As I told you, Tarot, is a powerful tool for divination and self-reflection that consists of two main components: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. In this article, we will embark on an exploration of the Major Arcana, delving into its profound symbolism, archetypal characters, and the esoteric wisdom it holds.
Each card in the Major Arcana unveils a unique aspect of the human experience, guiding us on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.
The Major Arcana is comprised of 22 cards that represent major life events, influential forces, and fundamental energies that shape our existence. Unlike the Minor Arcana, which focuses on day-to-day matters, the Major Arcana captures the deeper aspects of our being, reflecting the universal themes that resonate with the human soul.
☆ The Journey of the Fool:
The first 22 cards of a Tarot deck are known as the Major Arcana. These cards represent larger life lessons that come together to form something called: The Fool's Journey. The Fool, depicted as card zero, is the protagonist of the Major Arcana. Representing the archetypal figure of the seeker or the wanderer, the Fool embarks on a transformative journey through the other cards to take each lesson and grow to the next level of consciousness.
The Fool's journey describes the path of the soul from innocence to individuation. It represents the universal search for personal growth and meaning. Every one of us is the Fool on our own journey, and though each path is as unique as the individual that walks it, they all comprise universal elements. The journey is not linear, but rather a cyclical process, reflecting the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The Fool's Journey symbolizes our personal evolution
☆ The Spiritual Lessons:
Every card in the Major Arcana holds a profound spiritual lesson or challenge. The cards guide us through a series of transformative experiences, illuminating our strengths, weaknesses, and a doorway to self-reflection and enlightenment.
The Fool's Journey can be broken down into 3 stages called "septenaries". We exclude The Fool because that card is number 0 and represents the person that is taking that journey. These septenaries are: The Conscious; The Unconscious; The Superconscious.
1. The Conscious:
This stage looks at material concerns that affect our worldly life. Imagine this stage as the journey of a child being born into the world, growing discovering his will, meeting his parents, confronting others, and developing his ego. This can be described as the process of growing into adulthood.
Key Words: body, social, external, outer concerns, youth, personal.
Cards 1-7: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Charriot.
2. The Unconscious:
The focus here is on one's inner world and the search for identity. We confront many aspects and facets of the self, as well as challenges and decisions that will help define who we are. Thus, many of the themes in this stage are moral.
Key Words: mind, moral, internal, inward search, aduthood, collective.
Cards 8-14: The Strenght, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance.
3. The Superconscious:
This final section deals with the Fool's experiences as they develop awareness of their role and place within the greater Universe. Here, we learn to connect with the eternal and universal forces of the psyche.
Key Words: emotional, hidden, maturity, divine, universal, spiritual awareness.
Cards 15-21: The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, The World.
☆ Conclusion:
Each Major Arcana card carries a unique energy, offering valuable insights into our lives, relationships, and spiritual journeys. By exploring the Major Arcana, we embark on a quest of self-discovery, unlocking the secrets of our souls and embracing the powerful guidance that Tarot provides.