Category: Tarot

In esoteric Tarot, the Water element is associated with emotions, intuition, the subconscious mind, and the realm of the soul. It represents the flow of feelings, the depth of human experience, and the ability to connect with the inner world and the mysteries of existence. Water is linked to the suit of Cups (or Chalices) in the Tarot, which embodies the Water element and its esoteric meanings.

Esoteric Meaning of Water in Tarot

• Emotions and Feelings: Water symbolizes the realm of emotions and feelings. It represents the depth and complexity of human emotions, including love, joy, sorrow, and compassion. Water signifies the ability to connect with and understand one’s own feelings and the emotions of others.
• Intuition and Psychic Abilities: Water is associated with intuition, psychic abilities, and the subconscious mind. It signifies the capacity to access inner wisdom and receive insights from the higher self and the spiritual realm.
• Sensitivity and Empathy: Water represents sensitivity and empathy, the ability to tune into the needs and emotions of others. It signifies the capacity to offer emotional support and nurture relationships.
• Dreams and Imagination: Water is linked to the world of dreams, imagination, and the creative power of the mind. It symbolizes the flow of ideas, artistic inspiration, and the ability to manifest through visualization.
• Spiritual Connection: Water signifies the connection with the spiritual and mystical aspects of life. It represents the soul’s journey, purification, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment.
• Healing and Renewal: Water has the power to cleanse and purify. It symbolizes emotional healing, renewal, and the release of emotional burdens and past traumas.
• Flow and Adaptability: Water is fluid and adaptable. It represents the ability to go with the flow of life, navigate change, and embrace the natural cycles of existence.

The Suits of Cups

• Ace of Cups: The Ace of Cups represents the pure, overflowing energy of love, compassion, and emotional connection. It signifies a new emotional beginning or a profound spiritual awakening.
• Two of Cups: This card represents harmony, partnership, and emotional balance. It signifies the union of two souls in love or a deep emotional connection.
• Three of Cups: The Three of Cups symbolizes celebration, joy, and community. It represents the sharing of emotions and the bonds of friendship and support.
• Four of Cups: This card signifies introspection and contemplation of one’s emotions. It may indicate a need to explore inner feelings or reassess emotional satisfaction.
• Five of Cups: The Five of Cups represents grief and loss. It signifies a period of emotional challenge and the need to find healing and renewal.
• Six of Cups: This card is associated with nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocence. It signifies emotional connections from the past and a sense of nostalgia.
• Seven of Cups: The Seven of Cups represents imagination, choices, and dreams. It signifies a time of multiple possibilities and the need to focus on one’s emotional priorities.
• Eight of Cups: This card signifies the quest for deeper emotional fulfillment. It represents a journey of self-discovery and a search for spiritual and emotional meaning.
• Nine of Cups: The Nine of Cups is known as the “Wish Card.” It signifies emotional contentment, satisfaction, and the fulfillment of emotional desires.
• Ten of Cups: This card represents emotional harmony and fulfillment in family and relationships. It signifies a deep sense of happiness and emotional abundance.

The Water element in Tarot represents the realm of emotions, intuition, and the soul’s journey. It is deeply connected to the human experience and the capacity to understand, express, and heal emotions. Understanding the esoteric meanings of Water and its associated cards can enhance your Tarot readings, particularly in matters of the heart, relationships, and emotional well-being.

The Court Cards

In esoteric Tarot, the Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) within the suit of Cups (or Chalices) also carry esoteric meanings related to the Water element. These Court Cards represent different aspects of the Water element, including personality traits, qualities, and roles in the realm of emotions, intuition, and spiritual insight.

