The Major Arcana are the heart of the Tarot deck. These 22 cards represent themes and experiences, relating to physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects of life and humankind. They can also be viewed as the progression through life, from newborn (the Fool) to completion (the World). Many of the cards depict recognisable figures, others forces or heavenly bodies. Each card has both negative and positive aspects and, to achieve a coherent reading, must be considered in the context of the surrounding cards.

Each card of the Major Arcana is listed below with an explanation of the imagery used as well as its meaning in a Tarot reading. Bear in mind that the information below is only a guide and is given for reference purposes only. The card meanings, whilst adjusted for their relevance to the Discworld, are valid interpretations of Tarot and are based on traditional card interpretations.

Occasionally, some cards may become reversed in a Tarot reading. This occurs when cards are turned upside down unintentionally whilst shuffling, and are dealt facing upside down to the client. This makes a significant difference to the reading and any reversed cards should be noted by the reader.

 

Card Name & Number: 0 or Unnumbered - Fool
Represented By: Rincewind
Casting: Christopher Eccleston

Card Details: Rincewind, the hapless semi-qualified wizard, has been chosen to symbolise this card because of his affinity with chaos, likelihood of being plunged into situations over which he has no control, and his vulnerability at the hands of Fate. Rincewind retains his innocence and child-like preference for living in the present and asks only for boredom and buttered potatoes. He is depicted against the background of the palaces in Interesting Times.

Card Reading: This card is often unnumbered as it can symbolise the client himself, the traveller seeking guidance on his new experiences. In a reading, it indicates light-hearted folly and easily changing circumstances, including lack of knowledge about what lies ahead. Rash decisions and a willingness to be swept up by the tide and to be taken wherever he is washed up also feature. This card is very human, with all the contradictions and complexities of the individual. In its most positive interpretation, this card represents fresh starts and new beginnings. Reversed Meaning: Careless actions, ill-considered decisions and indecisiveness.

 

Card Name & Number: I - Magician
Represented By: Leonard of Quirm
Casting: Christopher Lloyd

Card Details: An endlessly inventive genius, Leonard of Quirm represents the Magician. Leonard has endless curiosity about the universe, from the tiniest incendiary mechanism to the grandest ideas of flight, and possesses the knowledge to put these ideas into practice; his inventions are revolutionary, but he is grounded by his (possibly unfounded) belief in the essential good nature of his fellow men. An idealist.

Card Reading: This card symbolises the creative urge, original thought and ingenuity. The Magician relies on his own powers and strengths to solve problems and to make sense of the world around him, changing and transforming his surroundings. He represents skill tempered with self-reliance. This is a progression from ignorance towards understanding. Reversed Meaning: lack of purpose and will power, reduced deductive powers.

 

Card Name & Number: II - High Priestess
Represented By: Esme Weatherwax
Casting: Maggie Smith

Card Details: Granny Weatherwax, doyenne of the Lancre woodlands, represents here the High Priestess, a figure of deep wisdom and arcane knowledge. She is constantly learning, but demonstrates that knowledge is available to those who seek it out. Esme is fiercely proud and rarely unbends (specially when she's using her I Aten't Dead card), choosing her confidantes with care, but has an unmatched ability and knowledge of her art. Depicted with her fellow witch Nanny Ogg, who uses her interest in people and family connections to counteract Granny's slightly cold skill.

Card Reading: This card represents intuition, enlightenment and self-study, the domination of the spirit over the insignificance of the body. Adepts of occult knowledge, untapped potential and virginity are symbolised by this card, focusing upon the inner reserves of the spirit. Wisdom and learning from hard work are also represented. This card is feminine, showing a female influence shedding light onto a problem. Reversed Meaning: Ignorance, instability and suffering from adverse spiritual influences.

 

Card Name & Number: III - Empress
Represented By: Magrat (& Verence)
Casting: Geraldine Somerville (& Nicholas Lyndhurst)

Card Details: Magrat represents the motherly influences in the Discworld, her young daughter Esme bringing out her confidence, power and full potential. Motherhood is a strong force for Magrat and increases her awareness of her own ability and responsibility. Magrat, after searching for wisdom and self-knowledge in many arts and disciplines, finally stops searching when she has baby Esme.

Card Reading: Fertility and parenthood are the main meanings of this card. This may be relating to one's own offspring, or to one's relationship with mother figures. Fulfilment of potential, serenity, growth and achievement are also represented here. This is an excellent card for personal and family relationships, indicating happiness and stability with healthy sensuality. This card can also indicate material fruitfulness, including wealth. Reversed Meaning: Overindulgence, an overbearing matriarchal attitude, domestic problems, barrenness and anxiety.

