As I was getting certified as a tarot reader, I found myself lost in the language often. Going in blind, knowing nothing more than the aesthetic, I already knew I was in for some late nights of studying and practice. Tarot isn't an easy art to master, and I am always still learning more. One thing I found specifically daunting was all the categories, and the categories within those categories. There was so much coming at me in such quick succession, and, though I found the whole course fascinating, I could feel my head spinning with all the information. Something about getting certified really did open my eyes to the craft, though. Tarot isn't a special calling from beyond that only a select few can hear. It's a language you can learn. I could learn it.
It's not magic, it's insight.
I have always learned best if I could teach. So here, I'm beginning my first series: Tarot Demystified. My goal is to help anyone going in for their readings or even just curious about how tarot works, navigate through some of this beautiful language. I not only want to share what I've learned but also be a sort of guide into the inner workings so that when you come out of your readings, you may have an even deeper insight of it. Being able to see a little more clearly how your cards came to their conclusions can really enhance your experience with any reader, giving you more confidence in these sessions.
With that, let's begin with The Major Arcana.
By definition, this means Great Mysteries or Secrets. In Tarot, this category is a set of cards that reveal to you a deeper, soulful meaning. No Kings, or Knights, or numbered elements. These are cards like: The Hermit, The World, The Devil, and Judgement. Often times, you'll hear them referred to as your "Soul Purpose", and that's true depending on the reading before you. I like to refer to these cards as "Big Picture Cards" because they point you toward more permanent and long-term aspects of you and your life experience.
These cards are full of your great mysteries, revealed to you in a time of your choosing. Another characteristic of these cards is that they don't always point to a need for change, they don't point to immediate action, and they don't point to your tangible world. Again, these are "Big Picture." This also means that sometimes, they will point to aspects of your life or yourself that you can't change in your immediate future. These cards will typically ask you for more work and more attention in the long run. They run deep and often hit home in ways that may not always be expected but will always aim toward your best interests. The Major Arcana is often the heavy end of your reading, depending on your personal quest, but that doesn't mean it should be feared. Some people are afraid of the dark but imagine a world with endless sunlight. We can be wary, but we should also know that what we're weary of might just be something we need.
At the end of the reading, it's in your hands. Once the cards are read and you have the information you sought, it is always up to you to decide what resonates with you and what doesn't. You begin and end your reading in the driver's seat. The Major Arcana, and the rest of the Tarot deck, is only a tool for insight. It's always up to you to use it.