Walk the Path with Tarot: Major Arcana |
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Tarot is more than just a deck of cards. This is the true beauty of tarot, it allows you to express your fascinations, the deep stirrings of your soul, encourage the psyche, the imagination to explore your fanaticism, your fantasies and reveal beliefs, hopes and dreams.
The Major Arcana depict images, characters and symbols that convey deeper meanings, messages, insights to encourage you to delve deep into your soul, to reveal the shadows, the secret longings or pain, fears as well as hopes, the forgotten blessings and joys; it may even point to possibilities you have never thought of. Tarot also paves the path to healing of deep wounds suffered in solitude; it helps one in the grieving process, it is also a helpful meditative tool. And if you are feeling a bit whimsical and magical, try casting a tarot spell!
What the cards hold for you:
The 22 Major Arcana cards: Cards 1-7: deals with who you are, what you are or can be, your experiences in your material and physical world. It describes the inner you, it calls attention to your basic needs, your desires and secret longings , your virtues and vices.
Cards 8-14: forces, energies, influences beyond your control, the encounters on your path as you journey through this life,environmental influence that come your way, like it or not.
Cards 15-21:what is meant to be will be. There are cosmic influences along the way that you will encounter.
Part I: Who you are, what you are and the world around you.
I - Magician
Before him are the tools he needs on his journey, perhaps minor ones but needed, nonetheless. Above him is the sign of infinity, a symbol of the Holy Spirit reflecting his Intellect that gathers all knowledge and pours it out into Life and the attainment of the spirit.
This reflects self-confidence, strong will power, ability to transform ideas into action, he meets lifes crises and dilemma head on,with clear resolve and common sense.
II - High Priestess
Described as the great feminine force that controls the very source of life. She gathers all the energy and pours it to the spirit when the time of release is right. At times stands for religion and the church.
She brings about the female creativity, she shows the hidden influences that can be detected by those who seek foresight and insight to try to understand what is to be.
III - Empress
She is the creative and positive side of Nature, with Venus as her symbol, she stands for the aspect of love. Some regard her as a symbol for Occultism, the door to the inner mysteries.
This card stands for strong maternal love, nurturing and supportive.She is eager to participate in productive and creative endeavours. She brings with her abundance and prosperity. She takes initiative and her practical side overshadows the emotion.
IV - Emperor
Authoritative, dominant ,the Emperor exudes all that is powerful, passionate and impetuous in love and war. He stands for the positive masculine. He sees both sides of an issue, resolves conflict with his broad view of the picture, he also stands for mental rulership.
This card reflects maturity, regardless of age. The dominant side is influential in the decision making process, he is strong-willed and purposeful.
V - Hierophant
He is the counterpart of the High Priestess.He is the reflective or mystical aspect of the masculine. Whereas the Emperor is a doer, the Hierophant is the thinker. It is thought that this card indicate the hidden guardianship of the Masters. This card offers the chance to go beyond the physical realm, it is possible to stimulate the flow of esoteric forces into the physical plane. It also indicates emotional health.
This card brings out the compassion and sensitive nature of man, a desire to adhere to tradition , respect rituals and the law. There is a strong reliance on intuition and the higher self. Rituals in this respect may indicate marriage or acceptance to an order. It also represents contemplation, endurance and reconcialation.
VI - Lovers
When Adam and Eve first entered Paradise, they were without fetters. They were inspired, intuitive and free from the shackles of materialism. They were a picture of innocence, virginity and pure love, without lusty desire.
This is a card that shows the way to human love, truth and life. It is deep love that brings harmony and peace.It points to decisions and choices to be made to bring happiness and contentment. It shows the male figure as the protector, the female secure in his presence although she is strong-willed.
VII - Chariot
This card is a symbol of the spirit of man in control of mind, body and spirit.. The Chariot rises above the cloud of illusion and is able to penetrate the higher realm. He is endowed with the occult energy to overcome evil forces; he is ready to do battle. This card represents the cyclic rhythm of changes to show that nothing in life is static. He represents the conquest on all planes, mental, physical, scientific and even the process of initiation.
This card opens your eyes to the resolution of problems by taking a look at all sides and endeavour to bring about peace and harmony.Even when you have a strong desire to forge ahead and you know you can, self-control is advised. Exercise positive physical and mental attitude in all that you do.
Go onto Part II...
Article © Bonnie Moss, 2004.
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