• Page of Cups (Earth of Water): The Page of Cups represents the budding of emotions, intuition, and creativity. This card embodies the qualities of a receptive and imaginative soul, often symbolizing a messenger of intuitive insights and emotional expression. The Page of Cups may signify the beginning of an emotional or intuitive journey.
• Knight of Cups (Air of Water): The Knight of Cups combines the elements of Air and Water. This card represents an individual who possesses both emotional depth and intellectual understanding. The Knight of Cups is often seen as a romantic and poetic figure, guided by intuition and driven by a sense of idealism.
• Queen of Cups (Water of Water): The Queen of Cups embodies the purest essence of the Water element. She is highly intuitive, empathetic, and deeply in touch with her emotions and the emotions of others. This card represents a nurturing and compassionate soul who offers emotional support and wisdom.
• King of Cups (Fire of Water): The King of Cups combines the elements of Fire and Water. He represents a balanced and mature individual who is emotionally stable and in control of his feelings. The King of Cups is often seen as a wise counselor and a source of emotional strength and healing.

These Court Cards within the suit of Cups reflect the various expressions of the Water element in human personality and behavior. They represent the stages of emotional development and mastery in the realm of feelings, intuition, and spiritual insight. When interpreting these cards in a Tarot reading, one can consider both their elemental associations and the specific qualities and characteristics each Court Card represents within the context of the reading.

Reversed Cards

There are many ways to read reversed Tarot cards. If we decide to include reversed cards, there are many authors who describe them in great detail. Personally, I read them as blocking the energies of the card to the right: forces that are not expressing themselves consciously or unconsciously. This is where we have to use intuition and the context of the reading.

Reading the Tarot

Esoteric Tarot serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual insight. Its purpose for an individual can be multifaceted and deeply transformative. You can select a card or spread of cards, focusing on a specific question or intention, and interpreting the cards’ symbolism and messages in the context of their personal journey. It’s a highly intuitive and introspective process that can provide valuable guidance and illumination for one’s life path and spiritual growth.

Learn to use the Celtic Cross in a reading.

The Other Suits

• The Suits of Wands
• The Suit of Swords
• The Suit of Pentacles
• The Major Arcana

The Fire Element and the Wands

In Tarot, the Fire element is associated with passion, creativity, transformation, and the spiritual spark within. Fire represents the energetic and active aspects of consciousness. It is linked to the suit of Wands (or Rods) in the Tarot, which embodies the Fire element and its esoteric meanings.

Meaning of Fire in Tarot

• Passion and Desire: Fire represents intense passion and desire. It’s the driving force behind creative endeavors and the pursuit of goals. In esoteric terms, it symbolizes the burning desire to attain spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
• Willpower and Determination: Fire is associated with strong willpower and determination. It signifies the ability to take action, overcome obstacles, and stay focused on one’s path, both in the material and spiritual realms.
• Transformation: Fire has the power to transform and transmute. It symbolizes the process of inner and outer change, alchemy, and spiritual evolution. It’s the energy that burns away the old to make room for the new.
• Spiritual Awakening: Fire represents the inner spiritual spark and the awakening of higher consciousness. It signifies the illumination of the mind and the realization of one’s true self.
• Creativity and Inspiration: Fire is linked to creativity and inspiration. It’s the energy that fuels artistic expression and innovative thinking. In esoteric Tarot, it also relates to the creative power of the divine.
• Initiation: Fire is associated with initiation and rites of passage. It signifies the challenges and trials that lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
• The Divine Will: Fire is seen as the expression of the divine will within each individual. It’s the force that guides and empowers us to fulfill our spiritual destiny.

