The Fool's Journey: Understanding the Major Arcana

A Story of Life

If you lay out the Major Arcana from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World), you see a perfect narrative of human growth. This is called "The Fool's Journey."

Act 1: Consciousness (Cards 1-7)

The Fool meets the Magician and High Priestess (parents/duality), the Empress and Emperor (earthly authority), and the Hierophant (education). He makes a choice (The Lovers) and sets out on his own chariot (The Chariot).

Act 2: Subconsciousness (Cards 8-14)

Now the internal work begins. He learns Strength (inner control), becomes the Hermit (introspection), and faces the Wheel of Fortune (fate). He learns Justice, sees things from a new angle (The Hanged Man), faces profound change (Death), and learns moderation (Temperance).

Act 3: Superconsciousness (Cards 15-21)

The final stage. He confronts his Shadow (The Devil), sees structures fall (The Tower), finds hope (The Star), faces illusion (The Moon), and finds clarity (The Sun). Finally, he answers the call (Judgement) and achieves completion (The World).

Next time you pull a Major Arcana card, ask: Where am I on this journey?