The Major Arcana is the backbone of the Tarot deck. These 22 cards show life themes, emotional turning points, and spiritual lessons. When a Major Arcana card appears in a spread, it usually points to something bigger than day-to-day routine. It can mark a shift in direction, a deep realization, or a chapter that shapes who you become.
This guide walks through every Major Arcana card with upright and reversed meanings, plus what each one can suggest in love, career, money, and spiritual growth. Use it as a learning companion while tarot reading for yourself or others.
How to Read the Major Arcana in a Spread
When you see a Major Arcana card, pause and ask, “What long-term lesson is showing up here?” These cards often speak about patterns rather than single events. If you pull several Majors in one reading, it usually means the situation carries long-term impact or feels karmic.
To use this guide, look up the card, check the upright or reversed section, and then scroll down to the area that matches your question—love, career, money, or spiritual growth. Let the keywords guide you, but trust your intuition to connect them to the situation in front of you.
The 22 Major Arcana Tarot Cards and Their Meanings
0. The Fool – New Beginnings & Leap of Faith
The Fool is the start of the Tarot story. It represents innocence, curiosity, and the courage to step onto a fresh path without knowing exactly where it leads. It doesn’t ask you to be perfect; it asks you to be willing.
Upright Meaning
Fresh starts, trust, spontaneity, travel, trying something new. You are standing at the edge of a new chapter and the universe invites you to take a step forward.
Reversed Meaning
Recklessness, hesitating out of fear, ignoring obvious risks, or acting without any planning. The energy is restless but not grounded.
Love
Upright, The Fool can show a new romance, a crush, or a playful phase in an existing relationship. Reversed, it warns against jumping into love with closed eyes or avoiding commitment altogether.
Career
Upright, this card favors new jobs, startups, or learning a fresh skill. Reversed, it suggests you might be drifting without direction or ignoring practical details at work.
Money
Upright, there may be a new income stream or financial path. Reversed, be careful about impulsive purchases or risky investments made without research.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, you are stepping into a new spiritual journey with open curiosity. Reversed, you may feel lost or disconnected, unsure what you believe, yet this confusion can still lead to growth if you stay honest with yourself.
1. The Magician – Action, Skill & Personal Will
The Magician reminds you that you already hold the tools you need. It points to your ability to focus, communicate, and turn ideas into something real.
Upright Meaning
Manifestation, confidence, inspired action, clear communication, timing that feels right. You are ready to move from thought to execution.
Reversed Meaning
Scattered focus, hidden motives, self-doubt, or talking a lot without taking practical steps.
Love
Upright, chemistry is strong and honest conversations strengthen bonds. Reversed, someone may be saying the right things but not following through, or there may be subtle manipulation.
Career
Upright, a great time to pitch ideas, start projects, or use your talents more visibly. Reversed, energy is spread too thin or skills are underused.
Money
Upright, you can create better income through skill and smart planning. Reversed, beware of “easy money” schemes or trying shortcuts.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, you’re learning how thought, intention, and action influence your reality. Reversed, you may be ignoring your inner guidance or underestimating your influence.
2. The High Priestess – Intuition & Hidden Depths
The High Priestess sits between worlds. She represents quiet knowledge, dreams, and the inner voice that speaks softly but clearly when you listen.
Upright Meaning
Intuition, mystery, dreams, secrets, spiritual insight. You don’t need all the facts; your gut already knows the direction.
Reversed Meaning
Ignoring intuition, confusion, blocked inner guidance, or secrets causing unease.
Love
Upright, there’s emotional depth and an unspoken bond. Reversed, feelings may be hidden, or one partner may be closed off or secretive.
Career
Upright, research, planning, and behind-the-scenes work are favored. Reversed, office secrets or unclear communication may cause tension.
Money
Upright, rely on instinct and quiet observation before making decisions. Reversed, be wary of hidden fees or incomplete financial information.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, a powerful time for meditation and dream work. Reversed, you might be overwhelmed by psychic sensitivity or ignoring inner nudges.
