Upright meaning: Inspiring words from a respected individual. An opportunity to learn; the locking of truths that bring freedom. You may also find that The Hierophant symbolizes a source of comfort during difficult times, along witht the knowledge that you are supported by the universe, whatever you do.

 

Reversed meaning: Untruths, half-truths and everything but the whole truth. Information is kept from you and what you hear is distorted. Other may politic against you fo their own ends. As the upright meaning of The Hierophant brings freedom, here, misinformation causes restriction and upset. Treat what you hear from others with due scepticism, and protect yourself where possible from others' dishonest attempts to gain favor.

 

Key words: Mentors, spiritual authority, instruction, traditional wisdom and inspiration.

 

6/VI - The Lovers: As two lovers stand in a field of flowers, the young woman offers a flower to her partener. His acceptance of her gift symbolizes their choice as individuals to take the next step in life together. The Lovers card is VI (6) in the the tarot sequence, which is linked to growth.

 

Upright meaning: As well as predicting a future relationship, The Lovers inconography is that of commitment to a crucial decision. Its presence in a reading means that existing conflicts are about to be fully resolved, and the stress of continuous compromise is banished. Allow your haert, not your head, to guide you. The outcome will bring growth, with opportunities to encounter new people and places.

 

Reversed meaning: Relationship difficulties. Weakness and temptation; taking what appears to be an easy option that you could regret in the future. Lack of commitment and a failure to recognize the true nature of a situation or relationship.

 

Key words: Maturity, choice, growth and love.

 

7/VII - The Chariot: The Charioteer uses every once of his energy and determination to get to his destination. To realize his ambition he has, literally, made a major departure, and his enterprise will succeed. He is depicted driving two horses, symbolizing the light and dark side of the journey: ultimate arrival, yet the danger of unreasonable force or pressure.

 

Upright meaning: Completion and triumph. Hard work pays off, and endeavors are crowned with success, which is entirely deserved.You may have had to constantly defend yourposition in order to get throught difficult times, but now you can afford to real a little and enjoy the rewards: you won't always need to protect your personality with battle armor.

 

Reversed meaning: Oppression and restriction. A driving force in you life gets out of control you suffer from others' lack of sensitivity to your basic needs. When selfishness in a relationship or business partnership knows no bounds, create some distance before you assert what you will, and will not, accept.

 

Key words: Travel, progress, success and determination.

 

8/VIII - Justice: The number VIII (8) represented Justice to the ancient Greeks, because it is made up of equal numbers, indicating balance. Here, Justice is traditionally personified as a woman on a throne, the sword of liberty in her right hand and the scales of justice in her left. Her appearance in a reading can be welcomed or feared.

 

Upright meaning: When Justice appears, a settlement is about to be negotiated. This card can be interpreted literally, in terms of dealing with legal matter, and on a broader life level in that it indicates the summing up of a long-standing project or situation. Agreements will be reached to your advantage, provided that you have acted with due fairness in the past.

 

Reversed meaning: In the reversed position, Justice stands for it's opposite qualities of a miscarriage of justice, bias, complicated negotiations, and legal wrangles that muddy the truth. Justice reversed can be seen as a prompt to act fairly yourself, and retain your integrity regardless of the manipulative influences around you.

 

Key words: Resolution, balance and fairness.

 

9/IX - The Hermit: Journeying in darkness, the solitary Hermit appears bereft and outcast. Yet his lamp illuminates his path so that although he has chosen to be separate, he can clearly see the road ahead. The Hermit is numbered IX (9) and, like the Fool, is embarking on a quest, but for the Hermit, the traveling is within.

 

Upright meaning: A time to withdraw. Do not worry that this card means enforced isolation, or lack of support; this is a time to look deeper within yourself to process what you have learned so far. You may seek this higher wisdom from another individual, but, however you choose to gain time and knowledge yourself, you will need to step outside your usual circle of friends or family. Discretion and privacy will be important to you at this time.

