How-to Guides · 8 min · 2026-07-18
Tarot Marseille is one of the oldest and most widely used tarot decks, including 78 cards with 22 major cards (Major Arcana) with profound meanings. Study each card from The Fool (0) to The World (21) to explore man's spiritual journey.
The Marseille Tarot is one of the oldest and most widely recognized tarot decks. The deck consists of 78 cards, divided into 22 large cards (Major Arcana) and 56 small cards (Minor Arcana).
Originating in Italy, this deck spread to France in the late 16th century and became the main standard of European tarot in the 18th-19th centuries. To this day, Marseille is still considered a powerful tool for self-reflection, discovering potential and seeking guidance.
Each Marseille card is designed with traditional images, combining symbols, geometry and rich colors. These elements are not random—they represent different aspects of human life: life, death, intelligence, emotions, morality, strength, and more.
Each card has its own meaning, and when combined in a spread, they create an entire story, helping you better understand the situation and the choices before you. A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
Represents new beginnings and the spirit of adventure. The image is often of a young figure carrying luggage, stepping forward with faith in the unknown. This card invites you to embrace opportunities and big changes.
Symbolizes self-awareness and creativity. The image is of a person holding a magic wand, sitting in front of a table full of utensils. This card reminds you that you have the power to turn your ideas into reality.
Represents intuition and inner wisdom. The image is of a woman wearing a three-tiered crown, holding documents or books. When it appears, this card advises you to listen to your inner voice and trust your feelings.
Symbolizes maternal love, abundance and fertility. The image is of a woman wearing royal attire, holding a scepter. This card is about nurturing, care, and richness in life.
Represents power, control and leadership. The image is of a bearded man, wearing royal attire, holding a scepter. This card suggests organization, discipline, and decision-making ability.
Symbolizes tradition, spirituality and spiritual leadership. The image is of a man wearing a long robe and holding a scepter. This card relates to teachings, family values, and connection to the divine.
Represents love, choice and connection. The image is often two figures between mountains and hills, symbolizing the balance between choices. This card talks about important decisions in love or deep connection.
Symbolizes willpower, determination and control. The image is of a warrior sitting on a chariot, holding a scepter. This card encourages you to move forward with confidence and determination.
Represents fairness, balance and sincerity. The image is of a woman holding a scale. This card reminds you that your actions have consequences, and justice is always established.
Symbolizes loneliness, the search for inner wisdom and contemplation. The image is of a village elder holding a stick. This card invites you to pause, retreat within, and seek deeper understanding.
Represents fate, cycles and life changes. The image is of a wheel with the character sitting on it. This card reminds you that everything is cyclical; What goes up will come down, and vice versa.
Symbolizes courage, inner strength and control. The image is of a woman holding a lion's mouth. This card is about love and patience, not violence.
Represents sacrifice, letting go and changing perspective. The image is of a figure hanging upside down on a tree. This card advises you to look at things from a different perspective and be willing to let go of what no longer serves you.
Symbolizes ending, transformation and rebirth. The image is of a knight holding a sickle. This card does not talk about sudden death, but rather the end of one phase for a new phase to begin.
Represents balance, harmony and moderation. The image is of a woman pouring water between two glasses. This card suggests finding balance in life and avoiding extremes.
Symbolizes temptation, restraint and self-inflicted limitations. The image is of a devil with a man and a woman chained to either side. This card invites you to examine the things that bind you and find ways to free yourself.
Represents sudden change, disruption and liberation. The image is of a tower being struck by lightning, people being thrown out. This card indicates unavoidable events that force you to change direction.
Symbolizes hope, faith and guidance. The image is of a woman holding a table set with a shining star. This card brings optimism and encourages you to pursue your dreams.
Represents emotions, subconscious and illusions. The image is of a woman with a wolf and dog in the background, crabs on the moon. This card reminds you to pay attention to your feelings, dreams and sensitivities.
Symbolizes light, prosperity and joy. The image is of a child on a horse holding a flag, with the sun blazing above. This card brings excitement, success and happiness.
Represents judgment, awakening and rebirth. The image is of an angel with a trumpet appearing from the clouds. This card talks about important callings in life and major transformations.
Symbolizes completion, achievement and the end of the cycle. The image is of a woman holding two sticks, standing in a circle with four elemental symbols around her. This card signals completion, wholeness, and readiness for a new journey.
In addition to the 22 large cards, the Marseille tarot deck also includes 56 small cards (Minor Arcana), each of which also has its own unique image and meaning, representing the more practical aspects of everyday life.
The Marseille Tarot is often used for self-contemplation, exploring personal growth, and gaining spiritual insight. This deck helps you:
Despite its long history, Marseille remains a useful and powerful tool for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Read deeper
Reference source: zhihu.com — Guide to the 22 Major Arcana cards in Tarot Marseille
Reading note: Check these meanings against the cards beside them before settling on one keyword. If the card feels abstract, ask what it changes in the next small decision.
Source: Zhihu
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