The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed..

[pitiedthefool]

The Fool

0

The Fool Arcana does not mean it that can be taken lightly. The Fool is number zero. It is the void from which all other things begin." The Fool represents innocence, divine inspiration, madness, freedom, spontaneity, inexperience, chaos, and creativity. Upright, it represents new beginnings, most probably of journeys which may be possibly mental, physical or spiritual. The beginning of a new life-cycle. Energy, force, happiness and optimism. The overturning of the status quo or existing states by unexpected happenings. Innocence, naivety, and spontaneity. Important decisions that need to be made. Reversed, however, represents ill advised risks, impulsive action, choices and rash decisions. Foolishness, gambling, instability and the wasting or frittering way of creative energy. A bad time for commitments and can be an indication of someone who starts many new things but never finishes them. They may also consistently seek changes in their environment or job. The Fool is represented by S.E.E.S. in Persona 3 and the Investigation Team of Persona 4. It is also Yu's Arcana, with the Reverse or 'Pierrot' being reserved for Tohru Adachi.

The Magician

I

Attaining one's dream requires a stern will and unfailing determination. The Magician is commonly associated with action, initiative, self-confidence, manipulation and power (especially of one's own talents). Upright, it represents mastery of the material world, creative action, self discipline and a willingness to take risks. An ability to recognize one's own potential, the power to initiate, communication and wit. Reversed, however, represents confusion, hesitation, inability to make decisive choices. Inability to properly utilize time or talents. A lack of inspiration or energy. Giving up easily, poor self image, poor co-ordination and sometimes learning difficulties. Keywords: Action, Consciousness, Concentration, Personal power, Practicality, Energy, Creativity, Movement, Precision, Conviction, Manipulation, Self confidence,  Objectivity, Focus, Determination, Initiative Examples of the Magician Arcana are Yuka Ayase of Persona, Junpei Iori and Kenji Tomochika of Persona 3 and Yosuke Hanamura of Persona 4.

The Priestess

II

The silent voice within one's heart whispers the most profound wisdom. The Priestess Arcana is a symbol of hidden knowledge or other untapped power, wisdom, female mystery and magic when it appears in tarot readings. Upright, it represents Intuition, wisdom and secret knowledge, the feminine side of the male personality. Something remains yet to be revealed, but patience must be observed. Duality and mystery. Hidden influences affect both home and work and intuitive insight suggests new solutions. The influence of women. Reversed, however, represents Lack of personal harmony and problems resulting from a lack of foresight. Suppression of the feminine or intuitive side of the personality. Facile and surface knowledge. repression and ignorance of true facts and feelings. In women, an inability to come to terms with other women or themselves. Things and circumstances are not what they seem. Keywords: Knowingness, Love, Relationships, Wisdom, Sound judgment, Serenity, Common sense, Intuition Mystical vision, Introspection, Otherworldliness. Examples of the Priestess Arcana are Maki Sonomura of Persona, Fuuka Yamagishi of Persona 3 and Yukiko Amagi of Persona 4.

The Empress

III

Celebrate life's grandeur...its brilliance...its magnificence... The Empress represents prosperity, creativity, sexuality, abundance, fertility and comfort (most often in helping maintain peace around them like an ideal mother would). Upright, it represents the promotion of well-being and security. Creativeness in financial affairs, love and parenthood. Maternal care, domestic stability, abundance and material wealth. Fertility, security, achievement of goals and growth. Reversed, however, represents possible domestic problems, financial difficulties, lack of affection and achievement. Creative blocks and possible problems with a relationship. Infertility, sterility or promiscuity and/or unwanted pregnancy. Poverty. Keywords: Mothering, Fertility, Sexuality, Abundance, Material prosperity, Pleasure, Comfort, Power, Nature, Delight, Desire, Physical attraction, Health, Sensuality, Beauty, Satisfaction Examples of the Empress Arcana are Yukino Mayuzumi of Persona, Mitsuru Kirijo of Persona 3 and Margaret of Persona 4.