 

Card Name & Number: IV - Emperor
Represented By: Havelock Vetinari, the Patrician
Casting: Mandy Patinkin

Card Details: Vetinari is the epitome of control. He has strong authority and power, running the city of Ank-Morpork with consummate skill. He elicits respect from more astute citizens, and fear from those more readily intimidated. Vetinari made the city what it is, an oiled machine which - though it has the odd spanner in the works - ultimately returns to its chosen course; that chosen by Vetinari.

Card Reading: This card symbolises power, leadership and control. This is achieved through logic and intelligence, though organisation and restriction. In a reading, this could mean a father figure (defending a family or a cause) or a brush with authority. It could also be an exhortation to self-control and self-discipline, strength through rules and control of emotion with reason. This card may also indicate legal matters. A positive card for men, but for women can indicate a dominant influence or success achieved through forcefulness. Reversed meaning: lack of achievement of these goals, powerlessness, reluctance or inability to meet challenges.

 

Card Name & Number: V - High Priest
Represented By: Eric
Casting: Rupert Grint

Card Details: Eric was a natural choice for this card. Whilst his spells don't always turn out the way he expects (actually, they never do) he does have an immense amount of knowledge and a belief in the powers of ritual. He suffers from bad advice and too heavy a reliance on arcane lore. He is pictured against the background of his careful workings and sigils - and with his stick-on beard.

Card Reading: This card represents the authority and tradition inherent in spiritual guides such as priests or teachers. This may represent lessons learned from such figures or knowledge achieved oneself in these areas. It can also symbolise a struggle with authority, perhaps stifling spiritual questioning or innovation. It may also be a sign that you need to submit to the rules and strictures of this group in order to reach your goal; follow procedures, accept the value of stability. Tradition, loyalty and established seats of religion or knowledge. Reversed meaning: Deceit and misleading guidance, knowledge without experience or skill.

 

Card Name & Number: VI - Lovers
Represented By: Mort & Ysabell (with Keli in background)
Casting: Mort - Dexter Fletcher, Ysabell - Sheridan Smith, Keli - Keira Knightley

Card Details: The Lovers card depicts Mort and Ysabell together, with the figure of Keli to the side. Mort and Ysabell face trials, demands and the initial confusion of attraction before realising the true nature of their partnership. Keli is the figure who at first stands betwen them, signifying disharmony. Eventually however their relationship is a balanced one which results in a stable marriage based on shared experiences and backgrounds - and skeletons in the closet.

Card Reading: This card simply signifies loving, romantic relationships. It also signifies a union, a joining of equally balanced people. New relationships, romantic flings and loving commitments (including marriage) will also signify. It may also show the result of overcoming obstacles in the cause of true love. These obstacles may be problems, crises when true needs must be confronted or working out marital disagreements. This is generally a positive card to draw in a reading, lending an emotional component to the spread. Reversed meaning: Broken relationships, infidelity, lack of stability in relationships and disagreement.

 

Card Name & Number: VII - Chariot
Represented By: the Luggage
Casting: Louis Vuitton

Card Details: Beware the use of unnecessary force? This card could only be the Luggage. Signifying travel by its very nature, the Luggage has seen more of the world (and the Underworld) than most other people on the Disc but retains its stoic nature. It always overcomes its obstacles to achieve its goals. It is very determined and usually has the upper hand (or foot).

Card Reading: Drawing this card in a reading indicates advancement after conflict. This may be through war, travel or a fight, or may denote professional advancement or promotion. It is a forceful card, showing power and determination tempered by will. It is also a very controlling card, showing either rigid self-control or control by another. This is often accompanied by confidence. The presence of the Chariot indicates that a conflict is in the offing - often denoting victory through a show of strength. Strive for endurance, control and discipline. Reversed meaning: Aggressiveness and ruthlessness. Analyse the reasons for your actions. Are you overreacting, using unnecessary force? Strive for self-control and think about the consequences of your actions. Do not squander your energy in retaliation without forethought.

 

Card Name & Number: VIII - Strength
Represented By: the Monstrous Regiment
Casting: Polly - Natalie Portman, Blouse - Hugh Laurie, Jackrum - Anthony Hopkins

Card Details: The Monstrous Regiment face many setbacks in their course to make the best of a challenging situation, but succeed in the end through courage and strength. This strength is not physical (well...perhaps in the case of Jade) but results from teamwork and moral support. Only working together can they succeed with their deception and their actions.

