The Major Arcana

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*THE WORLD*

An androgynous figure at the center of a laurel wreath decorated at the top and bottom with ribbons that form the figure of the lemniscate, the symbol for infinity. At the four corners of this card are enigmatic faces, perhaps a bird, a calf, a lion and a man. It is suggested that these represent the creatures that announced the breaking of the four seals in the biblical book of Revelations.
(The End of a Cycle, all things combined, balance)

*JUDGEMENT*

A golden haired angel sounds a trumpet while stretching his (or her) wings across the heavens. This golden trumpet is decorated with a white flag bearing a red cross. Beneath the angel men, women, and children arise from their graves with arms upraised as if greeting a long awaited moment.
(Almost Done, Use your best judgement, Renewal, Revelation, rescue from harm, or fear, fulfillment of promises)

*THE SUN*

A happy, smiling child sits astride a mighty white steed. He is waving an orange flag beneath a brilliant blazing sun. The white stallion represents the power of innocence. The landscape is bursting with sunflowers and the cloudless blue sky portends nothing but joy.
(Success, happiness, warmth, joy)

*THE MOON*

A path winds from the shoreline through the land between two towers. Overhead a sober faced moon eclipses the sun. There is a dog (which may represent the Ego), a wolf (which may represent the Id), and a crayfish (which may represent the Superego) on the beginning of this path speaking to uncertainties, obscurities, and the unknown mysteries that stir the wild thing in us all. This is reflected in the depiction of a dog and his feral cousin, the wolf, howling together even as their differences are stripped away beneath the untamed influence of the Moon.
(Deception, Uncertainty, the unseen, the long path)

*THE STAR*

Here we can see an unclothed figure pouring water from two jars, one onto the ground beside her and one into the pool at her feet. She is situated with one foot on the earth and one foot in the water. There are eight stars in the cloudless sky above her at this oasis. On a distant hill there is a tree with a brightly colored bird perched in the branches.
(Hope, Guidance, abundance, life giving, maternal)

*THE TOWER*

A lightning struck tower stands atop a lone, craggy, peak. This lightning bolt seems to have blown the crown shaped turret entirely off of this structure and two figures fall from the tower to the depths below. The crown shape of the roof may indicate the downfall of corrupt authority. Flames burst from every window and a shower of 22 sparks are the only other illumination in the dark and stormy sky.
(Flash of Insight, Shaken to the Foundations, Tearing down to Rebuild, setting things right, giving what is due)

*THE DEVIL*

This representation depicts a central horned figure, half man and half beast, with two smaller figures chained to his throne. This is said to represent untamed aspects of the human psyche which are often feared and unacknowledged. His right hand is upraised in an open palmed gesture similar to the High Priests' blessing. The chained figures before him resemble those found beneath the archangel in the Lovers card and the chains holding them in bondage appear to be very loose. This is to symbolize that this bondage is voluntary and can be released through conscious effort.
(Temptation, Overdoing any physical pleasure, The 7 deadly sins, held by outside forces, yet not resistant. resigned)

*TEMPERANCE*

An angelic winged figure in a white flowing robe blends liquid in two cups. Upon the breast of this white robe is the symbol of an upright triangle. This figure stands with one foot on land and the other in calm waters. Around this pond yellow iris (to represent renewal), is growing and a path stretches from this oasis to distant mountains. A brilliant golden sunrise shines over these distant mountain peaks.
(Blending, Tempering, Restraint, combining forces, end or rest in the path, rejuvenation)

*DEATH*

A dark skeletal rider on a pale horse bears a black flag with a white rose on it. Beneath the horses hooves there is a fallen crown and a prone figure. In the path of the horse stands an innocent child, a swooning maiden, and a priest making a gesture of beseechment. In the distance the sun rises between two pillars.
(Unmistakable Change, an end, denial, bargaining, naivete, new beginnings in sight)

*THE HANGED MAN*

A quiet and unstruggling figure hangs from what appears to be the crossed branch of a living tree. He hangs suspended upside down from one leg. His other leg is bent at the knee to cross behind him forming an reversed figure four (the number of stability). His arms are behind his back as though bound but his expression is calm and serene. There is a golden halo around his head.
(delay, contemplation, sacrifice)

*JUSTICE*

A red-robed figure is seated on the Throne of Judgement between two pillars with a purple veil stretched between them. She is crowned with gold and holding the Sword of Truth aloft in her right hand while balancing the Scales of Justice in her left. Justice wears a green cloak (the color of Venus and therefore love) over a red robe (the color of Mars and therefore war).
(a Just result, Karma, getting what's coming to you, Injustice, Fairness/Unfairness)

*WHEEL OF FORTUNE*

A creature rides the wheel of fate as it turns in the center of a bright blue sky. Surrounding this wheel are four clouds each bearing a figure of a man, a lion, a calf, and a bird. Perhaps this is to suggest the four creatures in the book of Revelations. Each of these creatures holds an open book. There is a golden serpent twisting beside this wheel and a figurine reminiscent of the Sphynx of the Riddle seated atop it. The wheel is decorated with symbols and images sometimes likened to the "Seal of Solomon"
(Karma, Destiny, fate, luck, knowledge)