3. The Empress – Nurturing, Creativity & Abundance
The Empress is warm, generous, and fertile. She represents comfort, growth, and the ability to create beauty in both physical and emotional spaces.
Upright Meaning
Creativity, nourishment, family, sensual pleasure, steady expansion. A project, idea, or relationship is ready to grow with care.
Reversed Meaning
Neglect, feeling drained, creative block, or giving so much that little remains for yourself.
Love
Upright, love feels warm, affectionate, and supportive. Reversed, one person may feel unappreciated or emotionally overextended.
Career
Upright, creative work flourishes and your ideas are well received. Reversed, stress and overload may choke inspiration.
Money
Upright, a period of relative comfort and enjoyment. Reversed, spending for emotional comfort rather than true need.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, reconnect with your body, nature, and simple pleasures. Reversed, remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s your base.
4. The Emperor – Structure, Authority & Stability
The Emperor stands for order, leadership, and clear boundaries. He is firm but can be fair when balanced.
Upright Meaning
Structure, discipline, planning, stability, strategy. You are called to step into responsibility and leadership.
Reversed Meaning
Controlling behavior, rigidity, fear of losing control, or lack of direction.
Love
Upright, commitment strengthens through reliability and consistency. Reversed, stubborn behavior or emotional distance may block closeness.
Career
Upright, great for promotions, management roles, or building long-term foundations. Reversed, a harsh boss, strict rules, or resistance to guidance may show up.
Money
Upright, time to budget, organize, and think long term. Reversed, disorganized finances or ignoring responsibilities.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, disciplined practice (like daily meditation) strengthens your path. Reversed, you might cling to rigid beliefs or reject anything that feels unfamiliar.
5. The Hierophant – Tradition, Faith & Guidance
The Hierophant represents teachers, traditions, and shared belief systems. This card can point to religion, culture, or any structured path of learning.
Upright Meaning
Mentorship, tradition, spiritual study, community values. Guidance is available from a trusted source.
Reversed Meaning
Questioning rules, choosing a non-traditional route, feeling restricted by expectations.
Love
Upright, signals commitment, marriage, or shared values in relationships. Reversed, highlights clashes about beliefs or lifestyle choices.
Career
Upright, learning in a structured environment or following an established path. Reversed, craving something less conventional.
Money
Upright, benefit from financial advice and long-term plans. Reversed, you may question how money expectations were passed down to you.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, a time for study, rituals, or joining a group. Reversed, you may seek your own direct connection rather than following a set approach.
6. The Lovers – Choice, Connection & Values
The Lovers speaks about relationships but also about inner harmony and choices that line up with your heart. It often shows a crossroads moment.
Upright Meaning
Union, attraction, mutual respect, important choices, shared values.
Reversed Meaning
Disharmony, miscommunication, regret about choices, or inner conflict.
Love
Upright, deep connection, partnership, and emotional honesty. Reversed, misaligned goals, unclear feelings, or temptation outside the relationship.
Career
Upright, supportive partnerships or work you truly care about. Reversed, conflict between what you believe and what you do for a living.
Money
Upright, choosing financial paths that feel right for your values. Reversed, decisions based only on short-term gain.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, healing the relationship between mind and heart. Reversed, feeling split or pulled in two directions internally.
7. The Chariot – Direction, Will & Forward Motion
The Chariot shows movement and focus. It appears when you need to steer your life firmly instead of being pulled by outside forces.
Upright Meaning
Progress, determination, victory through effort, travel, taking control of your path.
Reversed Meaning
Delays, lack of direction, giving up too soon, feeling pulled apart by conflicting aims.
Love
Upright, you and your partner move toward a shared goal or overcome a challenge together. Reversed, one person may push too hard or emotionally withdraw during conflict.
Career
Upright, a strong sign of success when you stay disciplined. Reversed, scattered attention or mixed priorities slow progress.
