The 22 Archetypal Trumps
The Major Arcana represents the soul's journey from ignorance to enlightenment, from the Fool's first step into the unknown to the World's cosmic completion. These 22 trumps are not merely cards but living archetypes, corresponding to the 22 paths on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and universal patterns of consciousness and transformation.
The Journey Begins - Cards 0-7
The first stage of the journey introduces the fundamental forces: the seeker (Fool), the tools (Magician), the mysteries (High Priestess), the creative and authoritative principles (Empress/Emperor), and the gatekeepers of tradition and choice (Hierophant/Lovers).
0 The Fool
The Innocent Seeker
Pure potential, new beginnings, leap of faith, divine madness. The journey begins with trust and innocence.
Hebrew: Aleph (א) | Path: Keter to Chokmah
I The Magician
As Above, So Below
Mastery of the four elements, manifestation, "I have the tools." Divine will channeled through focused intention.
Hebrew: Beth (ב) | Planet: Mercury
II The High Priestess
Guardian of Hidden Knowledge
Intuition, the unconscious, mysteries veiled, the lunar feminine. She sits between pillars guarding sacred wisdom.
Hebrew: Gimel (ג) | Planet: Moon
III The Empress
Divine Mother & Fertility
Abundance, creativity, nurturing, the fertile earth. Mother Nature in all her generative power.
Hebrew: Daleth (ד) | Planet: Venus
IV The Emperor
Divine Father & Authority
Structure, law, order, paternal authority. The architect who builds civilization through will and reason.
Hebrew: Heh (ה) | Sign: Aries
V The Hierophant
The Spiritual Teacher
Tradition, religion, spiritual authority, conformity. Bridge between heaven and earth through established wisdom.
Hebrew: Vav (ו) | Sign: Taurus
VI The Lovers
Sacred Union & Choice
Love, harmony, choices, union of opposites. The alchemical marriage and the power of decision.
Hebrew: Zayin (ז) | Sign: Gemini
VII The Chariot
Triumph Through Will
Victory, control, determination, directed will. Mastery over opposing forces through focused intention.
Hebrew: Cheth (ח) | Sign: Cancer
The Trials & Virtues - Cards 8-14
The middle journey tests the seeker through trials of virtue, transformation, and destiny. Here we find the cardinal virtues (Strength, Justice, Temperance) and the profound mysteries of sacrifice and change.
VIII Strength
Courage & Inner Power
Courage, patience, compassion, gentle strength. Taming the lion through love, not force.
Hebrew: Teth (ט) | Sign: Leo
IX The Hermit
The Wise Seeker
Solitude, introspection, inner guidance, wisdom. The lantern bearer lighting the way for others.
Hebrew: Yod (י) | Sign: Virgo
X Wheel of Fortune
Fate & Cycles
Destiny, cycles, turning points, karma. The wheel eternally turns - rise and fall inevitable.
Hebrew: Kaph (כ) | Planet: Jupiter
XI Justice
Divine Balance
Balance, truth, law, cause and effect. The sword and scales measure all with perfect equilibrium.
Hebrew: Lamed (ל) | Sign: Libra
XII The Hanged Man
Sacred Sacrifice
Surrender, sacrifice, new perspective, suspension. Odin on Yggdrasil - wisdom through letting go.
Hebrew: Mem (מ) | Element: Water
XIII Death
Transformation & Rebirth
Endings, transformation, rebirth, the great transition. Not literal death but profound change.
Hebrew: Nun (נ) | Sign: Scorpio
XIV Temperance
Alchemical Balance
Moderation, alchemy, blending opposites, angelic guidance. The Great Work of transformation begins.
Hebrew: Samekh (ס) | Sign: Sagittarius
The Descent & Return - Cards 15-21
The final stage brings crisis, revelation, and ultimate completion. The seeker faces shadow (Devil), catastrophic change (Tower), cosmic hope (Star), illusion (Moon), revelation (Sun), judgment, and finally cosmic unity (World).
XV The Devil
Bondage & Shadow
Temptation, materialism, bondage, shadow self. The chains are loose - you can escape if you choose.
Hebrew: Ayin (ע) | Sign: Capricorn
XVI The Tower
Divine Upheaval
Sudden change, revelation, destruction of false structures. Lightning strikes the tower of illusion.
