1. The Fool (0) – The Ordinary World
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero starts in their ordinary world, unaware of the adventure ahead.
Indicators: The hero lives a normal life, but there is a sense of anticipation or a need for change.
Tarot Correspondence: The Fool represents the hero’s innocence, openness, and readiness to embark on an adventure.
2. The Magician (1) – Call to Adventure
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero receives a call to leave their ordinary world and embark on an adventure.
Indicators: The hero encounters an opportunity or challenge that sets the journey in motion.
Tarot Correspondence: The Magician symbolizes the hero’s realization of their potential and the initiation of their quest.
3. The High Priestess (2) – Refusal of the Call
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero initially refuses the call due to fear or reluctance.
Indicators: The hero hesitates, reflecting on their fears and the unknown.
Tarot Correspondence: The High Priestess represents intuition and inner reflection, highlighting the internal conflict and hesitation.
4. The Empress (3) – Meeting with the Mentor
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero meets a mentor who provides guidance and encouragement.
Indicators: The hero receives advice, training, or magical gifts that help them prepare for the journey.
Tarot Correspondence: The Empress symbolizes nurturing and support, akin to the mentor’s role in providing guidance.
5. The Emperor (4) – Crossing the Threshold
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero commits to the journey, leaving the ordinary world and entering the special world.
Indicators: The hero takes a decisive step, crossing the point of no return.
Tarot Correspondence: The Emperor represents structure and authority, marking the hero’s commitment to their quest.
6. The Hierophant (5) – Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero faces tests, makes allies, and confronts enemies.
Indicators: The hero encounters challenges that test their resolve and abilities, forming crucial relationships.
Tarot Correspondence: The Hierophant symbolizes learning and mentorship, reflecting the lessons and alliances formed during this stage.
7. The Lovers (6) – Approach to the Inmost Cave
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero prepares for the major challenge in the special world.
Indicators: The hero and their allies make plans and gather strength for the ordeal ahead.
Tarot Correspondence: The Lovers represent choices and relationships, highlighting the hero’s preparation and the importance of bonds.
8. The Chariot (7) – The Ordeal
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero faces their greatest challenge and confronts their darkest fears.
Indicators: The hero engages in a life-or-death struggle, emerging transformed.
Tarot Correspondence: The Chariot symbolizes determination and victory, reflecting the hero’s triumph over the ordeal.
9. Strength (8) – Reward (Seizing the Sword)
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero earns a reward after overcoming the ordeal.
Indicators: The hero gains a treasure, knowledge, or significant achievement.
Tarot Correspondence: Strength represents inner strength and courage, symbolizing the hero’s newfound power or reward.
10. The Hermit (9) – The Road Back
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world.
Indicators: The hero starts to return home but faces additional challenges.
Tarot Correspondence: The Hermit symbolizes introspection and wisdom, reflecting the hero’s reflection on their journey and the challenges ahead.
11. Wheel of Fortune (10) – Resurrection
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero faces a final test where everything is at stake.
Indicators: The hero undergoes a transformation, experiencing a metaphorical death and rebirth.
Tarot Correspondence: The Wheel of Fortune represents change and cycles, mirroring the hero’s resurrection and transformation.
12. Justice (11) – Return with the Elixir
Hero’s Journey Stage: The hero returns to the ordinary world with the elixir, bringing new knowledge or power.
Indicators: The hero’s journey concludes with the hero sharing their gained wisdom or treasure.
Tarot Correspondence: Justice symbolizes balance and truth, reflecting the hero’s return with a newfound sense of equilibrium and insight.
Extended Correspondences
To cover the remaining Major Arcana cards and add more depth to the Hero’s Journey stages, here are additional mappings:
13. The Hanged Man (12) – Additional Insights and Trials
Hero’s Journey Stage: Reflecting on lessons learned and gaining new perspectives.
Indicators: The hero experiences delays or sacrifices that lead to deeper understanding.
Tarot Correspondence: The Hanged Man represents seeing things from a new perspective and gaining enlightenment through sacrifice.
14. Death (13) – Major Transformation
Hero’s Journey Stage: Undergoing significant transformation and letting go of the old self.
Indicators: The hero experiences profound change, often symbolizing the death of the old self.
Tarot Correspondence: Death signifies transformation and the end of one phase, making way for a new beginning.
15. Temperance (14) – Integrating Lessons
Hero’s Journey Stage: Balancing and integrating lessons learned throughout the journey.
Indicators: The hero finds harmony and balance, blending different elements of their experience.
Tarot Correspondence: Temperance symbolizes balance and moderation, reflecting the integration of the hero’s experiences.
16. The Devil (15) – Facing Inner Demons
Hero’s Journey Stage: Confronting inner fears, temptations, and limitations.
Indicators: The hero faces and overcomes inner obstacles and temptations.
Tarot Correspondence: The Devil represents facing inner shadows and breaking free from limitations.
17. The Tower (16) – Crisis and Revelation
Hero’s Journey Stage: Experiencing a crisis that leads to a breakthrough and revelation.
Indicators: The hero faces sudden upheaval that results in greater awareness and insight.
Tarot Correspondence: The Tower symbolizes dramatic change and revelation, reflecting the hero’s awakening through crisis.
18. The Star (17) – Hope and Renewal
Hero’s Journey Stage: Finding hope, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Indicators: The hero experiences a period of calm and inspiration, guiding them forward.
Tarot Correspondence: The Star represents hope, renewal, and a clear vision for the future.
19. The Moon (18) – Navigating the Subconscious
Hero’s Journey Stage: Exploring deeper emotional and subconscious realms.
Indicators: The hero faces illusions and uncertainties, gaining insight into their inner world.
Tarot Correspondence: The Moon symbolizes navigating the subconscious and confronting hidden fears.
20. The Sun (19) – Achieving Success and Vitality
Hero’s Journey Stage: Reaching a state of joy, clarity, and success.
Indicators: The hero achieves their goals and experiences happiness and fulfillment.
Tarot Correspondence: The Sun represents success, vitality, and the joy of achievement.
21. Judgement (20) – Final Evaluation and Rebirth
Hero’s Journey Stage: Undergoing a final evaluation and experiencing rebirth.
Indicators: The hero reflects on their journey, gaining profound insight and understanding.
Tarot Correspondence: Judgement symbolizes rebirth and the culmination of the hero’s journey, leading to a new beginning.
22. The World (21) – Completion and Wholeness
Hero’s Journey Stage: Achieving wholeness and completing the journey.
Indicators: The hero returns home, transformed and whole, ready for a new cycle.
Tarot Correspondence: The World represents the completion of the journey, fulfillment, and readiness for new adventures.