Learning to read tarot is easier than you think if you know what to focus on first. Tarot can be broken down into sections, but the most common way to split the deck is to separate the minor arcana cards from the major arcana cards. On average, there are 56 minor arcana cards and 22 major arcana cards. Not only are there fewer major arcana cards to learn, but the major arcana cards are more prominent in symbolism, meaning, and messaging. Focusing on the major arcana can be the perfect gateway into learning tarot. Read on to learn more about what tarot is, as well as the meanings and symbolism of the 22 major arcana cards.

🎴  What’s Tarot?

Tarot is a set of playing cards that originally started as a game in the 15th century. Since then, tarot has evolved into a form of divination. Witches, psychics, and more believe that tarot cards can be used to discern spiritual messages. If read correctly, tarot can convey messages regarding the future, one’s spiritual journey, and so much more.

There are many different tarot decks to choose from—Rider-Waite, Thoth, Tarot of Marseille, and so much more. For this blog post, we will focus on the Rider-Waite’s major arcana. However, some of the meanings and keywords for these major arcana cards may resonate with other kinds of tarot decks.

🔮 Major Arcana: Meanings and Symbolism

The major arcana consists of 22 cards, with the first card starting at 0 and the last card ending at 21. Each major arcana card has distinct imagery, setting them apart in meaning and symbolism. However, the major arcana can be read as “The Fool’s Journey”, which is comparable to literature’s hero journey, in order of its cards. Regardless, the major arcana cards carry immense weight, so pay attention when any of these cards come out in a reading.

What do the major arcana cards mean? Read on to discover their overarching meaning, upright keywords, and reverse keywords:

(0) The Fool

Some argue that The Fool is the first card, while others say this is the last card of the major arcana. The Fool is #0, so it represents a liminal space between the end (The World #21) and the beginning (The Magician #1). The Fool is often depicted as a young man carrying a knapsack and looking out to the future. He’s perched on the edge of a mountain. The sun shines behind him, and a small, white dog nips at one of his heels. He almost appears to be leaping off the mountain into the great unknown. It’s an otherwise upbeat and cheerful imagery, suggesting that anything is possible with a leap of faith. The Fool represents having what you need to move forward; however, there is slight caution in the card with the little white dog. Regardless, the Fool appears when an unexpected yet exciting change of pace is about to arrive. It may represent new beginnings that ought to be taken in good faith. The Fool can also signify naivety and folly if there isn’t an ounce of caution or foresight.

Upright Keywords: Spontaneity, new beginnings, leap of faith

Reversal Keywords: Chaos, directionless, naivety

(1) The Magician

The Magician #1 depicts a young man in the center of the card. This young man is adorned in red and white robes and wears a white headband across his forehead. An infinity symbol hovers above his head. He stands in front of a table that holds a pentacle, a wand, a sword, and a cup. A white wand rests in his raised hand. Red and white flowers decorate the bottom and edges of the card. The Magician represents potential, as depicted by the four suits (pentacle, sword, cup, wand). The Magician has the powers, characteristics, and skills of the four suits. His strength and groundedness are depicted by the main colors of the card—yellow, white, and red. The white headband represents his intuition and discernment, as The Magician manifests new beginnings. Seeing The Magician is your call to action, or at least, your cue to get organized so you can tap into your potential.

Upright Keywords: Manifestation, elemental magic, inspired action

Reversal Keywords: Disorganized, manipulation, untapped talents

(2) The High Priestess

The High Priestess #2 is the first woman to appear in the major arcana. A young woman sits on a throne, facing the querent. She’s adorned in white and blue robes and wears a white headdress that looks like the lunar phases. A cross is on her chest, which connects to the pillars on either side of the card to signify religious importance. The left pillar is black with the letter B for Boaz; the right pillar is white with the letter J for Jachin. A veil with palm trees and pomegranates is behind The High Priestess, tying in the cross and pillars to form a temple. Finally, a crescent moon sits at her feet. The High Priestess is considered a highly intuitive card, representing divine feminine energy and lunar influence. She typically signifies balance, duality, and wisdom. Some believe her tarot counterpart is The Magician #1, while others think it's The Hierophant #5. No matter what, The High Priestess appears when it’s time to trust your intuition, even if you don’t know everything at this moment. She may represent the bridge between your unconscious mind and subconscious mind. The High Priestess may also come up as a message of mystery and secrecy. 

