The Ultimate Guide to the 22 Major Arcana: Decrypt the Secrets of Divinatory Tarot

The awakening of the apprentice: the potential within reach

Symbolism

• Le Bateleur/The Magician is usually depicted as a young man standing in front of a table on which various symbolic objects are placed.
• He holds a stick or wand in one hand, symbolising willpower, energy and creative power.
• A cup Sur la table, on trouve souvent, representing intuition and emotions.
• There is also a knife or sword, symbolising intellect and the ability to cut to the quick.
• Finally, there is a coin, evoking the material world, resources and financial opportunities.

Interpretation

• Le Bateleur/The Magician represents the beginning, offering new opportunities and promising potential for the consultant.
• This card encourages you to use your creative talents and your will to express your ideas in the material world.
• Le Bateleur/The Magician is the symbol of bold action, encouraging initiative and seizing opportunities.
• This card marks the beginning of an intellectual and spiritual journey, inviting the consultant to engage in continuous learning in order to evolve.
• Le Bateleur/The Magician encourages you to remain open to new information and to seize learning opportunities as they arise in life.
• It symbolises self-confidence and belief in one's own personal power to achieve one's aspirations and succeed in one's endeavours.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

The card is more about being incomplete (table with 3 legs instead of 4) and the need to grow and evolve (acorn between the fingers) along the way. The Bateleur embodies resourcefulness, urging the consultant to use his or her ingenuity to solve challenges and make the most of available resources.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The card focuses on the fact that the traveller has infinite magical power, and if he wants to, he can fulfil all his potential. It underlines the importance of persuasive communication and the mastery of words to positively influence one's environment.

Conclusion

Le Bateleur/The Magician is the first card of the Tarot, and represents the beginning, the potential, and the manifestation of ideas in the material world. It is the card of positive energy and possibilities. It invites you to be active, creative, resourceful and to seize opportunities to achieve your goals. It's a symbol of beginnings, potential, the willingness to learn and the ability to manifest your desires in the material world. Keep in mind that the Bateleur/The Magician also reminds you of the importance of self-confidence and perseverance to succeed in your endeavours.

The source of life: the creative abundance of fertility

In a nutshell

The Tarot Empress embodies femininity, creativity and abundance, and invites us to express our love for ourselves and others. This card also symbolises motherhood and protective support, reminding us of the importance of benevolence in the life of the consultant.

Symbolism

• The Empress is represented as a woman seated on a throne, a symbol of her authority and power.
• She is often dressed in a luxurious gown, evoking abundance, femininity and fertility.
• In some representations, she holds a sceptre or a globe, signs of her power over the material world.
• She is crowned with stars, symbolising her connection with the spiritual realms and her intuitive wisdom.
• At its feet are often ears of wheat and streams, representing fertility, growth and abundance.

Interpretation

• The Empress is the symbol of femininity, creativity and maternity.
• It embodies the energy of love, compassion and fertility, encouraging us to express and cultivate love for ourselves and others.
• This card also represents material abundance and prosperity, suggesting periods of growth and financial success.
• It can also indicate the need to be open to new ideas and to let creativity flourish in order to achieve one's goals.
• The Empress is often associated with the mother or a maternal figure in the life of the consultant, underlining the importance of support and protection.
• It invites us to allow ourselves to be guided by our emotions and to develop a kind and compassionate approach to ourselves and others.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

The Empress of the Tarot de Marseille, with her coat of arms in her arm, is more associated with the mother or a maternal figure, emphasising her protective and benevolent aspect.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The Empress of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot is a more modern creation, with additional esoteric elements associated with her role as guardian of the sacred mysteries.

Conclusion

The Tarot Empress embodies femininity, creativity and abundance, and invites us to express our love for ourselves and others. This card also symbolises fertility, motherhood and protective support, reminding us of the importance of benevolence in the life of the consultant. It encourages the cultivation of harmonious relationships and the expression of inner creativity. It also underlines the maternal and protective aspect, reminding us of the importance of support and benevolence in the life of the consultant.

The spiritual guide: the bridge between tradition and innovation

Symbolism

• Le pape/The Hierophant is usually depicted as a man seated on a throne, wearing religious vestments such as a robe and mitre.
• He holds a sceptre or papal crozier in one hand, symbolising his spiritual authority and his connection with the divinity.
• In some versions, he makes a gesture of blessing with his other hand, evoking compassion and benevolence towards others.
• At his feet, we can often see two disciples or figures as a sign of submission to his teaching.