 

Reversed meaning: The Hermit reversed shows the obstinacy and a refusal to face certain problems that you know have been partly created by your own attitude. Resist the temptation to display anger or resentment, and look for meaningful solutions rather than avoidance tactics. 

 

Key words: Inner knowledge, separation, perspective and individualism.

 

10/X - The Wheel of Fortune: The Wheel of Fortune is numbered X in the major arcana, which, including 0, The Fool, marks the half-way point in the tarot cycle. Having embarked on the inner journey sparked by The Hermit, a crossroads is now reached. Yet as the turn of the wheel can bring favorable opportunities and therefore major life-changes, there is also the risk that the wheel turns downside.

 

Upright meaning: A positive turn in The Wheel heralds a major change in your overall circumstnces. The influence of The Wheel of Fortune can be interpreted as the working of explainable destiny, and, in a reading, it is usually a fortuitous card, bringing fresh enterprises and ideas that will transform your whole way of thinking and living.

 

Reversed meaning: When reversed, The Wheel of Fortune indicates a negative situation over which you have no control. Although there is little you can do to alleviate this situation, the turn of the wheel will bring better times as your start ascends once more. Be patient; change will come.

 

Key words: Chance, beginnings, endings and dreams.

 

11/XI - Strength: The young woman controls the jaws of a lion, her strenght of purpose pitted against the brute primitive force of the animal. As her cape enfolds him, so there is the knowledge that baser instincts can be controlled, although not without struggle. The card is numbered XI, traditionally indicating vulnerability.

 

Upright meaning: A situation that requires a gentler, intuitive response if resolution is to be reached. Here, both energies are needed for balance. Rather than slay the lion, errant negotiation and calm control will bring forces to heel and ensure steady progress. This card can often show an inner conflict between intuition and pragmatism, perhaps wrestling with a decision or project that requires a synthesis of masculine and feminine qualities if it is to succeed.

 

Reversed meaning: Surrendering to opposition, a failure to deal with a situation or person in a way that feels right. Rather than retreat, draw upon all your reserves of inner strength and confront the problem; you may discover that the roaring lion is a pussycat after all.

 

Key words: Struggle, danger, inner strength instinct and integration.

 

12/XII - The Hanged Man: A young man hangs suspended from a tree by one leg, his hands tied behind his back. Regardless of his predicament, his expression is beatific. Numbered XII (12), symbolizing salvation, The Hanged Man is not an indicator of death. Rather, his unorthodox, upside-down view of life expresses a change of perspective.

 

Upright meaning: A need to look at a situation in a completely different way. Old ways of thinking are put aside. Subconscious wisdom is at work here; be guided by your intuition and value it. Alternatively, on a mundane level, this card can also indicate, quite literally, a preiod of hanging around waiting for the outcome of a major decision, such as a job offer or pending contract.

 

Reversed meaning: A refusal to change or examine your true attitudes. Instead of gaining a fresh perspective, you remain in a limbo of conflict. In the upright position, The Hanged Man is safely tethered to a growing tree, supported by his natural instincts. When reversed, he is bound to the earth and fetterd by materialism. Consider your approach to a problem and take guidance from your unconscious, or be prepared to waste more precious time.

 

Key words: Wiexpoints, hope, the unconscious and waiting.

 

13/XIII - Death: The Death card in a Tarto reading is not to be feared. On some Tarot decks, he appears as the architypal grim reaper, enough to tinge a reading with unfounded negativity. Death is numbered XIII (13), which is symbolic of dying, but this generally shows the ending of a particular cycle or sittuation so that new order and life ensues. Here, the ritual of death is depicted as the forces of nature at work. For every tree that dies another grows in its place.

 

Upright meaning: The ending of a cycle of events so that new opportunities can thrive. Letting go of past pain, old ways, and associations allows you to embrace the next phase of you life wholeheartedly. Knowing that what is taken is superfluous means that the influence of the Death card will feel natural and benign. Great opportunites await.  

