The Major Arcana Upright & Reversed Meanings

0. The Fool:

   • Upright: The Fool in the upright position represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and taking risks. It signifies a journey of self-discovery and embracing the unknown. The Fool encourages us to trust our instincts and follow our hearts.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Fool may indicate recklessness, naivety, or missed opportunities. It suggests the need to exercise caution and consider the consequences of our actions.

1. The Magician:

   • Upright: The Magician in the upright position symbolizes manifestation, power, and creativity. It represents the ability to harness our inner resources and transform our dreams into reality. The Magician reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destiny.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Magician may indicate a lack of focus, manipulation, or misuse of power. It suggests the need to reevaluate our intentions and ensure that we are using our abilities for positive purposes.

2. The High Priestess:

   • Upright: The High Priestess in the upright position embodies intuition, wisdom, and mystery. She represents the hidden knowledge and spiritual insights that lie within us. The High Priestess encourages us to trust our inner voice and explore the depths of our subconscious mind.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The High Priestess may indicate a lack of intuition, confusion, or hidden agendas. It suggests the need to listen to our inner wisdom and seek clarity in our thoughts and actions.

3. The Empress:

   • Upright: The Empress in the upright position represents abundance, nurturing, and fertility. She symbolizes the creative energy and the power of nature. The Empress reminds us to connect with our nurturing side and embrace the beauty of life.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Empress may indicate a lack of self-care, creative blockages, or imbalance in relationships. It suggests the need to prioritize self-care and find ways to express our creativity.

4. The Emperor:

   • Upright: The Emperor in the upright position signifies authority, structure, and leadership. He represents the masculine energy and the ability to take control of our lives. The Emperor encourages us to establish order and set clear boundaries in our endeavors.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Emperor may indicate a misuse of power, lack of discipline, or a need for structure. It suggests the need to reassess our approach to leadership and find balance in our actions.

5. The Hierophant:

   • Upright: The Hierophant in the upright position symbolizes tradition, spirituality, and guidance. He represents the wisdom of established institutions and the teachings of organized religion. The Hierophant reminds us to seek guidance from trusted sources and honor our spiritual beliefs.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Hierophant may indicate rebellion against tradition, dogma, or a need for personal exploration. It suggests the need to question established beliefs and find our own spiritual path.

6. The Lovers:

   • Upright: The Lovers in the upright position represent love, relationships, and choices. They symbolize the union of opposites and the power of emotional connections. The Lovers encourage us to make choices based on love and harmony.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Lovers may indicate disharmony, indecision, or conflicts in relationships. It suggests the need to reassess our choices and find ways to restore balance in our connections.

7. The Chariot:

   • Upright: The Chariot in the upright position signifies willpower, determination, and victory. It represents the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success through focused effort. The Chariot reminds us to stay focused on our goals and move forward with confidence.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Chariot may indicate a lack of direction, self-doubt, or a feeling of being stuck. It suggests the need to reassess our goals and find ways to regain control of our lives.

8. Strength:

   • Upright: Strength represents inner strength, courage, and resilience. It symbolizes the power to overcome challenges and control our emotions. Strength encourages us to tap into our inner strength and face difficulties with grace.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, Strength may indicate a lack of confidence, self-doubt, or a need to assert boundaries. It suggests the need to cultivate self-belief and find ways to assert ourselves in challenging situations.

9. The Hermit:

   • Upright: The Hermit embodies introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. He represents the need for self-reflection and seeking answers within. The Hermit encourages us to take time for introspection and listen to our inner wisdom.
   • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Hermit may indicate isolation, withdrawal, or a fear of self-reflection. It suggests the need to find a balance between solitude and social connection and embrace the lessons that come from introspection.

10. Wheel of Fortune:

    • Upright: The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes destiny, change, and cycles. It represents the ups and downs of life and the constant movement of the universe. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that life is ever-changing and encourages us to embrace the opportunities that come our way.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, the Wheel of Fortune may indicate a lack of control, resistance to change, or a feeling of being stuck in a negative cycle. It suggests the need to embrace change and find ways to regain control of our lives.