The Emperor

IV

Only courage in the face of doubt can lead one to the answer... The Emperor symbolizes the desire to control one's surroundings, and its appearance could suggest that one is trying too hard to achieve this, possibly causing trouble for others; some elements in life are just not controllable. Upright, it represents competitiveness, forcefulness in development and execution. Authority, structure, governmental and corporate identities. Worldly power, self control gained through experience. Ability to shoulder responsibility. Powerful individuals, ambition together with the possibility of long term achievement. Reversed, however, represents the loss or dislike of authority, corporate governmental or parental. Immaturity and indecision. Weakness, manipulative friends or colleagues. Keywords: Fathering, Stability, Authority, Power, Control, Discipline, Command, Common sense, Status quo, Order, Structure, Egocentrism, Tradition, Rigidity, Leadership, Experience, Inflexibility, Conservative ways, Organization Examples of the Emperor Arcana are The Protagonist of Persona, Hidetoshi Odagiri and Akihiko Sanada of Persona 3 and Kanji Tatsumi of Persona 4.

The Hierophant

V

It is indeed a precious gift to understand the forces that guides oneself... The Hierophant is a symbol of education, authority, conservatism, obedience to rules and relationship with the divine. The definition of a "hierophant" is a person who interprets sacred mysteries or esoteric principles. Upright, it represents ritual and routine, religious guidance and authority, education in its formal sense. A seeker after knowledge and wisdom. Good sound advice, teaching and constructive counsel. Marriage, partnerships and morality. Reversed, however, represents misleading or dubious advice, poor counsel, slander and propaganda. Beware of first impressions. Distortion of truth and a bad time for signing agreements. Misleading advertisements. Unconventionality and rejection of family values. Keywords: Education, Knowledge, Status quo, Institution, Conservatism, Discipline, Maturity, Formality, Deception, Power, Respect, Duality, Social convention, Belief system, Group identification, Experience, Tradition, Naïve Examples of the Hierophant Arcana are Kei Nanjo of Persona, the Elderly Couple (Bunkichi and Mitsuko), and Shinjiro Aragaki of Persona 3 and Ryotaro Dojima of Persona 4.

The Lovers

VI

There is both joy and wonder in coming to understand another... The Lovers Arcana initially represented two paths life could lead to, and thus a symbol of standing at a crossroad and needing to make a decision. Today, however, it is portrayed more of a symbol of love and romantic relationships, although it can also be a symbol of finding agreement with an ordinary friend or even two conflicting elements within. Upright, it represents harmony and union, choices to be made using intuition and not intellect. Difficult decisions to be made not necessarily about love. Some form of test and consideration about commitments. Abstract thought, internal harmony and union, second sight. Possibly a struggle between two paths. Reversed, however, represents contradiction, deception, disharmony, duality and one's own internal conflict. Infidelity, and romantic disturbances. Indecisiveness, postponing choices and a warning not to make important decisions at this time. Keywords: Love relationship, Union, Passion, Sexuality, Pleasure, Humanism, Desire, Personal beliefs, Individual values, Physical attraction, Connection, Affinity, Bonding, Romance, Heart Examples of the Lovers Arcana are Lisa Silverman of Persona, Yukari Takeba of Persona 3 and Rise Kujikawa of Persona 4.

The Chariot

VII

One of life's greatest blessings is the freedom to pursue one's goals. The Chariot a symbol of victory, conquest, self-assertion, control, war and command. Upright, it represents triumph over adversity, overcoming life's obstacles, decisiveness and ambition in achieving one's goals, well deserved victory. A period of struggle ending in worldly success. Self control, effort, perseverance. Working within the boundaries of one's life to build up a successful existence. Reversed, however, represents a disregard for others, envy, avarice. Loss of control and chaos in one's personal life possibly due to personal flaws. Imbalance. Destruction. A warning against overwhelming ambition and high expectations. The continuation of outdated ideas and traditions. Keywords: Conquest, Honor, Victory, Energy, Egocentrism, Self-confidence, Conviction, Anxiety, Willpower, Self-assertion, Hard control, Discipline, Inflexibility, Success, Wealth, Recognition, Impulsivity, Command, Bravery, Pride Examples of the Chariot Arcana are Masao "Mark" Inaba of Persona, Kazushi Miyamoto of Persona 3 and Chie Satonaka of Persona 4.