The Suit of Wands from 1 to 10

1. Ace of Wands: The Ace of Wands represents the pure, unbridled energy of Fire. It signifies new beginnings, inspiration, and the potential for creative and spiritual growth.
2. Two of Wands: This card represents the initial stages of a creative or spiritual endeavor. It’s about making choices and taking the first steps toward a goal.
3. Three of Wands: The Three of Wands signifies expansion and progress. It’s about seeing your creative or spiritual efforts come to fruition and preparing for the next phase.
4. Four of Wands: This card represents stability and celebration. It’s a card of harmony and balance, indicating that your creative or spiritual work is paying off.
5. Five of Wands: The Five of Wands can symbolize conflict and competition. It suggests challenges that test your willpower and determination.
6. Six of Wands: This card represents victory and recognition. It’s a symbol of achievement and success in your creative or spiritual endeavors.
7. Seven of Wands: The Seven of Wands signifies defending your beliefs and principles. It suggests standing your ground and asserting your willpower.
8. Eight of Wands: This card represents swift action and progress. It’s a symbol of things moving quickly and the energy of Fire propelling you forward.
9. Nine of Wands: The Nine of Wands symbolizes resilience and determination in the face of challenges. It’s about not giving up on your creative or spiritual path.
10. Ten of Wands: This card can represent a heavy burden or responsibilities. It’s a reminder to release what no longer serves you and make room for new creative or spiritual endeavors.

The Fire element in Tarot represents the inner fire of passion, creativity, and spiritual transformation. It’s the driving force that propels individuals toward their goals and inspires them on their spiritual journey. Understanding the esoteric meanings of Fire and its associated cards can deepen your Tarot readings and insights into the spiritual aspects of life.

Court Cards

In esoteric Tarot, the Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) within the suit of Wands (or Rods) also carry esoteric meanings related to the Fire element. These Court Cards represent different aspects of the Fire element, including personality traits, qualities, and roles in the realm of creativity, passion, and spiritual development. Here’s how the Court Cards in the suit of Wands are associated with the Fire element in esoteric Tarot:

1. Page of Wands (Fire of Fire): The Page of Wands represents youthful enthusiasm and the initial spark of inspiration. This card embodies the purest form of the Fire element, signifying a passionate and adventurous spirit. The Page of Wands is eager to explore new creative and spiritual realms, often acting as a messenger of inspiration or a catalyst for change.
2. Knight of Wands (Water of Fire): The Knight of Wands combines the qualities of Water and Fire. This card represents a passionate and driven individual who is not only inspired but also emotionally invested in their creative or spiritual pursuits. The Knight of Wands is known for taking bold and adventurous actions, fueled by deep emotions and desires.
3. Queen of Wands (Air of Fire): The Queen of Wands embodies the intellectual and communicative aspects of Fire. She is a charismatic and influential figure who channels her passion and creativity into leadership and guidance. The Queen of Wands is often associated with a strong, dynamic personality and the ability to inspire others through words and actions.
4. King of Wands (Earth of Fire): The King of Wands represents the grounded and practical aspects of Fire. He is a master of his creative and spiritual domains, combining his passion with a sense of stability and control. The King of Wands often signifies a person who has harnessed their fiery energy to achieve mastery in their chosen field and serves as a source of inspiration and leadership.

These Court Cards within the suit of Wands reflect the diverse expressions of the Fire element in human personality and behavior. They represent the stages of development and mastery in the realm of creativity, passion, and spiritual growth. When interpreting these cards in a Tarot reading, one can consider both their elemental associations and the specific qualities and characteristics each Court Card represents within the context of the reading.

Reversed Cards

There are many ways to read reversed Tarot cards. If we decide to include reversed cards, there are many authors who describe them in great detail. Personally, I read them as blocking the energies of the card to the right: forces that are not expressing themselves consciously or unconsciously. This is where we have to use intuition and the context of the reading.

Reading the Tarot

Esoteric Tarot serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual insight. Its purpose for an individual can be multifaceted and deeply transformative. You can select a card or spread of cards, focusing on a specific question or intention, and interpreting the cards’ symbolism and messages in the context of their personal journey. It’s a highly intuitive and introspective process that can provide valuable guidance and illumination for one’s life path and spiritual growth.

Learn to use the Celtic Cross in a reading.