Interpretation

• Le pape/The Hierophant represents spirituality, wisdom and the search for inner truth.
• He embodies spiritual authority and can represent a mentor or spiritual guide in the life of the consultant.
• He encourages us to listen to our intuition and to seek answers in our inner wisdom rather than in external influences.
• This card can also be associated with moral or ethical issues, inviting people to make decisions in line with their values and principles.
• It may also suggest the need to conform to established traditions or norms in certain situations.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

The Tarot de Marseille's Pope places greater emphasis on inner wisdom and the search for spiritual truth.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The Hierophant of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot is more associated with institutions, traditions and organised religious teachings.

Conclusion

Le pape/The Hierophant is a card that evokes spirituality, wisdom and the search for inner truth. He encourages us to turn to traditional teachings or spiritual values for answers and guidance. This card represents spiritual authority and may indicate the presence of a mentor or spiritual guide in the life of the seeker. It is also a card that can raise moral or ethical questions, reminding us of the importance of following our principles and beliefs in everyday life.

The audacious quest: the road towards personal victory

Symbolism

• The Chariot is usually represented as a chariot pulled by two horses or two sphinxes, going in opposite directions.
• The chariot driver is often seen as a warrior, wearing armor that evokes strength and determination.
• The Chariot is often associated with stars, representing the connection between heaven and earth, as well as divine guidance.
• The horses or sphinxes symbolize the opposing forces, such as willpower and emotions, that the driver must master in order to move forward.

Interpretation

• The Chariot represents control, willpower and determination to achieve one's goals. It also symbolizes the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges through willpower and perseverance.
• The Chariot highlights the importance of balancing opposing forces, such as reason and emotion, to move forward successfully.
• This card often indicates a journey or displacement, symbolic or physical, towards a desired goal or achievement.
• The chariot driver is often associated with a warrior, representing the inner strength and courage needed to face life's trials.
• It's a card of success and victory, emphasizing that the consultant is on the right track to achieving his or her goals.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

In the Tarot de Marseille, the back of the hand on the hip means that the Prince can be flippant and careless, which explains why the carriage wheels go in different directions. This tarot underlines the idea of self-control, of being clear about one's commitment, at the risk of becoming spread out and going nowhere.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The Chariot of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot focuses more on balance, or the union of opposing forces to achieve an ideal of a divine or celestial nature.

Conclusion

The Tarot Chariot is a card that emphasizes control, willpower and determination to achieve one's goals. It symbolizes a journey towards success, and highlights the need to balance opposing forces in order to move forward successfully. The Chariot encourages courage and inner strength to overcome life's obstacles and challenges. It is a victory card, underlining that the consultant is on the right track to achieving his or her goals and success.

The inner light: the search for personal truth

Symbolism

• The Hermit is usually depicted as an elderly man, wearing a cape and holding a lantern in one hand.
• He stands alone, illuminated by the light of his lantern, symbolizing inner wisdom and spiritual knowledge.
• He often carries a staff or scepter, representing his role as guide and sage, or even pilgrim.
• The Hermit can also be associated with the hermit or solitary philosopher, symbolizing the search for inner truth.

Interpretation

• This card invites you to step back from the hustle and busyness of the outside world and connect with your own wisdom, knowledge and personal truth.
• The Hermit symbolizes the need to withdraw from the outside world, to search within, to find answers and solutions to one's problems.
• It's a card for reflection, introspection and meditation, suggesting a propitious moment for contemplation and the search for truth.
• The Hermit reminds us of the importance of seeking inner light to illuminate our path and find answers in moments of doubt or uncertainty.
• The card can also indicate the presence of a mentor or spiritual guide in the consultant's life, offering enlightened wisdom.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

The Tarot de Marseille hermit looks ahead with his staff raised, showing a much more dynamic stance than the RWS hermit, who stands statically. Also, the Tarot de Marseille hermit speaks of a pilgrim's journey confronting his past (looking to the left), whereas the RWS hermit would be more of a sage or guide.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

In the hermit's lantern of the RWS Tarot, a star shines to signify a quest of a divine nature, or a path enlightened by the gods, or some kind of magical protection against future obstacles. The hermit appears to be standing atop a hill, looking down on the void at his feet, evoking the fall that the hermit risks.

Conclusion

The Tarot Hermit card embodies wisdom, knowledge and inner searching. It encourages you to step back from the outer turmoil to connect with your inner wisdom and personal truth. It is a card of reflection, introspection and meditation, indicating a propitious moment for contemplation and the quest for truth. The Hermit underlines the importance of finding inner light to illuminate one's path and find answers in moments of doubt or uncertainty. It can also signal the presence of a mentor or spiritual guide in the life of the consultant, offering enlightened wisdom to guide his or her path to personal enlightenment.

The silent power: the mastery of heart and mind

Symbolism

• The Strengh is usually represented by a standing woman holding the mouth of a lion in her open hands.
• She dominates the lion with calm and control rather than brute force, symbolizing inner strength and self-control.
• The woman is often crowned with laurel, evoking victory and wisdom.
• The card highlights the harmony between animal instinct represented by the lion and human self-control represented by the woman.