The Justice

VIII

To find the one true path, one must seek guidance amidst uncertainty... The Justice Arcana symbolizes a strict allegory of justice, objectivity, rationality and analysis. Upright, it represents amicable and favourable resolution of conflicts. Triumph over bigotry and prejudice. Legal action. Litigation. Contracts. Settlement. Divorce. Sometimes marriage depending upon the other cards and normally only when marriage contracts, legal or financial documents are a necessary part of the intended union. Clarity. Fairness. Arbitration. A straightforward choice. Judgement. Reversed, however, represents injustice. Inequality and bias. Separations not yet ratified or legalised. Delay. imbalance. Confusion surrounding legal or tax affairs. Complicate negotiations. unfair or delayed judgement. Keywords: Impartiality, Distance, Coldness, Justice, Objective mind, Criticism, Being clever, Insensitivity, Decision, Intellect, Analysis, Realism, Severity, Responsibility, Rationality, Clear vision, Logic and reason Examples of the Justice Arcana are Hidehiko Uesugi of Persona, Katsuya Suou of Persona 2, Chihiro Fushimi and Ken Amada of Persona 3 and Nanako Dojima of Persona 4.

The Hermit

IX

It requires great courage to look at oneself honestly, and forge one's own path... The Hermit is associated with wisdom, introspection, solitude, retreat and philosophical searches. Upright, it represents caution. Discretion. Need for prudence. Counsel sought and taken. Inner calm. A need to reach into one's inner resources. Assimilation. Planning. A wise guide or spiritual mentor. A time to stand back and reflect upon circumstances. Reversed, however, represents refusal of counsel or assistance. immaturity. Isolation from others. A negative resistance towards help. Groundless suspicions about the motives of others. Imprudent actions or decisions. The continuation of bad habits or unproductive lifestyles. Foolish obstinacy. The reliance on one's own resources that are inadequate. Keywords: Introspection, Silence, Guidance, Reflection, Solitude, Looking inward, Reclusion, Being quiet, Inner search, Deep understanding, Isolation, Distance, Retreat, Philosophical attitude Examples of the Hermit Arcana are "Maya" (Isako Toriumi) and Jin Shirato of Persona 3 and the Fox of Persona 4.

The Fortune

X

Alongside time exists fate, the bearer of cruelty. The Fortune Arcana symbolizes Fate and varying luck, fortunes and opportunities. What goes up will go down, what goes down will go up. Upright, it represents effortless success. Good fortune that is unexpected. Coincidences. Luck. The beginning of a new cycle. Advancement. Positive upheaval. Change. A card of good fortune, the appearance of destiny and Karmic change. Reversed, however, represents bad luck that is unexpected. Resistance to change. Unexpected interruptions. A warning against gambling. Difficulties. Delays. Keywords: Turning point, Opportunities, Possibilities, Destiny, Fate, Superior Forces, Movement, Development, Activity, Surprises, Expansion, Sudden Events, Speed, New Developments, Life Cycles, Interpretation, Sudden Change, Dissension, Approachability Examples of the Fortune Arcana are Jun Kurosu of Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Keisuke Hiraga and Takaya Sakaki of Persona 3 with Ryoji Mochizuki for the female path in Persona 3: Portable, and Naoto Shirogane of Persona 4.

The Strength/Lust

XI

Only with strength can one endure suffering and torment. The Strength Arcana symbolizes an imagery beyond the Beast And Beauty, and is associated with the morality about the stronger power of self-control, gentleness, courage and virtue over brute force. In tarot readings, it can also represent creative or physical energy that needs to be or is about to be unleashed, sometimes out of desire to be recognized. Upright, it represents courage. Self control. The virtue of Fortitude. The power of love. Control of passion against one's baser instincts. Determination. Generosity. Strength and power under control. Energy. Optimism. Generosity, resolve and reconciliation. Reversed, however, represents power wrongly used. Defeat. Lack of willpower. Feelings of inadequacy. Pessimism. Surrender to unworthy impulses. Tyranny. Concession. Inability to act. Keywords: Self-control, Being solid, Patience, Compassion, Composure, Stability, Perseverance, Moderation, Kindness, Gentleness, Slowness, Softness, Serenity, Comprehension, Discipline, Inner strength Examples of the Strength Arcana are Yuko Nishiwaki and Koromaru of Persona 3 and Kou Ichijo or Daisuke Nagase of Persona 4. The sole example of the Lust Arcana is a Persona 4: The Golden spoiler and thus will not be given yet. This part is only here to say yes, it does indeed exist.