Upright Keywords: Intuition, discernment, subconsciousness

Reversal Keywords: Secrecy, not trusting intuition, unconsciousness

(3) The Empress

The Empress #3 is the second woman to appear in the major arcana, and is depicted as a queen. She’s leisurely sitting on her throne, surrounded by an overflowing abundance of nature. The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and water flows—all representing a fertile aspect as The Empress is depicted as an Earth mother. Some believe The Empress is also pregnant, alluding to the maternal energy surrounding this card. A heart cushion with Venus’ sign rests by her throne. She wears a crown of white stars and a dress of pomegranates. Her tarot counterpart is The Emperor #4. The Empress appears in a tarot reading when there’s something worth creating. She may represent the start of a romantic connection, artistic development, or fertile endeavor. The Empress signifies new life, abundance, and immense blessings. She may also appear when there’s insecurity or a lack of overall growth.

Upright Keywords: Creation, abundance, fertility

Reversal Keywords: Stagnancy, insecurity, domestic problems

(4) The Emperor

The Emperor #4 is the major arcana king. He’s an older man, as noted by his long, white beard, and sits in his throne facing the querent. Unlike the previous major arcana cards, The Emperor appears stoic. His scepter represents his ability to take charge and rule; his globe or orb represents the kingdom he presides over. The symbol of the Ram is seen in this card, connecting The Emperor to Aries. His tarot counterpart is The Empress #3. If The Emperor appears in tarot, he may symbolize a father figure or an authoritative figure. This might be you, or someone you’re asking your tarot cards about. The Emperor brings a strong, yet responsible energy to a spread. He may allude to being promoted, taking on leadership opportunities, or stepping into your power. Likewise, The Emperor can also represent a control freak, misuse of power, or feeling manipulated by those with more authority.

Upright Keywords: Authority, leadership, power

Reversal Keywords: Controlling, undisciplined, loss of power

(5) The Hierophant

The Hierophant #5 has a strong religious undertone, as a religious figure sits on his throne looking down on two believers or followers. The Hierophant sits between two pillars in a temple, church, or belief-led institution—a call back to The High Priestess #2, who is thought of as his tarot counterpart. The Hierophant wears a red robe, a blue robe, a white robe, and a three-tiered crown. The rule of three in his appearance aligns with The Hierophant, which rules the conscious, subconscious, and super-conscious minds. The Hierophant holds a Papal Cross in his left hand, and raises his right hand—another call back to The Magician #1—to bless and signify the connection between heaven and Earth. Two crossed keys rest at his feet, alluding to sharing knowledge with his followers. The Hierophant is the pope or teacher, and tends to show up when there’s a lesson to learn. Spiritual or religious beliefs come up with The Hierophant. More importantly, The Hierophant can suggest when conformity and tradition may need to be accepted or challenged, depending on the tarot reading.

Upright Keywords: Conformity, religious beliefs, institutions

Reversal Keywords: Non-conformity, rebellion, ignorance

(6) The Lovers

The Lovers #6 is the first time both a man and a woman appear together in the major arcana. The couple is in a fertile landscape with a mountain or volcano between them. The couple is naked, which may allude to vulnerability, passion, and eroticism. The woman stands on the left side of the card with a snake crawling up the apple tree behind her, alluding to temptation and divine energy. The man stands on the right side of the card with a tree of flames behind him, implying immense passion. This tree of flames has twelve flames, representing the 12 zodiac signs. The man looks at the woman, but the woman looks at the archangel Raphael above them. This imagery suggests a connection between consciousness and unconsciousness, or subconsciousness and superconsciousness. Given the imagery, it’s safe to assume that The Lovers can allude to love, harmony, and connection. However, The Lovers imply that there ought to be alignment of values and beliefs for the connection to be harmonious when this card arrives in a love reading. The Lovers may also represent the opportunity to heal, given archangel Raphael, or the choices one may have.

Upright Keywords: Choices, relationships, alignment 

Reversal Keywords: Self-love, imbalance, misalignment

(7) The Chariot

The Chariot #7 depicts a strong warrior charging forward on his sphinx-drawn chariot. Pay attention to what's on the warrior's clothes and chariot; a crescent moon for intuition and a square for determined action, a laurel and star crown for victory, and a canopy with six-pointed stars above his head for divine connection. The symbols of his garb and chariot represent spiritual transformation and victory. He holds a wand—a callback to The Magician #1—to represent that his willpower and mind drive his chariot forward. His chariot is pulled by a black and white sphinx going in different directions to signify the duality of opposing forces. Aside from this, there's a river flowing and a kingdom in the background. The Chariot appears when it’s time to get going. The Chariot is a sign that the querent has the mental fortitude and willpower.  The Chariot may also signify that one has to get their bearings together if they are to be successful. Seeing The Chariot might be a call for self-discipline, inspired action, and control.

