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Introduction To The Major Arcana, Part 16: Justice

Justice is a card that represents re-stabilization. Sometimes, the scales of life tip too far in one direction or another. However, everything in the universe tends toward the center, so the ship eventually rights itself. Maybe you’re doing too well, and things need to snap back to baseline, so you’re in for a disappointment. Or maybe you’re not doing well at all, and things are going to perk up for you because they’re not on the center line where they ought to be. Either way, what is off-balance will be put back on-balance, and everything will fall into place for...

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Introduction To The Major Arcana, Part 15: Strength

There is an old German saying, In der Ruhe, liegt der Kraft, meaning “In peace, there is strength.” The peace there, Ruhe, means inner peace, or inner tranquility. This is the meaning of the Tarot card, Strength. Strength is all about that inner peace or inner strength. Where the Chariot represents outward power and domination, Strength represents the inward simplicity and integrity that confers existential strength, the strength that comes from peace. The Chariot is all external bluster and victory. Strength is a kind of internal state of affairs. Strength is inward stability. Courage and quiet dignity are part of...

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Introduction To The Major Arcana, Part 14: The Tower

The Tower represents cataclysm, catastrophe, upheaval and sea change. The picture is a great tower being violently struck by lightning. The top of the tower has a crown that has been blown off by the tremendous force of the lightning bolt. There are two people, one of whom wears a crown, falling from the ruined tower. The picture is evocative and somewhat disturbing. The crown being torn away suggests a loss of power, dethronement, and regicide. However, like the Death card, the intensity and morbid nature of the imagery can be misleading. The Tower can be negative, but it can...

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Introduction To The Major Arcana, Part 13: The Chariot

The Chariot represents victory. This victory can be physical, mental, spiritual, financial, or romantic. The Chariot is rich with symbolism. The Chariot wears a square on his chest, representing willpower with its four parallel sides and four equal interior angles. (note that “The Chariot” here refers to the man standing in the chariot, and not the actual chariot) Before him are two black and white sphinxes, which pull his chariot. Interestingly, the Chariot does not hold the reigns, suggesting that he either controls the sphinxes with words of command or through sheer willpower and magic. The staff in his hand...

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Introduction to the Major Arcana, Part 12: The Hermit

The Hermit represents archetypal magic and mysticism moreso than any of the other Major Arcana, including even the Magician. While the Magician is world-embracing, as shown by his gestures, the Hermit is more withdrawn. He represents inwardness, contemplation, introspection, mystical experience, meditation, and deep thought. The Hermit is the card that means you’re turning inward and really finding yourself, coming to grips with your life. If the Hermit comes up in a spread, you may be at a turning point, where a decision must be made. But this decision must be made on the basis of your truth, not someone...

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