The Hanged Man

XII

In the face of disaster lies the opportunity for renewal. The Hanged Man Arcana is associated with self-sacrifice for the sake of enlightenment, the bindings that makes one free, paradoxes and hanging between heaven and earth. Upright, it represents devotion to a worthwhile cause. Temporary suspension of progress. Flexibility of mind and a willingness to adapt to changes. Sacrifice in the present to reap benefit in the future. A waiting period. Rebirth. Sacrificing one thing to obtain another. Transformation. Circumstances literally turned on their head. Reversed, however, defers to a sense of loss. Lack of commitment. Preoccupation with selfish and material things. Despite drawbacks a preference for the status quo. Oppression. Apathy in pursuit of goals. Taking the view 'Better the devil you know'. Failure to act with an inability to move forward or progress. Keywords: Sacrifice, Letting go, Surrendering, Passivity, Suspension, Acceptance, Renunciation, Patience, New point of view, Contemplation, Inner harmony, Conformism, Non-action, Waiting, Giving up Examples of the Hanged Man Arcana are Baofu from Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, Maiko and Chidori Yoshino of Persona 3 and Naoki Konishi of Persona 4.

The Death

XIII

Beyond the beaten path lies the absolute end. It matters not who you are... Death awaits you. The Death Arcana, while it is associated with foreboding and of doom, Death Arcana also symbolizes the metamorphosis and deep change, regeneration and cycles. Upright, it represents he beginning of a new life. As a result of underlying circumstances transformation and change. Major changes. The end of a phase in life which has served its purpose. Abrupt and complete change of circumstances, way of life and patterns of behavior due to past events and actions. Alterations. Reversed, however, represents change that is both painful and unpleasant. A refusal to face the fear of change or change itself. Agonising periods of transition. Inertia. Lethargy. Mental, physical or emotional exhaustion. Keywords: Ending of a cycle, Loss, Conclusion, Sadness, Transition into a new state, Psychological transformation, Finishing up, Regeneration, Elimination of old patterns, Being caught in the inescapable, Good-byes, Deep change Examples of the Death Arcana are Eikichi Mishina of Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Pharos/Ryoji Mochizuki of Persona 3 and Hisano Kuroda of Persona 4.

The Temperance

XIV

"But... it's wonderful to be able to protect someone who matters to you... You showed me that joy..." The Temperance Arcana is a symbol of synthesis, prudence, harmony, and the merging of opposites. Upright, it represents combination. Co-operation. Co-ordination. Innovation through combination. Diplomacy. Successful Negotiations. Maturity in dealing with certain matters. A placid, balanced temperament and good outlook. Meaning literally, temperance in the sense of harmony and balance. good management. An ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Reversed, however, represents imbalance. Volatility. Poor judgement. fickle decisions. Conflicting interests. Physical stress. Disagreements. Restlessness and instability. trying to combine too many or the wrong elements in too short an expanse of time. Keywords: Temperance, Harmony, Balance, Health, Moderation, Joining forces, Well-being, Recovery, Equilibrium, Transcendence, Unification, Healing, Synthesis, Bringing together opposites, Feeling secure Examples of the Temperance Arcana are Andre Roland Jean Gérard (also known as Bebe) of Persona 3 and Eri Minami (quoted above) of Persona 4.

The Devil

XV

"What made me think of you at this time? Well, I guess you did teach me a thing or two about loyalty..." The Devil Arcana is often portrayed as those with the urge to do selfish, impulsive, violent things and be slave to ones' own impulse and feelings. Occasionally, it is also portrayed as a symbol of temptation. The positive aspect, however, represents a healthy bond or commitment. Upright, it represents money matters. Feeling the burden of the material side of life. Desire for physical and material things. Feeling of frustration and oppression. A tendency to collect and hoard money and material objects. Lust. Sexual obsession. The querent's knowledge of his or her own needs, wants and desires. Security versus creative or spiritual fulfillment. Reversed, however, represents true evil. Abuse of authority. Material success is the focus to the exclusion of all other things. Uncontrolled ambition. Greed. Bondage to a person or situation or thing. Emotional blackmail. More severe forms of the above. True evil. Keywords: Materialism, Ignorance, Stagnation, Self-bondage, Lust, Egoism, Obsession, Anxiety, Anger, Hedonism, Passion, Instincts, Sexuality, Temptation, Doubt, Vice, Futility, Physical attraction, Pessimism, Insight Examples of the Devil Arcana are Reiji Kido of Persona, Tanaka (quoted above) of Persona 3 and Sayoko Uehara of Persona 4.

