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Tarot & Their Meanings
By Rev. Vikki Anderson

Major Arcana

Next to each Major Arcana card is a "Karmic Lesson Number" to help figure out which Karmic Lessons belong to your Birth Path Number.

Check to see how many KLN's you have to deal with in this lifetime.

The way to recognize a Major Arcana card is that they all have a word or words on the bottom of the card describing it. The more of these cards 0-21 you have in reading a spread, the more God, the Goddess, the Source, the One, the All, the Universe or whatever spiritual or enlightened force you believe in, will guide and help you pick the correct opportunities to help your life get back on the right path. It is almost as if the Universe is saying that you have had a very rough time and it doesn't feel as if you would be comfortable handling any more at this time. It's a rest from your troubles and obligations. It is help from above.

Do not confuse the court cards (Aces, Kings, Queens, Knights and Pages) for Major Arcana Cards. They do have written words at the bottom of the card as well.

A brief statement of the cards historical or accepted meanings are indicated with my interpretations of each card enclosed in the box below it. You are not obliged to use my interpretations at all. Use whatever you feel comfortable with. You can combine the meanings or use whatever information you receive from Spirit to guide you. This is your reading, not mine.

1.The Magician (KLN: 1)

Wearing white as your first color indicates that you are too kind, caring, loving, good, helpful, considerate, generous and honest. The white reflects the above-mentioned qualities, while wearing red over the white indicates that you must become more assertive, positive, and ambitious and take action to overcome any obstacles that are keeping you from your goal. Look at the foliage above your head “ it is drying up and drying. Foliage always means prosperity, abundance and wealth. If you take control and make some positive decisions, you will have everything that is on the table before you're money issues will be resolved; conflicts and obstacles will be concluded to a positive end; you will have the perfect job/career and love life and personal relationships will be extremely beneficial.

II. The High Priestess (KLN: 2)

I call this the therapist card you are the one everyone comes to for guidance, opinions, advice and to lay all of their problems on you. The white and blue indicates that even though you are compassionate and empathetic, basically, you are giving too much of your energy away by handling everyone else's problems and not attending to you own. Take your own good advice and stop protecting all those secrets behind the curtain. Your silence is draining you. You must learn to say NO and also to only help those you feel it is important to help. Who is helping you with your challenges and concerns?

III. The Empress (KLN: 3)

The pregnancy card or you can be "pregnant" with ideas. It is a card filled with motherly attributes. You take care of your children, your family and friends and try to protect all from the harsh realities of life. You are trying desperately to balance your "sucker" side and assertive side, but always seem to be there to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed, even if it is not convenient for you. Creativity and inner wisdom will guide you to make good choices if you balance your excessive behavior to give of yourself. The black trees indicate that the negativity is behind you and the scepter and stars on your crown are bringing spirituality and enlightenment from above through you to share with those you interact with.

IV. The Emperor (KLN: 4)

You are a person filled with wisdom and great knowledge. The way you express your feelings and knowledge is another issue. You tend to be demanding, petty, a perfectionist and feel you are always right. You are a stubborn person who is very assertive and dominant in his thinking patterns and it is very difficult for you to change your mind or admit you are wrong. Wearing the armor underneath the two different colors of red, indicate that you have been hurt before and will not let that happen again. You tend to show people how much you care for them by the amount of advice you give them. You are crushed or surprised when others feel you are uncaring or distant.

V. The Heirophant (KLN: 5)

This is a very interesting card that stands for many things on various levels. You are sitting in between two gray columns, which represents that you have fears, doubts, worries, stress, anxieties, and many issues that need to be resolved. Whenever you are in between two things, that is your balance issue. You are also in between the two monks (or people) at the bottom of the card, which indicates that there are some unresolved balance issues with your spiritual beliefs or actual people in your life. Your yellow crown makes you very logical and practical, and your scepter brings you spirituality and enlightenment from above. The vertical part of the cross indicates your spirituality. The horizontal lines represent how many times you have stopped in spirituality to deal with reality, or material possessions in this lifetime. The first color on you is white but you are covered with so much red that it looks like you are trying to over compensate for your insecurities by being overly bold, assertive, aggressive, outspoken and stubborn.

VI. The Lovers (KLN: 6)

Even though this particular card sounds lovely, I use the Two of Cups as "The Lovers" card. This is one in which there is a mountain in between two individuals “ your significant other and you. This is a very big mountain, which separates you both. This particular mountain represents problems that may cause concern or disagreements. Continual compromise must be made to keep this relationship alive and well. Without clothes, both of you are vulnerable, naive and gullible. Even though the sun is shining positive energy to help make things work and the angels are trying to guide and bless you, your issues are many and unless you go for counseling or have a heart to heart talk to work through these concerns.