*THE HERMIT*

A darkly cloaked sage pauses on his way across snowy terrain. Overhead the sky is starless and black and the night is moonless. In his left hand he leans upon a wand which aids his balance and supports him. This wand signifies the firm willpower which may aid one in even the most difficult of travels. Upraised in his right hand he carries a lantern to cast some light on the path he walks. This is an indication of the need to actively seek out illumination on lifes journey. There are no other footprints to mark this path.
(Seeking the truth, A Teacher, A Lesson to be learned/Discovered, self discovery, a guide)

*STRENGTH*

A woman in a white dress (to signify purity) closes the mouth of a roaring lion with her gentle hands. Her dress and hair are adorned with garlanded flowers. Over her head, somewhat like a halo, swirls a lemniscate (The symbol of infinity). The woman and lion are standing in a green meadow beneath a golden cloudless sky.
(Firm but Gentle, inner strength, sure and unwavering)

*THE CHARIOT*

A charioteer is working without reins to master the opposing impulses of two differently colored steeds. The canopy of his chariot is decorated with representations of celestial bodies against a royal blue background to symbolize the heavens over the earth and his armor is decorated with golden emblems of the moon to signify both masculine and feminine energies. There is a large city in the background and the sky overhead is golden and cloudless.
(Control, travel, Vehicle, a journey, movement)

*THE LOVERS*

An unclothed couple stand beneath winged angel who is making a gesture of benediction. They are naked in reference to the innocence of Eden before the fall. Behind each there grows a tree. The tree behind the woman bears fruit to signify fertility. The tree behind the man bears flames to signify desire. A serpent winds around the trunk of the fruit-bearing tree behind the woman. A Brilliant full sun shines over head.
(Partnership, a union, trust, divine plan)

*THE HEIROPHANT*

The Hierophant, or High Priest, shows a papal figure seated upon a throne between two pillars. With his right hand he is offering a blessing to two members of his following. In his left hand he carries a golden staff. Upon his head he wears an ornate golden crown. Before him are crossed keys representing the "keys" or answers to the secret knowledge of life. His red robe and white shoes are decorated with seven crosses and the robes of his followers are alternatively decorated with red roses and white lilies.
(Conventional Wisdom, Rules, Societies Expectations, final say, teacher, respect or guidance)

*THE EMPEROR*

A sovereign ruler wearing a golden bejewelled crown is seated upon a throne decorated with the heads of rams carved into it. This may signify the initiating decisive kind of leadership represented by the sign of Aries. In his right hand he holds a scepter. In his left hand he holds a golden globe which is said to be a symbol of the whole world. Beneath his royal robes we can see that he is wearing armor and thus is prepared for battle. His throne is situated upon the sandy shore of a small river that runs past mountainous cliffs.
(Authority, Ruler, Leadership, Decision, Corruption)

*THE EMPRESS*

The Empress is seated on a comfortable cushioned throne. In her right hand there is a scepter and at her side a heart-shaped shield bearing the sigil of Venus, a symbol of love, beauty, and fertility. Upon her head she wears a garland of stars symbolizing abundant hopes instead of a crown. Her throne rests at the edge of a fertile field bearing ripe grains. Behind her we can see a wooded glade lush with growth and abundance overlooking a gentle waterfall. The sky overhead is golden and cloudless.
(Fertility, Abundance/Overabundance, Corruption from spoiling, all that is feminine, life giving, gentle assuredness)

*HIGH PRIESTESS*

A serious woman cloaked in a blue robe is seated between two pillars. On the pillars there is inscribed a B and a J. These letters stand for Boaz and Jachin ("To Establish" and "In Strength"). She wears a headdress and a white cross on her breast. She holds a scroll on which we can read the word TORA which might mean "Natural Law".
(Intuition, Secrets revealed in their own time, Unconscious Knowledge, keeper of the secrets, divine knowledge)

*MAGICIAN*

A young mage holds a small wand in his upraised right hand. Before him the rest of his tools are displayed on his worktable. Each of these tools, the Wand, the Pentacle, the Sword, and the Cup represent the four astrological elements. With his left hand he points to the earth beneath his feet and over his head there is a lemniscate (the symbol of infinity). He wears white garments (to represent purity) beneath a cape of red to symbolize desire.
(Skills, Abilities, has all at his fingertips)

*THE FOOL*

A carefree wanderer carries his belongings (or perhaps his past troubles) in a bag hanging from the wand on his shoulder. This happy traveler steps toward what appears to be the edge of a cliff. A small dog barks at his feet as though to warn him of what lies ahead. In his right hand he holds a white rose to represent innocence and upon his head he wears a laurel wreath of success decorated with the red feather of desire. His tunic is gaily colored and the golden sky overhead is illuminated by a full shining sun.
(New Beginnings, Purity, Innocence, Beginners luck, carefree, oblivious to what lies ahead or behind)