Card Reading: This card denotes courage. Be strong in your convictions, bear up under pressure and face your demons. It is a card which shows obstacles but also success. Believe in your capabilities; you are equal to the task. Problems may seem to be unconquerable but this is not the case. You can overcome your problems, whether with other people or with yourself. If you are battling an addiction, this card shows that you are capable of beating it before it conquers you. A fortunate card. Reversed meaning: The obstacles are the same but the result is not victory. Lack of courage, weakness and doubt will contribute to failure if the current situation is not changed. Take care of yourself physically and reinforce your self-belief and moral strength.

 

Card Name & Number: IX - Hermit
Represented By: CMOT Dibbler
Casting: Tommy Lee Jones

Card Details: At first glance, CMOT Dibbler may seem the antithesis of this card; he is gregarious and gravitates toward material wealth as a dwarf to a rat (with ketchup). But Dibbler is always seeking something more; he is at his best when possessed by the fire of a new idea, when spotting opportunities and planning for grand futures which never materialise. Though he is always around people he never connects with them emotionally, seeming distant. He undergoes periods of seclusion until inspiration strikes, returning to the rock bottom of sausage-selling until he finds the next cut-price Holy Grail of commerce.

Card Reading: The Hermit card signifies the movement away from excessive human company, the move from city to country. The rejection of worldly goods in favour of spiritual worth often only comes with seclusion and peace to allow contemplation. Retreat and thought are required before proceeding. Seek guidance when unsure, usually from someone outside your usual circle of acquaintance. You may be about to embark on a personal quest or search for truth. You need more understanding before you act. Reversed meaning: Isolation; the need for thought or advice before proceeding. Loneliness and rejection or the refusal to heed advice. Hiding from reality or the truth.

 

Card Name & Number: X - Wheel of Fortune
Represented By: Dunmanifestin
Casting: the Lady - Uma Therman, Blind Io - Billy Connolly, Offler - John Travolta

Card Details: Dunmanifestin, the abode of the gods of the Discworld, is the ultimate game of life. The fate of all the world is condensed into playing pieces for the amusement and occupation of the gods. The Lady should not be named, but has been known to give aid in the unlikeliest circumstances. Offler, the crocodile god, has temples in his honour but the recommended means of prayer is through cooking sausages. Blind Io sends his eyes to keep watch independently from his body.

Card Reading: This card is to do with destiny, with vision and change. Often it has significance for someone who has been struggling, trying to find solutions to a problem - this card shows the need to step back and take a wider view, either to identify patterns or to realise the insignificance of petty problems. It also signifies luck and fate, changes in fortune and, usually, positive changes. Reversed meaning: bad luck, a turn for the worse, karmic retribution. Avoid enterprises based on luck or gambling - some events must simply be ridden out.

 

Card Name & Number: XI - Justice
Represented By: Azrael & Auditors
Casting: Azrael - Richard Burton

Card Details: Azrael represents the ultimate last resort for making a judgement call. His view is long-term and unbiased by the arguments of the entities petioning him. When faced with decisions, he can be merciful, granting extra time to people or enabling matters to be concluded in a fair and harmonious way. The auditors represent the interference of personal spite and pettiness in decision making.

Card Reading: This card signifies exactly what it says on the tin. You're in a situation which urgently calls for sound judgement, requiring a careful look at both sides of the equation. Make sure your decision is fair and unbaised and not based on a hasty judgement. Err on the side of mercy; give the benefit of the doubt if you are unsure of your decision. You may be about to sign a contract, sort out a legal wrangle or make an important decision. Be ethical and examine the motives behind your choices. Reversed meaning: Injustice. An adverse encounter with the legal system, an unjust accusation, the suspicion of friends. It also symbolises prejudice and biased thinking.

 

Card Name & Number: XII - Hanged Man
Represented By: Carcer
Casting: Carcer - Tom Cruise

Card Details: Carcer and Sam share a period when they are removed from their usual situations and must rethink their motives and drives. The impact of current actions on future events is shown directly. Neither has control over the situation but must make the best of things by enduring hardship and starting from the bottom again. Their situation forces re-evaluation of what is most important. Both have a new insight into the world around them; Vimes must wait for the results of his planning but Carcer focuses too much upon his own needs and desires.