Money
Upright, stay consistent with your plan, and you’ll see gradual improvement. Reversed, you may change directions too often.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, you’re directing your energy more consciously. Reversed, spiritual practice may feel forced or inconsistent.
8. Strength – Inner Courage & Gentle Confidence
Strength is not brute force. It’s patience, kindness, and the ability to soothe fear rather than fight it.
Upright Meaning
Inner calm, courage, compassion, steady resilience. You can handle more than you think, especially when gentle with yourself.
Reversed Meaning
Self-doubt, insecurity, losing patience, or reacting from fear.
Love
Upright, shows loyal, patient love and emotional support. Reversed, jealousy or low self-esteem may trigger unnecessary conflict.
Career
Upright, persistence pays off; you gain respect through reliability. Reversed, you may undervalue your talents.
Money
Upright, slow, consistent choices bring stability. Reversed, financial anxiety may push you toward unhelpful decisions.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, learning to befriend your shadow instead of fighting it. Reversed, you might judge yourself harshly for normal human feelings.
9. The Hermit – Reflection, Solitude & Inner Guidance
The Hermit represents stepping back from noise so you can hear your own wisdom. It’s a sign that answers come from within, not from constant external input.
Upright Meaning
Introspection, retreat, searching, personal truth, wise guidance.
Reversed Meaning
Isolation, loneliness, ignoring inner guidance, or avoiding reflection through distractions.
Love
Upright, you or a partner may need space to think, which can actually strengthen the bond. Reversed, emotional distance might feel painful or confusing.
Career
Upright, great for research, solo projects, or mentoring others. Reversed, feeling disconnected from colleagues or stuck working alone when you’d prefer company.
Money
Upright, a time to review financial habits rather than chase new ventures. Reversed, you may avoid facing money issues.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, deep spiritual reflection, journaling, or study. Reversed, spiritual burnout or feeling lost on your path.
10. Wheel of Fortune – Cycles, Change & Turning Points
The Wheel reminds you that life moves in cycles. It often appears when things are shifting, sometimes suddenly, for better or worse.
Upright Meaning
Change, destiny, turning points, lucky breaks, or shifts that move you forward.
Reversed Meaning
Resistance to change, feeling stuck, or repeated patterns asking for attention.
Love
Upright, new romantic opportunities, a fresh chapter, or renewed excitement. Reversed, old habits may repeat unless you consciously change them.
Career
Upright, sudden openings, promotions, or shifts at work. Reversed, a sense that nothing moves because lessons are being repeated.
Money
Upright, fortunes may improve; good time to notice timing. Reversed, highs and lows feel unpredictable, so stay steady and avoid gambling energy.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, you see life patterns more clearly. Reversed, you might feel that life happens to you instead of with you.
11. Justice – Truth, Balance & Accountability
Justice speaks about fairness, cause and effect, and honest evaluation. It can point to legal matters but always highlights truth.
Upright Meaning
Fairness, honesty, decisions, consequences, contracts. What you do now has long-term impact.
Reversed Meaning
Dishonesty, avoidance of responsibility, unfair treatment, or feeling judged.
Love
Upright, equality, clear communication, and honesty in relationships. Reversed, resentment or imbalance in give-and-take.
Career
Upright, negotiations, contracts, and formal decisions are highlighted. Reversed, be careful with paperwork and agreements.
Money
Upright, suggests fair outcomes in financial matters. Reversed, disputes or unclear terms may surface.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, you reflect honestly on your choices. Reversed, self-blame or denial can slow growth.
12. The Hanged Man – Pause, Surrender & New Perspective
The Hanged Man is a card of suspension. It asks you to pause and see things from another angle rather than forcing results immediately.
Upright Meaning
Letting go, patience, reflection, viewing life from a different viewpoint.
Reversed Meaning
Stagnation, resistance to release, feeling stuck without learning from it.
Love
Upright, suggests a pause that brings clarity, or sacrifice for the relationship. Reversed, one person may feel they give everything while nothing changes.
Career
Upright, delays are temporary; use this time to rethink plans. Reversed, hanging onto an unsatisfying job without exploring options.