The Wands in Tarot – Detailed Meaning Video Playlist

The Other Suits

• The Suits of Swords
• The Suit of Cups
• The Suit of Pentacles
• The Major Arcana

What is the Esoteric Tarot

Esoteric Tarot refers to an interpretation and use of Tarot that focuses on deeper, spiritual aspects of the cards rather than simply considering them as a means for divination or prediction. Unlike the divinatory Tarot, which is primarily used to obtain answers to specific questions or to foresee future events, the Esoteric Tarot focuses on personal development, introspection, and the search for deeper meanings in life.

Some key aspects of the Esoteric Tarot:

• Deep Symbolism: In the Esoteric Tarot, special attention is paid to the symbolism of the cards. Each card is considered a symbol rich in spiritual and psychological meaning, and is interpreted based on its symbolism rather than its literal meaning.
• Personal Development: The Esoteric Tarot is used as a tool for personal growth and self-exploration. The cards are interpreted in the context of inner search, self-awareness and spiritual evolution.
• Meditation and Reflection: Esoteric Tarot practitioners often use the cards in meditations and reflection exercises. Each card can be a focus point for deep contemplation and seeking inner answers.
• Connection to the Divine: The Esoteric Tarot is sometimes considered a tool to establish a deeper connection with the divine or spiritual. It is believed that the cards can act as a channel for inner wisdom and spiritual guidance.
• Intuitive Interpretation: Rather than relying solely on fixed interpretations, the Esoteric Tarot often encourages intuitive interpretation of the cards. Readers use their intuition and personal connection to the cards to decipher their meaning in a specific context.
• Continued Study and Exploration: Practitioners of Esoteric Tarot often spend time in the ongoing study of the cards and their meanings in different contexts. They see Tarot as a path of constant learning and self-discovery.
• Focus on Psychology and Spirituality: The Esoteric Tarot often focuses on the exploration of psychological and spiritual aspects of the human experience. Cards are used as tools to understand and transform the psyche and spirit.

In short, Esoteric Tarot is a way of working with Tarot cards that focuses on spiritual issues and personal development. It is used to explore psychology, intuition, and connection to the divine, and is considered by many to be a powerful tool for self-discovery and inner growth.

Meaning of the Major Arcana

This is a brief significance of each of the Major Arcana (click on the Major Arcana name for an extended description on Youtube)

• The Fool: Initiation, freedom, spontaneity, innocence.
• The Magician: Power of manifestation, creative ability, inner power.
• The High Priestess: Deep intuition, hidden wisdom, connection with the subconscious.
• The Empress: Abundance, fertility, maternal care and protection.
• The Emperor: Authority, structure, external power and control.
• The High Priest: Spirituality, teaching, pursuit of higher knowledge.
• Lovers: Choice, dilemmas, relationships and important decisions.
• The Chariot: Triumph over obstacles, direction, control of opposing forces.
• Justice: Balance, truth, karma and consequences of actions.
• The Hermit: Inner search, voluntary solitude, spiritual wisdom.
• The Wheel of Fortune: Change, destiny, cycles of life and luck.
• Strength: Courage, mastery of emotions, inner power.
• The Hanged Man: Sacrifice, change of perspective, renunciation of material things.
• Death: Transformation, end of cycles, rebirth.
• Temperance: Balance, harmony, healing and mixing of energies.
• The Devil: Temptation, addiction, material illusions and carnal desires.
• The Tower: Abrupt change, revelation, destruction of ancient structures.
• The Star: Hope, inspiration, connection with the divine.
• The Moon: Illusions, deep intuition, mysteries of the subconscious.
• The Sun: Joy, success, clarity and plenitude.
• The Judgment: Rebirth, making important decisions, responsibility.
• The World: Achievement, realization, culmination of a cycle.

These are brief and general interpretations of the Major Arcana in the Esoteric Tarot. Each card has a wealth of meanings and can vary depending on the context of the reading. Below you can discover the meaning of each major arcana in depth on my Universal Wisdom channel.

Major Arcana – Detailed Meaning | Watch it on Video

The Suits

• The Suits of Wands
• The Suit of Cups
• The Suit of Swords
• The Suit of Pentacles

The ability (The Magician) to change destiny (Wheel of Fortune) to bring to Life (The Sun) a new reality.

