Mundane Manifestations of the Majors
We know the Major Arcana cards often represent the bigger concepts in life; the energy that transcends the day-to-day. These greater topics often touch on spirituality, self-development, growth of consciousness, the nature of reality, and so on. Because of this, tarot can be an excellent tool not just for divination but also for exploration. Although, by that same token, sometimes in readings, we can be thrown when we draw a Major as it isn’t always easy to see how it fits into our daily lives.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know that Tim and I love finding connections between the cards. As an extension of this, we thought it might be interesting to pair each major card with an equivalent minor, to understand the energy of that major in more mundane ways. We hope this will help users not only note further links between the cards but also bridge the gap between some of these larger archetypal concepts and how they may fit into our everyday lives.
But don’t just take our matchings at face value. As an exercise for yourself, feel free to take a pause right now and consider how you would approach this. There are no right or wrong answers, just different ways to get to know the cards in deeper and deeper ways.
Cards 0 - 3
The Fool as the Ace of Wands: The Fool is a perfect symbol for the unmanifested. This key, attributed to the number 0, speaks to potential; the energy of Spirit before it moves into form. As such, the Ace of Wands is the firey nature of Spirit that approaches us by way of inspiration, motivation and desire. While none of these things are tangible, if we can tap into that ineffable energy, it can very much lead to real-world results.
The Magician as the 8 of Pentacles: Here we have two versions of a builder. The Magician takes on the more primal, archetypal form and the 8 of Pentacles serves as a symbol for the physical work done within the physical world. It is interesting to note that both cards place emphasis on the number 8. Obviously, in the 8 of Pentacles, we have 8 coins but even in The Magician, we see that figure 8 (a symbol for life, continuity, infinity) above their head. We also see some other visual similarities, for example, a bench and tools, a further nod to mastery, skill, and productivity whether we’re working from the spiritual or the material plane.
The High Priestess as the 2 of Swords: These two cards share a number of marked visual similarities; blue background, water, crossings, white gown, crescent moon, black hair, stone bench etc. Because the figure in the 2 of Swords is blindfolded, we can also intuit that their ability to perceive, much like The High Priestess’, comes from inner channels. If The High Priestess is the gatekeeper to hidden knowledge, perhaps the 2 of Swords is a representation of how to tap into that from this realm. (we explore this connection in greater depth on our 78 connections series)
The Empress as the 9 of Pentacles: Both of these landscapes are incredibly lush and feature a figure elaborately dressed. There is an emphasis on pleasure, accomplishment, ease, luxury, and abundance. Both cards are also ruled by the Earth element and so we know they both have the ability to take our creativity and ground it. While The Empress is the archetypal mother, the 9 of Pentacles may represent the tangible results that are birthed from our pursuits.
Cards 4 - 7
The Emperor as the 3 of Wands: Both of these cards feature a seemingly strong figure overseeing their domain. They’re both also ruled by Fire, wear red, and clutch a staff symbolic of their power and control. Because we can see The Emperor face-on, sitting down, we may consider this to be the more internal nature of this authority while in the 3, we see a figure looking out, more focused on the external.
The Hierophant as the 2 of Wands: The Hierophant is a guardian and leader in different ways than The Emperor, but demonstrates their command no less. For this reason, we see the 2 of Wands as being an appropriate “mundane manifestation”. Not to mention, there are a couple of subtle visual nods linking them: the rose and lily cross on the 2 compliments the roses and lilies we see on the two kneelers. As well, The Hierophant sits between two pillars while the figure in the 2 of Wands stands between their two wands. (we explore this connection in greater depth on our 78 connections series)
The Lovers as the 2 of Cups: I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. Both cards feature a couple, speak to union and partnership, and have a more divine symbol above and between them. (we explore this connection in greater depth on our 78 connections series)
The Chariot as the 6 of Wands: Both The Chariot and the 6 of Wands ride their vehicle of choice to certain victory. Both figures also wear a wreath around their heads and carry a baton or wand in their hand. As such, the 6 of Wands could certainly be what one would look like on the outside when being driven by the Spirit within.
Cards 8 - 11
Strength as the 7 of Wands: Battles are never easy, whether it’s with the forces within or the forces without. What these two cards also share, aside from their fortitude, is their elevated perspective. Yes, the lion, like the group of wands below may seem intimidating, but Strength and the figure in the 7 are coming from things at a higher perspective, determined to overcome whatever comes at them.
The Hermit as the 8 of Cups: Sometimes in order to get closer to that which is within, we must have the courage to go our own way. In The Hermit, we see a dark landscape lit by a single lantern, held by an aged figure holding a walking stick. In the 8 of Cups, we see a similar figure walking away, with the aid of a stick, while the moon lights the way. In both scenes, we get a sense that the path is unclear, and as such, it will require dedication, wisdom and inner resolve to see us through.
