Below are definitions of each of the Major Arcana cards, including standard or traditional meanings, and my unique slant on the meanings of these cards. Please feel free to use these definitions to aid you in your study of the Tarot. In time, you will develop your own ideas and meanings for each of the cards, which will further enrich your experience with them. And now, as we begin to follow The Fool on his journey, I wish you luck on your own journey toward spiritual enlightenment.......Blessed Be!!!

THE FOOL (0) - Some see The Fool as someone foolish and naive, so stupid that he doesn't even bother to look where he is going. However many other sources see him as someone taking a leap into the unknown. I see him as someone who is beginning a new journey or new phase in his life. He has a fresh outlook, with childlike wonder, excitement, and abandon. The Fool is carefree and has much future potential. He is full of trust, faith, and excitement as he sets out on the adventure that is life. In the reversed position, The Fool depicts someone who does not think ahead and may take foolish risks. He may also be fearful of stepping out into the unknown. He also may be an uptight, fearful, and anxious person. Also, depending on the surrounding cards in the spread, The Fool (R) can be a warning to look before you leap!!! When doing a spread on love and romance, The Fool can mean a new relationship or a new perspective or fresh start with an established relationship. In its reversed position, it can mean holding back, fear of commitment, or fear of losing one's identity to another. In career/work spreads, The Fool can mean a change of jobs, possibly to a completely new line of work, fresh ideas, creativity, or a promotion. Reversed meanings include stagnation and unwillingness or fear of taking a risk to get ahead.

THE MAGICIAN (1) - The Magician is a master of special skills and knowledge. He has creative power and possesses the ability to achieve his goals. He is an expert in controlling his environment and manipulating people, places, and things. He possesses skill, intelligence and self-control and is usually very successful. When I first began to study the Tarot, I meditated upon each card before studying the "standard" definitions provided in books on the Tarot. The Magician came across to me as someone who could not be trusted or would use another for his own gain. When I studied the definitions in my Tarot books, I found that the Magician (R) is known as the Trickster. He is a compelling character, but also cunning and devious. He may abuse his natural talents or try to control others through manipulation. He may also be a liar and/or a manipulator, an untrustworthy person, or one who seeks to dominate others. Other divinatory meanings include making mistakes, feigned expertise, weakness, and indecision.

THE HIGH PRIESTESS (2)- The High Priestess represents spiritual enlightenment and inner illumination. She is also representative of divine knowledge, wisdom, and the subconscious. Rather than using her abilities to manipulate the universe, as The Magician does, she is one who was a great understanding of the universe, and she uses this knowledge to teach rather than try to control others. The High Priestess generally appears in a spread when you need to listen to and trust your inner voice. The High Priestess (R) signifies that you are not listening to your inner voice. You need to take time for yourself for reflection and meditation. In the reversed position, The High Priestess can also signify manipulation, repressed feelings, over-reliance on other's opinions, and excessive need for approval and validation. You need to stop and listen to what your subconscious mind is trying to tell you...your answers lie there.

THE EMPRESS (3) - Bursting with the fruit of new life, The Empress symbolizes a strong, creative force at work in your life. She is the archetypal Mother, the symbol of feminine instinct. She has the knowledge to make opposing forces in your life come together to work in harmony toward a common goal. The Empress is a card of good fortune, suggesting protective, nurturing forces, productivity, happiness, harmony, contentment, and material success. She can sometimes indicate a pregnancy or marriage. The Empress (R) indicates stagnation and blocked development. Your creative forces are not being utilized. You may possibly be having money difficulties. In the reversed position, The Empress also indicates powerlessness, selfishness, and ignorance. Also beware of possible problems with a pregnancy. The Empress (R) warns that you are at odds with others and need to listen and cooperate with others in order to make things run more smoothly in your life.

THE EMPEROR (4) - The Emperor is the Father archetype. He symbolizes masculine power and control. He commands respect and possesses a great deal of authority. He has the strong desire to create something of lasting value to leave as a legacy, and so is driven toward achievement and success. He is representative of strength, courage, wisdom, compassion, logic and self-control. He uses rational thought and direct action to bring about the worldly success he so desires. He is protector and defender of his family and all that he believes in and will "pick up the sword" to defend that which is his if need be. The Emperor (R) symbolizes powerlessness, impotence, failure, inability to reach one's goals, confusion, scattered energies, lack of self-control, dependency, irresponsibility, and "wimping out". The Emperor (R) can be a warning of failure if you refuse to act on what you believe to be right.