The Major Arcana of the Tarot represent 22 archetypes that describe the pattern or original model of a primitive mental image inherited from the first human ancestors (Carl Jung), and that is present in the collective unconscious. It is from there that the Hero’s Journey unfolds.

Depending on the date of our birth, we all have at least one Natal Major Arcana (also called the Soul Card) that describes the main archetype that we follow during our current incarnation. Thanks to this archetype we have access to certain qualities naturally. It’s like our “superpower.” Of course… to access this superpower we need to face the challenges that are necessary to awaken it.

How to calculate your Birth Card

To calculate your birth Tarot card, we add all the numbers of date of birth (month, day, year). Then, we reduce the number until it reaches a number equal to or less than 21. If the number is greater than 21, we continue reducing until we reach 21 or less.

For example, if your birthday is December 19, 2001 you add: 1+2+1+9+2+0+0+1 = 16 (1+6 = 7)

In this case, we arrive at the number 16 – which is within the range 1 to 21. The Major Arcana 16 (The Tower) is our natal Arcana. But since it can still be reduced to 7 (1+6), we have Major Arcana 7 (The Chariot) as a secondary natal Arcana.

It may happen that the sum of the numbers of the date of birth exceeds 21 and that the result of the final reduction is in the range of 1 to 9. In this case we have a single Major Arcana as ruler.

For example, if your birthday is June 28, 1971 you add: 6+2+8+1+9+7+1 = 34 (3 + 4 = 7). In this case, you only have a single Major Arcana as archetypal force (The Chariot). If the total sum were 48, then we would have 4 +8 = 12 (1+2 = 3). The pair is 12/3.

In any case, to understand the energy of our natal Arcana, we need to take into account all the Major Arcana that are related to it, since they connect with each other through numerological vibration and act as shadows that modify the energy of the natal ruler.

The Major Arcana 0 (The Fool) is not taken into account, since it represents the beginning of the Hero’s Journey, where everything is possible. In a certain way, we are all the Fool. The other arcana show us the recurring theme that we will find throughout life. And within that scope, anything is possible.

The meaning of the Magician, the Wheel of Fortune and the Sun as Birth Card

With The Magician, The Wheel of Fortune and The Sun we find the energy of the number 1. Here we talk about leadership, initiative, beginnings, pure potential. These major arcana are also related to the aces and the tens of the minor arcana.

The Magician is the root archetype for both the Wheel of Fortune and The Sun. Here we always talk about the possibility of doing our will. However, our will develops as a result of certain actions, which will be represented by the Wheel of Fortune and/or The Sun.

If the total sum of our date of birth is 19, our birth card is The Sun.

When the total sum is 10, our birth card is The Wheel of Fortune.

1 – The Magician as Root Birth Card

“Make things happen”

The Magician as the root Birth Card indicates that we have access to our resourcefulness and the ability to manifest what we set out to do. The Magician tells us: “learn to manifest your will”.

It is possible that we will face situations that require the use of logic, creativity and will to overcome them. When this happens, it is because our birth card seeks to connect with you so that you discover your ability to resolve any situation.

The Magician can act as “the creator of illusions”. He has the ability to modify reality so that it “looks like” something that it really is not. However, this occurs when there is no confidence in being able to manifest what he really wants. As The Magician understands his true potential, he develops his talents to bring his ideas to life. The Magician’s mental power is very strong and he knows it. When he directs his thoughts towards the fertile, the vital, the positive, life returns the same to him in spades.

10 – The Wheel of Fortune as Birth Card

“Changes of Direction”

The Wheel of Fortune as birth card indicates that we are subject to changes that are beyond our control. The Wheel of Fortune says: “learn to be flexible“.