VII. The Chariot (KLN: 7)

This card indicates that you are going nowhere fast. You are a procrastinator as you are stuck in a gray, cement chariot and can't decide if you should stay or leave. You are in between two castles, meaning love, happiness, prosperity and joy, and this is your balance issue. You are looking away from your home life, so you are either unhappy or making your family unhappy by always wanting to be on the go or away from them. The two opposite colored sphinxes pulling the Chariot are lying down twiddling their thumbs waiting for you to make a decision. Even though there is much spirituality and enlightenment around you as represented by the white stars, you must use your common sense to get things done and make some type of decision to push your life forward.

VIII. Strength (KLN: 8)

Here you are playing with a wild animal and looking in the wrong direction as well. The procrastination mountain off to the left of the card indicates that you are staying where you are as you are afraid to make decisions about your future. Your white dress indicates your "sucker" color, although you have greenery around your waist and in your hair. Money is not your issue in this card. The Infinity sign above your head gives you much spirituality, but being too trusting to a wild animal (representing friends or those in your life that you trust too easily), usually turn on you. Turn to the future, use your intelligence and stand up for yourself. Do not be content with the way things are now because as long as you don't take care of that procrastination issue, your life will definitely stay the same.

IX. The Hermit (KLN: 9)

You are a spiritual teacher and give all you can to everyone around you in the way of your time, your experience and expertise. You feel you are here to help others and most of the time you do. However, you are looking in the wrong direction and are wearing a gray cape. You are shining the light for everyone else, standing there on top of the mountain all-alone in the snow. Snow represents spirituality and enlightenment and there is no question that you are very enlightened. Your knowledge of the universe is not questioned. Your ability to use that knowledge to also help yourself would be in your best interest. Turn around and continue to walk towards the right direction (the future). Use your wisdom to help you help others while protecting yourself

X. The Wheel of Fortune (KLN: 1)

Everything you want will be given to you once you "gain more wisdom and knowledge" (represented by the fixed sign of Aquarius in the top left corner) which is usually done through taking classes, attending workshops, video or audio tapes, formal education or lectures; if you are more persistent and tolerant (represented by the fixed sign of Taurus in the bottom left corner); call upon your inner strength and courage (represented by the fixed sign of Leo in the right lower corner). And take appropriate risks (represented by the fixed sign of Scorpio in the top right hand corner). If you do all of these things, everything you have ever wanted would be yours. You are being protected by the sphinx figure on top of the TORA, ROTA (wheel) TAROT; the Sun God Ra is carrying you into the future and the snake to the left shows there has always been great knowledge and intelligence in your past and coming with you into the future.

XI. Justice (KLN: 2)

I feel this is the only law card in the deck. This represents any area of the law including lawsuits, courts, lawyers, contracts, documents, wills, inheritances, and anything that is a binding agreement. It could also represent speeding tickets, police officers and any activity relating to them. As a card to be interpreted, you are in between two columns of gray needing to balance the fears, doubts, worries, anxieties, stress, being overwhelmed or on that road in the fog not knowing in which direction you are heading. Curtains always mean there are secrets hidden behind there. You have always tried to handle things in a compromising and good manner making everyone happy as is represented by the balanced scales of justice, but it is suggesting that you stand up for yourself now as the old ways may not work any longer. You are wearing red so you should be more assertive in going after what you really want and now that you are holding a sword up in the air, you are able to competently defend yourself.

The Hanged Man (KLN: 3)

Your balance issue is money as represented by the green leaves on the top of the cross. This cross indicates that your spirituality has stopped or has been interrupted since the vertical line on the cross is topped with the horizontal line. You are more materialistic at this point or are only thinking in this way because of financial obligations and concerns. You are leaning on the T-cross, which is beige and indicates that you are trying to be more focused, stable, secure and strong in the handling of your financial matters. You should look at things from a different perspective, balance your assertiveness represented by the red and your compassion, empathy and sympathy represented by the blue shirt and use the foundation and crown Chakra in yellow (intelligence) to get to your goals.

XIII. Death (KLN: 4)

Most people get upset if this card is pulled in a spread. This does not necessarily mean physical death. It is a death of an old way of life and going in a new direction. There are balance issues that need to be handled as indicated by the black flag with white flower and also the black armor and white horse. Its a time to leave people behind who are no longer needed in your new life or those who you have outgrown. Its being blessed by a religious figure (or universal energy if the person is not religious or spiritual) helping you on your way to a new venture, journey or beginning. Its seeing the two towers in the distance in your future with a sun shining between them showing you that this is an important event or that you should be aware that happiness, love, abundance and joy is coming your way.

XIV. Temperance (KLN: 5)

Two procrastination mountains with a sun rising between them is the first thing you see. You are causing your own emotional problems by having your foot in the water and trying to balance the emotional issues before you. Calm water denotes one that is emotionally calm and free of worries, but you are making the water more turbulent by pouring it into one cup and then the other. Money is not the issue with this card as you see the green foliage in the future and the yellow flowers indicating that you will get your prosperity and abundance by use of your intelligence. The angel wings are turning black indicating negativity around you and the orange color also in the wings indicate that you are trying to be more grounded and stable but with your foot in the water and the other one on rocks, your foundation is weak.