THE HIEROPHANT(5) - The Hierophant (also known as the High Priest in some decks) in its traditional interpretation represents religious authority, tradition, convention, orthodoxy, mercy, and goodness. In some spreads, The Hierophant can also predict an upcoming marriage. In my own study of the Tarot, the Hierophant has come to me to mean the choice between blindly following organized religion and allowing others to think for me...or choosing to think for myself and find my own soul's path to spiritual enlightenment. There are two pillars behind the figure on The Hierophant in my deck (Robin Wood). I see The Hierophant as Keeper of the Gate of this "portal". I either choose to stop here on my journey and allow others to make decisions for me, or push past The Hierophant and make my way through the portal to the other side, where I am free to explore on my own the needs of my soul, in effect becoming my own "High Priest". The Hierophant (R) symbolizes taking unorthodox approaches, New Age beliefs, rejection of tradition, and the failure of conventional wisdom. It can also indicate fanaticism or rigid adherance to a set of moral principles. Finally, in the reversed position, The Hierophant can mean servitude, captivity, and slavery."

THE LOVERS (6) - The Lovers card often appears in a spread when you are facing a significant, possibly even crucial life decision and must choose between two divergent paths. This card can also signify the overcoming of obstacles to be with the one you love. The Lovers card can also symbolize a new relationship, romantic or true love, commitment, engagement, marriage, or an intense karmic attraction for another. It can also represent friendship. In its reversed position, The Lovers card represents an unhealthy relationship, conflict, disappointment, unhappiness, poor choices, or the end of a relationship.

THE CHARIOT (7) - The Chariot symbolizes the balancing of opposing or competing forces, good and evil, male and female, yin and yang. Its appearance in a spread often indicates triumph over obstacles, clear purpose, determination, willpower, self-restraint, and control of one's own destiny. Depending on the surrounding cards, it can also indicate the need for balance in your life, even in the upright position. The Chariot (R) symbolizes pressure, imbalance, and lack of direction. You may be pulled in two very different directions and feel a lack of control in your life. You may also have simply taken on too much and have lost power through spreading yourself too thin and scattering your energies. Now is the time to slow down and regroup to gain control over your life and your destiny.

STRENGTH (8) - The Strength card represents inner strength, conviction, assertiveness, overcoming obstacles, moral force, victory, wisdom, self-control, and gentleness. You have the inner strength necessary to overcome obstacles that have been placed on your path. Have faith in yourself, no matter what the situation looks like on the surface, for your position is strong. This is a time of good health, inner confidence, and success for you. The lion on this card is symbolic of an untamable/unconquerable beast, such as drugs or alcohol, an enemy, etc...When the Strength card shows up in your spread, it is showing you that you have the ability to conquer your own beast--that which seems impossible to you. In the reversed position, the Strength card represents weakness, sickness, doubt, fear, insecurity, excessive dependency, failure, stress, and feeling physically drained. Your position is not strong at the present. You may need to learn to develop your own inner confidence and strength. You may also need to take better care of yourself -- try to get enough sleep, eat right and exercise to build up your strength. PLEASENOTE: In some decks, Strength is Number 11, and Justice is Number 8.

THE HERMIT (9) - The Hermit represents a necessary period of withdrawal from society and a turning inward to search for truth in its purest form. You may feel the need to turn inward for contemplation, meditation, and reevaluation of your life's goals. You must learn to draw strength and gain from your own inner awareness and insights. The Hermit can symbolize self-examination, discovery, the search for enlightenment, becoming centered, and time spent alone. You may possibly feel stuck because of a difficult problem that seems to have no solution. This may also be a good time to begin an indepth study on a subject of interest to you. In its reversed position, The Hermit can signify excessive isolation, literally becoming a hermit and cutting oneself off too much from human contact. Other possible meanings include paranoia, panic attacks, fear of intimacy, deception, lies, self-reliance, withdrawal, rejecting wise council, and feeling lonely and rejected.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (10) - The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes chance, blind faith, or a situation over which you have absolutely no control. In Arcanum 8, we learn of blind justice -- fair and impartial....here we see that some things in life just happen for no apparent reason, regardless of what we deserve, whether good or bad. The Wheel of Fortune can also represent good luck, success, destiny, new cycles, progress, a lucky break, or karma. In its reversed position, The Wheel of Fortune suggests bad luck, problems, being out of step with your own cycles, bad timing, minor setbacks, a negative twist of fate, misfortune, karmic debt, and a feeling of "what did I do to deserve this?" Don't worry though...it won't last forever. You may want to check your astrology charts for clues on how you may get back "into step" with your life cycles. In the meantime, don't make any important decisions and steer clear of gambling!!!