The Wheel of Fortune as the 2 of Pentacles: The 2 of Pentacles is a symbol of the ups and downs or ebbs and flows of life, much in the way that The Wheel is. And while The Wheel often speaks to other bigger concepts around karma, life, and death, the mundane manifestation of this card is a good reminder that no matter where we are in life, things are continually moving and balancing themselves out.
Justice as the 6 of Pentacles: Balance, harmony, and reciprocity are themes evident in both of these cards. In Justice, we learn about natural law and in the 6, we see how it translates to how we conduct ourselves in everyday life.
Cards 12 - 15
The Hanged Man as the 4 of Swords: Here we have two cards that feature a figure at rest. The Hanged Man captures themes around pause and surrender, while the 4 of Swords often speaks to recuperation and taking a time out. In either case, both energies indicate an arrest of action.
Death as the 10 of Swords: When Death comes sweeping in on horseback, the Spiritual implications may be that heavy transformation is on the horizon, but the physical implications may be what we see happening in that 10! Whether we consider this literal or metaphorical death, we are dealing with versions of death none of less. Also, a noteworthy visual similarly is that sheet we see draped over both figures in the 10 and Death.
Temperance as the Ace of Swords: Temperance features an angel mixing two fluids, a symbol of harmonization, balance, and alchemical workings. Similarly, the Sword represents the middle pillar, otherwise known as the middle path or the way that blends both sides. The crown on the top of the sword, as well as the solar symbol on the angel’s forehead, speak to illumination. In the Ace, we see 6 Yods which equal the number 60. This links it to temperance as the Hebrew letter associated with Temperance is Samech which has a value of 60. Clarity and a sure mind may then be the practical results of tempering oneself.
The Devil as the 8 of Swords: Both The Devil and the 8 of Swords demonstrate what it looks like to be trapped. In The Devil, we become enslaved mainly by illusion and material desire. In the 8, the trappings are caused by mental processes or inner patterns. In both cases, while the figures stuck can’t see a way out, as the observer of these cards, we can note that neither needs to be bound indefinitely. The first step is acknowledging the entanglement though, even when the forces that bind us to try to convince us that all is either “fine” or “helpless”.
Cards 16 - 19
The Tower as the 3 of Swords: Oftentimes The Tower can feel so devastating because of the emotional havoc it can cause. It’s not just a “structure” falling, it’s the way we feel about that “structure”. And even if we can see that something wasn’t good for us, it doesn’t always make it any easier to say goodbye to it. The 3 of Swords speaks to heartbreak and unresolved pain, and this is something that devastations such as The Tower can bring. We also see similar stormy weather in both cards which may speak to the inner disruption of a tower-like collapse.
The Star as the Ace of Cups: The Ace of Cups and The Star both feature beautiful landscapes. In each, we see water flowing freely and birds interacting with the scenery. Perhaps it could be said that by following our guiding star, emotional equilibrium, as demonstrated in the Ace, can be achieved. We also see 5 streams in each image which is an interesting shared feature. In The Ace, they flow out of the cup and into the pond, and in The Star, we see them coming from one of the jugs. These 5 streams symbolize the 5 senses - both physical and interior.
The Moon as the 7 of Cups: Here we have two cards that illustrate illusion in different ways. In The Moon, we are dealing with the illusion caused when we remain disconnected from our subconscious impulses. In the 7, we see the mundane manifestation of deception in the way we fall for fantasy, shiny objects, or false promises. Both cards speak to the importance of knowing the self in order to navigate uncertainty in the practical world as well as the inner one.
The Sun as the 6 of Cups: The archetypal innocence and purity of the sun is put on full display via the 6 of Cups. In each scene, we are reminded of our inherent goodness and the joy that comes from sharing and connecting without agenda. It is a reclamation of our inner nature, untainted by the experiences that harden us.
Cards 20 - 21
Judgment as the 9 of Swords: What we see in the 9 of Swords is a depiction of what can happen when we misunderstand judgment or use it to hurt ourselves. When we condemn ourselves and others, we create mini prisons of even the most sacred places - our bedrooms. If we can hear the call, and turn our suffering into triumph, we too can become the figures rising from their tombs, ready to be reborn.
The World as the 10 of Pentacles: Both The World and the 10 of Pentacles speak to success, fulfillment, and completion. They are both also associated with the planet Saturn. In the World we see a figure enclosed in an egg-shaped wreath, dancing in harmony with all that is. While in the 10, we see a thriving community with the Tree of Life in the foreground, a map of our wholeness.
And that completes the 22 Major Arcana cards paired with 22 Minor Arcana equivalents that speak to mundane manifestations of that bigger energy.
We hope you found this exploration helpful! While there are many applications for this sort of study, we see it as being useful to help ground the guidance you’re receiving in a reading, especially if you’ve drawn many majors and are having a difficult time interpreting the message!
And finally, if this sort of study interests you, we really think you’ll enjoy our 78 connections series where we go in-depth with card pairings. Like most things where tarot is concerned, it’s a piece of work that’s constantly in progress!
Until next time!
Julia & Tim