Welcome, beautiful souls, to a little adventure through the fascinating world of the Major Arcana in tarot. If you are anything like that, you have a brain geared towards learning, and your curiosity is unparalleled, then you’ll get it. You’ll also get it if you have ADHD, like I do, but I digress. Right now, I’m hyper-focused on the Major Arcana because I have found that they are often oversimplified and misunderstood.

Major Arcana: The Heart of the Tarot

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing significant life themes, pivotal events, and archetypal energies that shape our existence. These cards are the heavy hitters of the tarot; they hold profound clout and weight, serving as the backbone of the deck. When they appear in a reading, it's as if the universe is leaning in, whispering, "Pay attention, this is important." They symbolise major milestones and transformative moments in our life journey, from the innocence of new beginnings to the ecstatic joy of brilliant blessings or the wisdom of life's traumatic or pivotal lessons. They are not just cards; they are catalysts for personal growth.

Each card in the Major Arcana is a doorway to deeper understanding, urging us onwards and preparing us to confront and embrace the fundamental aspects of our human experience, all the ups and the downs. They aren't just cards; they're mirrors reflecting our innermost selves. When the Major Arcana shows up, it’s not just another day at the tarot office – it’s a celestial event.

When a Major Arcana card appears in your reading, consider it a major plot point in the story of your life to date. The Majors are heroes and villains designed to mentor and challenge you. Each Major Arcana brings a unique lesson and an invitation to grow. From The Fool’s carefree search for experience to the World’s triumphant sense of completion, the Major Arcana charts a course through the full spectrum of human experience. They serve as both milestones and signposts, marking our progress and pointing the way forward. So when they show up, pay attention.

Archetypes and Personality Types

Let’s get cozy with some of the most prominent archetypes in the Major Arcana and explore how they mirror our own personalities. Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, loved talking about archetypes, and for a good reason. These universal symbols tap into our collective unconscious, helping us understand the deep-rooted patterns within ourselves.

The Fool: The Adventurous Spirit

Ah, the Fool. This card is the embodiment of new beginnings, spontaneity, and a touch of naivety. Think of the Fool as the free-spirited adventurer in us all. Remember when you decided to take that spontaneous road trip with no plan? That was your inner Fool leading the way.

Pop Culture Equivalent: Picture a young, wide-eyed Frodo Baggins setting off on his epic journey in "The Lord of the Rings." That’s our Fool, stepping into the unknown with boundless enthusiasm.

The Magician: The Master of Manifestation

The Magician Card from The 1st Edition of The Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot by Avalon Cameron with artwork by Ana Tourian

The Magician is all about channelling energy, creativity, and resourcefulness. This card represents those moments when we feel in control of our destiny, ready to turn our visions into reality. The Magician’s message? You have all the tools you need – use them wisely!

Pop Culture Equivalent: Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man. With his genius intellect and innovative spirit, he embodies the Magician’s transformative energy.

The High Priestess: The Keeper of Secrets

The High Priestess Card from The 1st Edition of The Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot by Avalon Cameron with artwork by Ana Tourian

Mystery, intuition, and inner wisdom define the High Priestess. She’s the guardian of the unconscious, urging us to trust our gut feelings and explore the hidden realms of our psyche. When you’re seeking answers from within, it’s the High Priestess guiding you.

Pop Culture Equivalent: Think of Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter." Her dreamy intuition and deep understanding of the unseen make her a perfect High Priestess.

The Empress: The Nurturing Creator

The Empress is the ultimate symbol of fertility, abundance, and nurturing love. She encourages us to embrace our creative powers and connect with the natural world. When you’re in your Empress energy, you’re a force of nature – quite literally!

Pop Culture Equivalent: Mother Earth herself, or for a more modern twist, Oprah Winfrey, with her nurturing spirit and ability to inspire growth in others.

I have the full list of major Arcana cards and their detailed associations in my Patreon Cardslinger Tier as a digital download

Jungian Shadow Self: Embracing the Darkness

Now, let’s gently delve into the intriguing Jungian concept of the shadow self. According to Carl Jung, our shadow self comprises the parts of our personality that we often reject, suppress, or simply overlook. These aspects can be both positive and negative, but because they reside in the unconscious, they tend to be hidden from our conscious awareness.

Exploring the Major Arcana through this lens allows us to see how these powerful cards can guide us in acknowledging and integrating these shadow aspects. Each card, with its rich symbolism and profound messages, offers us an opportunity to confront parts of ourselves that we might not fully understand or accept.

In essence, the Major Arcana acts as a mirror, reflecting the hidden parts of our psyche and guiding us toward greater self-awareness and transformation. By engaging with these cards, we can illuminate the shadowy corners of our inner worlds, bringing light and healing more consciously into our lives.

Let’s dive into some examples.

The Devil: Confronting Our Fears

The Devil Card from The 1st Edition of The Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot by Avalon Cameron with artwork by Ana Tourian

The Devil card often sparks fear, but at its core, it serves as a potent reminder of our shadow selves. This card urges us to confront our addictions, fears, toxic traits, and unhealthy attachments. By facing these shadow aspects, we can break free of our proverbial bonds and reclaim our power.

Pop Culture Equivalent: Darth Vader from "Star Wars." He embodies the struggle between light and dark, reminding us of the power of redemption and self-awareness.

The Tower: Embracing Destruction for Growth

The Tower Card from The 1st Edition of The Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot by Avalon Cameron with artwork by Ana Tourian

The Tower represents sudden upheaval and the destruction of old structures. You can feel the Tower card in your gut, at the very core of your being. It’s a visceral experience, to say the least. It’s a tough card, but it’s also about liberation and transformation. It highlights the weaknesses and flaws in our current foundations, exposing what no longer serves us or is built on shaky ground. Sometimes, we need a shake-up to rebuild stronger, more resilient foundations. The Tower’s medicine lies in its brutal honesty; it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace the chaos as a catalyst for growth and renewal. This card teaches us that through destruction, we find the opportunity for profound transformation and the chance to create a new, more authentic path forward. In many ways, the Tower is all about authenticity and vulnerability. Perhaps that’s why it makes people uncomfortable.