JUSTICE (11) - The Justice card symbolizes a divine justice which, unlike man's justice, is strictly impartial, fair, and balanced. It can indicate the need to temper justice with mercy. The Justice card can also mean that you must weigh factors carefully to make a wise and thoughtful decision. It can also symbolize harmony and equilibrium, clear vision, rationality, or legal matters. In its reversed position, Justice can symbolize being judged unfairly (prejudice, bias), inequality, imbalance, an unfair verdict, severity, taking advantage of another, or not getting what's coming to you. PLEASE NOTE: In some decks, Justice is Number 8 and Strength is Number 11.

THE HANGED MAN (12) - The Hanged Man may represent a stage in your journey when you must question the deeper purpose and meaning of your life. You may be feeling that your life has lost direction. This card may signify seeing things from a new and different perspective. It may also indicate a testing period, enlightenment, a unique viewpoint, sacrifice, a crossroads, or reflection. Now is a time to reevaluate your priorities and goals. In the reversed position, The Hanged Man can represent useless sacrifice, depression, a sense of futility, refusal to break with the past, or playing the martyr role. It may also signify that the time of confusion and testing is over, and that now is the time to take action and make decisions.

DEATH (13) - The Death card symbolizes a major transformation about to take place in your life. An unavoidable event may be about to occur and, whether for good or for bad, things will never be the same again. You must leave the past behind to make way for necessary change in your life. The Death card often appears in a spread when you are facing significant life- changing events, such as a divorce, a marriage, inevitable endings, sudden change, death of the old self, leaving home for the first time, relocating, changing jobs, having a baby, or actual death. The Death card (R) suggests that you are resisting necessary changes in your life, and that you may soon be forced to change, whether you want to or not, through circumstances which are totally out of your control. It can also represent changes for the worse, loss, clinging to the past, being in limbo, fear of change, or stagnation.

TEMPERANCE (14) - The Temperance card suggests harmonious balance, a middle course, compromise, or not taking an extreme position. You may be in the midst of a period of waiting. Also indicates blending and intermingling, cooperation, reconciliation, patience, self-control, harmonious friendship, or a possible marriage. Temperance (R) suggests a lack of harmony, competing interests, frustration, and impatience. Things may seem as they are at a standstill in your life right now, but you need to have patience and accept the fact that there is nothing you can do quicken the pace at the present. You must realize and trust that things are proceeding on course and will happen in their proper time.

THE DEVIL (15) - The Devil card symbolizes bondage, self-imposed limitations, materialism, enslavement, addiction, perversions, unbridled passions, and greed. If this card appears in your spread, you may be feeling trapped in an oppressive situation or relationship, possibly of your own making. It is time to face your fears and inhibitions. Your hopelessness and belief that you are unable to change is stifling your growth. Alternately, self-indulgence may have created a miserable existence for you. You need to step back and take a good look at your life. Are you feeling overburdened by a heavy committment? Are you refusing to leave a harmful or negative relationship? Are you addicted to drugs, alcohol, or sex? Are you enslaved to your material possessions? The Devil warns against excessive self-indulgences or against using your influence to enslave or manipulate others. The Devil (R) suggests that the chains have dropped from around your neck and you are free from bondage. You are no longer dominated by your obsessions, no longer clinging to toxic relationships, to lust for money, power, or sex, or to the power of negative thinking. You are successfully facing your fears, overcoming temptations, and learning to live in a more harmonious, balanced manner.

