Have you ever heard the word "Arcana"? It often appears in books on magic and mysticism. Its origin comes from the Latin word 'arcanum,' which means 'secret' or 'mysterious knowledge.'
And the plural form is 'Arcana.' So, the 'Major Arcana' is not simply 'major cards,' but rather means 'the great secrets.' These 22 cards were not considered 'great secrets' from the very beginning.
As I mentioned before, they initially served as the most powerful 'trump cards' in a game. But as time went on, people began to realize that these cards held universal truths about human life and the cosmos, far beyond simple game tools. Why Did the Major Arcana Become 'Great Secrets'?
If you look closely at the illustrations of the Major Arcana, you'll see that the figures and symbols contained within them are far from a simple card game.
The Magician symbolizes the power of creation and will.
The Empress represents vitality and abundance.
Justice stands for truth and balance.
The Wheel of Fortune embodies the cycle of life.
Death signifies not an end, but a new beginning.
These symbols are not confined to a specific culture or religion; they contain the important stages and themes of life that all humanity universally experiences.
It was as if the wisdom of the universe had been condensed into 22 pictures. For this reason, mystics began to regard these cards as 'Arcana,' or keys to deciphering 'secret knowledge.'
They believed that by understanding all 22 cards, one could grasp the great narrative that runs through all human life. The Use of the Major Arcana: From Myth to Philosophy
As time passed, the Major Arcana began to be used in various ways.
Mythological Narrative: The most famous use is 'The Fool's Journey.' The story of Card 0, The Fool, beginning as a pure soul and growing through the Major Arcana until Card 21, The World, is like watching a myth unfold.
In their journey, The Fool encounters various divine beings (The Hierophant, The Empress, etc.) and universal experiences (love, justice, death, etc.), and is reborn as a complete being. This story has become a crucial foundation for Tarot readings.
Psychological Tool: In the early 20th century, the analytical psychologist Carl Gustav Jung saw the symbols contained in the Major Arcana as 'archetypes.'
Archetypes are universal images or patterns that exist in humanity's collective unconscious. From Jung's perspective, The Emperor represents the archetype of authority and order, while The Hermit represents the archetype of self-reflection and inner exploration.
Thus, a Tarot reading was also used as a psychological tool to discover and understand the archetypes hidden in the querent's unconscious, going beyond simple divination.
Personal Growth Guide: Today, the Major Arcana serves as a guide to help us reflect on our lives and grow. For example, if you draw the Justice card in response to your question, it tells you that now is the time to seek balance and truth in your life. It's also a message that you need to make rational and objective judgments when making a decision.
The Major Arcana started as just a part of a game, but as time went on, they evolved into the 'great secrets' containing universal human wisdom, living up to their name, 'Arcana.'
Now, whenever you encounter these 22 cards in a deck, instead of just memorizing their meanings, try exploring the mythological, philosophical, and psychological depths within them to find your own wisdom. These cards might be the key to unlocking the deepest secrets about your life.