Ruling Arcana 2021: the High Priest and the 12 months

The ruling arcana in 2021 will be The High Priest, also known as The Pope or The Hierophant, a card identified with the number V (5) in the group of the Major Arcana of the Tarot.

Note: According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), the term hierophant refers to the priest of Eleusis (Greece), who presided over the celebration of the sacred mysteries; or a master of hidden notions.

Traditionally, Tarot practitioners calculate the annual ruling arcane through a numerological operation, in which each of the components of the figure is added.

In the case of 2021, the process would comprise the sum of 2 + 0 + 2 + 1, resulting in the number 5 (V), corresponding to The High Priest, Pope, or Hierophant (for this exercise we use the major arcana of a Marseille Tarot deck).

Ruling Arcana 2021: meaning

---

As regent arcane 2021, The High Priest speaks to us of the search for wisdom and inner peace; the recognition of our weaknesses and strengths; the connection with the divine/sacred; perseverance in purpose; and trust in one’s own intuition.

Despite emphasizing self-knowledge and ethical principles, The High Priest as Arcanum for 2021 emphasizes the need to put what has been learned into practice and share experience, because only in this way is knowledge transformed into wisdom.

The major arcana V likewise invites you to act sensibly in the face of events; create real structures for the construction of our goals; and avoid conformism and apathy (don’t get caught in the comfort zone, and bet on your personal and professional improvement).

Arcana 2021: How to obtain additional information?

Being a major arcana associated with stability (emotional and material), The High Priest, as the ruling arcana 2021, also warns about the risks of stagnation; cling to the known; spread false information; or assume fanatical, dogmatic, and radical attitudes.

To recognize (and conquer) these challenging tendencies, we can turn to the accompaniment of spiritual teachers, advisers and specialists, who will help us to gain insight; do consciousness work; trust our decisions; and aim for higher targets.

It is important to note that, in addition to the numerological operation traditionally used to obtain the annual ruling arcana, there are other ways to obtain complementary information: the sum of two arcana, assigning an arcana for each number, and a random card.

The sum of two arcana

This system proposes dividing the number that represents the current year, into two equal parts, thereby exposing two different arcana, and the corresponding available energy, in the context of the Tarot.

In the case of 2021, the first component would be 20, and the second 21. As you will remember, in the major arcana of the Tarot, the number 20 (XX) corresponds to The Judgment, and the number 21 (XXI) to The World.

The Judgment (arcanum XX) refers us to the concepts of recapitulation, transformation, and rebirth. Also, it indicates the conclusion of cycles, and to receive (in justice) what we deserve, according to our actions.

For its part, El Mundo (arcanum XXI) refers to personal fulfillment, success, the state of well-being, and satisfactory endings. This arcanum speaks of celebrating triumph, and preparing for new beginnings.

Combined, they suggest tests passed; mission accomplished; prosperous beginnings and endings; new insights; resolution of old conflicts; and serenity.

Note: on another level of reading, arcanum XX leads us to arcanum II The High Priestess or Popess (2 + 0 = 2), and arcanum XXI to arcanum III (2 + 1 = 3), The Empress. The union of both cards, evidently female, heralds a period of planning, which precedes creation.

One arcanum per number

With this methodology, we identify each of the digits that make up the number of the year, with a Major Arcana of the Tarot. By 2021, we would use The Priestess (Arcane II); The Fool (arcanum 0); again the Priestess (arcanum II); and The Magician (arcanum I).

This combination alludes to making use of the acquired knowledge (The Priestess); open up to new paths (The Fool); and prepare to take action (The Priestess), without fear of using our true potential and taking advantage of opportunities (The Magician).

Arcana 2021 for each month

---

Arcana 2021: January

The Arcanum of January 2021 will be number XXI (21), The World. This card was selected at random, from the major arcana of the Marseille Tarot deck, a system widely used by tarologists and tarot readers, to obtain general information/guidance on a certain period of time.

As the ruling Arcanum of January 2021, The World refers us to the process of personal fulfillment, victory over obstacles, the search for new challenges, deserved recognition, and the state of well-being.

The World, in its role as the ruling Arcanum of January 2021, points the way towards the evolution of being; growth opportunities; the highest view of yourself and your goals; and what you can contribute to the collective.

In its most challenging facet, it warns us about the fear of success; imposter syndrome; stagnation in the comfort zone; the risk of isolation; and the need to commit to your goals.

Remember that the success that arcane XXI represents is not a gift, it is the reward for effort, dedication, and decisions made with courage, to materialize your dreams.