Upright Keywords: Willpower, movement, determination

Reversal Keywords: Directionless, inactive, out of control

(8) Strength

Strength #8 is unique, as it depicts a young woman gently cupping a lion’s jaw. The lion is fearsome and wild, yet subdued in this imagery. The woman wears a white robe and is adorned with flowers, which symbolize her innocence, purity, and connection to nature. The infinity symbol is above her head to represent her spiritual wisdom and potential—a callback to The Magician #1. Her serene, wise energy calms the otherwise ferocious lion. Her ability to soothe the lion represents calmly channeling passion, strength, and courage. Strength may come up in a tarot reading when it’s time to get focused. Instead of being wild and free, Strength encourages harmony to align with one’s bravery, influence, and passion. Strength may also be a call to work on inner strength by addressing underlying fears, worries, and insecurities. Additionally, Strength may represent being persuasive and influential; likewise, being persuaded and influenced.

Upright Keywords: Courage, bravery, influence

Reversal Keywords: Self-doubt, insecurity, cowardice

(9) The Hermit

The Hermit #9 is the first melancholic major arcana card. Until now, most major arcana cards have been bright and bursting with life. The Hermit is a stark contrast thanks to its gloomy coloring and snowy landscape. An old man clothed in grey robes is slowly walking by himself. He holds a lantern out to illuminate the next few steps, but no more than that. The Hermit’s head is bowed, as if deep in thought or carefully examining his next steps. The lantern has a six-pointed star to represent wisdom—a callback to The Chariot #7. He holds a staff in his left hand to represent his mindfulness, power, and authority—perhaps, a callback to The Emperor #4. The Hermit appears in a tarot reading when it’s time to take a step away from the crowd or confidants. The Hermit is the querent’s affirmation that they can navigate their journey alone as long as they have the patience to move slowly and listen to their inner voice. Sometimes, The Hermit may indicate the extreme ends of solitude by either alluding to isolation or the inability to sit with one’s own counsel. 

Upright Keywords: Solitude, inner guidance, introspection

Reversal Keywords: Inability to find peace in solace, uncertainty in one’s intuition, loneliness

(10) Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune #10 is arguably the first non-humanoid major arcana card. Until now, each major arcana card has had a male or female as the forefront of the card’s imagery. The Wheel of Fortune breaks this pattern, as it depicts a wheel in the center of the card. Pay attention to the symbols within the wheel: there are four Hebrew letters, YHVH or Yod Heh Vau Heh, to represent God’s name. The wheel also has letters spelling out 'Tora' or 'Rota', depending on how one views it. 'Tora' could symbolize the Torah or tarot; 'Rota' is Latin for ‘wheel’. In addition to the letters, there are symbols for mercury, sulfur, water, and salt. A sphinx sits on top of the wheel—perhaps, a callback to The Chariot #7—followed by a snake on the side of the wheel. Depending on how you look at it, you may either see a devil—a callback to The Devil #15—or Anubis at the bottom of the wheel. The four corners of the card depict the fixed signs: angel for Aquarius, eagle for Scorpio, bull for Taurus, and lion for Leo. Each fixed sign depiction holds a book open. The Wheel of Fortune signals a change or turning point when it comes up in a tarot reading. One can assume the Wheel of Fortune suggests pleasant, abundant, or fateful changes. The Wheel of Fortune tends to be auspicious, as if everything is happening in divine timing and in alignment with destiny. It may also represent something moving slower than expected, especially if there’s an inability to do something else or break cycles. The Wheel of Fortune may even symbolize blessings in disguise, which are still blessings.