Interpretation

• Strengh represents inner strength, self-control and the ability to overcome obstacles with gentleness and perseverance.
• It emphasizes the power of compassion, love and wisdom rather than physical strength.
• The Strengh encourages you to master your impulses, be patient and use persuasion rather than confrontation.
• It also symbolizes the necessary strength of character, residing in acceptance and benevolence, to solve difficult problems without losing one's calm.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

In the Tarot de Marseille, the woman wears a crown hat, signifying that she is master of her mind and reason. The animal emerges from her legs, suggesting that violence and savagery come from her, or that she rides and dominates her desires.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

In the RWS Tarot, the woman has a lemniscate, the infinity symbol, above her head, evoking the infinite power of her mind to curb her desires. The lion has its tail between its legs, showing submission, and licks the hand, indicating that it is appeased and domesticated.

Conclusion

The Tarot Strength card represents inner strength, self-mastery and the ability to overcome obstacles with gentleness and perseverance. It emphasizes the power of compassion, love and wisdom, rather than brute force. The Force encourages taming impulses, patience and persuasion rather than confrontation. Force is a reminder of the need to be calm and gentle with oneself and others while overcoming life's challenges, emphasizing that true strength lies in acceptance, compassion and kindness.

The inevitable metamorphosis: the embrace of renewal

Symbolism

• Death is usually represented by a skeletal figure. In RWS, he is often dressed in black armor, mounted on a white horse.
• She often holds a scythe in one hand, the traditional symbol of the harvest and the passage to the afterlife.
• In front of her are lifeless bodies or body parts, symbolizing the inevitable end and transformation.
• Despite its frightening appearance, Death is often accompanied by symbols of renewal and rebirth, such as flower buds or a rising sun.

Interpretation

• The Death card should not be interpreted literally as physical death, but as metamorphosis and regeneration, emphasizing that sometimes the end of something can lead to rebirth and personal growth.
• It represents the end of a cycle, situation or phase of life, but also the beginning of a new chapter.
• Death invites us to let go of old habits, outdated beliefs or limiting thought patterns, to enable positive transformation.
• It's a card of liberation, encouraging you to let go of emotional or material attachments, of what's no longer useful, to open the way to new opportunities.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

The Tarot de Marseille card is quite simple. It emphasizes the fact that Death imposes itself on everyone, from mere mortals to crowned heads. On the black, fertile ground, plants grow, evoking rebirth after death.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The RWS card contains more details than the Tarot de Marseille card, such as the characters who show different attitudes to death. The river, mountains and sun tell us that life is not a tranquil river, but leads to a mystical dawn.

Conclusion

The Tarot Death card should be interpreted as a symbol of change, transformation and transition. It represents the end of a cycle or phase of life, but also the beginning of a new chapter. Death invites us to let go of old habits and outdated beliefs, to enable positive transformation and rebirth. Death underlines the need to adapt to life's inevitable changes with flexibility and acceptance.

Alienation and freedom: the audacity of creativity

Symbolism

• The Devil is usually represented by a diabolical figure, sometimes with horns and wings, seated on a throne.
• He can be seen holding chains to which a man and a woman are tied, symbolizing their voluntary servitude.
• The Devil is often surrounded by symbols of lust and material desires, such as fruit and flames.

Interpretation

• The Devil is an invitation to become aware of the negative patterns and harmful habits that hinder us, such as excessive desires, addictions, illusions and dependencies.
• It highlights the traps of excessive attachment to material pleasures and destructive behavior.
• It's a card that evokes temptations and moral choices, reminding us to be discerning and resist harmful influences.
• The Devil can also symbolize fear, obsession and the feeling of being trapped in difficult situations, as well as the power to free ourselves from these chains by recognizing our responsibility and choosing to change.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

The Devil of the Tarot de Marseille is a hybrid creature, half woman, half man, half animal, standing on a pillar. The card reminds us that the Devil is a fallen angel, and his appearance shows above all that he is an alienated being, no longer knowing himself who he really is.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The RWS map focuses on forbidden fruit, temptation and the darker side of humanity. The Devil is no longer human, so man and woman have retained almost all their human appearance. The RWS card confronts Evil with Humanity, while Marseille speaks of attachment to desires that are not like us.

Conclusion

The Devil of the Tarot de Marseille represents the darker aspects of humanity, such as excessive desires, addictions and dependencies. It invites us to become aware of our negative patterns. The Devil is a card of temptations and moral choices. However, it also emphasizes that we have the power to free ourselves from these chains. It's an invitation to face our fears and overcome our weaknesses to achieve greater inner freedom.