The Tower

XVI

"To tell the truth, to be brave, to stand up again, to believe... You taught me all those things... You have to believe that you're not alone either, Mister... The Tower Arcana is commonly associated to overly arrogant, prejudiced and authoritarian organization, which walk to their own ironic demise. Furthermore, it is also more generically used as an omen of doom and disaster. Upright, it represents disruption. Conflict. Change. Sudden violent loss. Overthrow of an existing way of life. Major changes. Disruption of well worn routines. Ruin and disturbance. Dramatic upheaval. change of residence or job sometimes both at once. Widespread repercussions of actions. In the end, enlightenment and freedom. Reversed, however, represents negativity. Restriction of desires and imprisonment. Less sever forms of the above. Drastic change that may rob the individual of freedom of expression. Sometimes bankruptcy and imprisonment. more usually imprisonment within a set of circumstances which cannot currently be altered. Sudden changes out of one's control. Less severe forms of the above. Keywords: Chaos, Sudden change, Impact, Hard times, Crisis, Revelation, Disruption, Realizing the truth, Disillusion, Crash, Burst, Uncomfortable experience, Downfall, Ruin, Ego blow, Explosive transformation Examples of the Tower Arcana are Mutatsu of Persona 3 and Shu Nakajima (quoted above) of Persona 4.

The Star

XVII

"It's a strong card, one that gives hope to those on the ground below. It shines in times of need. But, eventually, it is destined to fall to the earth and disappear... Even I can feel the sadness of this inescapable destiny..." —Margaret The Star Arcana is also commonly associated hope, self-confidence, faith, altruism, luck, generosity, peace and joy. Upright, it represents fresh hope and renewal. Healing of old wounds. Hope. renewal of faith and hope. Spiritual love. A mental and physical broadening of horizons. Promise and fulfillment. inspiration. Influence over others. Vigour and confidence. Protection. Reversed, however, represents self-doubt. Stubbornness. Unwillingness or inability to adapt to changing circumstances and accept the opportunities it may bring. Lack of trust and self-doubt. Obstacles to happiness. Diminished life. Inability to freely express oneself. Rigidity of mind. Keywords: Calmness, Free-flowing love, Trust, Tranquility, Peace of mind, Pure essence, Hope, Serenity, Inspiration, Generosity, Optimism, Joy, Faith, Regeneration, Good will, Optimism, Harmony, Renewal of forces Examples of the Star Arcana are Ulala Serizawa of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, Mamoru Hayase of Persona 3 with Akihiko Sanada for the female route in Persona 3: Portable, and Teddie ofPersona 4.

The Moon

XVIII

"Don't you care that I won't be able to take another step forward if you disappear…? I… couldn't stick by someone who'd do that to me…" The Moon Arcana is associated with creativity, inspiration, dreams, madness, illusions, fear, fantasy, the subconscious and trickery. In tarot readings, it can also represent being attuned subconsciously to the world around, gaining the ability to sense things without being told about them or without anyone else knowing (which means that some identify this Arcana with psychic energy). Upright, it represents imagination. Dreams and psychic impressions. Sometimes psychic work. Illusions. Inability to see things clearly sometimes resulting in personal depression. Sometimes signifies fiction writing or acting, particularly work in the entertainment industry. Losing control of one's daily life. The unconscious mind.. Reversed, however, represents the exaggerated forms of the above. The need for secrecy. Deception. Illusion. Escape into daydreams to avoid dealing with reality. Inability to discern reality from illusion. Insincere people. Hidden forces. Trickery. Sometimes an inability to tell the truth. Despair and a desperate need for help. Keywords: Lack of clarity, Tension, Doubt, Fantasy, Deception, Psychological conflict, Obscured vision, Confusion, Illusion, Fear, Imagination, Worry, Romanticism, Anxiety, Apprehension, Unrealistic ideas Examples of the Moon Arcana are Maya Amano of Persona 2: Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment, Nozomi Suemitsu of Persona 3 with Shinjiro Aragaki for the female route in Persona 3: Portable, and Ai Ebihara (quoted above) of Persona 4.