Upright Keywords: Divine timing, luck, destiny

Reversal Keywords: Wrong or slow timing, blessings in disguise, inability to change over

(11) Justice

Justice #11 shows a woman sitting between two pillars—callbacks to The High Priestess #2 and The Hierophant #5. The pillars may symbolize a religious or legal institution, but not necessarily a black and white one. She sits in front of a purple veil, which alludes to intuition and compassion guiding her judiciousness. Justice holds up a sword in her right hand to symbolize her logical, firm decisions. She also holds the scales in her left hand to convey that intuition matters just as much as logic when it comes to making a fair decision. Overall, both the sword and scales imply impartiality. Her crown or headdress has a square on it to imply control and orderliness—a callback to The Chariot #7—and the peak of her white shoe is a reminder that all actions and consequences have spiritual merit. Justice pops out in a tarot reading when there’s a question of fairness, decisiveness, and accountability. It might be the querent’s warning to be accountable. Justice may also allude to owning one’s actions, words, and truths in serious matters. Justice can imply legal ramifications, such as whether a contract is fair or if someone is being honest with their intentions. No matter what, Justice is usually a sign to remember that every action has a reaction, so be mindful of one’s potential consequences.

Upright Keywords: Legal matters, responsibility, truth

Reversal Keywords: Illegal activity or wrongdoing, irresponsible, dishonesty

(12) The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man #12 shows a man hanging upside down from a T-shaped cross. His right leg is tied up while his left leg is crossed over at the knee, making a triangular shape. His arms are also bent with his hands behind his back, forming another triangular shape. Despite being loosely tied up, The Hanged Man is content with staying still to represent his ability to surrender. A halo surrounds his head, implying that there are spiritual forces that want him to see something from a new perspective. He wears red pants for passion and a blue shirt for knowledge, which may be a connection between the root chakra and the third eye chakra. Despite being hanged, The Hanged Man appears to be at peace. The Hanged Man will arrive in a tarot reading when it’s time to pause for the cause. The Hanged Man may represent a period of stagnancy, as one learns to surrender to life’s flow and spirit’s direction. Surrendering isn’t always easy, so The Hanged Man may allude to delays as a result of being unable to rest. Regardless, The Hanged Man always provides a new perspective if one is willing to look at something with a different point of view.

Upright Keywords: New perspectives, surrendering, pause

Reversal Keywords: Resistance to surrendering, delays, ending a period of rest

(13) Death

Death #13 doesn’t mean actual death! Death shows a skeleton knight dressed in black armor riding a white horse. The skeleton knight holds up a black flag with a white flower that has five petals. The horse is mid-step, drawing one’s attention to the bottom of the card and the landscape. The landscape is dark and gloomy, showing a dead child and a dead woman. Next to them, a royal pleads with the skeleton knight. Aside from this, there’s a boat on a river, which is a homage to the river Styx, and two towers with a sun either rising or setting behind it. The towers and sun are a callback to The Moon #18 and The Sun #19. While this is a sadder card, there’s still beauty within it. Death refers to the natural death and rebirth we all go through, representing a transformative aspect in the major arcana. The imagery relays that Death stops nor waits for no one, so we are all subject to change out of our control. However, this change doesn’t have to be intense, upsetting, or destructive. There might be mystery around the change, but there’s also hope and potential happiness as seen by the sun in the background. Death arrives in a tarot reading as a call to let go and surrender to the transformation.

Upright Keywords: Transformation, rebirth, transition

Reversal Keywords: Failure to let go, mortality, severe yet profound endings

(14) Temperance

Temperance #14 shows an angelic figure with masculine and feminine features. Some believe this is Archangel Michael, while others think of it as one’s higher self. The interpretation of who this angel is or what the implied sex or gender is is subjective. Regardless, the angel wears a light blue, almost white, robe with a triangle set in a square on their chest to show that we’re all bound by natural law, nature’s cycles, and Earth’s rhythms. The angel stands partially in water and partially on land to symbolize the need for groundedness and steadiness while remaining emotionally open—perhaps, a callback to The Star #17. The angel holds two cups with water flowing between them. One cup is positioned slightly higher than the other. Behind the angel is a winding path that leads towards mountains and a rising sun. Temperance appears when it’s time to take a higher path. There’s a call to find inner and outer balance, which can be achieved through patience, healing, and alignment. Temperance implores the querent to trust the process, as one’s spirit guides or higher self leads the way. This may also appear in a tarot reading when it’s time to re-align by re-establishing moderation.

