Major Arcana Tarot Meanings for Sex | Over 18s advisory

Last Updated: November 13, 2022

Tarot, as many already know, is a powerful tool. From self-reflection, and divination, to spell-work, there are almost infinite ways one can use, connect, and interact with tarot. If you are looking for what each other the card meanings are for more than just pleasure, you can find them written by some of the best witches in the community on this site. I also have some fun tarot spreads for sex and relationships!

Join my witch-insight-packed newsletter that you’ll actually read, learn from, and look forward to.

Sex associated with the Major Arcana tarot cards

When the Rider Waite Smith system was written, I doubt it was intended for in this way. But by exploring each cards meaning and themes, I am sure you can see how each meaning is interpreted in such a way, and why the sexy suggestions are as they are. It’s important to note that this article is unique experience.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t apply these meanings with other decks, or that this article is the end all be all of the sex themes associated with tarot cards or its major arcana; always follow your intuition.

The Major Arcana in a Rider-Waite-Smith tarot system has 22 cards, numbering 0 to 21, and starting with the Fool all the way to the World. Doesn’t that ironically link up with “The Virgin” archetype and the common description of “Ways of the World” in regards to sexual maturity?

Let’s take a closer look:

0 The Fool - New Beginnings, Potential, Naivety.

Astrological association – Uranus

You’re just starting out on your journey and everything is new to you. You have the world at your feet, but you don’t yet know all there is to know. This is an excellent time to explore your sexuality and learn about what turns you on. Be playful, embrace being the ever-fluid Fool and have fun!

I The Magician - Creativity, Manifestation, Power.

Astrological association – Mercury

The Magician card typically speaks about using your creativity to manifest your desires. If you want to bring more sex into your life, this is the perfect time to do it! Use your imagination to come up with new and exciting ways to get yourself off. Be confident and enjoy the creative action that can come (cum?) with building up your mastur-power.

II The High Priestess - Secretive Knowing, Intuition, Sacred Connection.

Astrological association – the Moon

The High Priestess; when it comes to sensuality it is all about knowing what you want without having to ask, being in touch with your intuition and “gut feeling”, and also developing a sacred connection with yourself first so that sex is an enjoyable act of worship and not just recreation.

III The Empress - Fertility, Creativity, Abundance.

Astrological association – Venus

The Empress is the archetype of fertility, creativity and abundance. When it comes to sensuality, she is about being creative in the bedroom and exploring different ways to experience pleasure, receiving an abundance of tactile attention the grows and grows and grows, and also having a healthy relationship with your body so that you can feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.

IV The Emperor - Authority, Command, "Daddy".

Astrological association – Aries

The energy of The Emperor can be a very useful one when it comes to sex and confidence. This is the card of someone who knows what they want, and isn’t afraid to go after it. If you find yourself lacking in confidence or initiative when it comes to sex, consider calling on The Emperor archetype for help, or roleplaying a lil daddy moment.

V The Hierophant - Sacred Wisdom, Community Connection, "Eternal Student".

Astrological association – Taurus

Ruled by the fixed earth sign of Taurus, The Hierophant is all about tradition and learning, which can be translated into sexual wisdom and exploration. This card for me is the “threesome” card – is this something you’d openly discuss your knowledge, your feelings and your experience on? If you’re feeling lost when it comes to sex, or like you need some guidance, consider using The Hierophant’s energies to help you find your way, and be open to learning new things you’ve never explored before.

VI The Lovers - Passion, Choices, and Commitment.

Astrological association – Gemini

The Lovers as an archetype in relation to sex should be pretty clear – it’s all about finding the right partner, or making a choice in regards to an existing relationship, even with your sexual self. This can be further explored in regards to open relationships, polyamory, and other relationship structures. If you’ve been learning about different types of sexualities that are more aligned to who you are, this card may appeal to you as iconography – commit to a truer you, and love your choices moving forward. There’s no point in placing blame, worry or negative feelings towards a past you cannot change or something that wasn’t correct for you previously either; passionately seek what is right for you in the future.

VII The Chariot - Victory, Movement, Ambition.

Astrological association – Cancer

In regards to sex, The Chariot can be about conquering any inner fears you have around sexuality. This may manifest as anxiety during sex or performance issues. It can also be about taking charge of your sexual desires and making them a reality! I love to see this as the climax of all you’ve been learning, too, and giving yourself into the new levels of pleasure that is just pleasure, and no practice or homework required.

VIII Strength - Skill, Courage, Compassion.

Astrological association – Leo

What does it take to be good in bed? Compassion, skill, and most of all, courage. We have to be vulnerable in order to let someone else in, and that requires a great deal of bravery. This Strength card is also a reminder that pleasure should never come at the cost of someone else’s pain. Unless of course, that’s what they want. Strength can remind us to take time to monitor our endurance, our stamina, and include it in our play. By your own very nature as a human, sex is completely natural, but it’s ok to feel uncomfortable and need someone else to take the lead for a while. It’s ok to seek medical professional help when we are from unique backgrounds.

IX The Hermit - Withdrawal, Introspection, Isolation.