The Sun

XIX

"You idiot... Always insisting on doing everything yourself...Some things, you can only do because you're not alone… It doesn't matter if it's a boyfriend, a friend, or family… You'll always have to part someday. But… Our bonds mean we never truly have to say farewell…" The Sun Arcana symbolizes happiness, joy, energy, optimism, and accomplishment. Occasionally, it is also associated with one's initial happiness. Upright, it represents contentment and happiness on attaining success. Good Health. Material happiness. Mental, physical and spiritual vitality. New inventors or inventions. Academic and particularly scientific success. Reward. Acclaim. Approval. Children. Abundance of energy. Achievement. Joy and happiness. Reversed, however, represents troubled partnerships and marriages. Diminished forms of the above. Broken engagements and contracts. Sometimes, autism, learning disabilities or allergies. Hyperactivity. Failure. Arrogance. Relationship difficulties. Vanity. Hypersensitivity. Misjudgement. Delayed Happiness. Keywords: Optimism, Expansion, Being radiant, Positive feelings, Enlightenment, Vitality, Innocence, Non-criticism, Assurance, Energy, Personal power, Happiness, Splendor, Brilliance, Joy, Enthusiasm Examples of the Sun Arcana are Tatsuya Suou of Persona 2: Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment, Akinari Kamiki of Persona 3 and Yumi Ozawa or Ayane Matsunaga of Persona 4.

The Judgement/Aeon

XX

Only with sound judgement can one seek out and act on the truth that exists enshrouded by falsehood. As the Judgement Arcana, it symbolizes the protagonists' actions and decisions late-in the game, symbolizing a person's awareness of himself, and others, but is also the Aeon for Social Links for individual characters alongside Judgement. Upright, it represents changes and improvements. Satisfactory outcome to a specific matter or period of life. Joy in accomplishment. Awakening. Rebirth. A good time for career moves. renewed, health, vitality and mental clarity. Sometimes indicates important pending decisions that will change the pattern of life for the better. Reversed, however, represents stagnation. Delay in concluding a series of actions. Fear of change and sometimes fear of death. Lack of progress due to lack of important decision making. Loss and separation, not necessarily permanent. Guilt. Keywords: Judgment, Rebirth, Inner Calling, Absolution, Restart, Accepting past mistakes/actions, Release, Forgiveness, End of repression, Reconciliation, Renewal, Decision, Salvation, New beginnings, Hope, Redemption Examples of the Judgement Arcana are Eriko Kirishima of Persona and Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, the Nyx Annihilation Team in Persona 3 and the Seekers of Truth in Persona 4. Examples of the Aeon Arcana are Aigis of Persona 3 and Marie of Persona 4 Golden.

The World/Universe

XXI

It is with great joy and wonder when our many bonds with others become our universe. The World Arcana is a powerful arcana in the Persona series, often appearing as the final triumph arcana that creates miracles and aids the protagonists. The World or Universe is commonly associated with every Social Link, its power based upon the user's bonds with others. Upright, it represents ccomplishment. Fulfillment. Completion of a personal cycle, project, series of events or chapter in life. Success. A culmination of events. A sense of repleteness. Reversed, however, represents frustration. Completion delayed. Sometimes fear of change. Inability to bring something to a satisfactory end. resistance to change. Lack of trust. Despite appearances to the contrary, an indication that events have not yet come to a conclusion but are nearing completion. Hesitation. Keywords: Fulfillment, Accomplishment, Success, Integration, Involvement, Prospering, Satisfaction, Repleteness, Contentment, Good feelings, Wholeness An example of the World Arcana are Yu Narukami of Persona 4, and an example of the Universe Arcana are both the male and female protagonists of Persona 3.

Information collected from wikipedia.org, the Shin Megami Sensei wikia, and paranormality.com