Upright Keywords: Moderation, patience, higher purpose

Reversal Keywords: Imbalance, re-alignment, excess

(15) The Devil

The Devil #15 doesn’t mean that this is satanic, or that Satan or any demons are present during a reading. The Devil shows Baphomet, the horned goat, in the center of the card. Baphomet raises the same hand as The Hierophant #5, showing a connection between the cards, indicating that there are spiritual lessons in shadow aspects, lack of control, fear, and unhealthy connections. Baphomet has bat wings and a frightening, haunting gaze. An inverted pentagram sits above his head. At his feet are two naked, loosely chained individuals—the woman with horns and a grape tail, as well as a man with horns and a fiery tail. Their tales and stances on the cards may be a callback to The Lovers #6. Regardless, these two people appear to be trapped, but not really. The chains around their necks are loose, suggesting that they could leave at any time. The Devil appears when there’s something unhealthy in the querent’s life. It may allude to sexual desires or a connection that is too enmeshed to function healthily. The Devil could signal negative emotions, like fear, shame, guilt, obsessiveness, and possessiveness. As a result, The Devil may allude to negative coping mechanisms—inappropriate sexual escapades, gambling, and addiction. However, The Devil isn’t all bad. The reverse form of The Devil implies taking back agency by breaking away from toxic patterns, relationships, and habits. Regardless of position, The Devil warns the querent to be mindful to avoid entrapment, powerlessness, and losing control.

Upright Keywords: Addiction or addictive behaviors, obsessive or possessive desire, negative beliefs

Reversal Keywords: Detachment, regaining self-control and power, breaking entrapments

(16) The Tower

The Tower #16 is arguably the most intense major arcana card. The overall card is dark and gloomy thanks to its muted coloring. The Tower depicts a seemingly formidable tower crashing down. Upon closer inspection, the tower in the card is on a rocky foundation. There are cracks along the mountain it sits on that extend into its formation, which implies there wasn’t stability to begin with. Lightning strikes the top of the tower, causing it to be engulfed in flames. The lightning strike knocks the tower’s crown off, alluding to the connection one’s crown chakra feels with the spirit. Two people—a man and a woman—are falling from the tower on either side of the card. There are twenty-two flames, a.k.a. yods, around it to signify that the Universe, God, or whatever one believes in, is on their side during this pivotal moment. The flames may also represent the zodiac signs and the Tree of Life. Regardless, there is divine influence and interference present in the card. When The Tower arrives in a tower reading, this is the querent’s cue that there will be a massive shake-up in their life. A sudden realization, act of rebellion, or destruction may hit all at once. It may feel unexpected, but The Tower suggests that there were cues leading up to this destructive moment. The Tower has a shaky, chaotic vibration that’s hard to miss. Although this card heralds immense uncertainty, it can also show how good change can be.

Upright Keywords: Chaos, destruction, revelation

Reversal Keywords: Inner transformation, avoiding destruction or truth, delayed transformation

(17) The Star

The Star #17 depicts a naked woman with yellow hair. She’s kneeling beside a pool, with one foot in the water and the other on land—a callback to Temperance #14. This stance shows her ability to embrace her emotions and intuition while remaining grounded. She holds two flowing vases in each hand. The vase in her right hand represents consciousness, and the one in her left hand represents subconsciousness. Both vases pour water into the foliage and onto dry land to signify fertility, utilizing the five senses, and nourishment. A large yellow star is above her with seven small white stars on either side to show the connection between essence and the seven chakras. The Star is a beautiful card that can allude to healing, renewal, and spiritual purpose. Seeing The Star in a tarot reading alludes to hope and faith that everything will work out for the best. It may even suggest that a wish or dream could come true as long as the querent believes it. However, The Star can also imply a lack of faith and trust after a period of hardship, so its position will encourage the querent to trust the divine.

Upright Keywords: Hope, divinely connected, healing

Reversal Keywords: Loss of faith, uninspired, trust issues

(18) The Moon

The Moon #18 doesn’t depict any humans or angels. The bottom of the card shows a small pool with a lobster or crayfish emerging from the middle of it. The crustacean appears to be in front of a path that divides the landscape, showing how consciousness comes through when there’s a chance to move forward. There’s a dog on the left side and a wolf on the right side. Both animals face the moon to show how the tamed and wild parts of ourselves face our subconsciousness. The moon sits in the night sky between two towers—callbacks to The Tower #16 and Death #13. The towers can represent either fortitude or a chance to break down. The moon appears to be sad, but the sun peeks through behind it as if alluding to better days ahead. However, the winding path that starts at the pool leads through the card past the animals and towers to represent the road to clarity, happiness, or consciousness. The Moon appears in a tarot reading when there’s something unclear in the spread. The Moon may indicate that the querent intuitively knows what may be happening, but may choose to live in ignorance or denial. The Moon could also suggest that the picture isn’t fully illuminated just yet, so pay attention to what may surface in the coming days, months, or even years. However, don’t let fears, uncertainties, or illusions take precedence. The Moon encourages subconscious recognition to avoid letting unresolved feelings or past pains cloud one’s perception. It might be best to pay attention to the upcoming lunar cycles to see what may be illuminated.

