Major Arcana
A guide to interpreting the Major Arcana cards, as well as insight into the imagery in the Queer Witch Tarot Deck.
THE FOOL
Upright:
Beginnings, Innocence, Spontaneity, Free Spirit
Reversed:
Holding Back, Risk Taking, Recklessness, Inconsideration
THE MAGICIAN
Upright:
Manifestation, Resourcefulness, Power, Inspired Action
Reversed:
Manipulation, Poor Planning, Illusion, Untapped Talents
THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Upright:
Intuition, Sacred Knowledge, Divine Feminine, The Subconscious
Reversed:
Secrets, Disconnect from Intuition, Withdrawal, Repressed Feelings
THE EMPRESS
Upright:
Femininity, Motherhood, Nature, Nurturing, Abundance
Reversed:
Creative Block, Dependence on Others, Emptiness, Smothering
In traditional tarot decks, The Empress has a stone carved with the ‘female’ symbol. In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, The Empress stands before stones carved with the nonbinary gender symbol as well. This card reminds us that femininity and motherhood are not synonymous with womanhood or female sex organs.
THE EMPEROR
Upright:
Authority, Establishment, Structure, Masculinity, Fatherhood
Reversed:
Domination, Excessive Control, Coldness, Rigidity
In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, The Emperor is a trans man with top surgery scars. The image reminds us that masculinity is a construct, and represents control over ones own body and identity against the oppressive structural pressures of the “establishment.”
THE HIEROPHANT
Upright:
Spiritual Wisdom, Religious Belief, Conformity, Tradition, Institutions,
Reversed:
Personal Belief, Freedom, Challenging the Status Quo
In many tarot decks, the Hierophant is a religious figure with two disciples at his feet. The card represents seeking out knowledge from a wise or spiritual leader in your community, which some may relate to in a religious sense. In the Queer Witch Tarot Deck, The Hierophant represents a leader or mentor in the Queer Community. The card interprets the concept of religion as community, representing the importance of studying and honoring our histories, as well as reaching down to give the next generation a home that feels spiritually safe.
When The Hierophant comes up in a reading, it can suggest that you may be clinging to a trope that feels comfortable. This card reminds us that no matter how radical our boxes are, we can still get stuck in them and reject new ideas for the sake of tradition.
THE LOVERS
Upright:
Love, Harmony, Relationships, Values Alignment, Choices
Reversed:
Self-love, Disharmony, Imbalance, Misalignment of Values
Upright:
Control, Willpower, Success, Action, Determination, Clear Direction
Reversed:
Opposition, Lack of Direction, Aggression
THE CHARIOT
STRENGTH
Upright:
Inner Strength, Courage, Persuasion, Influence, Compassion
Reversed:
Self-Doubt, Low Energy, Raw Emotion, Insecurity
THE HERMIT
Upright:
Soul Searching, Introspection, Being Alone, Inner Guidance
Reversed:
Isolation, Loneliness, Withdrawal, Losing Your Way
In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, The Hermit is a young woman, rather than an old man. This card reminds us that spiritual mastery and self discovery are constantly evolving journeys, rather than accomplishments that come at the end of our lives.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Upright:
Good Luck, Karma, Life Cycles, Destiny, Turning Point, Fate
Reversed:
Bad Luck, Resistance to Change, Breaking Cycles, Clinging to Control
JUSTICE
Upright:
Justice, Fairness, Truth, Cause and Effect, Clarity
Reversed:
Unfairness, Lack of Accountability, Dishonesty
THE HANGED MAN
Upright:
Pause, Surrender, Letting Go, New Perspectives, Sacrifice
Reversed:
Delays, Resistance, Stalling, Indecision, Fear of Sacrifice
DEATH
Upright:
Endings, Change, Transformation, Transition, Metamorphosis
Reversed:
Resistance to Change, Personal Transformation, Holding On
TEMPERANCE
Upright:
Balance, Moderation, Patience, Finding Meaning
Reversed:
Imbalance, Excess, Self-Healing, Re-Alignment, Extremes
THE DEVIL
Upright:
Shadow Self, Attachment, Addiction, Restriction, Sexuality
Reversed:
Freedom, Release, Exploring Dark Thoughts, Detachment
In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, The Devil is shown as a naked woman. Her cigarette represents addiction. Her tattoos represent bodily attachment, as well as rebelling against limiting beliefs. The chains behind her can represent limitations when the card is upright. However, reversed they represent sexual freedom and creativity as a means of breaking free from societal limitation.
THE TOWER
Upright:
Sudden Change, Upheaval, Chaos, Revelation, Awakening
Reversed:
Personal Transformation, Fear of Change, Delayed Disaster
THE STAR
Upright:
Hope, Faith, Purpose, Rejuvenation, Spirituality
Reversed:
Lack of Faith, Despair, Insecurity, Disconnection
THE MOON
Upright:
Illusion, Fear & Anxiety, Subconscious, Intuition
Reversed:
Release of Fear, Repressed Emotion, Inner Confusion, Misinterpretation
THE SUN
Upright:
Positivity, Fun, Warmth, Success, Vitality, Joy
Reversed:
Feeling Down, Overly Optimistic, Negativity
JUDGEMENT
Upright:
Judgement, Rebirth, Inner Calling, Absolution, Reckoning
Reversed:
Self-Doubt, Inner Critic, Ignoring the Call
THE WORLD
Upright:
Completion, Integration, Accomplishment, Fulfillment
Reversed:
Seeking Closure, Short-Cuts, Delays, Incompletion