11. Justice:

    • Upright: Justice signifies fairness, balance, and truth. It represents the need for ethical decision-making and taking responsibility for our actions. Justice reminds us to seek fairness and make choices that align with our values.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, Justice may indicate injustice, dishonesty, or a lack of accountability. It suggests the need to reassess our actions and ensure that we are acting with integrity.

12. The Hanged Man:

    • Upright: The Hanged Man represents surrender, letting go, and gaining a new perspective. It symbolizes the need to release control and trust in the process of life. The Hanged Man encourages us to embrace change and see things from a different angle.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Hanged Man may indicate resistance to change, stagnation, or a refusal to let go of old patterns. It suggests the need to release attachments and embrace the opportunities that come with change.

13. Death:

    • Upright: Death symbolizes transformation, endings, and rebirth. It represents the natural cycle of life and the need to let go of the old to make way for the new. Death reminds us that change is inevitable and necessary for growth.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, Death may indicate resistance to change, fear of the unknown, or a refusal to let go of the past. It suggests the need to embrace change and allow for personal transformation.

14. Temperance:

    • Upright: Temperance signifies balance, harmony, and moderation. It represents the need to find a middle ground and integrate opposing forces. Temperance encourages us to find balance in our lives and embrace moderation.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, Temperance may indicate imbalance, excess, or a lack of self-control. It suggests the need to reassess our priorities and find ways to restore harmony in our lives.

15. The Devil:

    • Upright: The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and bondage. It symbolizes the negative aspects of our desires and attachments. The Devil reminds us to be aware of our own limitations and break free from unhealthy patterns.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Devil may indicate liberation, breaking free from addictions, or overcoming negative influences. It suggests the need to release ourselves from self-imposed limitations and embrace personal freedom.

16. The Tower:

    • Upright: The Tower signifies sudden change, upheaval, and revelation. It represents the breaking down of old structures and beliefs to make way for new beginnings. The Tower reminds us that sometimes we need to experience chaos to create positive change.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Tower may indicate resistance to change, avoiding necessary upheaval, or a fear of letting go. It suggests the need to embrace change and allow for the transformation that comes with it.

17. The Star:

    • Upright: The Star represents hope, inspiration, and healing. It symbolizes the light that guides us through dark times. The Star encourages us to have faith in ourselves and believe in the power of our dreams.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Star may indicate a lack of hope, pessimism, or a feeling of being lost. It suggests the need to reconnect with our inner light and find ways to restore hope and inspiration in our lives.

18. The Moon:

    • Upright: The Moon embodies intuition, emotions, and the subconscious mind. It represents the hidden aspects of ourselves and the need to trust our instincts. The Moon reminds us to explore our emotions and embrace the mysteries of life.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Moon may indicate confusion, emotional instability, or a lack of clarity. It suggests the need to trust our intuition and seek clarity in our emotions and thoughts.

19. The Sun:

    • Upright: The Sun signifies joy, vitality, and success. It represents the light that illuminates our path and brings happiness into our lives. The Sun encourages us to embrace our true selves and radiate positivity.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The Sun may indicate a lack of vitality, temporary setbacks, or a feeling of being overshadowed. It suggests the need to reconnect with our inner light and find ways to bring joy and positivity into our lives.

20. Judgment:

    • Upright: Judgment represents self-reflection, forgiveness, and awakening. It symbolizes the need to evaluate our actions and make amends. Judgment reminds us to let go of past mistakes and embrace personal growth.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, Judgment may indicate self-judgment, fear of judgment from others, or a refusal to face the consequences of our actions. It suggests the need to release self-judgment and embrace forgiveness and personal growth.

21. The World:

    • Upright: The World signifies completion, fulfillment, and wholeness. It represents the culmination of a journey and the attainment of our goals. The World encourages us to celebrate our achievements and embrace new beginnings.
    • Reversed: In the reversed position, The World may indicate a lack of completion, feeling stuck, or a fear of change. It suggests the need to reassess our goals and find ways to move forward with confidence and openness to new opportunities.

Each Major Arcana Tarot card, whether upright or reversed, carries its own unique message and lesson. By understanding the meanings of these cards in both positions, we can gain deeper insights into our lives, make informed decisions, and navigate the journey of self-discovery.