 

Reversed meaning: Major changes for which you are ill-prepared, but which are entirely necessary. An investmentin the past that has held you back may be taken from you, forcing you to look to the future. You may stubbornly resist this, perhaps, for good reason, but it is better to give in than sap your energy holding fast to a position or a relationship that is no longer tenable.

 

Key words: Change, moving away, and new beginnings.

 

14/XIV - Temperance: Temperance is a female figure by a river, pouring precious water between cups. Also known as the Angel of Time, she symbolizes the flowing of the past into the future. Her actions testify to creativity and balance, and her toe in the water shows a connection with the unconcious. This card is numbered XIV, meaning reconciliation and growth.

 

Upright meaning: What, or who, you are dealing with can be likened to interactin with a chemistry set. Attention to detail is essential if you are to get the right balance and combination of parts, or potential rewards will evaporate. A harmonious equilibrium is possible, and this can also be interpreted as resonciling you past behavior with who you are now. A further interpretation of Temperance is a need to balance the books and temper your finances.

 

Reversed meaning: Being out of kilter with different aspects of life. This could manifest as feeling overwhelmed by the past or, conversly, suppressing what you could have learned from past ecperience and focusing exclusively on the future. On a practical leverl, Temperance reversed can indicate the poor handling of a volatile situation or bad financial management.

 

Key words: Fluidity, growth, finances, Reconciliation and compromise.

 

15/XV - The Devil: Like the Death card, The Devil can, unfortunately, conjure a certain dread in a reading. Traditionally, he is depicted as a giant Beezlebub towering over two shackled demons. Here, he is illustrated as temptation on your shoulder, warning of an ensuing struggle between one's baser and higher instincts. His number, XV, represents the conflict of opposites.

 

Upright meaning: You are tied to a commitment that is enslaving you, but is your perceptiong of this situation, that allows it to continue in a way that is ultimately unsatifying. A financial agreement, relationship, or career commitment has become imprisonment rather than liberation. Follow your higher instincts and protect your long-term future. In one jump, you can be free.

 

Reversed meaning: In the reversed position, The Devil reveals a damaging imbalance of opposites, a clash between gratification and morality, or the head completely overruling the heart. Do not give in to temptation. Act honorably and listen to the angel on your other shoulder, ignoring the gossip and manipulative tactics of others.

 

Key words: Struggle, decisions, manipulation and potential.

 

XVI/ 16 - The Tower: The Tower is also known as the House of God (La Maison Dieu), and the tower struck by lightning can be seen as an act of God. In the destruction of the tower - what we have constructed as an unassailable stronghold - we experience in a flash the omnipotent  forces of the universe. Numbered XVI, The Tower signifies cosmic power.

 

Upright meaning: Destiny is at work in the world, undoing what you hold dear. The Tower can be interpreted as the collapse of an idea or a lifestyle, a particular dream or future venture. This shock to the system will cause you to question your motives, yet The Tower is a harbringer of bad luck rather than blame. Recover your ego.

 

Reversed meaning: Pointless misfortune that you may find difficult to cope with. The situation you are in could be frustrating and, moreover, unnecessary, yet all you can do is endure it. Disaster may have bbeen avoidable, but look to the future. The destructive influence of The Tower will certainly not last forever.

 

Key words: Change, speed and insight.

 

XVII/17 - The Star: The Star shows a naked woman by water pouring from two pitchers. The stars around her signify imagination and ambition, and the water represents creativity and rebirth, symbolized by the number of the card, XVII.

 

Upright meaning: A new start and wonderful new ebergy and opportunities surround you. This is a fortuitous card for those starting out on projects or relationships, as it indicates a brilliant combination of conscious and unconscious creativity. This is shown on the card by water flowing onto the ground and into the pool. On a practical level, it indicates that you feel energized emotionally and physically, ready yo make your drams a reality.

 

Reversed meaning: A turning awaay from potentially good opportunities; creative blocks. The Star reversed can also mean living entirely in a dream world with unrealistic expectations that get you nowhere. Equally, this card can advise you to watch out for people appearing to reach for the stars. Don't be enchanted by weavers of dreams.

