Major Arcana Meanings (Rider Waite Smith)

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Fool” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Spirit of GR:Alpha-iota-theta-eta-rho” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Self (Unrealized)
Mythology: Dionysos, Bacchus
Numerology: 1
Element: Air
Astrology: Uranus
Hebrew Letter: א Aleph (Ox, Bull)

Innocence, foolishness, eccentricity, adventure, journey, purity of action, potential, passion, spontaneity, choices, a free spirit, fearlessness, innocence, new beginnings, possibilities, trust in life, spontaneity, a leap of faith, seeking freedom.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Magician” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Magus of Power” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Trickster, The Persona
Mythology: Hermes, Mercury; Cronos, Saturn.
Numerology: 1
Element: Air
Astrology: Mercury
Hebrew Letter: ב Beth (House)

Manifestation, focused will, creative visualization, artistic creativity, skill, self-confidence, ability, willingness, creativity, action, power, will-power, directed will, mastery, craft, manifestation, skill, magic, trickery, cunning.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The High Priestess” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Priestess of the Silver Star” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Anima – the unconscious female element of the male.
Mythology: Demeter
Numerology: 2
Element: Water
Astrology: Moon
Hebrew Letter: ג Gimel (Camel)

Intuition, spiritual knowledge, divination, esoteric wisdom, purity, secrets, subconscious, mystery, intuition, spiritual insight, inner-knowing, self trust, spiritual insight, prophecy, emotional stability, serenity, strength, understanding, truth, feminine forces.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Empress” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Daughter of the Mighty Ones” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Mother, The Anima
Mythology: Aphrodite, Hera, Juno
Numerology: 3
Element: Earth
Astrology: Venus
Hebrew Letter: ר Dalet (Door)

Fertility, creativity, maternity, kindness, femininity, beauty, nurturing, abundance, fertility, mothering, your mother, love, beauty, a businesswoman, mother earth, pregnancy, creativity, solving problems creatively, fulfilling your potential, a successful business or opportunity.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Emperor” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”Sun of the Morning, Chief among the Mighty” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Father, The Animus
Mythology: Zeus, Jupiter.
Numerology: 4
Element: Fire
Astrology: Aries
Hebrew Letter: ה Heh (Window)

Authority, stability, paternity, structure, advice, confident, capability, accomplishments. order, structure, leadership, your father, the establishment, asserting yourself, ambition, law and order, taking a stand, firmness.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Hierophant” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Magus of the Eternal” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Wise Old Man, The Animus
Mythology: Apollo; Helios, Sol
Numerology: 5
Element: Earth
Astrology: Taurus
Hebrew Letter: ו Vau

Spiritual, tradition, conforming. group identity, large institutions, education, teaching, learning, tradition, orthodoxy, the status quo, religion, a guru or teacher, spiritual guidance, occult or mystical groups, divine laws, seeking counsel and advice.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Lovers” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Children of the Voice; the Oracles of the Mighty Gods” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Anima and The Animus
Mythology: Eros, Apollo + Artemis/Diana; Osiris + Isis.
Numerology: 6
Element: Air
Astrology: Gemini
Hebrew Letter: ז Zain (Sword)

Love, harmony, union, new romance, happiness, positivity, trust, choices, partnerships, affection, being at a crossroads, togetherness, going into business with another, being duty bound, a love affair, falling in love, commitment, an engagement, choosing between two lovers, harmony.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Chariot” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”Lord of the Triumph of Light” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Warrior
Mythology: Mars, Hercules
Numerology: 7
Element: Water
Astrology: Cancer
Hebrew Letter: ח Chet (Fence)

Decisions, choices, taking control, perseverance, drive, will power, direction, ambition, confidence, victory, success, a journey, transportation, success with little or no support, overcoming obstacles, triumph in the face of adversity, coming to the aid of another, mastering a skill, driving force, impetus, energy.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Strength” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Daughter of the Flaming Sword” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Anima and The Animus
Mythology: Artemis, Diana.
Numerology: 8
Element: Fire
Astrology: Leo
Hebrew Letter: ס Tet (Serpent)

Justice, balance, justice, truth, security, virtue, harmony, balance and equilibrium, truth, fairness, responsibility, accountability, integrity, dignity, agreements, legal affairs, a court case or tribunal, seeking fairness through clarity.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Hermit” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Prophet of the Eternal” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Wise Old Man
Mythology: Cronos (Chronos), Saturn.
Numerology: 9
Element: Earth
Astrology: Virgo
Hebrew Letter: י Yod (Open Hand)

Introspection, solitude, retreat, inner reflection, inner strength, wisdom, patience, withdrawal, contemplation, wanting or finding solitude, private self-reflection, seeking enlightenment & spiritual experiences, meditation, being discreet, privacy, home study, withdrawing from society, patience.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Wheel of Fortune” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Lord of the of Fate Forces of Life” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: Fate and Destiny
Mythology: Tyche, Fortuna; Rhea.
Numerology: 10
Element: Fire
Astrology: Jupiter
Hebrew Letter: כ Koph (Clasping Hand)

Change, fortune, progress, unexpected news, luck, chance, opportunity, changes, a turning point, movement, winning, the cycle of life, ups and downs, fate, destiny, a chance meeting that can change your life, what goes around comes around, winning at a game of chance.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Justice” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Daughter of the Lords of Truth: the Ruler of the Balance” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: Justice
Mythology: Athene, Minerva; Themis.
Numerology: 11
Element: Air
Astrology: Libra
Hebrew Letter: ל Lamed (Ox Goad)