Card Reading: This is a testing card, showing the need for a new perspective on your situation and your ultimate goal. What are your priorities? Perhaps you feel you've lost direction. Are you being selfish or excessively tied to the past? This card shows that you need to reflect and rethink, often resulting in sacrifice for future betterment. Pass up opportunities for revenge, wealth or advancement and concentrate on making the most of what you have by changing the light in which you view your situation. Sometimes you can only receive by giving something up to make room for something else. Reversed meaning: Refusal to admit the importance of the spiritual, the needs of the soul. You may be living too much in the past or clinging to past slights and snubs. Do not think so much of yourself but view your place in the wider picture.

 

Card Name & Number: XIII - Death
Represented By: Death
Casting: John Lithgow (voice...and chin)

Card Details: This card shows Death in his library of life-stories. Life changes are part of Death's stock in trade, literally. He is there at the draining of the last grain of sand through the pinch of the life timers, assisting the transformation from solid body into...whatever. This change is unavoidable and all that can be done is to see where Death takes you, although curry, corn and cats are likely to make an appearance.

Card Reading: Major changes are imminent. This card is a strong card in a reading; you need to act on it and it should not be ignored. A change so important as to be a transformation is about to take place and you need to remove all obstacles to this change, all ties to the past or old ways of thinking that might inhibit this. Things will not be the same afterwards and you cannot go back; a new path will be open to you. This change may be in the form of a life event, a job change, a marriage or divorce, a change of home, a birth or (rarely) a death.
Reversed meaning: Change which leaves you at a loss or worse off than before; a life-changing event which is unexpected and for which you are unprepared. You may be resistant to change when you desperately need to transform your situation.

 

Card Name & Number: XIV - Temperance
Represented By: Sam Vimes (with Sybil)
Casting: Vimes - Sam Neill, Sybil - Janet McTeer

Card Details: Shown against the faded grandeur of the Ramkin family home, this card shows the Commander of the Watch, Samuel Vimes, with his wife Sybil. Sam has struggled in his past with the demands of his work in the Watch, as well as personal tendencies towards introspection, drink and anger. With maturity he has gained balance and self-mastery, partly from the support of his fellow Watchmen, his wife and the challenges and manipulations of the Patrician.

Card Reading: This card is about balance. In a busy world with stresses, temptations and downfall, this indicates finding a middle path which harmonises all. It can also signify calmness, steady friendship, a need to find a neutral ground, compromise and moderation. Health and wellbeing are important here and possibly recovery. Tactfulness and the need to reconcile differences. Balance of spiritual and wordly influences. Reversed meaning: Lack of control, loss of strength or advantage due to rashness or conflict. Religious conflict.

 

Card Name & Number: XV - the Devil
Represented By: the Magpyrs
Casting: Count Magpyr - Ian Richardson, Vlad - Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Lacrimosa - Calista Flockhart

Card Details: The vampyrs take a step forward in a new tyranny of mankind. Their treatment of humans as cattle, a managed and farmed approach to the taking of human blood, signifies their new approach to life at the top of the food chain. These persuasive, controlling and often aggressive figures fight for power and wield the large, stained thumb of absolute control.

Card Reading: An ominous card, signifying giving oneself over to destructive habits and unpleasant actions. The dark side of human nature where impulse and instinct are blindly obeyed without thought or reason, indulgence in desires without thought of consequences and abandonment to sensation to the detriment of all about you. Excessive indulgence comes at a price - which you may find is too high, too late. This card can also signify power and control; you may be under the spell of someone charismatic who doesn't have your best interests at heart, or you may be taking delight in subduing a weaker character, using your power for evil. Now might be a good time to take a step back from your current situation and be objective. You may be addicted to substances or sensation, to anger or violence. Are you hurting those you care for? Reversed meaning: a warning - do not relax your vigilance; keep to the right path. Admirable restraint, dedication to higher goals and resistance to the darkness within.

 

Card Name & Number: XVI - the Tower
Represented By: Tower of Art
Casting:

Card Details: The Tower of Art, an annex to Unseen University, is a place of disorientation and magical residue. Stretching up over the ooze of the city it has been the landmark of many a wizardly battle. Its implacability in the face of celluloid horror, creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions or the painful brilliance of the return of sourcery makes it an impartial observer of ruins, destruction and rebirth. The little man jumping from the top wasn't there when I made the card...

Card Reading: The Tower is not a fortunate card to draw in a reading. Representing the ruin of plans, the destruction of established systems or habits and the crushing of current ambitions, this card indicates a heavy change which is due to occur. This change will shake you down to your core beliefs. This change may involve physical destruction, painful realisation or the unveiling of a bitter truth. Hopes or ambitions you hold may be vain or built with no foundation. A reversal of fortune. However, bear in mind that this destruction paves the way for new plans and dreams to be built on a more solid foundation. Reversed meaning: Strive against oppression and false stories; hold fast to that which is good and work through trials. It may also signify the same destruction as the card when the right way up, but to a lesser degree.