XV. The Devil (KLN: 6)

You feel chained to a negative person or situation by self-imposed chains. This is an addictive card representing alcoholism, drug use, as well as verbal and physical abuse. You are afraid to get out of this situation since if you change your life, you will have to make a new life for yourself, which is sometimes scary. You must take the self-imposed chains from around your neck, open the door under the Devil and escape. There is little hope of the situation changing unless you take the initiative to change it. Be strong; don't be afraid of the consequences, because your life after this change will be much better than it currently is.

XVI. The Tower (KLN: 7)

Basically, anything built on a false foundation will be knocked down and you will rise again like the Phoenix. This is another card that many people do not like to see in their reading; however, it is a positive card in that circumstances push you on the right road. You are either living in a routine, boring life or not living up to your potential so the universe makes things happen to move you onto the proper path. Life seems unfair, causes upheaval and drastic changes, but the outcome is always better than where you were. The YODS, blessings from God, are protecting you on your new journey on to a new road ahead of you. The outcome is usually much more positive than you could have ever imagined it would be.

XVII. The Star (KLN: 8)

This descriptive card holds many lessons. The first is that you must turn into the right direction (the future) to make your life and its choices much more positive. Your foot is in the water denoting that you are causing your own emotional problems and then you are in between the two urns of pouring water, your balance issue. This is a highly emotional card because of all the water and your lack of clothing making you vulnerable, gullible and innocent. Your yellow hair suggests you are a bright person but are using your emotions rather than intelligence to handle your issues. The procrastination mountain to the left of the card indicates that you are stuck where you are and you won't be able to move forward unless you take action. The white stars show that the spirituality and enlightenment is around you, and it also suggests many choices that are overwhelming you. Now you are to use your priority issue, the big yellow star, and deal with your issues in a very logical and unemotional manner. If you do not turn to the future, you will see that the water will make five additional rivers causing more emotion in your future. The bird behind you indicates that you must take risks to get to a much more positive corner of life.

XVIII. The Moon (KLN: 9)

Whenever there is a sun and moon in a card, it means "illusion/delusion." You see what you want to see and hear what you want to hear. You are the Scorpion in the water trying to get out of the emotional situation. The dog on the left indicates reality and the coyote or ghost dog on the right indicates your suspicions, doubts, and uncertainties that are constantly around you. You must get out of the water and travel onto the yellow road of intelligence. Face your fears and realize they are much smaller than you think they are. Once on the road, you will then be blessed by the Yods and in between two castles that will give you double the love, happiness, prosperity and joy. Mountains across a whole card indicate that there are so many wonderful opportunities ahead of you, but you have to grab them or they will pass you by.

XIX. The Sun (KLN: 1)

You are like a new baby going into a new, positive direction. All negativity and upset is now hidden behind the wall and will not follow you into the future. Sunflowers always mean new beginnings and the sun's bright rays of energy and light will help you find your way. You are going in the right direction and have the wonderful orange flag to cover your naked body if things get too overwhelming for you. You can then cover yourself with stability, security, being grounded and able to prioritize your life. You are riding on a wonderful spiritual horse, which will bring you into the future with a good, and uplifting foundation.

XX. Judgement (KLN: 2)

You will receive everything you had given out into the world so far. If you are a giver, it is your chance to receive. If you are a taker, it is time that you reverse that role. You need more balance as indicated in the Swiss flag “ notice the red dividing the white flag into specific areas of life. Gabriel is trying to make you listen to his words of changing your ways. This is your wake up call to start saying "Thank you," when someone wants to help you or lend a hand rather than you always being the one to give. Its a lessons showing you that you are not only changing your life, but you may also be helping those who need to start giving rather than always receiving.

XXI. The World (KLN: 3)

This is very similar to The Wheel of Fortune. This card has one major difference. If you gain more knowledge (again through whichever means works for you), if you are more persistent and tolerant, call upon your inner strength and courage and take an appropriate risk, you will not only get everything you deserve, but will be encircled with money, prosperity and abundance as well. The two scepters indicate your high level of spirituality and all the knowledge you have been obtaining while in this lifetime. The purple garment that is slowly covering you is helping with your issues of being too vulnerable, gullible, innocent and naive, and is pushing you on to a higher plane of understanding and spirituality. Still looking to the past, you will be able to get onto the road of self discovery and abundance by handling what must be done and continuing into your future

XXII. The Fool (KLN: 4)

You are about to embark on new adventures. The white dog in the card indicates love and fidelity of family and friends around you. You have taken all of your possessions and are heading off into the unknown. However, you are facing the left of the card (from the reader's point of view), which means you are going in the wrong direction. If you don't change your attitude, your goals and objectives, you may fall off the cliff and find it hard to recover. Otherwise, there is spirituality and enlightenment around you in the snowy mountains and the white sun shining upon you. Use the intelligence you have to make the proper assessment of your situation and start going in the right direction.