Inner strength, courage, inner strength, discipline, energy, freshness, determined, heroism, vitality, self-assurance, self-control, self-belief, patience, confidence, enjoying power, sexuality, eroticism, heroic acts, strength through personal power & not violence, vitality, virility, potency.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Hanged Man” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Spirit of the Mighty Waters” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Shadow
Mythology: Prometheus, Odin
Numerology: 12
Element: Water
Astrology: Neptune
Hebrew Letter: מ Mem (Water)

Sacrifice, martyrdom, reversals, abandoning, rebirth, self sacrifice, letting go, sacrifice for gain, surrender, breaking patterns, a crisis, delays, seeing from another direction, a fresh perspective, suspension of activity, giving something up, experiencing a metamorphosis, spiritual advancement, a detachment from the material.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Death” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Child of the Great Transformers: the Lord of the Gates of Death” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Shadow, Death and Rebirth
Mythology: Hades, Pluto, Saturn
Numerology: 13
Element: Water
Astrology: Scorpio
Hebrew Letter: נ Nun (Fish)

Rapid transformation, change, end of something, completion, new beginnings. Endings, mortality, profound change, letting go of emotional attachments, severing ties, the end of an era or cycle, transformation, renewal, rebirth.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Temperance” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Daughter of the Reconcilers: the Bringer-Forth of Life” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Anima and The Animus
Mythology: Iris
Numerology: 14
Element: Fire
Astrology: Sagittarius
Hebrew Letter: ס Samekh (Prop)

Balance, modulation, patience, fusion, influence, healing, harmony, synthesis, moderation, blending, synergy, alchemy, being temperate, blending opposites, angel communication, connecting with your guides, merging, looking for divine intervention.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Devil” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Lord of the Gates of Matter: the Child of the Forces of Time” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Shadow, The Trickster
Mythology: Pan, Saturn, Baphomet
Numerology: 15
Element: Earth
Astrology: Capricorn
Hebrew Letter: ע Ayin (Eye)

Addiction, entrapment, materialism, abuse, ill-tempered bondage, temptation, enslavement, materialism, fear & doubt, lies, violence, unhealthy relationships, sexual deviancy/gratification, feeling trapped & without options.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Tower” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Lord of the Hosts of the Mighty” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: Death and Rebirth, The Shadow
Mythology: Mars
Numerology: 16
Element: Fire
Astrology: Mars
Hebrew Letter: פ Peh (Mouth)

Sudden and unexpected change, destruction of the old system, sudden change, unexpected events. upheaval, ruin, catastrophe, release, revelation, breaking down of old forms, renovation, an accident or damage to the home, bankruptcy, redundancy or loss of work, being overthrown or ousted.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Star” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Daughter of the Firmament, the Dweller Between the Waters” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Anima and The Animus
Mythology: Venus, Aphrodite, Isis, Ishtar
Numerology: 17
Element: Air
Astrology: Aquarius
Hebrew Letter: צ Tzaddi (Fish Hook)

Hope, guiding star, optimism, spirituality, insight, positivity, inspiration, faith, happiness, opportunities, optimism, renewal, spirituality, cosmic blessings, help in all forms, the heavens, wishing on a star, good health & healing, an inspirational person, a period of tranquility.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Moon” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Ruler of Flux and Reflux: the Child of the Sons of the Mighty” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Shadow
Mythology: Hecate; Artemis, Diana, Luna
Numerology: 18
Element: Water
Astrology: Pisces
Hebrew Letter: ק Qof (Back of Head)

Delusions, disturbed mind, deception, deep emotions, dreams/nightmares, illusion, hidden things, insecurity, mystery, falsehoods, visions, mental confusion, a dark night of the soul, a difficult period, lacking clarity, deception, secrets, increased psychic ability and experiences, lunacy.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The Sun” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Lord of the Fire of the World” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Self, The Sun
Mythology: Apollo; Helios, Sol
Numerology: 19
Element: Fire
Astrological: Sun
Hebrew Letter: ר Resh (Head, Face)

Life, happiness, success, joy, love, fulfillment, satisfaction, content. energy, vitality, joy, enlightenment, warmth, manifestation, happiness, marriage, good times, success, clear thinking, optimism, blessings, good fortune.

[dt_fancy_title title=”Judgement” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Spirit of the Primal Fire” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Self, Evaluation and reward
Mythology: Hermes
Numerology: 20
Element: Fire
Astrology: Pluto
Hebrew Letter: ש Shin (Fang, Tooth)

Call to action, breakthrough, faith, wake up call, awakening, redemption, rebirth, an awakening, a calling – spiritual or career, renewal, spirit led, reincarnation, a realization, a change that has already occurred, end of an era, a rite of passage, a period of transition, decision making.

[dt_fancy_title title=”The World” title_size=”h1″ title_color=”title” separator_color=”accent”][dt_fancy_title title=”The Great One of the Night of Time” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”title”]

Archetype: The Self, The Anima and The Animus
Mythology: Hera
Numerology: 21
Element: Earth
Astrology: Saturn
Hebrew Letter: ת Taw (Mark, Signature)

Completion, fulfillment, perfection, achievement, recognition, triumph, possibilities, outcomes, realizations, wholeness, success, totality, moving – particularly abroad, success and successful conclusions, the journey’s end, goal achievement.

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Major Arcana Meanings (Rider Waite Smith)

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