Major Arcana

There are two kinds of cards in the Major Arcana: Crazy Eights and those which are associated with threes.

Crazy Eights

The Crazy Eights (an eight lying on its side, the ancient occult number associated with Hermes) are associated with the eights of four suits:

Eight of Pentacles -- Study

  • The Magician
    • Study of the new and orginal -- evangelical predation
    • The Magician stands behind a table.
    • Meanings: Originality. Creativity.
  • The Empress
    • Study of sound knowledge -- commensual laudation
    • The Empress is seated on her throne.
    • Meanings: Fruitfulness. Attainment. Accomplishment. Mother, sister, wife.

Eight of Wands -- Speed

  • The Chariot
    • Speed of control or urgency -- evangelical predation
    • A crowned conqueror rides in a chariot drawn by two sphinxes.
    • Meanings: Trouble. Adversity.
  • Strength
    • Speed of action or decision -- commensual laudation
    • A woman holds the cheeks of a large lion.
    • Meaning: Strength. Courage.

Eight of Cups -- Abandonment

  • The Fool
    • Abandonment of responsibility -- evangelical predation
    • A young man dressed in colorful garb walks in an open field.
    • Meaning: Thoughtlessness. Folly. Lack of discipline.
  • Temperance
    • Abandonment of passion -- commensual laudation
    • The winged angel of Temperance pours liquid from one cup to another.
    • Meaning: Moderation of passions. Patience.

Eight of Swords -- Imprisonment

  • The Emperor
    • Imprisonment of duty -- evangelical predation
    • Middle-aged regent sits on a throne decorated by rams' heads.
    • Meaning: Worldly power. Accomplishment.
  • Justice
    • Imprisonment by reason and virtue -- commensual laudation
    • A crowned woman holds the scales of justice and a heavy, double-edged sword.
    • Fairness. Proper balance. Poise.

Three of Pentacles

Associated with The Star, The Moon, The Lovers, The Empress, and 10 others

Depicted on the Three of Pentacles: A sculptor is working on three fine pentacles in a monastery of great antiquity. This is taken as meaning great skill and mastery. All of the pentacular threes are associated with mastery and skill:

  • The Soldier -- benign warding
  • The Beggar -- depressed parasitism
  • The Lunatic -- angry sadism
  • The Mourner -- synnecrotic conflict
  • A Generation of Vipers -- synnecrotic conflict
  • The Magnificat -- synnecrotic conflict
  • The Star -- sacrificial satisfaction
  • The Moon -- evangelical predation
  • The Pattern -- commensual laudation
  • The Lovers -- symbiotic cooperation
  • The Marshal -- benign warding
  • The Empress -- depressed parasitism
  • The Prisoner -- angry sadism
  • The Queen Mother -- synnecrotic conflict

Three of Wands

Associated with The Hierophant, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, The Hanged Man, Death, The Devil, The Tower, The Sun, The Angel, Judgment, The World, and three others

Depicted on the Three of Wands: A stately merchant looks out over a calm harbor, watching his ships coming in with wealth and change. This is taken as meaning practical knowledge of many kinds. All of the wand threes are associated with change:

  • The Hierophant -- benign warding
  • The Captain's Wife -- depressed parasitism
  • The Devil -- angry sadism
  • The Tower -- synnecrotic conflict
  • The Angel -- synnecrotic conflict
  • Judgment -- synnecrotic conflict
  • The Sun -- sacrificial satisfaction
  • The Hermit -- evangelical predation
  • The Table -- commensual laudation
  • The Hanged Man -- symbiotic cooperation
  • Wheel of Fortune -- benign warding
  • Widow -- depressed parasitism
  • Death -- angry sadism
  • The World -- synnecrotic conflict

See also Crazy Eights, Faerie Tarot, and Minor Arcana.

— Scotus - 27 Jan 2001