5 Steps to Learning the Exciting Major Arcana in Tarot

Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a tool for divination and guidance. The major arcana cards are a set of 22 cards that represent significant life events, archetypes, and spiritual lessons. Each card has its own unique meaning and symbolism. Understanding their interpretations and interrelationships can provide valuable insights into your life’s journey.

Interpreting Major Arcana Cards in Your Tarot Readings

When interpreting major arcana cards in a tarot reading, it is essential to consider the card’s symbolism, imagery, and traditional meanings. Here are some tips on how to interpret major arcana cards effectively.

1. Trust your intuition:

Trust your intuitive instincts when interpreting major arcana cards. Allow yourself to connect with the imagery and symbolism of the card and let your intuition guide you towards a deeper understanding of its meaning. Pay attention to being pulled toward a specific symbol. Does an image make you keep returning to it? Is there an aspect of the card that brings a specific thought? 

For example, I was completing a reading and an aspect of the card kept pulling me back by a feeling in my solar plexus. As I succumbed to the image or as I relaxed and accepted that there was a message there, a  card that represented struggle to me suddenly had a piece of it that resonated with “curls.” I thought, “That must be wrong. How silly.” However, I kept feeling it, so I asked, “Is there anyone who is having a problem with curls?” The woman said she had just gone to a second beautician because a previous one had ruined her hair in trying to create curls. That gave the client a detail that let her know that I was truly connecting with her energy.

Do you need help developing your intuition? Beth Layne at BethLayne.com is a gifted teacher whose gifts include helping others develop their intuitive gifts.

2. Explore symbolism:

Pay close attention to the symbolism present in the major arcana cards. Symbols such as animals, elements, and colors can offer valuable insights into the card’s message and how it relates to your current situation. Do you see a repeat of animals? Do you see no animals, but plants or water? Are all the cards dark or are all the cards bright? Several cards may look negative, but the colors deny that. 

The symbolism can be as varied as there are readers. Don’t buy into the idea that meanings are always textbook. They. Are. Not. Meanings are up to the reader. If you resonate with a meaning that you read in a book, wonderful. If you see something else entirely, go with that meaning. As you read the cards, the meaning always shows up for your interpretation. A reader is nothing but a conduit. 

Need help trusting the messages you’re receiving? Book a 30-minute reading and we can discuss the direction of your energy and how it is flowing.

3. Consider numerology:

Each major arcana card is associated with a specific number that carries its own significance. Consider the numerological meaning of the card when interpreting its message in your tarot readings. For example, a 1 means a start of a new beginning, while a 10 means a completion. A 22 converts to a 4 which may have a number of meanings including union, standing still, and rest. Again, this is highly subjective.

Some readers believe in the numbers helping them interpret time periods. That’s a very individual skill. I’ve known very skilled readers who’ve been in this business 30 to 40 years, and they all say time periods are difficult. However, I’ve also met some very talented readers who were highly accurate as far as time. 

Remember, we all have free will. Decisions can be made, remade, and repeated all of which can’t affect time. My advice would be to do some readings, identify some numbers and time periods, and see what happens. Self study. Remember your guides and spirits want to communicate with you. They will help you see meaning in the cards via a time periods or not. This could be a fun personal study. 

4. Reflect on personal experiences:

Reflect on your personal experiences and how the themes of the major arcana card resonate with your life. Allow the card to spark introspection and self-discovery as you explore its deeper meanings. As you look at the card, ask yourself, do certain memories or life experiences jump into your mind? Look closely at them to see if your inner self is pinpointing meaning for you through your past experiences. 

Many times I’ve been working with a client and I’ll have a memory come forward. The memory may have nothing to do with them, but it will spark something in client. Your higher self will always show up to help you.

5. Seek guidance from tarot resources:

Consult tarot guidebooks, online resources, and experienced tarot readers to gain a deeper understanding of major arcana cards and their interpretations. Did you draw a particularly interesting series of cards? Do you need help interpreting the message?  Drawing on a variety of sources can enrich your interpretation and offer fresh perspectives on the cards. Plus, as you become more adept, you see a blending of your experiences and the cards on a daily basis.

A few of words of caution. 

1.  There needs to be an energy exchange. That means that you are expending energy on a reading you need to get that energy back. Have someone read for you in exchange. Have them buy you a cup of coffee. Take a tip. 
2. Don’t expect to read much for yourself. Remember the need for an energy exchange? How can you get that if you read for yourself? Save that for when you need an energy exchange from a fellow tarot reader. However, a card or two every morning can’t hurt. Just don’t invest too much energy into them. Take them and then move forward. Think of them throughout your day to see how they fit. You’ll be surprised by the insights your guiding team will give you. They love communicating. They will use what you learn and notice again and again. 
3. You can tire out the energy. This happens when you read too much on yourself or for others without an energy exchange. Tired energy will manifest by giving you repetitive messages or confusing messages. If you’re getting confused, it’s best to stop, take a quick nap, meditate, eat a snack, take a quick walk, etc. You’re breaking up the tired energy and replenishing. 

Overall, reading Tarot can be enriching and fun. They haven’t been around for centuries for nothing!

Peace, y’all!

Book a reading with Leah to see what theTarot holds for you! There is ALWAYS a message.