A Breakdown of the Cards – Major Arcana (7-13)

(From Our Tarot)

The Chariot

In numerology, 7 represents not taking anything at face value, hidden truths, and nothing is as it seems.
Aligns with Cancer in Mars
Upright meaning – Overcoming obstacles, victory, confidence and control. Through will-power alone, one may defeat any challenge in their way. You may find you can leverage opposing forces to help your own endeavors. This can only be attainable through self-discipline and hard work. If you maintain focus you will find success but remember that the process is just as important. You may even enjoy it. It asks you to be bold, and assert yourself. Be confident in your desires and pursue your goals without hesitation. Aggression unharnessed can manifest into physical illness so ensure you are focusing that energy into something positive. Sometimes this card indicates travel, a new job, or a big change that requires your fullest pursuit of your desires.
Reversed Meaning – The feeling of a loss of control over your life, a demoralizing loss of power and say over what you want. It indicates the possibility of collapsing under pressure, channeled aggression at people and those who don’t deserve it. Perhaps you need to let go of control, and feel the experience of things being out of your hands. It may also be the denial of the change and movement you are being asked to do.
Key elements – He sits in a canopy of six pointed stars (celestial influences at work) on his chariot. Crescent moons on his shoulders face outwards, his tunic covered in alchemical symbols (spiritual transformation), while the laurel and stars crown sit on his head (indicates the highest attainment of spiritual evolution).The wings and the sphinxes indicate the black and white duality (positive and negative). He does not hold the reins but instead drives with the force of the magic wand seen in the Magician card. He steers through his strength of will alone. He has turned his back on the city behind him, materialism has been left behind to instead focus on spiritual endeavors.

(Strength from the Love and Mystery Tarot)

Strength (Sometimes this card is 8 in some decks and sometimes it is 12)

In numerology 8 represents for a force that create or destroy. it is a number that represents the energy and effort put in will return back to you with zeal. It can be intense and aggressive or strong and unwavering.
Aligns with Leo and Venus
Upright meaning – Similar to the Chariot, this card is an unstoppable force. Whilst the Chariot is outer strength and will, the Strength card is about the human spirit. It is about knowing how to endure life’s obstacles while drawing from your inner calm and patience. It is great composure and maturity. It may also help to understand when dealing in a difficult situation. Try offering love and compassion to someone, allowing them the tolerance of making their mistakes. This creates a safe and trusting environment that will influence others. Stay out of ego and fear so you can hear the inner wisdom. In a reading, it may bring up the need to be aware of your instinctual urges and choices, that should be used for the greater good. It is about connecting inner and outer strength, fighting doubts, and having the tenacity to push through when it feels like it may be too difficult.
Reversed meaning – Reversed, this card indicates a weakness. Are you questioning your journey? You are lacking the confidence but this is only temporary. It is time to reinvigorate self-confidence and self-esteem. Perhaps it’s time to take the lead and manifest your goals. In a relationship, you may feel like you are not good enough, which may mean you are not able to be your true self. Are you trying to externally dominate and change the outcome? Your position comes from a place of ego and fear which is preventing the inner strength to come through.
Key elements – In a golden scene we see a woman patting both the upper and lower jaw of a lion. She is smiling and seems to have tamed him. The infinity symbol which was seen in the Magician card, means this is not just through physical strength but more so the strength of her spirit. Her robe color is the same as the fool, white (showing purity of spirit). We see the phallic symbol of the lovers (the mountain) as well as the lion (representing passion). We see the lion has his tongue out, not to bite but he is in a state of surrender and bliss. Her left arm represents mental effort and her right arm is physical effort. Her right arm is holding while her left arm is the dominating force. She has a belt and crown of flowers (beauty of nature).

(The Hermit from Tarot of Pagan Cats)

The Hermit

The number 9 can be faith or karma in numerology. It can represent something that can be a great burden or weight to be lifted.
Aligns with Virgo in Saturn
Upright meaning – The Hermit appears at a time of internal introspection. You no longer focus on the distractions outside of your conscious journey where you contemplate your values and personal principles. It is a journey of soul searching, contemplation, and self-discovery. Often with this card is an aspect of solitude, as this journey must be done alone. Through this introspection you may totally change your direction and goals. In other ways, the Hermit helps others with love and detachment. Many paths can be appreciated and the external appearance won’t phase you. It is a meditation on the quiet inner voice and the knowledge of the higher self.
Reversed meaning – Reversed this can mean a few things. Personal reflection is not possible or you choose to not participate in it. Have you forgotten to listen to your wise, inner voice? it could also mean you have been spending too much time in Hermit mode, cutting yourself off from others. It is possible to remain connected and have valuable relationships whilst traveling this inner journey. In relationships this card reversed indicates an unwelcome imbalance of isolation. The other person may want more while the other stays disconnected. Perhaps you are the one afraid to be alone? You may find that both of you remain because the feeling of disconnect is too much for you and perhaps a reconciliation and reconnection is in order.
Key elements – A man stands alone at the top of a mountain (achievement, growth, accomplishment) with a lantern (shows 6 pointed star a symbol of Wisdom and the Seal of Solomon) in his hands. Although there are many people on their own mountain doing the same, they feel alone and must do it alone. He has attained his spiritual pinnacle and is ready to share it with others. He continues his pursuit of awareness . He carries the Emperor’s staff (symbol of initiation and achievement as well as power and authority) in his left hand which is associated with the subconscious mind. He adorns a grey cloak (invisibility) and his secrets are for those whom are willing to make the climb. 9 Here represents goals, wisdom and truth.