Pop Culture Equivalent: The destruction of the Death Star. It’s chaotic and intense, but it paves the way for a new beginning.

Myers-Briggs and the Major Arcana

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is another fascinating lens through which we can view the Major Arcana. Based on Carl Jung's theories, this personality framework categorises individuals into 16 distinct personality types, each with its unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world. By linking each tarot card to different MBTI types, we can gain deeper insights into their meanings and how they resonate with us on a personal level.

Each card in the Major Arcana embodies specific traits and energies that align with various MBTI types, enriching our understanding of both the cards and ourselves. For instance, The Emperor, with his authoritative and strategic nature, aligns well with the ENTJ personality type, known for leadership and vision. Meanwhile, The High Priestess, embodying intuition and mystery, resonates with the INFJ type, characterised by deep insight and empathy.

Exploring the Major Arcana through the MBTI framework allows us to see how these archetypal energies manifest in our own lives and personalities. It bridges the mystical with the psychological, providing a comprehensive view of how we can harness the lessons of the tarot to enhance self-awareness, personal growth, and our understanding of others. This approach not only deepens our connection to the cards but also offers a personalised journey through the Major Arcana, making the wisdom of the tarot more accessible and relevant to our daily lives.

Here are the 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI):

1. ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) - The Inspector: Practical, fact-minded individuals, and reliable.

2. ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) - The Protector: Warm, considerate, and responsible caretakers.

3. INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) - The Advocate: Insightful, inspiring, and idealistic.

4. INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) - The Architect: Strategic, logical, and forward-thinking planners.

5. ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) - The Virtuoso: Bold, practical experimenters and problem-solvers.

6. ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) - The Adventurer: Flexible, charming artists, and explorers.

7. INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)- The Mediator: Creative, empathetic, and idealistic dreamers.

8. INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving) - The Thinker: Analytical, abstract thinkers, and philosophers.

9. ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) - The Entrepreneur: Energetic, perceptive, and action-oriented.

10. ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) - The Entertainer: Spontaneous, enthusiastic, and sociable.

11. ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) - The Campaigner: Enthusiastic, imaginative, and curious.

12. ENTP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving) - The Debater: Innovative, witty, and intellectually curious.

13. ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) - The Executive: Organized, direct, and responsible leaders.

14. ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) - The Consul: Caring, sociable, and dependable.

15. ENFJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) - The Protagonist: Charismatic, altruistic, and inspiring leaders.

16. ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) - The Commander: Confident, strategic, and natural-born leaders.

The Emperor (ENTJ): The Commanding Leader

The Emperor is the epitome of structure, authority, and leadership – qualities that align with the ENTJ personality type. This card encourages us to embrace our inner leader, set clear boundaries, and take charge of our lives.

Pop Culture Equivalent: Elon Musk – ambitious, strategic, and always in control.

The Hermit (INTP): The Reflective Thinker

The Hermit Card from The 1st Edition of The Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot by Avalon Cameron with artwork by Ana Tourian

The Hermit represents introspection, wisdom, and solitude. This card aligns with the INTP type, who thrives on deep thought and philosophical exploration. The Hermit encourages us to seek inner truth and embrace our quest for knowledge.

Pop Culture Equivalent: Yoda from "Star Wars." He’s a wise, introspective sage guiding others with his deep insights.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Major Arcana

To truly get a solid grasp on your understanding of the Major Arcana and wow your friends and clients with your tarot readings, here are some tips and tricks to deepen your understanding of the Major Arcana:

Immerse Yourself in the Archetypes: Spend time meditating on each card, exploring the archetypes they represent. How do they resonate with your own experiences? Use Pop Culture References: As we’ve done here, draw parallels between the Major Arcana and familiar characters from books, movies, and TV shows. This approach makes the cards more relatable and memorable.
Journal Your Insights: Keep a tarot journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and revelations about each card. This practice can uncover hidden layers of meaning and strengthen your intuitive connection. Journaling is also a great way to keep lists. I’m a bit of a lists person, and I like to collect information in a manner that is quick and easy to reference.
Create Storylines: Build narratives around the Major Arcana to see how the cards interact and influence each other. I find that this exercise works best with pictorial images, as found in the Rider Wait Smith and Thoth tarot decks. So, work with decks that offer clear, interpretable images to help make things a little easier on you.
If you are a more experienced reader, why not challenge yourself with more obscure decks? Take a look at the Tarot Margarete Petersen, The Mary-El Tarot, Japaridze Deck, The Wild Unknown Tarot, Tarot of the Hidden Realm, Witch Sister Tarot, Sakki-Sakki Tarot to name but a few.
Practice Regularly: The more you work with the Major Arcana, the more confident you’ll become. Pull a daily card, do frequent readings, and trust in your growing expertise.

Embrace the Magic of the Major Arcana

The Major Arcana is a rich cornucopia of archetypes, personalities, and life lessons, offering you incredible insights, validating experiences and unique guidance. By exploring these cards through the lenses of Jungian psychology, Myers-Briggs personality types, and relationship dynamics, we can add an extra dimension to our tarot knowledge and practice, allowing us valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the Major Arcana.

So, my beautiful souls, my hope is that I have given you the confidence to deepen your exploration and understanding of the Major Arcana.

Remember, if you want to dive even deeper into the mystical world of tarot, folk magic, and more, join me on my Patreon page or visit my website. Happy reading, and may the cards ever be in your favour!