Arcana 2021: February

The Arcanum of February 2021 will be number VI (6) The Lovers. This card was selected at random, from the major arcana of the Marseille Tarot, a system widely used by tarologists and tarot readers, to obtain general information/guidance on a certain period of time.

As the ruling Arcanum of February 2021, it refers us to the concept of duality (female – male / night – day); the importance of romantic relationships; collaboration at work; professional and personal alliances; the intuition; and momentous decisions.

The Lovers, in its role as Arcanum of February 2021, invites prudence; the validation of self-love; the recognition of the fullness of being (you are not the better half, you are complete); confidence in one’s own choices; and reflection before action.

In its most challenging face, it warns us about the lack of certainty; the need to take responsibility for our actions, and their consequences; the dangers of putting off the inevitable; fear of commitment; and the fickleness of affections (“I love you today, not tomorrow”).

Arcana 2021: March

The Arcanum of March 2021 will be number XIV (14), Temperance.

As the ruling Arcanum of March 2021, Temperance refers us to tolerance; moderation; objectivity in opinions; the sincerity; internal balance; forgiveness as an act of courage and liberation; and the ability to adapt to circumstances (adverse or favorable).

Temperance, in its role as Arcanum of March 2021, also alludes to the balance between the material and the spiritual; the detachment of prejudices; the connection with the Divine; and maintain a line of action, without pause, but without haste.

In its most challenging facet, Temperance warns of fanaticism; indecision; impulsiveness; the lack of healthy limits; forced situations; and inconstancy in purpose.

 

Arcana 2021: April

The Arcanum of April 2021 will be number XIX (19), The Sun. This card was selected at random, from the major arcana of the Tarot of Marseille, a system widely used by tarologists and tarot readers, to obtain general information about a certain time frame.

As the ruling Arcanum of April 2021, the Sun refers us to a state of physical vitality; happiness of living; optimism; prosperity; creative inspiration; personal merits; hope; good luck; and (positive) surprises.

The Sun, in its role as Arcanum of April 2021, aims to gain confidence; engage in consciousness work; to mature; make efficient use of available resources; and build authentic relationships.

From a contrasting perspective, it warns us about manipulation; ride; arrogance; vanity; pessimism; frustration over projects that take time to materialize; and the risk of not acting accordingly, to what you hope to achieve, leaving everything to chance.

Arcana 2021: May

The Arcanum of May 2021 will be number VIII (8), Justice. This card was selected at random, from the major arcana of the Tarot de Marseille, a system widely used by tarologists and tarot readers, to obtain general information about a certain period of time.

Note: in the Tarot of Marseille, Justice is identified as the VIII arcanum (8), and the Force as the XI arcanum (11); while, in the Rider Waite Smith Tarot, Justice is the XI arcanum (11), and The Force, the VIII (8).

As Arcanum ruler of May 2021, Justice refers us to integrity; common sense and rationality; strategic planning; and the restitution of order, in all aspects of life.

Justice, in its role as Arcanum of May 2021, points to a pragmatic attitude; make decisions that cannot be postponed; give up self-deception and dubious relationships; fulfill duties and obligations accepted in advance; and avoid backbiting that can lead to misunderstandings.

In its most challenging facet, it warns us about the fear of being judged (and found guilty or at fault); unfair remuneration; the lack of honesty in dealing with third parties; abuses of power; partiality in decision-making; and the dangers of coldness and the desire for revenge.

 

Arcana 2021: June

The Arcanum of June 2021 will be number IX (9), The Hermit.

Curiosity: in the Tarot of Marseille, nine (9) is represented as VIIII, the same happens with four (IIII); the fourteenth (XIIII); and nineteen (XVIIII), which are identified with characters different from ordinary Roman numerals (9 = IX; 4 = IV; 14 = XIV; 19 = XIX).

As the ruling Arcanum of June 2021, The Hermit refers us to the power of self-knowledge; introspection as a path to a higher spirituality; devotion; and the search for the truth.

The Hermit, in its role as Arcanum of June 2021, refers to the firmness to face conflicts (not avoid them); change of perspective; renewal of faith; and return to the essential (to get rid of the superfluous).

From a contrasting perspective, it warns us about isolation; resignation without purpose; codependency; the rejection of new ideas (fanaticism); skepticism; escapism; and the feelings of disappointment, turned towards yourself.

 

Arcana 2021: July

The Arcanum of July 2021 will be number I (1), The Magician.

