Major Arcana of Tarot: Women and Men on Throne

If we analyse a typical tarot deck which has 78 cards, we can divide it into three parts – 22 cards in major arcana, and 40 numbered cards and 16 court cards in minor arcana.

In this article, I will talk about the women and men on throne in major arcana which are The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, and Justice of major arcana.  

If you are interested in learning tarot, you can book a tarot training session with me.

 

What is the Major Arcana?

Let’s look at the order.

0. 0 The Fool

1. I The Magician

2. II The High Priestess

3. III The Empress

4. IV The Emperor

 5. V The Hierophant

 6. VI The Lovers

7. VII The Chariot

8. VIII Strength  

9. IX The Hermit

10. X The Wheel of Fortune

11. XI Justice  

12. XII The Hanged Man

13. XIII Death

14. XIV Temperance

15. XV The Devil

16. XVI The Tower

17. XVII The Star

18. XVIII The Moon

19. XIX The Sun

20. XX Judgement

21. XXI The World

This order is often called "The Fool's Journey." The Fool is the traveler pictured in the card number ‘0’ of the major arcana.

If we put ourselves in the place of The Fool, the order becomes phases in our lives; our journey, no matter how short or how long, and no matter what aspect the journey takes place on: physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional.

Let me know in the comment section if you want me to write an article on The Fool’s Journey.

Related post: What is Tarot? 

Women and Men on Throne in the Major Arcana

If you ask me why I am not going according to the order, well, I created my own learning system.

When I first started learning and memorising the meaning of tarot cards traditionally, it was really challenging for me. Maybe it won’t be a difficult task for you but sure it was for me.

So, I created different categories and put the cards under those categories and well it made my tarot learning journey a lot easier. ‘Women and Men on Throne’ is one of those categories. 

Now, I want to share the system for the tarot learners who are facing the same problem as I had before.

The High Priestess

Ladies’ first. We will start with The High Priestess which is ‘II’ in the order.

The High Priestess card is associated with the planet Moon. The High Priestess is feminine and deep. It represents mystery, hidden knowledge, secret, subconscious, intuition, wisdom.

When this card arrives in a tarot reading, the message is to follow your gut. Listen to your inner voice. No need to seek answers from others.

It can also mean some things are hidden from your sight and are not meant to be revealed at this time.

The answers will come later when the time is right. There is no need to take action. Trust the divine timing and see what unfolds.

If the card is reversed, it means you are focusing on the external environment instead of your inner wisdom. This reversal can also mean that you are too active and you need to take on the passive route.

So, do you usually go with your logic? Or with your gut? Let me know in the comment section.

The Empress

Ok, another lady on throne, The Empress, No. III card in the Major Arcana.

The Empress card is associated with the planet Venus. The Empress is motherly but powerful.

This card represents abundance, rewards, power, fertility, motherhood, pregnancy, birth, marriage and commitment, and emotional stability.

When this card arrives in a tarot reading, normally it means that everything you're working on is bearing sweet fruit; the rewards are coming; all the powers are with you and you can create whatever you want.

It can also mean that you are nurturing and passionate.

When the card is reversed, it is telling you that you are acting as an overprotective mother, or you are not taking good care of those who are under your wing or whatever you are looking to create.

Another possible meaning is that you are working on a barren land or a hopeless project.

Not, let’s move to the men.

The Emperor

The first one is No. IV The Emperor.

The Emperor card is associated with the astrological sign Aries. The Emperor is serious and disciplined. Unlike his female counterpart, The Empress, there is nothing soft about him.

The Emperor represents powerful father figure, authority, leader, boss, and law.

When in upright position, it indicates you are in authority or you are dealing with authority figures. You are taking somber approach in your situation and laying a secure foundation for the future.

It might also mean that things are about to get serious.

When in reverse, it represents you are losing grip on things which should be under your control or you are running from responsibility.

It also symbolizes trouble with authority figures.

The Hierophant

Another card in this category is No. V, The Hierophant. The Hierophant is associated with the astrological sign Taurus.

Though this card is not entirely about religion, in some interpretations, it does have something to do with religion and spiritual realm.

If it’s in upright position in a reading, it is telling you to follow the rules and systems, uphold the status quo and respect the tradition.

This card also indicates the male teacher, mentor, wise elder, spiritual leader, spiritual ceremony and guidance.

When this card is in reversed, the advice is to forget about social norms and traditions, create your own path and walk on it.

Justice

Conclusion

This is the end of Women and Men on Throne category. I believe now you know the meaning of The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, and Justice of major arcana. 

I will be talking about the second category of major arcana in another article. See you soon.