 

Card Name & Number: XVII - Star
Represented By: the Librarian
Casting: Rowan Atkinson (voice and movements)

Card Details: The Librarian embodies childlike clearness of thought combined with a mind open to all possibilities. He is not blinded by conventional beliefs or fettered by the chains of office but simply experiences all the world has to offer. He is generally optimistic, perhaps because a 300-pound ape finds very few obstacles stay in his path for long.

Card Reading: This card has a pureness, a clarity about it. Signifying hope, truth, creativity and opportunity, it is a positive and fortunate card to draw. If you have been suffering or under great stress, this card indicates that now is the changing point. Be optimistic: new opportunities are open to you, new lands, new people. If you have been unwell, your body and soul will soon be soothed and you will be able to grow. This card looks to the future. Renew your faith and open your mind to the possibilities that surround you. Reversed meaning: You are unable to see the opportunities and realisations available to you. You are blind to the hope and love around you: open your eyes.

 

Card Name & Number: XVIII - Moon
Represented By: Imp y Celyn (Buddy)
Casting: Cillian Murphy

Card Details: Imp y Celyn (Buddy)'s life is a moonlight one. His very existence is based on a wavering but powerful magic, influencing almost all those he meets. He inspires great creativity but lives something of a fantasy existence. Rational rules do not apply here. His is an important journey.

Card Reading: This card is all about the influence of intuition and the unconscious. If you are facing a difficult problem or situation where logic has been useless, try to use your intuition to choose the solution. This card also suggests creativity and self-expression, as well as emotional and mental instability (fearfulness or bewilderment). Dreams become significant. This card can also warn of mistrust or deception, pulling a veil over people's eyes. In a positive spread however this can mean an end to such deception or an unveiling of the truth. Reversed meaning: You may be hampered by practical considerations. Wait; this lessens the risk and can do no harm. Others may have a secret agenda - this should soon become clear. Avoid stagnation and lack of creative thought.

 

Card Name & Number: XIX - Sun
Represented By: Teppic
Casting: Stuart Townsend

Card Details: Teppic was born as and grows into his role as the Sun God. His story is one of happiness and security - born into a welcoming (if fatally absentminded) family, he survives the school for assassins without being inhumed and plans for the development of his kingdom. This is achieved, though not in the way he expects. Gambles pay off and ambitious plans are achieved with the support of family and his people.

Card Reading: Success. This is a positive card, indicating that you are on the brink of realising your plans and hopes. Good luck if you have made a gamble, the fruition of well-laid plans; if you are unwell the recovery is here. If you are trying for children, they may well be on the way. Be confident and sure of yourself. This is always a positive card. Reversed meaning: Obstacles to success, or even failure. If you have been successful, it may only be temporary or superficial. Do not attempt new projects yet.

 

Card Name & Number: XX - Judgement
Represented By: Brutha
Casting: Brendan Fraser

Card Details: This card depicts Brutha, the unknowing follower of Om. Brutha brings his excellent memory and honesty to bear upon his own god, Om, as well as upon himself and those around him. Brutha uses his simplicity to sift truth and inconsistency to rebuild the faith of himself and others on a more solid foundation.

Card Reading: This card signifies a transition, a rebirth and renewal. It shows the need to assess actions and convictions, to keep what is worthy and to discard useless beliefs or habits, to forgive and forget. It indicates a period of assessment and purification. It may involve a new phase of life - a milestone, change of age or epiphany. It can also indicate wellness after a long period of ill health. The judgement in question is usually from within with honest soul searching rather than an external justice. Decisions made at this time will have long-term consequences. Reversed meaning: fear of change, inability to let go of beliefs or though patterns, stagnation. Fear of progression to a new stage of life or procrastination over problems.

 

Card Name & Number: XXI - The World
Represented By: The Disc

Card Details: This card is, of course, represented by the Disc. The scene of experiences and the enactment of life, the Disc is a flat world supported on four elephants and carried on his toil through space by the giant turtle Great A'Tuin.

Card Reading: The World is an excellent card to draw in a reading. It indicates balance, fulfilment and general harmony and completion of the various cycles and themes. Representing the finishing of projects, life achievements, the ending of trials and upheavals in a harmonious way, this card denotes joy and a new life, with all wants and needs fulfilled. Reverse Meaning: Incompletion, ultimate failure, flaws and lack of commitment to plans.

 

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