With this birth card, we may experience sudden changes in life, where our reality changes 180 degrees. The more we cling to something, the more things change. The Wheel of Fortune seeks to activate the Magician that we carry within. Therefore, it takes us out of inertia so that our innate abilities can come to light. The Wheel of Fortune (10) brings with it the energy of the Magician (1). Changes allow us to explore a new perspective of ourselves. Those who have been born with this birth card have come to develop a range of abilities. Your soul wants to show you that you have endless resources to achieve your goals.

Often, those with this archetype experience changes with fear and seek to control reality in any way. When they learn that changes are inevitable, like the seasons, and allow themselves to go through them without resisting them, they are able to discover new qualities that have been dormant within themselves. And as a result, their chances of manifesting the reality they prefer increase.

19 – The Sun as Birth Card

“Be yourself”

The Sun as a birth card indicates that we have the ability to shine from within. The Sun says: “learn to show yourself as you are”.

With this birth card, it is possible that life leads us to experience situations in which we occupy central, highly visible leadership positions. We have come to give warmth, life and clarity to our surroundings and for this, we need to express our true selves.

The challenge in this case is to maintain our integrity since the shadow of this position is to show a positive image to change circumstances at will and thus achieve what we want. When we act from our integrity, it is destiny itself that acts as a co-creator and, in this way, we achieve our goals effortlessly.

The Construction of the Magician Archetype

The sequence 1 (The Magician), 10 (Wheel of Fortune) and 19 (The Sun) describe the ability (The Magician) to change destiny (Wheel of Fortune) to bring to Life (The Sun) a new reality.

As we have seen, these archetypes are full of lights and shadows. We can use our talents (The Magician) to change the circumstances (The Wheel of Fortune) and make them too bright (The Sun) so that what we want to hide is not seen. We can also use them to change reality and show what was previously hidden. This can refer both to specific situations and to parts of our being.

Archetypes do not judge or have a specific morality, but rather represent elemental energies that can manifest in both positive and negative ways. It is our personal development that allows us to differentiate which is which. And that is everyone’s job. The great spiritual teachers always mention that the duty of each one is “to be oneself” since this is how we honor the Creator.

Keywords: the end of a situation; transformation process; change of consciousness; get rid of what is no longer needed; change of state, leaving a habit.

In Tarot, Major Arcana XIII Death is better understood if we observe the transition from childhood to puberty. Our body goes through a process of transformation that is irreversible. It is a change that is beyond our control and there is nothing we can do to avoid it. As a consequence, a new stage of life opens before our perplexed gaze, where everything that no longer serves us is left behind. It is like the chrysalis of the butterfly, which although it has fulfilled a fundamental part for the transformation of the caterpillar, once the process is complete, the caterpillar turned into a butterfly leaves it behind when undertaking its first flight.

Major Arcana Death appears in our lives when we face a situation where we have to let the world go as we knew it. For example, the career of the character played by Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” it’s a great example of someone going through what the Death card represents. In this interview, they explain it very well.

The Major Arcana show archetypal situations that represent an expansion in consciousness. With the Death card, we go through a transformation process.

The great challenge of the Death card is that it leads us into the unknown, towards a new life that we have never experienced before. This can arouse fear since we do not have the security provided by our experiential memory. This lack of security is compensated with the certainty that we cannot go back. There is nothing left but to move forward.

“Death” comes after “The Hanged Man”. In “The Hanged Man” we go through some kind of awareness that happens when we see things from a different perspective. It is logical that what follows is the death of some belief or a transformation of being. It may be the death of something we were attached to or that we no longer need. The cards surrounding the Death card can give more details.

Rider-White Symbolism

The white horse symbolizes “the new” moving forward. The rider, an armored skeleton, holds a black banner with the mystical rose, a symbol of life. The rider does not stop at anything, neither before the child (innocence), nor a girlfriend (when virginity is lost our energies begin to mix with that of the other and we stop being “pure”) and neither the pope (belief systems ): three different stages of ego transformation. On the horizon, the sun shines, illuminating the two pillars of King Solomon’s Temple, Boaz and Jachin, which we have already seen in the High Priestess. These pillars mean that we have the strength to follow our destiny.