Money
Upright, good time to step back, review expenses, and reassess goals. Reversed, financial standstill that needs a change in approach.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, surrender leads to insight. Reversed, clinging to old views blocks deeper understanding.
13. Death – Transformation & Release
Despite its dramatic image, Death rarely points to physical death. It represents endings that clear the way for new beginnings.
Upright Meaning
Transformation, closure, release of the old, making space for new experiences.
Reversed Meaning
Fear of change, clinging to something that has already passed its time.
Love
Upright, a relationship may change form or a past chapter finally ends. Reversed, resisting closure keeps you stuck emotionally.
Career
Upright, career shifts, job changes, or leaving a role that no longer fits. Reversed, staying in an environment that drains you because change feels scary.
Money
Upright, clear old debts or outdated habits. Reversed, difficulty letting go of financial patterns that don’t support you.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, deep rebirth and shedding of old identities. Reversed, fear of outgrowing old beliefs even when they no longer fit.
14. Temperance – Balance, Moderation & Harmony
Temperance is the art of mixing. It asks you to blend patience, effort, and rest so life doesn’t swing to extremes.
Upright Meaning
Balance, calm progress, patience, combining different elements of life smoothly.
Reversed Meaning
Excess, burnout, impatience, or difficulty finding middle ground.
Love
Upright, shows mature love, compromise, and emotional understanding. Reversed, extremes in behavior cause conflict.
Career
Upright, teamwork and steady effort bring success. Reversed, overwork or poor boundaries create stress.
Money
Upright, measured spending and saving keep you stable. Reversed, either overspending or excessive thrift from fear.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, you’re learning to blend practical life with spiritual insight. Reversed, spiritual practice may swing between obsession and neglect.
15. The Devil – Attachment, Temptation & Shadow
The Devil points to habits, fears, or attachments that keep you feeling chained. Often, the chains are looser than they seem.
Upright Meaning
Temptation, unhealthy patterns, obsession, feeling trapped by choices or desires.
Reversed Meaning
Breaking free, noticing the pattern, starting recovery, or loosening the grip of fear.
Love
Upright, intense attraction but possibly codependency or control issues. Reversed, a chance to heal toxic dynamics.
Career
Upright, workaholism, toxic environments, or staying only for material gain. Reversed, realizing it’s time to leave or change your relationship with work.
Money
Upright, debt, overspending, or greed. Reversed, taking steps to regain control and set healthier habits.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, confronting your shadow and seeing where fear runs the show. Reversed, a powerful moment of release and healing.
16. The Tower – Sudden Change & Awakening
The Tower shakes unstable structures. It often looks harsh but clears what was built on weak foundations.
Upright Meaning
Sudden change, shock, revelation, breakdown that leads to truth.
Reversed Meaning
Resisting change, a smaller disruption, or tension building under the surface.
Love
Upright, a relationship may face a sudden truth or confrontation. Reversed, issues are known but avoided.
Career
Upright, job changes, company shake-ups, or a wake-up call about your path. Reversed, smaller changes or the chance to fix things before they fall apart.
Money
Upright, unexpected expenses or big shifts. Reversed, a warning to prepare and build better safety nets.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, breaking old illusions and seeing reality more clearly. Reversed, inner tension from clinging to beliefs that no longer feel true.
17. The Star – Hope, Healing & Inspiration
The Star is gentle and reassuring. After intense change, it brings light, hope, and a sense that things can improve.
Upright Meaning
Renewal, faith, healing, optimism, creative inspiration, feeling guided.
Reversed Meaning
Discouragement, self-doubt, difficulty seeing the good ahead.
Love
Upright, healing within relationships, deeper trust, and emotional openness. Reversed, someone may feel unworthy of love or afraid to hope again.
Career
Upright, inspiration and long-term goals become clearer. Reversed, fear of failure may keep you from aiming higher.
