🃏 Tarot Major Arcana: All 22 Cards Explained

🔭 Astronomical Explanation

While tarot is not directly tied to astronomical observation in the way planetary positions are, there are well-established correspondences between major arcana cards and astrological bodies and signs. The Moon card corresponds to Pisces, The Sun card to the Sun itself, and The Tower is associated with Mars. These correspondences were formalized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by organizations like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Each of the twelve zodiac signs, seven classical planets, and three elemental associations maps to a specific major arcana card. This system creates a bridge between tarot interpretation and astrological chart reading, allowing practitioners to use both systems together. The timing of tarot readings can also be informed by astronomical events. Many practitioners consider the lunar phase when drawing cards, with new moons favoring questions about beginnings and full moons favoring questions about culmination and clarity.

♈ Astrological Interpretation

In an astrological context, major arcana cards carry the weight of planets and signs rather than the lighter, more situational energy of the minor arcana. Drawing a major arcana card in a reading suggests that the forces at work are significant, archetypal, and not easily redirected. These cards point to major life lessons rather than everyday events. The Fool's Journey is the narrative thread connecting all 22 cards. It begins with The Fool (0), representing pure potential and the start of a new cycle. It moves through early lessons like The Magician (willpower), The High Priestess (intuition), and The Empress (abundance), then into challenges like The Tower (sudden change) and Death (transformation), and finally arrives at The World (21), representing integration and completion. Each card's astrological correspondence deepens its meaning. The Emperor, associated with Aries, embodies assertive leadership. The Hermit, linked to Virgo, represents analytical solitude. Understanding these connections allows you to read tarot and astrology as complementary languages describing the same human experiences.

💡 Practical Example

During a reading about a career change, you draw The Tower followed by The Star. The Tower (Mars) suggests the change will be sudden and disruptive. The Star (Aquarius) indicates that hope, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose will follow. Together, they describe a difficult transition that ultimately leads to alignment with your true path.

The Fool’s Journey: A Map of Human Experience

The 22 major arcana cards are not random symbols. They follow a deliberate sequence that mirrors the stages of personal growth, from the naive openness of The Fool to the wholeness of The World. Understanding this journey gives each card richer context.

Cards 0-7: Awakening and Early Lessons

The Fool (0): New beginnings, open potential, willingness to take a leap. Associated with Uranus.

The Magician (I): Willpower, skill, manifestation. Associated with Mercury. The ability to channel resources toward a goal.

The High Priestess (II): Intuition, the subconscious, hidden knowledge. Associated with the Moon, linking this card directly to lunar phases and emotional cycles.

The Empress (III): Abundance, fertility, sensory pleasure. Associated with Venus.

The Emperor (IV): Structure, authority, stability. Associated with Aries.

The Hierophant (V): Tradition, mentorship, institutional knowledge. Associated with Taurus.

The Lovers (VI): Choice, partnership, values alignment. Associated with Gemini.

The Chariot (VII): Determination, control, forward movement. Associated with Cancer.

Cards 8-14: Inner Work and Refinement

Strength (VIII): Patience, inner courage, gentle power. Associated with Leo.

The Hermit (IX): Solitude, introspection, seeking inner truth. Associated with Virgo.

The Wheel of Fortune (X): Cycles, fate, turning points. Associated with Jupiter.

Justice (XI): Fairness, cause and effect, accountability. Associated with Libra.

The Hanged Man (XII): Surrender, new perspective, voluntary pause. Associated with Neptune.

Death (XIII): Transformation, endings that enable beginnings, release. Associated with Scorpio.

Temperance (XIV): Balance, moderation, integration of opposites. Associated with Sagittarius.

Cards 15-21: Breakthrough and Integration

The Devil (XV): Shadow patterns, attachment, material bondage. Associated with Capricorn.

The Tower (XVI): Sudden disruption, revelation, collapse of false structures. Associated with Mars.

The Star (XVII): Hope, renewal, spiritual clarity. Associated with Aquarius.

The Moon (XVIII): Illusion, fear, the subconscious surfacing. Associated with Pisces. This card deepens when read alongside your moon sign.

The Sun (XIX): Joy, vitality, success, clarity. Associated with the Sun.

Judgement (XX): Rebirth, calling, honest self-evaluation. Associated with Pluto.

The World (XXI): Completion, integration, wholeness. Associated with Saturn.

Using Tarot with Astrology

The astrological correspondences above are not just trivia. They provide a second layer of interpretation. If you draw The Tower during a period when Mars is making hard planetary aspects in your natal chart, the card’s message carries extra weight and specificity.

Similarly, understanding which house a card’s associated planet rules in your chart can tell you where in your life the card’s energy is most likely to manifest.

MoonWise’s tarot feature pairs card draws with current astrological transits, giving you an integrated reading that uses both systems together rather than treating them as separate practices.