As the ruling Arcanum of July 2021, The Magician encourages the use of creativity; confidence in talent and potential for growth; and ingenuity as a key factor for rapid conflict resolution.

The Magician, in its role as Arcanum of July 2021, aims to acquire new abilities and skills; focus on the transformation (internal and external) of being and its reality; visualize future plans; take advantage of adaptability; and use the available resources efficiently.

In its most challenging facet, it warns us of creative blocks; abuse of power; false confidence; lies and self-deception; wasted potential; arrogance; feelings of emptiness or loss of purpose; frustration; and resistance to necessary changes.

It is worth noting that this is a card that suggests the opening of new paths; spiritual search (connections with guides and teachers); heightened perception; high level of consciousness (social and individual); and multifaceted personality.

Arcana 2021: August

The Arcanum of August 2021 will be number XVII (17), The Star.

As Arcanum of August 2021, it invites us to lay hold of hope; build an internal space of serenity; discover new talents; dedicate time to the healing and restoration of the physical body; and project ourselves towards the future, with optimism.

The Star, in its role as the ruling Arcanum of August 2021, highlights a broader perspective of the planes, material and spiritual; the gift of creative inspiration; the grace to have the necessary support in difficult times; divine protection; renewal of faith (regardless of the spiritual current you profess); universal love; and gratitude.

From a contrasting point of view, the Star warns of unjustified pessimism; the disappointment that accompanies idealization; anxiety; obstinacy; denialism; repressed fantasies; lack of trust in the Higher Power; missed opportunities; and doubts that interfere with the ability to concentrate.

Arcana 2021: September

The Arcanum of September 2021 will be number X (10), The Wheel of Fortune.

As the ruling Arcanum of September 2021, The Wheel of Fortune invites you to accept (unexpected) changes with a good attitude; invest in personal and professional improvement; and take advantage of good luck.

The Wheel of Fortune, in its role as Arcanum of September 2021, indicates that it is time to make the most of the opportunities that may arise; progress; and start something new, without doubting your abilities.

In its most challenging facet, the Wheel of Fortune warns of the effects of demoralization; frustration and impatience with small setbacks; stagnation; refusing to change and new challenges; and victimization.

Arcana 2021: October

The Arcana of October 2021 will be The Fool, also known as the arcanum without number, and in some cases as The Zero (0). This card was selected at random, from the Major Arcana of the Tarot of Marseille, a system widely used by tarologists and tarot readers, to obtain general information about a certain period of time.

As the ruling Arcanum of October 2021, it invites you to take a leap of faith into the unknown; recover innocence and curiosity; dare to see reality, with a new perspective; and break free from inhibitions.

The Fool, in its role as Arcanum of October 2021, indicates unlimited possibilities for growth and learning; in addition to underlining the value of lived experiences and the practice of self-knowledge.

In its most challenging facet, it warns us of immaturity; childhood attitudes that disrupt personal development; impulsiveness; purposeless waste of energy; and the superficial perception of the environment.

Under the regency of The Fool it is essential to make good use of freedom, and not fall into debauchery to avoid duties and responsibilities. Choose your battles: an adventure can lead to success or lose you.

Arcana 2021: November

The Arcanum of November 2021 will be number XV (15), The Devil.

As Arcanum of November 2021, it invites you to know your own shadow, as part of its integration process; overcome materialism; take on challenges; and identify hidden fears that hamper trust.

The Devil, in his role as Arcanum regent of November 2021, encourages us to cut off dependency; seek understanding in interaction with third parties (not manipulation); and avoid rigidity of thought.

Being one of the most challenging cards in the Tarot, the appearance of The Devil alerts us to the risks of being slaves to our desires, whims and impulses; the abuse of power; the perversions; the objectification of people; pessimism; and relationships by interest.

 

Arcana 2021: December

The Arcanum of December 2021 will be number XVIII (18), The Moon.

As the ruling Arcanum of December 2021, the Moon invites you to connect with intuition and the emotional world; take advantage of information from the unconscious, through dream analysis; and channel inspiration towards the materialization of works of an artistic or creative nature.

The Moon, in its role as Arcanum of December 2021, aims to face the hidden fears and traumas of childhood, with therapeutic accompaniment; cultivate psychic abilities; and clarify ideas.

From a challenging perspective, it warns us of the dangers of escaping from reality; victimization; getting involved in misunderstandings; negativity; uncertainty; and making judgments based on assumptions, not facts.

---