Astrological association – Virgo

This is a recommitment to self, a pilgrimage to pleasure that you go alone for a short period of time. The Hermit says to lock yourself away to enjoy. Time to step away from sex as a heavy situation too, and take some time for you. Limit any pressure. This could be space to reflect on what you want, what your needs are, or it could simply be some “me” time to recharge your own batteries.

X Wheel of Fortune - Change, Cycles, Reversals.

Astrological association – Jupiter

As one door closes, another opens. In regards to sex, this may refer to a change in relationship status, a loss of virginity, or even just a change in attitude. This is your reminder from the Wheel of Fortune that it is ok to mix things up a bit, and maybe even use some of your own energy cycles to hold authority over your energy – the structure of “we put sex in the diary today” can help you get stuck out of a rut at times.

XI Justice - Harmony, Balance, Law.

Astrological association – Libra

Justice is the card all about finding what is fair and just, and making sure that everyone involved is on the same page. In regards to sex, this means making sure that everyone is comfortable and consensual before, during, and after any sexual encounters. Let go of any expectations or preconceived notions about sex for a mutual benefit, and being open to new experiences. This can also be a call to treat yourself to beautiful things for the bedroom, from silk sheets to expensive lingerie.

XII The Hanged Man/One - Surrender, Release, Reversal.

Astrological association – Neptune

This well-hung Hanged Man card is about releasing yourself from any pre-conceived notions or expectations that you may have around sex. It’s about letting go of what you think the societal assumptions regarding sexuality are, and instead exploring what feels natural and right for you.

XIII Death - Change, Transformation, Endings.

Astrological association – Scorpio

Death is about change, transformation, and endings. It’s about letting go of the past and embracing the new. It’s about moving on from a relationship or situation that is no longer serving you. What begins when we leave our hang-ups at the door? What starts for you when you embrace intimate newness and reinvigorated energy? This is the reminder to stop doing what doesn’t work for you, just because it may work for others.

XIV Temperance - Balance, Moderation, Unity.

Astrological association – Sagittarius

It’s about finding a middle ground between two extremes. It’s about creating harmony between opposing forces. There is so much to enjoy in the ebb and the flow with Temperance. What does this mean for you in your current situation? How can you find a way to bring peace to a chaotic situation? If you are working with a partner, where is the middle ground between what you both want?

XV The Devil - Bondage, Addiction, Materialism.

Astrological association – Capricorn

This Devil is about bondage, addiction, and materialism. It’s about being trapped by your own desires and cravings. It’s about being controlled by your possessions or your need for approval from others. How can you break free from these chains? How can you find liberation from your self-imposed limitations? Is there an element of excess desire that needs to be brought back into balance? If you find yourself relying too much on tangible aspects in the bedroom, now is the time to get creative without them, and find the freedom in this. And of course, I’d be a fool not to mention BDSM…

XVI The Tower - Destruction, Upheaval, Chaos.

Astrological association – Mars

It’s about being faced with sudden change or an unexpected event. We all know about experiencing a crisis that shakes you to your core. Are you having a sexual crisis? What do you need to let go of, which has already been crumbling before you, in order to move forward? The Tower card to me is the “not my house, not my bedroom” tarot meaning, so finding somewhere new to lay the foundations of a more adventurous sex life may be just what you need. Hotel rooms, party bathrooms, garden floors… make of this what you will.

XVII The Star - Hope, Guidance, Inspiration.

Astrological association – Aquarius

It’s about having faith and trusting your intuition. The Star is a sweet vanilla reminder that you are on the right path, even when things are tough. Keep your chin up and don’t give up! Everyone likes vanilla things every once in a while to keep us going. And nobody minds having kisses planted like constellations all over your body…

XVIII The Moon - Illusion, Hidden, Deception.

Astrological association – Pisces

It’s about being lost in your own head and not being able to see clearly. The Moon is a reminder that things are not always as they seem. Sex shows, porn, all feed into the illusion.. and blindfolds can always keep things hidden. Intuitively do you know what a feather feels like? Soft warm melted wax?

XIX The Sun - Success, Happiness, Vitality.

Astrological association – the Sun

It’s about finally achieving your goals and feeling the joy of success. The Sun is a reminder that your hard work has paid off and that you are deserving of all the good things in life. Surround yourself with sex-positive people and enjoy your well-deserved success in your bodily discovery. Pleasure in the warmth of the sun, in front of a fire, and even in warm water (whether bathtub or spa) can be exactly what you need to celebrate this.

XX Judgement - Reflection, Rebirth, Awakening.

Astrological association – Pluto

It’s about coming to terms with the past and making a fresh start. Judgment is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a change. You have all the power within you to create the life you want. And speaking of reflection, mirrors aren’t necessarily the horror you think they are – neither are open windows.

XXI The World - Travel, Wisdom Gained, Accomplishments.

Astrological association – Saturn

It’s about feeling like you’ve made it and accomplished everything you set out to do. The World is a reminder that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. A fun activity could be a worldwide wishlist of places you’d like to visit, as well as learning about specific sex themes for those countries. India and the Kama Sutra is a great place to start…