings, this card in the upright position is a clear yes. However if you use reversed positions, it is a yes that is layered with conditions or suggest the potential that may be limited because of issues like burnout for instance. In some circumstances, the reversal might suggest unrealistic optimism. The interpretation would be very much contingent on the context because for instance the reversed card might relate to your enjoyment that is so intense but maybe it's something that you need to pull back on a little bit because let's say for instance you're just recovering from a major injury and you want to dance a lot you have to be mindful that that dancing that you're doing might be a bit much for your system as you are recovering from an injury. In such a case you have every reason to be extraordinarily excited but maybe you need to also balance y the intensity of your celebration.
20. Judgment
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This card depicts gray, nude figures emerging from coffins with their arms in receptive open gestures as an angel blows a trumpet from the sky above them. The figures appear to be awakened by the call of the angel. The angel is giving them an opportunity to live life in a new way. The dullness of the old lives they lived and the snowcapped jagged mountain range along with the turbulence water suggest that before this point, life was just being endured. However, the color around the angel presents an opportunity for a new beginning. Keywords associated with this card are rebirth, self-reinvention, transformation, new life chapter based on responding to a higher or inner calling, realization about your life's purpose, profound spiritual awakening after a period of reflection like isolation, deep contemplation due to some inner voice that something needs to change in your life, the 'dark night of the soul'. The angel's trumpet bears a flag with an even red cross which signifies victory over death. This card can refer to awakening to yourself in one of many ways; creatively, spiritually, sense of purpose, lifestyle choices and so on. NB This card is known to confuse others because of its name. Its name may lead others to think of the 11th major arcana card 'Justice'. However, this card is more about a very personal experience (unlike the justice card that often refers to a situation). This card's CTA is to trust in and be receptive to the calling for a new chapter in your life. Examples:
After decades of living primarily through responsibility and emotional restraint, a woman rediscovers the passionate, imaginative self she slowly buried beneath practicality and duty. Judgement reflects a profound awakening: like the figures rising from their coffins at the angel’s call, she is being invited to emerge from a life of mere survival into one of authenticity, vitality, and renewed purpose. The rough waters and jagged mountains acknowledge the emotional hardship of her past, while the bright trumpet call symbolizes a rare opportunity to reclaim the deeper self she feared was permanently lost.
21. World
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This card references completion. The empress holds 2 magickal wands. The presence of wands in this arcana is reminiscent of the magician card in which the magician holds only 1 wand in a posture of action (not surprisingly since the wand is a suit of active creation). Unlike the magician who was very actively working with the various suits, the empress' posture is relaxed, as if returning calmly from having done magick. The garland around her suggests that the reason for her posture is victory.
This card is a CTA to complete your current undertaking or purpose. Tie up all the loose ends now. Take ownership by proceeding without fear because success is assured. It is time to prepare for your next purpose.
CONTENT RELATED TO SPIRIT COMMUNICATION - TAROT - THE MAJOR ARCANA
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