Hebrew: Peh (פ) | Planet: Mars
XVII The Star
Hope & Cosmic Connection
Hope, inspiration, divine guidance, the cosmic waters of life. The star of spiritual aspiration.
Hebrew: Tzaddi (צ) | Sign: Aquarius
XVIII The Moon
Illusion & Intuition
Illusion, fear, the unconscious, dreams. The path between towers leads through uncertainty.
Hebrew: Qoph (ק) | Sign: Pisces
XIX The Sun
Illumination & Joy
Success, vitality, clarity, joy. The light of consciousness reveals all in radiant truth.
Hebrew: Resh (ר) | Planet: Sun
XX Judgement
Awakening & Rebirth
Resurrection, rebirth, inner calling, absolution. Gabriel's trumpet calls the dead to rise transformed.
Hebrew: Shin (ש) | Element: Fire
XXI The World
Completion & Cosmic Dance
Completion, wholeness, cosmic consciousness, achievement. The dancer in the wreath - journey complete.
Hebrew: Tav (ת) | Planet: Saturn
The Minor Arcana - The Four Suits
The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana represent daily life, emotions, challenges, and material concerns. Divided into four suits corresponding to the four elements, each suit contains 14 cards: Ace through 10 (pip cards) plus four Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
🔥 Suit of Wands - Fire Element
Themes: Creativity, passion, ambition, career, action, energy, willpower
Ace of Wands
New Beginning
Creative spark, new opportunity, inspiration, growth potential, passionate start
Two of Wands
Planning & Progress
Future planning, decisions, discovery, personal power, bold ventures
Three of Wands
Expansion
Looking ahead, expansion, foresight, overseas opportunities, growth
Four of Wands
Celebration
Celebration, harmony, marriage, home, community, happy events
Five of Wands
Conflict
Competition, conflict, disagreements, struggle, diversity of opinion
Six of Wands
Victory
Success, public recognition, victory, achievement, pride
Seven of Wands
Defense
Standing ground, defending position, perseverance, challenge
Eight of Wands
Speed
Rapid action, movement, swift change, travel, communication
Nine of Wands
Resilience
Persistence, resilience, last stand, courage, boundaries
Ten of Wands
Burden
Burden, responsibility, hard work, stress, accomplishment with exhaustion
Page of Wands
Enthusiastic Messenger
Enthusiasm, exploration, discovery, free spirit, good news
Knight of Wands
Passionate Warrior
Action, adventure, impulsiveness, energy, passion, boldness
Queen of Wands
Confident Leader
Confidence, independence, vivaciousness, determination, charisma
King of Wands
Visionary Leader
Natural leader, vision, entrepreneur, honor, bold leadership
💧 Suit of Cups - Water Element
Themes: Emotions, relationships, love, intuition, feelings, connections, compassion
Ace of Cups
New Love
New relationship, love, compassion, creativity, emotional beginning
Two of Cups
Partnership
Partnership, union, mutual attraction, connection, soulmate
Three of Cups
Celebration
Friendship, celebration, community, creativity, groups
Four of Cups
Apathy
Apathy, contemplation, reevaluation, meditation, new opportunity not seen
Five of Cups
Loss
Regret, loss, disappointment, pessimism, focusing on negative
Six of Cups
Nostalgia
Nostalgia, childhood memories, innocence, reunion, past
Seven of Cups
Choices
Choices, illusion, wishful thinking, fantasy, imagination
Eight of Cups
Walking Away
Disappointment, abandonment, withdrawal, searching for deeper meaning
Nine of Cups
Wish Fulfilled
Contentment, satisfaction, wishes come true, emotional fulfillment
Ten of Cups
Harmony
Harmony, happy family, alignment, emotional fulfillment, bliss
Page of Cups
Creative Dreamer
Creative opportunities, intuitive messages, curiosity, possibility
Knight of Cups
Romantic Idealist
Romance, charm, imagination, following your heart, proposals
Queen of Cups
Compassionate Nurturer
Compassion, calm, intuition, emotional maturity, caring
King of Cups
Emotionally Balanced
Emotional balance, compassion, diplomacy, wisdom, calmness
⚔️ Suit of Swords - Air Element
Themes: Thoughts, intellect, communication, truth, conflict, mental challenges, decisions
Ace of Swords
Breakthrough
Breakthrough, clarity, sharp mind, new ideas, mental force, truth
Two of Swords
