Major Arcana of Tarot: Angels and Devils

If we analyze 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 angel and devil cards which are Judgement, Temperance, Death, and The Devil of major arcana. 

I have already talked about the order and sequence of Major Arcana in my previous article, Women and Men on Throne in the Major Arcana, and please check it out before reading this article.

‘Angels and Devils’ is the second category of Major Arcana in my tarot learning system. 

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

Judgement

Judgement is No.20 card in major arcana and it’s associated with the planet Pluto. It represents rebirth.

This signals the ending of a major issue and the beginning of a new significance in your life. It's time to put the past behind you and embrace the new possibilities ahead of you.

This card can also indicate a wake-up call for you to trust your own judgement and step into your power.

If it’s in reverse, it shows that you are too stubborn to see the reality and make the necessary changes. Universe is showing you the signals and you are refusing to see the signs.

Sometimes this reversal can indicate that you see the signs, but you just don't trust your own judgement maybe due to fear, or your doubt on your capabilities.

On the other hand, it can also mean you are making terrible judgement and going ahead in spite of red flags.

Temperance

Temperance is No. 14 in major arcana and it’s associated with the astrological sign Sagittarius.

This card symbolizes peace, balance, patience, and healing. This card suggests you stay in balance and find the middle ground for the situation you are asking about.

Don’t make rush decision and test the water first as the figure in the picture.

Related post: Manifesting with Water

If this card is in reverse, it means your energy is unstable and you are leaning to an extreme. You are impatience and losing your footing over a situation.

It is saying that you need to stay calm, make conscious choices and go with the flow.

Death

Whenever I see the word death, it reminds me of the book named ‘Death Is My BFF.’

Anyway, Death is No. 13 in the major arcana and associates with the zodiac sign Scorpio. (I wonder whether this is the reason most people have wariness for No. 13 and Scorpio sign.)

There is a misconception about this card. People are afraid that this card will show up in their reading as they think it represents physical death. Absolutely not!

Death is not a scary card because it means something significant is about to come to an end to clear the way for a new beginning, in other words, transformation.

This is the card you want to see when you're thinking about ending or giving up a significant thing and making a big change in your life.  

Death in reverse in a reading means that you have fears and limiting beliefs which are blocking the way to your new beginning.

You are also clinging to some things and habits which do not serve your new purpose anymore. So, it’s advising you to let go and not to be resisting to change.

The Devil

The Devil is card number 15 and associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn which is ruled by the planet Saturn in astrology.

The Devil is another one of those tarot cards that people are dreaded to see in a reading.

The Devil symbolizes bondage, trap, addiction, slave to a desire or something, dark or gloomy situation, negativity and misery.

Related post: How to choose your first tarot deck

Sometimes, this card shows that instead of being a victim, you are the oppressor. Maybe you are becoming a controlling boss in professional setting, or you are a jealous and dominant one in your romance, and it’s harming the relationship.

This card is not a happy card to see in upright position.

But you would be relieved to see this card in reverse. It shows you are now free from a bad situation. You are not a slave to your obsession and addiction anymore.

You're back in control of your life finally.    

   

Conclusion

This is the end of Angels and Devils category. I believe now you know the meaning of Judgement, Temperance, Death, and The Devil of major arcana. 

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