Interpretation

In a spread, Death represents a situation that is going through a process of transformation. It represents endings that are necessary for new beginnings.

In Astrology, Death card is represented by Scorpio, the Plutonian energy that goes into the depth of our unconscious to transform the Self into a polished version of it.

The Fives

During the Fours, we have been creating structure. The Fours job is to create a form. Once the form is recognisable, the Fives come to discover that we are not alone, that the external world exists and we can see the forms created by others as well.  Thus, in the Fives, we discover our limitations by comparing ourselves to others. Once again, we are moving beyond what we know, like we did earlier with the Trees. In this case, instead of expressing our individuality (Tree represent self-expression, creativity), we lose our sense of security – that was created by the Four,

• The 5 of Wands represent having to assert oneself.  We want to be recognised as an individual. Conflict and/or competition is possible, but just because we are in need to be valued by who we are.
• The 5 of Cups. Traditionally related to loss, it has to do with feeling our unmet needs. With this Five we are obliged to leave our emotional security.
• The 5 of Swords represent criticism.
• The 5 of Pentacles represent poverty. Less valuable

 

The Tarot deck is divided into two main components: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. From an esoteric, occultist, and spiritual point of view, these two components hold distinct symbolic and interpretive significance:

Major Arcana

1. Spiritual and Archetypal: The Major Arcana cards are often considered the heart and soul of the Tarot deck. They represent major life events, spiritual lessons, and archetypal themes that transcend everyday experiences. These cards are seen as powerful and transformative, reflecting deep spiritual truths and universal principles.
2. Life’s Journeys: The Major Arcana cards are often associated with significant life journeys, spiritual awakenings, and major turning points. They depict the Fool’s journey from innocence to enlightenment and the various stages and challenges encountered along the way.
3. Collective and Universal: The symbolism in the Major Arcana is thought to be more universal and collective, addressing fundamental human experiences and the human condition. Each card in this group is rich in symbolism and often carries complex layers of meaning.
4. Key Life Themes: The Major Arcana cards typically address themes like self-discovery, transformation, destiny, and spiritual growth. They are seen as guides on the path to self-awareness and enlightenment.
5. Numerology and Astrology: In some esoteric systems, the numbers and astrological correspondences associated with the Major Arcana cards are used for divination and deeper interpretation.

Minor Arcana

1. Everyday Life: The Minor Arcana cards represent the more mundane aspects of life, including day-to-day events, relationships, and everyday challenges. They are often seen as depicting the minor ups and downs of daily existence.
2. Elemental Energies: The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits—Cups (water), Pentacles (earth), Swords (air), and Wands (fire). These suits correspond to the four elements and are associated with various aspects of human life, emotions, and experiences.
3. Personal and Practical: Unlike the Major Arcana, which addresses universal and collective themes, the Minor Arcana cards are seen as more personal and practical. They provide insights into specific situations, emotions, and relationships.
4. Numerology: Numerology plays a significant role in the interpretation of the Minor Arcana cards. The numbers on the cards convey additional layers of meaning and symbolism.
5. Divination: The Minor Arcana is often used in divination to provide insights into specific questions or issues. They can offer practical guidance and advice for navigating everyday challenges.

In summary, from an esoteric and spiritual perspective, the Major Arcana is associated with profound spiritual and archetypal themes, while the Minor Arcana deals with the more everyday and practical aspects of life. Both components have their unique symbolism and significance, and they can be used together to provide holistic insights into a person’s life and spiritual journey.

Meaning of the Major and Minor Arcana from an Esoteric Point of View

• Major Arcana
• The Wands
• The Cups
• The Swords
• The Pentacles

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The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread

The Celtic Cross is one of the oldest and most comprehensive systems for reading Tarot. Each position is intricately connected to the others, collectively representing a specific situation viewed from the present moment. This system comprises 10 cards that vividly depict the unfolding of a situation in a dynamic manner.

