The Major Arcana, also known as the Greater Arcana, is the more significant part of the Tarot deck and consists of a total of 22 cards. These cards symbolically represent the essential life events, spiritual lessons, and profound transformations that shape the path of the human soul on its journey through life. The cards of the Major Arcana serve as keys to self-awareness and personal development by revealing human consciousness, archetypal forces, and cosmic energies that influence our lives.
The origin of Tarot is controversial and surrounded by numerous myths and legends. Some believe that the Tarot cards have their roots in ancient Egypt and were used by the sages of that time as a means of transmitting esoteric knowledge and wisdom. Others speculate that Tarot originated in medieval Europe and was developed by Gnostics, alchemists, or Kabbalists as an instrument for spiritual enlightenment and the study of the secrets of life.
The Major Arcana begins with the card "The Fool" (Number 0) and ends with "The World" (Number 21). Each card represents a stage of the spiritual journey, also known as "The Fool's Journey". This journey leads through various phases of self-development, from the innocence and naivety of the Fool to the wisdom and spiritual completion symbolized in the card "The World". The cards of the Major Arcana contain a wealth of symbols and images based on mythology, astrology, numerology, and other esoteric disciplines.
The significance of the Major Arcana lies in its ability to reveal the universal principles of life and archetypes that shape our personal experiences. In a Tarot reading, the cards of the Major Arcana help the querent to recognize the deeper connections and patterns that underlie the apparent coincidences and events of life. They show the hidden forces and inner conflicts that influence our decisions, relationships, and life circumstances, guiding us on our path to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
Overall, the Major Arcana of Tarot is a powerful tool for self-awareness and transformation that supports us in discovering the secrets of our true self and living our lives in harmony with universal principles and our higher purpose.