(The Wheel of Fortune from the Lasenic Tarot (Czech)

The Wheel of Fortune

The number 10 in numerology represents karma and reaping what you sow. It also suggest the release of karma, so perhaps the paying for something releases you from the cycle. Here it can represent both 10 and 1, a higher octave of the original resonance of 1.
Aligns with Jupiter and Saturn, uranus, Neptune and Pluto
Upright meaning – This is a card of cycles, both good and bad times. It is the proverbial “Hamster Wheel”. The lesson here is the ups and downs of life. It can be learning stages through the negative that are important to understand the positive aspects that still remain. It suggests you can take somewhat command of the wheel and remain at the tops side of it by being active and a positive contributor to your placement and reaction to things. Outside factors play a role in what is happening here, which is why it is important to remain optimistic as you are in a situation that is both important and cannot be changed. However, your perspective and decision to participate can be. Trust the universe that there is more happening here than you understand and it is all meant to line up as it is supposed to. Stability comes from within, with the appearance of this card.
Reversed Meaning – In reverse, luck is not on your side. The pitfalls of of life have changed for the worst. There could be negative forces leaving you with a sense of helplessness. Are these from poor decisions? Is this luck or destiny? It could also indicate a resistance to change. Don’t gamble with choices here because you are not likely to come out as the winner. One way to stay on top of the wheel is to remember there is power in your reactions and responses even if other things are out of your control.
Key Elements – This is a symbolic card which often shows symbols of Aquarius. Scorpio, Leo and Taurus. They are the four fixed signs of the zodiac remaining stable during change. The Torah appears with Hebrew letters in a circle spelling out “Taro”, which spells out “Tarot” when you get back to the beginning. The snake is the Egyptian god Typhon (of good and evil), Anubis is rising (from the underworld), while Hermes appears on the side of the wheel (wisdom). The Sphinx (about life’s riddles) tops the wheel. The smaller internal wheel contains the alchemical symbols for mercury, sulphur, water, and salt. Eight spokes radiate and exemplify universal energy and the eight sabbats of the year.

(Justice from the Herbal Tarot)

Justice

Number 11 is a compound master number. It is a compound number representing a larger spiritual sacrifice and spiritual evolution. When reduced to 2, we can compare the balance and duality of the number 2 or awakening of the High-Priestess.
Aligns with Libra
Upright Meaning – Justice, fairness, truth and the law. As an outcome it represents fair judgement. Everything has worked out as best it can. It is the long term consequences of our actions. It can indicate a search for the truth of the matter, or that an objectible decision must be made. Of course it can refer to legal matters. It can also represent marriage, divorce, or business dealings. If you are demanding justice, this card indicates its strength is on your side. If you played a negative part in something and justice is against you, it suggest taking responsibility for your actions before it is too late. This is a card of balancing.
Reversed Meaning – Dishonesty to yourself and others. Not delving into the real issues at hand, refusing to look at your role in the situation. Trying to skip out on what it means to be responsible for your actions. If you have tried, perhaps this is just your lesson. In fact, don’t judge yourself if you have done the best you can. Be in the moment and make conscious choices as you progress into the future. This could represent possible legal complications, unfairly judging others, or criticizing others unjustly.
Key elements – The female representing Justice sits on a throne wearing red and a double edged sword pointed up held with her right hand (cuts both ways and signifies victory). Scales hang from her left hand (balance of intellect and intuition).. The squares (law) and circles (the world) on the crown and cloak are represented, Royalty with the purple, grey pillars represent the 3-D world.

(The Hanged Man from the Crystal Tarot)

The Hanged Man

Number 12 in numerology represents a larger spiritual sacrifice and inner conflict. When reduced to the number 3, it represents a creative force. Somewhat out of balance but looking to grow into the balance of 4.
Aligns with Pisces
Upright Meaning – In the upright version of this card, it indicates suspended action or a choice to remain in a state of uncomfortability for spiritual gain. It may be that you are feeling stuck and an emotional release from whatever is causing this situation. Because he hangs upside down, it suggest looking at your perspective and trying a different viewpoint. This is the opposite of instant gratification, the ultimate marty, putting the needs of the greater good first.
Reversed Meaning – This indicates a time when you are sacrificing a lot and getting nothing in return. Are you at an impasse in an area of your life or being pushed to make a final decision on something that you are avoiding? You have lost faith in your ability to deal with situations and the challenges presented in your life.
Key elements – A man hangs upside down from a living tree. His expression leads us to see that he is calm and cool whilst in such an uncomfortable state. His right foot bound, but his left foot is free. His arms are tied behind his back. His blue shift is for knowledge and the yellow halo indicates spiritual attainment.

(Death from the Tarot of the Master)

Death

Number 13 in numerology is a compound number that breaks down into a 4. It is a balance of good luck, fortune, high creativity and high material outcomes.
Aligns with Scorpio
Upright Meaning – As the most misunderstood card, and can actually be the most fruitful card in the deck. It represents the end of something and the transformation with the beginning of something else. This brings about things that are more important than before, and imagine the things that die are already in decay and in need of a clearing of unnecessary things in your life. It tells you to let go of the unhealthy patterns in your life.
Reversed Meaning – Reversed this is indicating you are on the edge of transformation but are holding back, resisting change, or allowing yourself to remain stuck. You are likely the one halting the change.
Key elements – Death himself rides on top of a white horse (symbolizing the ultimate purifier), as a skeleton wearing invincible armour. The bishop is paying homage to him and all human social sectors are represented. His flag is black (the absence of light) with a white rose (beauty, purification, and immortality. Two pillars in the background guard the sun, a sign of immortality. The boat in the water is the transport over the river Styx.