Upright Keywords: Illusion, intuition, unknown

Reversal Keywords: Clarity, releasing fear, repressed feelings

(19) The Sun

The Sun #19 is the happiest card in a tarot deck. A small, naked baby rides in on a white horse. The baby’s gender or sex isn’t determined, so this is subjective to the reader or querent. Regardless, the baby has both hands up in jubilee while the white horse calmly rides forward. This suggests that there’s no fear, as strength lies in innocence, purity, and embracing one’s inner child. Although positive, a rather stern-looking sun sits above the baby and horse. The sun is bright and radiant, but the stern look may allude to all one has had to face to get to this point. However, there aren’t any future problems or issues following this major arcana card. The stern expression on the sun simply refers to the maturity that comes with working to achieve happiness, joy, and enthusiasm. The background of this card has four sunflowers crawling along a brick wall to reference the four elements and four minor arcana suits. The Sun is the best card to get in a tarot reading, as it proclaims good tidings. Happier times, success, and renewed energy will follow a tarot reading that has The Sun. The Sun is also an incredibly strong “yes” card, so it could confirm that there is much to look forward to. However, The Sun could allude to a lack of happiness or confidence, so this might be one’s cue to work on their self-expression and inner child work.

Upright Keywords: Positivity, success, happiness

Reversal Keywords: Inner child work, lacking enthusiasm, joylessness

(20) Judgement

Judgement #20 signals that the end of the major arcana and the Fool’s journey draws near. An angel plays a trumpet in the sky to call all the naked people below. This angel is Archangel Gabriel, who’s known as the messenger of God. The flag on his trumpet depicts a red cross to show a connection between the angel’s message and the divine. The people below are eager to hear what the angel has to say, signal, or show. They eagerly look up without stretched hands. Nobody appears to be unsure, conflicted, or unready. Everyone wants to surrender, especially after facing trials and tribulations, as noted by the mountains in the background. Judgement is arguably a difficult card to discern. Many readers and querents have trouble with Judgement, because its interpretation can be somewhat broad. Usually, Judgement arrives in a tarot reading as a cue to surrender. It represents that there’s a higher calling or a higher power calling the shots. It’s not chaotic like The Tower #16, or intense like Death #13. Judgement suggests that the querent is going through an awakening, and divine energies are involved in this reckoning. It may also allude to surrendering to what may happen next with confidence after going through a trial of self-evaluation. Likewise, Judgement might also be the cue to do some heavy introspection if there are issues about judgment, self-doubt, trust, and more. 

Upright Keywords: Surrender, awakening, calling

Reversal Keywords: Ignoring the call, inability to surrender, lacking self-assurance

(21) The World

The World #21 is the final card in the major arcana. The World shows a naked woman wrapped in a cloth inside a laurel wreath to represent victory. She looks behind, as if contemplating her past or thinking of what it took to get here. However, her body is positioned as if it’s ready to move forward. This depiction shows the in-between state of wrapping up and starting anew. She holds wands in her hands—callback to The Magician #1—to show how her magic or inspiration helped her complete a cycle. There are no breaks in her laurel wreath to show that she has come, seen, and conquered her cycle. The four corners of the cards have a lion, bull, cherub, and eagle to represent the four fixed zodiac signs: Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio. Each zodiac sign represents different elements. This is a direct callback to Wheel of Fortune #10, as both cards represent going through nature’s cycles and rhythms to complete your journey. The World comes out in a tarot reading to signify the true ending of something. This major arcana card says the querent has done everything they could to complete and integrate this cycle. As a result, The World often has a feeling of success, accomplishment, and victory after going through cycles of hard work. The World could also indicate that there aren’t any shortcuts unless the querent is seeking unnecessary closure or delaying the end of something.

Upright Keywords: Completion, integration, achievement

Reversal Keywords: Short-cuts, delays, lack of closure

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Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.