Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Francis
Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards used for divination, each containing a unique meaning and symbolism. This includes the major arcana, which consists of 21 cards that represent significant life events or spiritual lessons, and the minor arcana, which includes 56 cards divided into four suits related to daily events and emotions. In this context, we will focus on the 21 Major Arcana cards and their symbolic significance within a tarot reading.
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The History of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards have been around for centuries, and their exact origins are a mystery. Some believe that they originated in ancient Egypt, while others trace their roots back to medieval Europe. The first known tarot deck was created in the 15th century in Italy, and it was used for playing games. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot cards began to be used for divination and spiritual purposes.
The Structure of a Tarot Deck
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, while the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards, including 10 numbered cards and 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
The Major Arcana
The major arcana cards represent the major themes and archetypes in a tarot reading. They are often considered the most important cards in the deck. The 21st card of the Major Arcana is the World. This card represents completion, wholeness, and the attainment of goals. It is a card of ultimate success and satisfaction.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana cards represent the everyday events and experiences in a tarot reading. They are divided into four suits, each with its own unique symbolism and themes. The 21st card of the Swords suit is the Ace of Swords. This card represents new beginnings, mental clarity, and the power of the mind to overcome obstacles.
The Meaning of the 21 Tarot Cards
Each of the 21 Major Arcana cards has its own unique meaning and symbolism. Understanding these meanings is essential for interpreting a tarot reading accurately. The Fool is the first card of the Major Arcana, and it represents new beginnings, innocence, and spontaneity. The Magician represents power, skill, and manifestation. The High Priestess represents intuition, secrets, and mystery. The Empress represents nurturing, abundance, and fertility. The Emperor represents authority, structure, and stability. The Hierophant represents tradition, religion, and spirituality. The Lovers represent relationships, choices, and harmony. The Chariot represents victory, determination, and control. Strength represents courage, inner strength, and self-control. The Hermit represents solitude, introspection, and wisdom. The Wheel of Fortune represents luck, change, and cycles. Justice represents fairness, balance, and truth. The Hanged Man represents surrender, sacrifice, and letting go. Death represents transformation, change, and rebirth. Temperance represents balance, harmony, and moderation. The Devil represents materialism, addiction, and bondage. The Tower represents chaos, upheaval, and destruction. The Star represents hope, inspiration, and guidance. The Moon represents intuition, emotions, and the unconscious. The Sun represents vitality, success, and happiness. Judgment represents self-evaluation, rebirth, and renewal. The World represents completion, wholeness, and fulfillment.
Using Tarot Cards for Divination
Tarot cards are often used for divination, or the practice of seeking insights and guidance through spiritual means. To use tarot cards for divination, a reader will shuffle the deck and lay out a series of cards in a specific pattern, or spread. Each card in the spread represents a different aspect of the question or situation being explored. The reader will then interpret the cards and offer insights and guidance based on their meanings and positions in the spread.
Tarot cards have a rich history that dates back to medieval Europe, where the first known tarot deck was created for playing games. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot cards began to be used for divination and spiritual purposes. A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards divided into four suits). Each of the 21 Major Arcana cards has its own unique meaning and symbolism, and understanding these meanings is essential for interpreting a tarot reading accurately. Tarot cards are often used for divination and spiritual guidance, and there are many different tarot spreads that can be used for this purpose. Additionally, tarot cards can be used for self-discovery and personal growth through practices such as tarot journaling.
