Major Arcana
0 THE FOOL
An uncharted phase begins! Dare to do something new, and live fully in the present. An auspicious time to make a leap of faith, courageously flout convention in pursuing your dreams. Be smart and make a fresh start with optimism in your heart, “Not to begin is to deny the Gods.” Juliet Sharman-Burke, The Mythic Tarot.
I THE MAGICIAN
Pairing intellect with innovation, you have all the tools you need to take action. This card bodes well for your undertakings, bridging spiritual strength and worldly power. Explore latent abilities as you develop deeper mastery of known ones. “Great communication skills…use them!” Kate Nordstrom, my first Tarot teacher. Remember that truly clever people accept good counsel.
II THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Embodying all that is most profoundly mystical in our psyches – wisdom, insight, dreams, and psychic abilities, she counsels you to listen deeply to Spirit. “Hers is the face upon the doors of your inner temple.” Make intuition your ally. Beware unseen elements and secret motives at work in your situation. Jessica Godino, co-author of The World Spirit Tarot.
III THE EMPRESS
The Great Provider, she is steward of everything creative and sustaining. Her personal magnetism and generosity both comfort and nurture. Luxuriously delighted by the physical world’s glorious fertility and proliferating chaos, she counsels you to take pleasure in your body and honor the earth. Make time for comfort, decadence, and connection.
IV THE EMPEROR
Infrastructure brings Order to Chaos. Here is the best and worst of civilization’s offerings – roads and libraries, protection and oppression, dogma and despotism. Deeply consider your relationship to laws, ethics, privilege, individuality, and authority, both civic and familial. ‘Dominion over the self is necessary, dominion over others is not.’ Jessica Godino, co-author ofThe World Spirit Tarot.
V THE HIEROPHANT
Are you ready to expand your knowledge? Bringing together the worlds of inner spirit and outer learning, this card represents the laws and culture of religious and academic tradition. Study the collected wisdom of the ancestors with all its gifts and shortcomings, then find the truly Sacred in your own way.
VI THE LOVERS
Also known as the Twins, this card speaks to partnership and union in the broadest sense, as well as blooming romance. Trust in the connection you feel, and reach out. Strive to give of yourself without losing yourself; self-acceptance and knowledge are essential to a balanced connection with others. Expect adventure!
VII THE CHARIOT
Employ self-discipline to create the right conditions for success. You have a lot going on. Outer fortitude paired with self-awareness is a winning combination. Strive to collect yourself for action. The Chariot awaits your focused hand on the reins; meanwhile, you are ‘All dressed up and nowhere to go.” Kate Nordstrom, my first Tarot teacher.
VIII STRENGTH
This is the power that comes from within, rather than from lording one’s power over another. Harness your instinctive nature and tame the inner beast. Release pesky self-doubts; there can be great power in small things. Your endurance, perseverance, passion and committed temperament assure you of a slow and steady victory.
IX THE HERMIT
Turn away from ordinary things for a time, and seek the voice of the Divine. Perhaps you can work with a guide or mentor on this journey, perhaps you walk entirely solo. In blazing your own path, you may forge a way for others. Your individualistic wisdom may heal the world.
X THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Big change is afoot, and unknown factors are at work in your situation. Challenge and victory ride each other’s heels. Remember, everything is cyclical; lives and empires rise and fall, cultural norms change and change again over time. Be poised to take action when the Wheel swings your way.
XI JUSTICE
Expect speedy resolution of a lingering legal or ethical matter. Which side of the sword of truth will you be found on? You may be judged, or called upon to make a big decision. Think on the Golden Rule. Be honest, as all falsehood and denials will be outed in time.
XII THE HANGED MAN
After being held in limbo, get ready for committed action. The card of meaningful self-sacrifice, be prepared to give till it hurts. Dig down deep in your reserves of time, resources, and creativity to get to the other side of this victorious. Resist any tendencies to codependency and habitual martyrdom.
XIII DEATH
Though rarely a card of physical death, expect immediate and dramatic transformation. Something near and dear to you, such as a toxic relationship, outmoded ideas, or a bad work situation, is imploding. Your path through loss may include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and eventually acceptance. But Phoenix-like, your fresh future awaits.
XIV TEMPERANCE
Cultivate moderation and equilibrium. Seek good counsel, compromise or co-operation, stepping back from gratuitous drama. Also called Art, this is the card of personal alchemy, so seek to create your best possible self. Evaluate, own and release feelings that disrupt your harmony, healing and higher learning.
XV THE DEVIL
Be it due to addiction, obsession, self-destructive behavior or something more subtle, your life is seriously out of balance. Denial of the facts and relentless pursuit of immediate gratification at the expense of your whole self is unsustainable, and endangers everyone around you. Whatever you’re doing, is it worth it?
XVI THE TOWER
The mighty may be brought low. Catastrophic events, bad luck, and poor timing bring you the unwanted blessing of a radical change of perspective. Reversals of fortune bring hardship, but also unmask denial and challenge rigidity. “The way down from the Tower is full of surprises.” Jessica Godino, co-author of The World Spirit Tarot.
XVII THE STAR
Healing and calming after strife are the gifts of the Star. Inspiration and optimism flow, as do renewed empathy and compassion for others. Be revitalized and reminded that Love and creativity are not finite resources, but boundless. The more you choose to give, the more you may choose to receive.
XVII THE MOON
Dreams and daydreams bring messages from your deep mind and the collective unconscious. Intuition and introspection hold the answers you need. Heed them. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes frightening, honor your instincts and flashes of insight; seek your validation from within, not without. Meet and acknowledge your shadow to reclaim your power.
XIV THE SUN
Invoking celebration, joy, freedom and festivity after a period of challenge, this is the ultimate card of blessing. Release old habits of guardedness, embrace optimism and enjoy new vitality in all your endeavors. Socialize and explore, enjoying the earthly joys and healthy pleasures available to you in this glorious time.
XX JUDGMENT
An impending decision of great magnitude requires that you reckon with, and resolve, matters of your past. Acknowledge the consequences of previous action, making amends where you can and accepting what you cannot. What is your vocation or inner calling? What will your eulogy say? What kind of person are you?
XXI THE UNIVERSE
Revel in the satisfaction of completing your past cycle of growth, learning and adventure. Here is wholeness and mastery. A card of victory and fulfillment, look for long-standing issues to be resolved. One ends, and a fresh one begins with open eyes, bright hopes and the naiveté of the Fool.