In the Tarot deck, there are typically 78 cards. These cards are then subdivided into two parts: The Major & Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana are the suit cards and are more direct, where the Major Arcana are viewed typically as more significant in a reading. But why?
There are 22 Major Arcana cards. These cards depict a theme or universal archetype.
For example, the Death card (contrary to popular belief) does not signify the death of the Querent, but rather the death of a phase in their life. Sort of like the end of the old and the beginning of the new. It is, in fact, a positive card, denoting the chance for new beginnings.
These cards are used to symbolize broader ideas in a reading than the Minor Arcana, and typically are regarded as more "potent" or to have more significance than the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana also show a story, sort of a path to enlightenment or the journey of life, so
to speak. Each Major Arcana represents an aspect of human nature that we must realize in ourselves to become whole and to complete our "journey."
The first card known as the Fool is denoted by a zero at the top of the card. This card is the beginning of the journey: the fool is just that, a fool. On the card, he is depicted as happy and free but he is so in bliss he fails to see he is on the edge of the cliff: a euphemism for naivety. The journey then continues along the 22 card path, stopping at cards like Justice, the Hanged Man, and Death until it reaches the final destination: The world (or the Universe in some decks).
When a Major Arcana card appears in your reading, it is a symbol that this aspect is in need of adopting. In other words, it may need focusing on to further strengthen it in your life. It can also mean that this aspect or theme will be a factor or present in the future of your life and is usually a positive sign.
Working with Tarot can help us become our best selves because it helps us to see what we need to work on in our personal lives in order to create the best possible outcome.
For information on the Minor Arcana, Click Here.
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