The Major Arcana

Archetypal Images

The cards of the Major Arcana are the heart and soul of the tarot. The twenty-two cards, also known as the Major Trumps, offer colorful images of the phases or initiations that the enchanted traveler will encounter on the path of life. Sometimes called “the greater mysteries,” these cards serve as guideposts along the winding road of life’s never-ending passages of transformation and awakening. Their archetypal imagery serves as a lens through which we can see and embrace the unconscious and conscious realities of life.

2 – The Priestess

Traditional Image
The usual representation for this card is a seated female figure who holds a sacred scroll or manuscript. She is usually on a holy throne between two pillars that represent mercy and judgment. Sometimes known as the female pope or the high priestess, she links back to the Egyptian veiled Isis and perhaps the Greek Athena as an emissary of esoteric wisdom. In our more modern understanding, she is a clear representation of Carl Jung’s idea of the anima or the archetypal feminine power of the psyche. Since this card is designated with the number two, it carries a sense of separation from divinity and the simultaneous urge to return to one’s spiritual heritage and source.

The Tarot of the Four Elements Image
An African goddess sits in the lotus position within a sacred triad, representing the harmony of light, love, and wisdom. The emanating pearl white rays of the moon pour upon her like tiny crystalline drops of lunar wisdom. Her body is imprinted with drops of the moon’s essence and the lunar crescent she sits upon is her throne. The two palm trees on either side form the pillars that balance and unite the female/male aspects of her knowledge. The trees strengthen her ability to embrace the duality of love and will. The yellow light surrounding the palm branches creates a stimulating vibration around her head. She is awake, at peace, and truthful. A tiny moon appears upon her third eye. Pure and serene, she sees all.

The Elemental Message
Enter the sacred pyramid of your own inner sanctuary. Visualize pure white light vibrating throughout your body. Listen to the tones of your soul. What instrument does your spirit body play? Is your tone a deep and gentle drum rhythm similar to an echo heard in the twilight of a soft African night? Perhaps you hear the sound of singing or maybe the comforting breeze as warm wind travels through the palm leaves. For some, there may be pure silence. Stay attuned and awake to the voice of wisdom that beats in your heart. Do not push or struggle. Surrender to the peace of the night. The little lights of the moon shower you with insight.

Key words: Meditate, Listen, Be still, Align, Pray, Chant, Receive, Channel, Listen to sacred music.

The Minor Arcana

Pictures of the Soul

While the four-fold court cards may seem archaic, they allow you to come face to face with beings and figures that connect deeply with your psyche. Each page equates with someone who plays the role of a messenger or carrier of information. Every knight stands for strong action, movement, or an adventure that must take place. Each queen represents a nurturing presence and a source of wisdom you can go to when you are in need of support. Every king reminds you of the long climb upward to becoming a respected leader or experienced elder within your family and circle of friends, colleagues, and associates.

Page of Earth

Every page is a messenger or carrier of information. Here we see an alluring devic figure whose body is composed of a colorful, spiraling flower or plant. She stares straight at you and is crowned with a pentacle. The exotic color scheme reminds you of the entire rainbow. She appears to contain healing energies and forces that can be transmitted to earth dwellers needing a dynamic transfiguration. The manner in which she stands makes one think of her ability to dance and glide through life with few cares or burdens.

Drawing this card may be a special invitation to explore fields like gardening, herbalism, flower essences, shiatsu, painting, fashion design, ballet, and various graphic or fine arts. The Page of Earth can represent an actual person who is entering your life as a giver of material pleasure or satisfaction. At the same time, the mirroring function of the tarot can mean that you are gazing at a reflection of a deep, primal part of your own being. If so, it is time to unlock a more feminine, passionate, exciting dimension of your personality. Release old fears, and cast self-doubt and worry aside. Get back into the enjoyable aspects of physical life with enthusiasm.