SECOND EDITION
Follow Red Magician's Tarot on:
THE CARDS / THE MAJOR ARCANA
The Major Arcana
Higher Principles in Action
Element: Spirit
Season: Anytime
Direction: Anywhere
0. The Fool
Beginnings, Birth, Innocence, Optimism, Naiveté
Like a newborn, The Fool sees the world full of wonder and opportunity. They've yet to face the harsher side of reality and experience a certain joie de vie that cynics secretly envy. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes can indeed provide unique perspectives and the impetus to take a leap of faith. But don't stick your head too high into the clouds lest you miss possible pitfalls before you.
I. The Magician
Proactive, Personal Power, Resourcefulness
Not content to sit around and wait for things to happen, The Magician makes their own opportunities and is confident in their abilities to realize their dreams. Their tools feel like extensions of their very being, wielded with mastery and wisdom. Ever resourceful and quick to think on their feet, they will not rest until their goals have been achieved. The Magician knows that The Universe will only meet you half way - you have to do the work, too!
II. High Priestess
Receptive, Insight, Understanding, Trusting Your Intuition
The High Priestess is connected to the Divine Spark in all of us. As such, the Priestess knows All are One and, therefore, all knowledge is accessible to all beings. Some call this psychic ability, others a “gut feeling” but deep down you already know the answers to your questions. Trust the signs and synchronicities, but most importantly, trust your instincts and allow the truth to reveal itself.
III. The Empress
Nurturing, Attentive to Growth, Loving, Maternal
The Divine Feminine has many facets. Arguably the most recognizable is that of the Universal Mother, a caring and nurturing parent who wants her children to grow and thrive. We all have the ability to nurture others and ourselves, if only we would give ourselves permission to be vulnerable and generous with our love.
IV. The Emperor
Power, Statesmanship, Wisdom, Direction, Paternal
The Divine Masculine also wants his children to grow and prosper. Civilization is his dominion and as king he strives to wield power for the benefit of all. However, remember that absolute power can corrupt absolutely. If one isn't careful they may find themselves shackled to the idea and lust of power itself. Power for the sake of it has a deleterious effect on the individual and society at large. Be mindful of what you wish to accomplish and how you go about it.
V. The Hierophant
Initiation, Instruction, Religious Wisdom
Society is structured by institutions and hierarchies, be they bureaucratic, religious or otherwise. However, The Hierophant possesses the exoteric and esoteric knowledge required to instruct the seeker in all manners of religious dogma, practices and arcane techniques. They hold the keys to a deeper understanding of the Self and Reality, only passing them on when the student is ready.
VI. The Lovers
Love, Selflessness, Cooperation
We are not solitary creatures and cannot do everything ourselves. Interpersonal relationships help us to grow, become more empathetic, and to want what’s best for others, too. Our relationships, lives, and societies are built upon a foundation of cooperation and mutual interest. To love another is to see yourself reflected in them and knowing we are all One.
VII. The Chariot
Volition, Willpower
When we set our mind on something and take the initiative it's amazing what can be accomplished! Yet, more often than not, we are the obstacle in our own way. In order to advance you must make the conscious decision to take that first step - no one else can do it for you. You have to focus your attention, desire and willpower towards the outcome. Only then will manifestation begin.
VIII. Justice
Actions and Consequences
Nothing in The Universe can escape cause and effect. Every action, and inaction, has its consequences. At times the effects feel disproportionate to the cause and at others it doesn’t seem like they're enough. But it's not some divine punishment or reward, it's just how things are. Regardless, we are all responsible for our own actions and reactions.
IX. The Hermit
Self-Analysis, Self-Discovery, Spiritual Wisdom
The Hermit has moved beyond the structure of organized religion, finding solitude in the metaphorical cave of self-reflection. No longer concerned with dogma, they embark on an inner, mystical journey to attain experiential knowledge (or gnosis) of the Self, and by extension, Creation. Similar to the High Priestess, The Hermit understands that All are One has been changed by this revelation.