THE TOWER (16) - When The Tower appears in your spread, it generally heralds a major trauma, crisis, shock, disappointment, or disruption in your life. This event will come quickly, and without warning, like a bolt from the blue. Change is inevitable, so be prepared. The Tower teaches us that no matter how well laid our plans are, some things are simply out of our control. A single event can forever alter our plans and seemingly dash our hopes and dreams. The false securities we build up around ourselves can easily collapse and dissappear. Rather than allow this event to overwhelm or paralyze you, accept the changes, try to learn from them, and plan for the future. Clinging to the past will prevent you from accepting the new and wonderful opportunities which lay in store for you. The Tower (R) suggests that the trauma has already occured, and that you are in the midst of the situation. Don't try to resist the collapse of your present circumstances. Trying to hang on at this point will only make matters worse. Look at things as they really are and do what you know is right. Work through your present difficulties, and have the courage to start anew.

THE STAR (17) - The Star signifies hope, optimism, faith, happiness, illumination, creativity, harmony, improved health, and spiritual growth. The Star is a very positive card. You are on the right path and the foundations that you have laid are very strong. It is likely that you will achieve your goals. Your intuition is on target, and you would be wise to listen to your inner wisdom. You are under divine protection. The Star (R) in an otherwise positive spread suggests that you are having difficulty accepting help being offered to you, or are unjustifiably pessimistic. In a negative spread, The Star (R) would represent unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, ill health, negative thinking, or missed opportunities.

THE MOON (18) - The Moon signifies deep and instinctual forces, intuition, and psychism. You may be experiencing dreams or have a feeling of bewildermint. The Moon shows us that things are not always as they appear. There may be an aura of mystery, illusion, or deception surrounding you. Traditionally, the Moon warns of deceit, lies, dishonesty, confusion, peril, self- deception, and moonlit fantasy. In an otherwise positive spread, the Moon can be read to be an end to a period of confusion, secrets coming to light, and deception being revealed. Now is a good time to listen to your inner voice, dreams, feelings, and hunches. In an otherwise negative spread, the Moon can warn of deception, trickery, insincerity, lies, betrayal, slander, indecision, or insecurity. In the Reversed position, the Moon shows that matters that were once confusing will become more clear to you. You may become aware of slander, lies, or a secret enemy.

THE SUN (19) - The Sun is always a positive card. It signifies optimism, success, fulfillment, achievement, prosperity, joy, satisfaction, hope, blessings, energy, happiness, marriage, and pregnancy or children. If you have drawn this card, it is a time to be optimistic...things will go your way. It is a time of health and vitality, good luck and fortune. In its reversed position, The Sun can signify delayed success, after obstacles, arrogance, narcissism, excessive concerns with external appearances, negativity, failure, pessimism, depression, and ill health. You may have a feeling of being unloved or unappreciated, but your problems are more annoying than overwhelming, and you will eventually get out from under them and achieve the success you are looking for.

JUDGEMENT (20) - The Judgement card may signify an end of an era, a milestone, growing up, or the ending of one phase of life and the assessment of its worth. It may also signify rebirth, rejuvenation, or a call to action. You may be experiencing a transition in your life, or a period of cleansing or purification. Sometimes the Judgement card signifies graduation, and moving on to another aspect of your life. It may also indicate a legal decision which will go in your favor. You must prepare for a new stage of growth. Be careful when making decisions at this time, as they will be crucial and may altar your life's course. In its reversed position, Judgement may indicate fear of change, delay, or indecision. You may be procrastinating, or wallowing in remorse or regret over some past mistake. You need to stop avoiding necessary growth. You may possibly be experiencing negative karma. A legal decision may not be decided in your favor.

THE WORLD (21) - The World signifies the end, fulfillment, culmination, attainment, and reaching a natural conclusion. You have reached your goal and received your prize. You may feel whole and complete at this time, and have a sense of peace and joy. You have ended one phase, and need to make yourself ready for the start of a new phase, which will bring new circumstances and fresh experiences your way. Sometimes, The World may signify a death from old age after the end of a long and fulfilling life. In its reversed position, The World signifies stagnation and unfinished business. You may be frustrated by obstacles or feel that you are stuck in a rut. Possibly you are stubborn, insecure, or unwilling to commit. You may fear the future, or have a problem finishing what you begin. You need to take care of your unfinished business and resolve issues so that you will be able to reach your goal and tie up your loose ends. Do not resist change, it is necessary.

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