Just as the labyrinth is the path of your progress through life, the tarot is also a progression from one way of being to another. The tarot is comprised of 78 cards divided into the major and minor arcana. The major arcana consists of twenty-two cards, each one experienced on the path of the labyrinth and representing some aspect of your personal and spiritual journeys. The minor arcana cards are the equivalent of the four suits in the standard deck of playing cards. The suits of tarot cards; Pentacles, Swords, Wands and Cups; which are associated with the elements of earth, air, fire and water respectively; as represented by the quadrants of the labyrinth.
The Fool’s Journey in the Labyrinth
The Fool’s Journey is a metaphor for your journey through life, where life’s events present different situations for your personal and spiritual growth. Each major arcana card represents a stage or aspect of your labyrinth journey of life. At times, there are pleasant and enjoyable experiences, while at other times you need to face seemingly adverse situations. Like the fool starting out on your journey, you feel like you know very little. Yet there is something driving you forward. Your step into the labyrinth of your life is a journey of faith; one that culminates in greater wisdom and understanding. The major arcana enhances your understanding and experience of your labyrinth path of self discovery giving you greater insights and understanding of what is happening in your life and where you are going.
Major Arcana Cards & their Labyrinth Related Symbolism
The fool’s journey begins with you about to step off the cliff and into the labyrinth of your new life. The fool card is initially outside the labyrinth as you contemplate setting out on your journey. The first group of seven cards in the Major Arcana is made up of those forces that prepare the fool for his journey, and are found on the three outer circuits of the labyrinth (see image no. 9: The fool’s journey in the classical labyrinth) <Insert image 9: The fools journey in the classical labyrinth>. These three outer circuits correspond to your three lower chakras: the physical chakras representing power, creativity and safety that you must master to advance on your spiritual path. The walking of the three outer circuits is the grounding and preparation for the remainder of your journey.
The first two cards that you meet almost immediately you enter the labyrinth are the Magician and the High Priestess, representing your spiritual parents at the beginning of your spiritual journey. The Emperor and Empress on the first path and turn into the second circuit respectively are your physical parents. You then turn into the second circuit, leave home and receive education from the Hierophant. The turn into the third circuit is the Lovers card representing passions and motivation. While the outer circuit, equating to the Chariot, is the actual setting off on the quest. This is the longest circuit on the labyrinth and is symbolic of how long your journey appears at the outset.
You are now prepared for your inner journey. On the labyrinth, you move almost immediately on to the short section between the outer and fourth circuits where the ‘Strength’ card represents the Fool’s mastery of himself and the world. Having mastered the material world, you are now leaving it behind. However, at the turn, the Hermit indicates to you that you need to go further inwards and shines a light to show the way to enlightenment. You are about to enter the fourth circuit that equates to your heart chakra and you can feel the energy in your heart expanding in anticipation. The fourth circuit is the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and shows that things are in motion. Which brings you to the next turn and understanding in the ’Justice’ card.
The next short section of the path represents the trials and challenges of the ‘Hanged Man’, leading to a defeat of sorts in the ‘Death’ card. You are now on the shortest circuit of the labyrinth and rather than be defeated, you are transformed and reborn into a deeper spiritual life, as shown in more detail in the ‘Temperance’ card at the turn into the next circuit.
This turn and the next circuit equating with the ‘Devil’ card appear to be taking you away from your centre, where it seems that things can’t get any worse. But the Tower card in seeming to destroy your world, and turning you further away from the centre of the labyrinth, saves you by shaking you free of attachments. As the dark despair is blasted away, the ‘Star’ shows a glimmer of hope as you walk the final circuit in the light of truth.
The final turn of the ‘Moon’ illuminates the way, and the final narrow path before the centre ‘Sun’ is indicating that you are a shining light. You then enter the centre of the labyrinth where the ‘Judgement’ card represents your triumphant victory.
The final Major Arcana card ‘The World’ is found at the centre point of the cross in the labyrinth. This is the point from which you create the labyrinth and from which all aspects of the labyrinth emanate. It is the Spirit point and when you see the labyrinth as representing your whole life, this point represents order restored, and your understanding of your place in the world.