 

Key words: Vigor, new life, happiness and imagination.

 

18/XVIII - The Moon: As two dogs howl at the moon by a fortified gate, a lobster writhes partly submerged in water. Seeing the path agead of him, he is paralyzed by a decision: to stay in safe waters, or risk moving beyong safety of the enclosure. Numbered XVIII, The Moon symbolizes solitude and the conclusion of a journey.

 

Upright meaning: You are doubting your position and must look to you intuition for a solution. Everything looks different under the light of the moon, which indicates a need to discover your inner longings and needsrather than accept surface values. A risk is involved that could take you away from familiar surroundings, but you will need to make you decision about this alone.

 

Reversed meaning: A failure of imagination; opting for comfort rather than future payoffs. The Moon reversed can also mean that you deceiving yourself about someone, and a situation or arrangement may not be what you expect. In this position, the intuitive moon can show people or events in a deceptive light, so careful examination should be your watchword.

 

Key words: Crisis of faith, indecision, disillusionment, perspective and solitude.

 

19/XIX - The Sun: The Sun card shows two children playing within the safety of a walled garden, sheltered by sunflowers that flourish under the heat of the sun. Numbered XIX, The Sun symbolizes achievement. Its prescence in a reading shows joy, health and security.

 

Upright meaning: The joy of genuine accomplishment. Rewards, creativity, and glory crown your endeavors. It can predict happy love relationships, thr birth of a child, and good health. The benefits of heat and light - vision, comfort, and growth - are yours, so whatever you embark upon now will be blessed with good fortune and support. The walled garden of The Sun is a safe refuge, so if life has been recently fraught with the constant challenges and irritation, then know that your santuary beckons.

 

Reversed meaning: The reversed Sun shows worry abou health, children, and projects. You have a clear vision of the way you would life things to be, but frustratingly, you may be best by delays to your plans. What you had envisioned to be the perfect sceneriolook like wishful thinking. Don't give up hope; the situation will improve, but will take a little time.

 

Key words: Joy, innocence, protection and creativity.

 

20/XX - Judgement: An angel blows a trumpet, the call of the Last Judgement. Numbered XX, which is the penultimute card of the Tarot sequence, it represents the final summing up of events before the advent of The World, card XXI.

 

Upright meaning: A second chance. An opportunity to put any previous wrongs and to make amends. Use this opporunity wisely, as you are being offered a way to spiritually reinvent yourself. You may also be rewarded financially for past efforts, leading to opportunities for progress in a new enterprise. With the benefit of hindsight and experience you will succeed, second time around.

 

Reversed meaning: Judgement reversed indicates severance that is unexpected and unwanted. You may be feeling guilty about a situation that you handled badly, or even dishonestly, or a decision that you know was completely wrong. Living with the consequences is not easy, however it is better to accept the problems of the past, settle on a verdict and feel free to move on.

 

Key words: Conclusions, rewards, second chances and evidence.

 

21/XXI - The World: The World shows an androgynous figure encirlced by a green wreath. As the final card in the Tarot sequence, the wreath is The World in its completeness, but within it lays the seed of the new. Numbered XXI, symbolizing creation, The World gives birth to the child, or 0, The Fool, and so the cycle of the Tarot begins again.

 

Upright meaning: A successful outcome. When this card appears in a reading, it can be taken as a life landmark, a key move in terms of your lifestyle, or an opportunity to discover new territory physically through traveling to new countries. One chapter of your life is closing; now it's time for the next adventure.

 

Reversed meaning: Stagnation and an inability to move forward. This can manifest as stubbornness and a refusal to let go of the past, or of current ways of living. A lack of flexibility means that you could miss out on exciting change and challenges. A steady orbit can only trap you in ever-decreasing circles; this cycle is suffocating and unfulfilling, so break the pattern.

 

Key words: Completion, birth, endings and beginnings.

 

 

And that is the end of the 22 card Major Arcana deck. Soon (if not already), there will be the Minor Arcana as well.