Imagine that you are the hero or main character in a mystical adventure, where every step you take reveals a new discovery about yourself. The Major Arcana is not just for divination—it’s a map for personal growth. You might not have known, but each card represents a stage on an inner journey. This journey is known as the “Hero’s Journey,” an ancient narrative pattern that helps you understand the twists and turns of life.
But how does this apply to tarot, and how can you use these cards to gain a deep understanding of yourself? Let’s dive in!
The concept of the “Hero’s Journey” was famously described by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. This universal pattern appears in nearly every great story—from ancient myths to contemporary films. Think of Star Wars or Harry Potter: in each case, the hero embarks on an unknown adventure, faces trials, and eventually returns transformed.
The Major Arcana of tarot mirrors this journey. When you draw tarot cards, you’re not just glimpsing the future—you’re discovering where you are in your own journey. Tarot readings can help you understand the lessons you need to learn, the challenges you face, and how to move forward.
Let’s take a detailed look at the 22 cards of the Major Arcana and see how they align with the Hero’s Journey.
The Fool represents the first step on the journey. It’s you, leaping into the unknown, curious and full of hope. This card is a reminder that often the first step is the most important—even when you can’t see the whole path ahead.
Everyday life tip: When you feel you’re on the threshold of a new phase, use this card as a reminder that every great journey begins with a little bit of courage.
The Magician expresses your personal power and skills. It’s a reminder that you have the ability to shape your reality. The Magician encourages you to take action and tap into your inner energy.
Tip: When facing an important decision, draw the Magician to remind yourself that you have the power to influence events in your favor.
The High Priestess represents intuition and inner wisdom. She is the quiet presence that reminds you that the best answers often lie within.
Hint: Draw this card when you need guidance and really listen to your inner voice. Meditate with it to connect more deeply with your intuition.
The Empress is the embodiment of creativity, abundance, and nurturing energy. She is the mother figure, symbolizing growth, fertility, and emotional richness. This card encourages you to connect with nature and your creative side.
Everyday Life Tip: If you feel disconnected or blocked creatively, draw The Empress to reconnect with the nurturing, fertile energy within and around you.
The Emperor represents structure, order, and authority. He is the father figure, bringing stability and discipline. This card encourages you to take charge of your life and create systems that allow for stability and growth.
Everyday Life Tip: When you need to organize or lead, pull The Emperor to focus on creating structure and building a solid foundation.
The Hierophant symbolizes tradition, spirituality, and guidance from established institutions. He is the teacher, representing shared wisdom, rituals, and beliefs passed down through generations.
Everyday Life Tip: Use The Hierophant when seeking spiritual guidance or needing to align with traditional practices that bring meaning to your life.
The Lovers is not only about romantic love but also about choices and integration of opposites. It represents harmony, union, and the decisions that shape your life’s path.
Everyday Life Tip: When facing a major choice, draw The Lovers to remind yourself that your decisions create the harmony or disharmony in your life.
The Chariot represents victory, determination, and control over opposing forces. It symbolizes action and willpower, suggesting that success comes from focus and discipline.
Everyday Life Tip: When you’re feeling unsure about a challenge, pull The Chariot to remind yourself that determination and control over your emotions are key to success.
Strength is a card of inner power, resilience, and compassion. It shows that true strength comes not from force, but from patience and love. This card encourages you to face challenges with grace and perseverance.
Everyday Life Tip: Use Strength when you’re going through difficult times and need to remember that your greatest asset is your inner calm and compassion.
The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and the search for wisdom. It suggests that now is a time for reflection and withdrawal from the outside world to gain insight.
Everyday Life Tip: Draw The Hermit when you feel overwhelmed and need to step back for some quiet time. This card is an invitation to pause and reflect on your journey.
Justice represents fairness, truth, and the law of cause and effect. It reminds you that your actions have consequences and that honesty and balance are essential in every situation.
Everyday Life Tip: Use Justice when you need to make decisions that require fairness and truth. It’s a reminder to be mindful of your actions and their impact on others.
The Hanged Man represents sacrifice, letting go, and seeing things from a different perspective. This card encourages surrender and patience, suggesting that sometimes, growth requires a change in viewpoint.
Everyday Life Tip: When you’re stuck or facing a difficult choice, pull The Hanged Man to remind yourself that shifting your perspective may reveal the solution.
Despite its ominous name, Death represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings. It signals the closure of one phase and the start of something new, urging you to embrace change.
Everyday Life Tip: Draw Death when you’re in the process of letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a card of renewal and growth through transformation.
Temperance is about balance, patience, and moderation. It suggests the need for harmony and the blending of opposites to create something beautiful. This card encourages you to find your center.
Everyday Life Tip: When you feel out of balance, draw Temperance to help you regain a sense of calm and moderation in your life.
The Devil represents bondage, materialism, and the illusions that keep you trapped. It’s a reminder that the chains that hold you back are often self-imposed, and breaking free requires self-awareness.
Everyday Life Tip: Use The Devil when you’re feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns. It’s a call to break free from limiting beliefs or habits that no longer serve you.
The Tower signifies sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. It represents a dramatic shake-up that clears away old structures to make room for new growth. While shocking, it often leads to awakening.
Everyday Life Tip: When faced with sudden change or disruption, pull The Tower as a reminder that sometimes, breaking down what no longer works is necessary for new opportunities.
The Star represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It’s a card of healing and faith in the future, encouraging you to look toward the stars and trust that better days are ahead.
Everyday Life Tip: Draw The Star when you need a boost of hope and positivity. It’s a reminder that even after dark times, light always returns.
The Moon represents the subconscious, dreams, and illusions. It suggests that not everything is as it seems, and you may need to explore the hidden depths of your mind to find clarity.
Everyday Life Tip: Use The Moon when you’re feeling confused or uncertain. It’s an invitation to explore your intuition and uncover hidden truths.
The Sun is a card of success, joy, and clarity. It represents vitality, achievement, and the warmth of a bright future. This card encourages you to bask in your accomplishments and embrace optimism.
Everyday Life Tip: Draw The Sun when you need a reminder of your inner light and the joy that comes from following your true path.
Judgment represents rebirth, awakening, and transformation. It’s a call to reflect on your life, make amends, and embrace a new phase of spiritual evolution. This card suggests a deep inner calling.
Everyday Life Tip: When you’re at a crossroads or feeling called to make a big change, pull Judgment to guide you through the process of self-evaluation and renewal.
The World represents completion, fulfillment, and the successful culmination of a journey. It signifies wholeness and the achievement of goals. This card invites you to celebrate your victories and embrace the next adventure.
Everyday Life Tip: Use The World when you’ve reached a major milestone. It’s a reminder to celebrate your accomplishments and prepare for the next phase of your journey.
Working with the Major Arcana is like discovering a map of your own life. Each card represents a milestone on your inner journey, helping you understand the challenges you face, the lessons you must learn, and how to keep moving forward. Just like in the Hero’s Journey, the true magic lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself.
Now that you know how the Hero’s Journey relates to tarot, are you ready to embark on your own spiritual adventure?
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