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Major Arcana facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Major Arcana (also called Trumps Major or Major Trumps) are a special group of twenty-two cards found in a deck of 78 tarot cards. These cards are different from the other cards in the deck, which are called the Minor Arcana. Each Major Arcana card has its own unique picture and meaning.

People have used Tarot cards for hundreds of years. At first, they were used for playing games, similar to how we play card games today. Over time, some people started using them for other purposes, like thinking about life's big questions or understanding different situations. Each Major Arcana card can represent a stage in a journey or a big idea, helping people to think about their own lives and choices.

What Are Major Arcana Cards?

The Major Arcana cards are often seen as the "heart" of the Tarot deck. There are 22 of them, and each one is numbered from 0 to 21. They tell a kind of story, often called "The Fool's Journey," which represents a path of learning and growing through life.

These cards show different characters, symbols, and scenes. For example, you might see a magician, an emperor, or a star. Each image is designed to make you think about different ideas like courage, wisdom, or change. They are not meant to tell the future exactly, but rather to offer new ways of looking at problems or opportunities.

The 22 Major Arcana Cards

Here is a list of the 22 Major Arcana cards. Each card has a special name and a general meaning that can help you think about different parts of life.

  • 0 - The Fool: This card often means new beginnings, adventures, or taking a leap of faith. It's about starting something new with an open mind.
  • 1 - The Magician: This card represents having the skills and tools to make things happen. It's about using your talents to create something.
  • 2 - The High Priestess: This card is about secrets, intuition, and hidden knowledge. It encourages you to trust your inner feelings.
  • 3 - The Empress: This card symbolizes nature, creativity, and nurturing. It's about growth, beauty, and caring for others.
  • 4 - The Emperor: This card stands for structure, authority, and control. It's about leadership and setting rules.
  • 5 - The Hierophant or The Pope: This card represents traditions, learning, and spiritual guidance. It's about teachers and established beliefs.
  • 6 - The Lovers: This card is about choices, relationships, and harmony. It often means making an important decision.
  • 7 - The Chariot: This card symbolizes victory, determination, and moving forward. It's about taking control and achieving goals.
  • 8 or 11 - Strength: This card means inner power, courage, and patience. It's about handling challenges with gentle strength.
  • 9 - The Hermit: This card represents looking inward, self-reflection, and seeking wisdom alone. It's about taking time to think.
  • 10 - The Wheel of Fortune: This card signifies cycles, luck, and unexpected changes. It reminds us that life has ups and downs.
  • 11 or 8 - Justice: This card stands for fairness, truth, and balance. It's about making fair decisions and facing consequences.
  • 12 - The Hanged Man: This card means seeing things from a new perspective or pausing before acting. It's about letting go.
  • 13 - Death: This card represents endings and new beginnings, not physical death. It's about transformation and letting go of the old.
  • 14 - Temperance: This card symbolizes balance, moderation, and harmony. It's about mixing different things to create something new.
  • 15 - The Devil: This card can represent being stuck, feeling trapped, or facing temptations. It's about understanding what holds you back.
  • 16 - The Tower: This card means sudden change, breaking down old structures, or unexpected events. It can be a shock, but it clears the way for new things.
  • 17 - The Star: This card represents hope, inspiration, and healing. It's about feeling optimistic and connected.
  • 18 - The Moon: This card symbolizes intuition, dreams, and hidden emotions. It's about exploring your inner world and facing fears.
  • 19 - The Sun: This card means joy, success, and clear understanding. It's about happiness, warmth, and feeling good.
  • 20 - Judgment: This card represents reflection, rebirth, and making important decisions. It's about looking back and moving forward.
  • 21 - The World: This card signifies completion, achievement, and wholeness. It's about reaching a goal and feeling fulfilled.

Images for kids

  • The Major Arcana by Roberto Viesi

    The Major Arcana cards redesigned by Roberto Viesi.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arcanos mayores para niños

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Major Arcana Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.