MAJOR ARCANA
ANANDAMAYA KOSHA
ATMAN NAMASKAR – INNER SELF SALUTATION
The Major Arcana follows Atman Namaskar, guiding deep self-awareness through the Anandamaya Kosha. Rooted in Moksha, it represents liberation from Samsara and the realization of the true self. With a focus on the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara), this journey fosters spiritual awakening, alignment with the higher self and the integration of life’s transformative experiences.
THE FOOL
CAMATKARASANA | WILD THING POSE
The Fool symbolizes new beginnings, trust and liberation from fear. Representing Atman, the true self beyond ego, they embrace life’s uncertainties with openness and joy. Camatkarasana, or Wild Thing, mirrors this fearless expansion, teaching that true freedom comes from surrendering to the unknown with faith.
THE MAGICIAN
EKA PADA PARIVRTTA TADASANA
The Magician embodies transformation, manifestation and focused intent, channeling energy into reality through mastery of the elements. Dharana, the yogic principle of concentration, mirrors this ability, training the mind to eliminate distractions and refine focus. Eka Pada Parivrtta Tadasana, or One-Legged Revolved Mountain Pose, reflects the Magician’s balance and control, teaching that mastery over self and surroundings arises through disciplined awareness and aligned action.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS
GOMUKHASANA GARUDASANA VARIATION | COW FACE POSE WITH EAGLE ARMS VARIATION
The High Priestess symbolizes intuition, mystery and inner wisdom, urging stillness and trust in the subconscious. Dhyana, or deep meditation, mirrors this introspection, guiding awareness beyond surface thoughts. Gomukhasana Garudasana Variation embodies this inward journey, fostering balance and focus. Together, they teach that true insight emerges when we embrace the unknown with patience and trust.
THE EMPRESS
ANJANEYASANA | CRESCENT LUNGE POSE
The Empress symbolizes nurturing, creativity, and abundance, teaching that true growth comes from care and patience. She reflects Karuna, or active compassion, emphasizing self-nurturing as the key to supporting others. Her energy embodies generosity and interconnectedness, encouraging love without expectation. Anjaneyasana (Crescent Lunge) mirrors her balance of strength and openness, reminding us that true power lies in vulnerability and love. Through her wisdom, we align with nature’s cycles, cultivating harmony and compassion in all aspects of life.
THE EMPEROR
VAJRASANA | THUNDERBOLT POSE
The Emperor embodies stability, discipline, and leadership, teaching that true strength comes from wisdom and perseverance. He aligns with Tapas, the fire of self-mastery, urging resilience and adaptability. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) reflects his grounded presence, fostering patience and inner strength. Through structure and focus, the Emperor guides us toward lasting success.
THE HIEROPHANT
ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA | HALF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE
The Hierophant symbolizes tradition, wisdom, and spiritual guidance, encouraging learning through structure while fostering personal insight. Representing the Guru, it reminds us that true wisdom comes from both external teachings and inner awareness. Ardha Matsyendrasana, or Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, embodies this balance through its twist, symbolizing reflection, discernment, and the integration of knowledge with personal truth.
THE LOVERS
NAVASANA | BOAT POSE
The Lovers symbolize the integration of inner and outer ethics, aligning personal values (Niyamas) with external actions (Yamas). This card highlights the need to harmonize opposing forces, ensuring authenticity in relationships and choices. Navasana, or Boat Pose, embodies this balance, requiring both stability and openness, mirroring the Lovers’ lesson of uniting inner truth with external expression to cultivate harmony and meaningful connections.
THE CHARIOT
NATVARASANA & SALAMBA BHUJANGASANA | KRISHNA POSE & SPHINX POSE
The Chariot represents self-mastery, determination, and the balance of opposing forces. Like Krishna guiding Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, it teaches focus, discipline, and trusting the journey despite uncertainty. Self-awareness and patience help steer emotions and desires in harmony, ensuring progress. Natvarasana (Krishna Pose) and Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose) embody this control, balance, and grace, reinforcing the Chariot’s lesson of taking charge while staying open to life’s flow.
STRENGTH
SIMHASANA & SHANTI VIRABHADRASANA | LION FACE POSE & PEACEFUL WARRIOR POSE
Strength symbolizes inner resilience, courage, and compassion. It teaches that true power comes from patience and self-control, not force. Aligned with Abhaya (fearlessness), it encourages releasing fear through self-awareness and trust. Simhasana (Lion’s Pose) embodies fearless expression, while Shanti Virabhadrasana (Peaceful Warrior) balances strength with serenity. Strength reminds us that embracing vulnerability and mastering emotions leads to true empowerment.
THE HERMIT
PADMASANA WITH SHANMUKHI MUDRA | LOTUS POSE WITH “LOOKING WITHIN” MUDRA
Strength symbolizes inner resilience, courage, and compassion. It teaches that true power comes from patience and self-control, not force. Aligned with Abhaya (fearlessness), it encourages releasing fear through self-awareness and trust. Simhasana (Lion’s Pose) embodies fearless expression, while Shanti Virabhadrasana (Peaceful Warrior) balances strength with serenity. Strength reminds us that embracing vulnerability and mastering emotions leads to true empowerment.