Money
Upright, gradual improvement and better financial faith. Reversed, pessimism about money even when things aren’t as bad as they seem.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, a strong connection to guidance and inner peace. Reversed, feeling cut off but still surrounded by unseen support.
18. The Moon – Emotion, Mystery & Subconscious
The Moon highlights feelings, dreams, illusions, and fears. It can feel confusing but invites you to trust your deeper senses.
Upright Meaning
Dreams, intuition, uncertainty, illusions, strong emotions, things not fully revealed.
Reversed Meaning
Clearing confusion, emotional overwhelm, or seeing through deception.
Love
Upright, emotions run deep but may be unclear. Reversed, truth starts to surface and misunderstandings clear up.
Career
Upright, unclear direction at work or hidden information. Reversed, secrets come out and decisions become easier.
Money
Upright, avoid financial choices based purely on fear or fantasy. Reversed, fog around money matters begins to clear.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, intense intuitive and dream experiences. Reversed, learning to ground spiritual sensitivity so it feels manageable.
19. The Sun – Joy, Clarity & Success
The Sun brings warmth, visibility, and happiness. It often signals good outcomes and a time when you feel more like yourself.
Upright Meaning
Joy, success, clarity, vitality, confidence, playful energy.
Reversed Meaning
Temporary setbacks, mild sadness, or difficulty seeing how far you’ve come.
Love
Upright, positive, supportive relationships or a joyful phase in love. Reversed, happiness is present but overshadowed by minor worries.
Career
Upright, recognition, progress, and feeling proud of your work. Reversed, delays in success or underestimating your achievements.
Money
Upright, financial improvement and comfort. Reversed, money is okay but you may worry more than needed.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, a sense of gratitude and lightness on your path. Reversed, learning to notice the small joys instead of chasing perfection.
20. Judgement – Awakening, Review & Renewal
Judgement calls for reflection and honest self-assessment. It is about waking up, choosing forgiveness, and stepping into a new phase.
Upright Meaning
Awakening, second chances, life review, making clear decisions based on learned lessons.
Reversed Meaning
Self-doubt, guilt, fear of change, or ignoring a call to grow.
Love
Upright, reviving a connection, forgiving past issues, or deciding the future of a relationship. Reversed, staying stuck in old stories.
Career
Upright, career review, new calling, or moving toward work that feels more meaningful. Reversed, clinging to a role that doesn’t match who you’ve become.
Money
Upright, clearing old debts or starting fresh with new habits. Reversed, repeating financial mistakes or avoiding responsibility.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, a strong sense of purpose and awakening. Reversed, fear of fully stepping into your potential.
21. The World – Completion, Wholeness & Integration
The World closes the Fool’s journey and begins another. It represents completion, celebration, and the feeling that a chapter has come full circle.
Upright Meaning
Achievement, fulfillment, graduation, travel, integration of lessons. A goal is reached and you can acknowledge how far you’ve come.
Reversed Meaning
Unfinished business, delays in closure, or holding back from fully owning your success.
Love
Upright, long-term stability, shared milestones, or a relationship that feels whole. Reversed, something still needs to be said or healed before true closure or commitment.
Career
Upright, completing big projects, recognition, or stepping into a new level. Reversed, nearly there but one last step or revision remains.
Money
Upright, reaching key financial goals or feeling more secure. Reversed, you may hesitate to enjoy what you’ve earned.
Spiritual Growth
Upright, a sense of unity with life and deeper understanding of your journey. Reversed, you might feel close to a breakthrough yet still doubt whether you deserve it.
Using the Major Arcana for Deeper Readings
When several Major Arcana cards appear at once, pay attention to the story they tell together. Are you moving from The Tower to The Star? That suggests breakdown followed by healing. Are you moving from The Fool to The Magician to The High Priestess? That implies a new path where action and intuition must work together.
Keep this guide nearby while you read. Over time, the meanings will feel less like memorized keywords and more like familiar personalities you recognize at a glance. The Major Arcana isn’t just a list of cards—it’s a full journey you walk many times through different stages of life.