The Celtic Cross symbolizes movement, and we should perceive it as a living organism that evolves harmoniously. Within this framework, we can discern our internal state and its manifestations in external circumstances. The Celtic Cross unveils the depth and complexity of a situation, making it an invaluable tool for discovery.

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Complete List of the Meanings of the Major and Minor Arcana (in video)

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There are many versions of the Celtic Cross. In this article, we’ll look at two of them (you can watch one of them in the video below). I hope these explanations are helpful to you, and that you can discover the wonderful language of symbols through this classic spread.

The Celtic Cross Step by Step (VIDEO)

Celtic Cross Positions Meaning

1. Situation. The main theme. What’s happening.
2. How this situation is expressed. How it is lived the situation represented by position 1.
3. Cause. What triggers the situation. Real needs.
4. Where we are coming from. The past. What has been.
5. Objective. What we want to achieve. What we are thinking.
6. Where we are going. The immediate future. What is in the process of manifestation.
7. Oneself. How are we affected by the matter.
8. How do others perceive us. What others feel about us.
9. Expectations. What we fear and what we expect.
10. Consequences. Where the situation goes in the long term.

Interactions Between Positions

Position 1 is where the reading is centered. It represents the main energy that defines the situation, the heart of the matter. When interpreting the Celtic Cross, remember that the answer to your question is represented by this card. The other positions tell the story … why this is happening, where it is going, what is possible to happen next, how we face the situation, etc.

Now let’s see how these cards interact with each other.

Present Axis (Positions 1, 3 and 5) Vs Temporal Situation (Positions 4, 2 and 6)

The road to the conclusion (Positions 7, 8, 9 and 10)

Expectations: Hopes and Fears (Position 9)

Consequences (Position 10) and Causes (Position 3)

More on Tarot: Birth Cards – The Magician, The Wheel of Fortune and The Sun

NEW BOOK: “The Tarot and You: A Practical Guide to a deep understanding of the Tarot and the Celtic Cross”. Includes interpretations of the 78 arcana in the Celtic Cross. 460 pages. Get your Copy!

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Major Arcana: II

Astrological Correspondence: The Moon

Key words: Intuition, receptivity, unconscious, soul, inner life, wisdom, inner voice, integration of the feminine.

The High Priestess represents intuition. Intuition is the nexus of communication between spiritual dimensions, the environment and oneself.

The High Priestess is pure feminine energy. It is receptive energy. Like the Moon, the High Priestess represents our door to the unconscious, to our archaic wisdom. They are the akashic records of our emotional experience. To enter them, we must surrender to our emotional body.

That is why this Major Arcana represents a mystery, the veiled, that which is not visible but can be felt. When the High Priestess appears in a reading, it tells us of a time of receptivity where we connect to what can not be explained but can be felt, something that is not yet manifested but that contains the wisdom of Life. Like the Moon, the High Priestess represents the emotional currents that are part of our being as a whole. It is our inner voice that guides us towards the reality of our being. She invites us to let ourselves be carried by the emotional currents to understand the meaning of Life.

The High Priestess represents the amniotic fluid in which we find emotional security and which is intrinsically related to our emotional attachments acquired from the earliest childhood, that is why it can represent maternal figures. There we find our deepest fears and our most precious longings.

We also find our unconscious image of the feminine, the anima. For a man, this Major Arcana can represent a woman who awakens his own unconscious feminine. If he has not connected with this part of his being, then he may fear or idealize it. In any case, she becomes the path to the integration of his feminine part. If he integrates it, this man will know the depths of his emotional universe. If he can’t, the High Priestess will become a mystery that will awaken archaic fears from which he will want to escape from.

For a woman, this Major Arcana represents her own feminine. She awakens the unconscious inheritance of all her female ancestors, and her job is to investigate and raise her awareness of them.