THE WHEEL
ARDHA CHAKRASANA | HALF WHEEL POSE
The Wheel reminds us that life is ever-changing, and both joy and hardship are temporary. It teaches adaptability, resilience, and trust in the flow of events. Aditya, the yogic principle of impermanence, aligns with this wisdom, encouraging presence without attachment. Ardha Chakrasana (Half Wheel Pose) embodies this lesson, opening the heart while staying grounded. By embracing change, we find balance and peace amidst life’s cycles.
JUSTICE
ALANASANA | HIGH LUNGE POSE
Justice embodies balance, accountability, and ethical decision-making, reminding us that actions have consequences. It calls for self-examination, aligning choices with values, and balancing intellect with intuition. Rita, the cosmic order, reflects this principle, emphasizing harmony through rightful action. Alanasana (High Lunge Pose) symbolizes Justice’s stability and clarity, teaching strength, adaptability, and alignment with truth. Through integrity and awareness, we cultivate balance within ourselves and the world.
THE HANGED ONE
BADDHA HASTA UTTANASANA | DANGLING POSE
The Hanged One symbolizes surrender, perspective, and transformation through letting go. Aligned with Ishvara Pranidhana, it teaches that true growth comes from trust and acceptance rather than control. Baddha Hasta Uttanasana (Dangling Pose) mirrors this lesson, encouraging release while staying grounded, inviting clarity through a shift in perspective.
DEATH
ADHO MUKHA KAPOTASANA | SLEEPING PIDGEON POSE
Death symbolizes transformation, urging us to release attachments and embrace change. Like Samsara, it reminds us that endings lead to renewal, guiding us toward spiritual growth. Adho Mukha Kapotasana (Sleeping Pigeon Pose) mirrors this surrender, teaching us to soften into transitions and trust the cycle of life, knowing that letting go creates space for new beginnings.
TEMPERANCE
PARIGHASANA | GATE POSEPARIGHASANA | GATE POSE
Temperance teaches balance and moderation, showing that harmony comes from blending opposites with intention. Like Brahmacharya, it emphasizes mindful energy use, avoiding excess or deprivation. Just as alchemy refines elements, moderation directs energy with purpose. Parighasana (Gate Pose) mirrors this lesson, combining stability and openness. Through measured action and conscious choices, you cultivate clarity, fluidity, and transformation.
THE DEVIL
PARIVRTTA MARICHYASANA | TWISTED MARICHI POSE
The Devil exposes self-imposed chains of fear, desire, and limiting beliefs, urging awareness of unconscious patterns. Rooted in the Kleshas, it challenges us to question whether we control our attachments or they control us. Liberation comes through mindful awareness and conscious choice. Parivrtta Marichyasana (Revolved Marichyasana) mirrors this process, using twists to release resistance, teaching that true transformation arises through patience, self-observation, and balance.
THE TOWER
PATITA TARASANA | FALLEN TRIANGLE POSE
The Tower signifies sudden upheaval that clears illusions, making way for transformation. Like Kundalini’s awakening, its disruption is unsettling but essential for growth. Surrendering to change allows true clarity to emerge. Patita Tarasana (Fallen Triangle) embodies this lesson, challenging stability while fostering expansion. Both the Tower and Kundalini teach that destruction is not an end but a powerful path to awakening.
THE STAR
UTTHITA TADASANA | FIVE POINTED STAR POSE
The Star represents hope, renewal, and clarity, guiding us toward healing and authenticity. It aligns with Saucha, the practice of purification, urging us to release what no longer serves us. Utthita Tadasana (Extended Mountain Pose) embodies stability and openness, fostering trust in the universe. The Star reminds us that after transformation, clarity and inspiration emerge, leading us toward balance and light.
THE MOON
ARDHA CHANDRASANA | HALF MOON POSE
The Moon urges introspection, guiding you to navigate fears and illusions with intuition. Like its cycles, uncertainty is temporary, leading to deeper truths beyond Maya’s illusions. Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) reflects this balance, grounding you in trust while reaching for clarity. Embracing the unknown reveals the light within.
THE SUN
NATARAJASANA | DANCERS POSE
The Sun radiates joy, clarity, and success, encouraging you to embrace authenticity and shine unapologetically. True fulfillment comes from within, not from external validation. Para Vairagya, or supreme detachment, aligns with this lesson, teaching freedom from attachment while fully engaging in life. Natarajasana (Dancer’s Pose) embodies this balance, requiring strength, openness, and surrender. Just as the Sun shines without expectation, this pose teaches you to trust in yourself, live with confidence, and move through life with lightness and grace.
JUDGMENT
GARUDASANA | EAGLE POSE
Judgment signifies awakening, self-reflection, and liberation, urging you to embrace transformation and release past limitations. It aligns with Kaivalya, the ultimate freedom from Samsara, where the soul realizes its true nature. Garudasana (Eagle Pose) mirrors this process, teaching focus, balance, and surrender. Together, they reveal that true freedom comes through self-awareness, integration, and the conscious choice to rise beyond illusion.
THE WORLD
DANDAYAMANA DHANURASANA | STANDING BOW POSE
The World signifies completion, fulfillment, and the realization of the Self, marking both an ending and the start of a new cycle. It aligns with Moksha, the liberation from Samsara, where true wholeness is recognized beyond illusion. Fulfillment comes not from external success but from understanding one’s connection to all existence. Dandayamana Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pose) embodies this balance of stability and expansion, symbolizing harmony between completion and renewal. The World reminds us that true freedom has always been within.