The celestial blessing: the inspiration that nourishes the soul

Symbolism

• The Star is usually depicted as a naked woman kneeling by a water source, pouring water into a pond or river.
• She often holds two jugs, one pouring water into the lake and the other pouring onto the earth, symbolizing the connection between the spiritual and material worlds.
• A star shines in the sky above her, symbolizing hope, divine guidance and inspiration.

Interpretation

• The Star card represents hope, inspiration and faith in a better future, even in difficult times, and encourages us to remain optimistic and confident.
• The Star symbolizes connection with one's deepest humanity and invites us to turn towards higher spiritual aspirations.
• It encourages you to express your authenticity and follow your inner path, trusting your intuition.
• The Star invites you to be open to divine help and guidance, and to recognize the signs and synchronicities in your life.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

In the Tarot de Marseille, L'Etoile reverses one of its chruches at the level of its sex, as if its water had broken (in correlation with the Hanged Man, representing the fetus in its mother's womb). The card thus focuses on the individual revealing himself, offering the best aspects of himself to the world.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

In the RWS, there are 8 8-pointed stars. The 8 symbolizing perfection, the card signifies that cosmic balance has been achieved. The water poured onto the earth separates into 5 streams (in relation to the blood spilt from Christ's 5 wounds on the cross) indicates that the Star is fully aware of its love for mankind.

Conclusion

The Tarot Star represents inspiration and spiritual guidance. It evokes faith in a better humanity, and is the card par excellence of humanism. The Star symbolizes connection to one's inner self and deep convictions, and invites us to follow an ambition based on spiritual values. It suggests positive opportunities ahead if you follow your intuition. The Star reminds us of the importance of caring, of giving of ourselves, and of recognizing the signs that guide us on our path.

The light of joy: the soul that celebrates life

Symbolism

• The Sun is usually represented by a large sun shining in the sky.
• In the Tarot de Marseille, these two children are often depicted naked, symbolizing joy and innocence.
• In RWS, a radiant, childlike figure is often depicted standing or dancing in the sunlight.
• Sunflowers and other flowers are sometimes present, symbolizing vitality and growth.
• Finally, in the Tarot de Marseille, a wall stands behind the protagonists, representing our limits, which we must overcome in order to grow.

Interpretation

• The Sun card represents inner light, clarity and positivity.
• It symbolizes joy, success, celebration and fulfillment.
• The Sun evokes self-confidence, vitality and full self-expression.
• It's an invitation to enjoy the present moment and appreciate life's blessings.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

In Jean Noblet's Tarot de Marseille, there are not two children, as in more recent Tarots de Marseille, but a man and a woman. This Tarot focuses on the idea of accepting and integrating the opposite aspects within oneself. Uniting on the inside, to appear whole and radiant on the outside.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

In the RWS Tarot, the sunflowers symbolize growth, sunshine and love. The horse and child represent the innocent, luminous spirit that rides the impulses and animal nature of the individual. Waite therefore speaks more of growth and spiritual elevation in a spirit of conquest and guidance, as the child holds up a banner.

Conclusion

The Tarot Sun represents self-confidence, charisma, success and self-assurance in front of others. The Sun invites you to fully express yourself and enjoy life. It is a card of mental clarity, understanding and inner enlightenment. This radiant card reminds us of the importance of cultivating positivity, embracing inner light and savoring life's moments of joy and fulfillment.

The dance of the soul: the triumphant harmony of existence

Symbolism

• In the "The World" card, we usually see a central figure surrounded by a circle, representing a world or sphere.
• The figure may be a nude woman, often crowned with laurels, synonymous with glory.
• She usually holds a stick in each hand, symbolizing power.
• The corners of the card may contain symbols of the four elements: angel or man (depending on version), eagle, lion and bull.
• A ribbon, sometimes in the shape of an eight, connects the symbols in the 4 corners, creating a link between the 4 elements.

Interpretation

• The World card symbolizes completion, realization and fulfillment.
• It represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one, marking a period of closure and transition.
• The central figure represents unity and harmony
• The sticks in the figure's hands symbolize mastery of the elements, highlighting the ability to control our destiny.
• The symbols in the four corners represent the four elements: man (air), eagle (fire), lion (water) and bull (earth).
• The ribbon links the elements illustrating harmony and balance between them.

The 'Tarot de Marseille'

In the Tarot de Marseille, the spiritualized Water element is represented by an angel, not a water creature. The card thus emphasizes that it is our feelings and emotions, bearing a genuine fervor for following our spiritual path, that will be the key to achieving our fulfillment.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

In the RWS Tarot, the woman holds two wands, while the Magician holds only one, symbolizing his complete freedom.

Conclusion

The "Le Monde" Tarot card symbolizes completion, realization and fulfillment. It marks the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new phase. It is a card of celebration, highlighting the reward for efforts invested. The World embodies the completion of our spiritual journey and the recognition of our place in the greater whole.