Difficult Decision
Difficult choices, stalemate, avoidance, weighing options, blocked emotions
Three of Swords
Heartbreak
Heartbreak, sorrow, grief, painful truth, emotional pain
Four of Swords
Rest
Rest, recuperation, contemplation, recovery, meditation
Five of Swords
Defeat
Conflict, defeat, winning at all costs, tension, hostility
Six of Swords
Transition
Transition, change, moving on, leaving behind, journey to calmer waters
Seven of Swords
Deception
Betrayal, deception, getting away with something, strategy, trickery
Eight of Swords
Restriction
Restriction, imprisonment, victim mentality, powerlessness, self-imposed bondage
Nine of Swords
Anxiety
Anxiety, worry, fear, nightmares, negative thoughts, guilt
Ten of Swords
Rock Bottom
Painful ending, deep wounds, betrayal, crisis, hitting rock bottom
Page of Swords
Curious Observer
Curiosity, restlessness, mental energy, vigilance, new ideas
Knight of Swords
Quick Action
Ambitious, action-oriented, driven to succeed, fast thinking, impulsive
Queen of Swords
Independent Thinker
Independent, unbiased judgment, clear boundaries, direct communication
King of Swords
Intellectual Authority
Mental clarity, intellectual power, authority, truth, ethical judgment
🪙 Suit of Pentacles - Earth Element
Themes: Material world, money, career, health, practical matters, manifestation, earthly concerns
Ace of Pentacles
New Opportunity
New financial opportunity, prosperity, manifestation, abundance, new venture
Two of Pentacles
Balance
Balance, adaptability, time management, prioritization, juggling resources
Three of Pentacles
Teamwork
Teamwork, collaboration, learning, implementation, skilled work
Four of Pentacles
Control
Control, stability, security, conservation, possessiveness, saving
Five of Pentacles
Hardship
Financial loss, poverty, worry, isolation, insecurity, hardship
Six of Pentacles
Generosity
Generosity, charity, giving and receiving, sharing wealth, community
Seven of Pentacles
Long-term View
Long-term goals, perseverance, investment, sustainable results, patience
Eight of Pentacles
Mastery
Skill development, dedication, craftsmanship, attention to detail, diligence
Nine of Pentacles
Abundance
Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency, financial independence, refinement
Ten of Pentacles
Legacy
Wealth, legacy, inheritance, family, long-term success, culmination
Page of Pentacles
Studious Apprentice
Manifestation, financial opportunity, new job, skill development, ambition
Knight of Pentacles
Methodical Worker
Hard work, productivity, routine, conservatism, patience, reliability
Queen of Pentacles
Practical Nurturer
Practical, prosperity, working parent, grounded, security, comfort
King of Pentacles
Successful Provider
Wealth, business, leadership, security, discipline, abundance, material success
Understanding the Major & Minor Arcana
The Fool's Journey
The 22 trumps tell a story: the Fool (pure potential) encounters each archetype in sequence, learning lessons and gaining wisdom. By the World, the Fool has become the cosmic dancer, having integrated all experiences into enlightened wholeness. This journey mirrors every human life and every spiritual path.
Correspondences & Systems
Each trump corresponds to multiple systems simultaneously:
- Hebrew Letters: The 22 letters of creation (Aleph through Tav)
- Tree of Life Paths: The 22 paths connecting the 10 Sefirot
- Astrology: Planets, zodiac signs, and elements
- Elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth distributed across the trumps
- Alchemy: Stages of the Great Work from nigredo to rubedo
- Psychology: Jungian archetypes of the collective unconscious
Three Major Decks
The Hermetic tradition recognizes three foundational tarot decks, each with unique symbolism:
- Tarot de Marseille: The oldest traditional deck, emphasizing medieval Christian imagery
- Rider-Waite-Smith: Created by A.E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith (1909), integrating Golden Dawn teachings
- Thoth Tarot: Designed by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris (1943), emphasizing Thelemic philosophy
Related Across the Mythos
Tree of Life
22 Paths
Hebrew letter correspondences