X. The Wheel
Chance, Luck, Fate, Change
It's said that "the only thing constant is change." As well as "a tree that doesn’t bend in the wind will break." So instead of trying to hold on and remain rigid, take a chance and go with the flow. Sometimes the current carries you exactly where you needed to go. But you’ll never know if you don’t give it a shot.
XI. Strength
Courage, Unwavering, Strong Conviction
The strength of one’s character is just as important as the fitness of one’s body. To be courageous is to take action despite being scared. Let your moral compass guide you, let your values give you confidence and let wisdom inform your actions. The strength of belief and conviction provides an incredible power.
XII. The Hanged Man
Self-Sacrifice, Change in Perspective
Sometimes the only way to get past it is to go through it. Surrendering to the experience can provide surprising insights and facilitate a newfound perspective. While everything has its cost, even knowledge, the wisdom gained from surrender can be of immense value despite the process to acquire it.
XIII. Death
"Ego Death", Inner Change and Development
Death is not "The End" but the end of a state of being. It's merely the transition from one phase to the next. When the body has aged and worn itself out, the soul sheds its corporeal form and moves on to the next. So, too, must we shed that which no longer serves us and creates obstacles for personal evolution. Remember that the end is just the beginning...
XIV. Balance
Equilibrium, Harmony, Balance of Energies
Despite the illusion of separation, binaries are just opposite ends of the same spectrum. Too much of either side can be hazardous, just like too much medicine can be poisonous. Therefore, it's important to learn how to strike a balance for things to go smoothly. Find the middle ground in order to get a panoramic perspective.
XV. The Devil
The Shadow, Repression, Self-Destruction
The Devil is the personification of the Jungian Shadow. All those unsavory elements of ourselves we repress in order to seem "acceptable" to society. It's the denial of the fact that we humans are, after all, animals. We all have natural urges, needs and wants that we've been taught to be ashamed of. But the more we ignore these “devils,” the more they act out in daily life. Befriend your demons and they may become angels.
XVI. The Tower
Forced Change, Trauma, Challenges
Sometimes things happen that are entirely out of our control and the trauma can feel positively overwhelming. Or we've resisted what needed to be, causing pressure to build before a catastrophic explosion. But, like Death, this change is necessary for growth. It feels like Life has been shaken to its core, only it's not really over. You can rebuild on the foundation and make it even better than before!
XVII. The Star
Divine Assistance
There are moments in life when it feels like all of Creation has conspired in your favor. Something more than luck must be at play. Perhaps Fate has smiled upon you this day. We all have unseen allies assisting us along our paths, be they ancestors, guides or the gods. Even the stars can provide a road map.
XVIII. The Moon
Illusions, Dreams, Unconscious Mind
The Moon is the icon of the night and all residing in darkness. While the Subconscious Mind seems like an unfathomable black sea, it actually informs us how to navigate it. It speaks in symbol and synchronicity, dreams and intuition. Pay attention to your dreams, for they are where you live while you slumber. The Moon instructs us not to take things at face value, for they are generally illusions, but to look below the surface.
XIX. The Sun
Self-Empowerment, Clarity, Conscious Mind
The Sun illuminates the Conscious Mind and provides the flame for the lamp of awareness. Unlike The Moon, it has no use for speaking in rhyme and riddles, no desire for artifice or keeping secrets. It signals a time for action, clear communication, and to dispel confusion and ignorance. When you let the light in then you can see things as they really are.
XX. The Age
Discernment, Transition
It's time to decide what's worth holding on to and what's not. What will you bring with you into this new phase of life? What weighed you down? What lifted you up? These are the kinds of questions you must answer honeslty for yourself. Because that which is of the old age may no longer work in the new. Be prepared to make sacrifices.
XXI. The Universe
Completion, Fulfillment
The destination has been reached.
The goal has been achieved.
The dream has come true.
It is done.