Major Arcana - The Creation of Japan (Part 2)
Telling the story of Izanagi, Izanami and the Creation Deities involved. From Key 11 Justice to Key 21 The World.
When people think of tarot cards, they typically imagine cards like 'The Fool,' 'The High Priestess,' 'Wheel of Fortune,' and 'Death.'
The Major Arcana consists of twenty-two cards that depict spiritual and environmental aspects. Big major energy. These Major Arcana cards can be used on their own without the Minor Arcana.
They tell the stories of the Creation by Izanagi & Izanami; the birth of Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo; up until the reign of Emperor Jimmu.
Some cards have a variant, so you’ll see both of them. Feel free to use whichever that resonates with you:
Key 1 The Magician
Key 10 The Wheel of Fortune
Key 17 The Stars
Key 18 The Moon
Note: The italized text is the deck author’s note, translated to English from Japanese.
See Major Arcana Part 1.
Key 11 Justice - "The War Deity"
Upright: Justice, equality, balance, sincerity, coexistence, morality, discernment
Reversed: Injustice, unfairness, prejudice, imbalance, one-sidedness
Futsunushi, also considered the same deity as Takemikazuchi, is a war god of swords. Unlike Takemikazuchi who subdues with force, Futsunushi makes judgments calmly. "Futsu" is said to represent either the sound of a sword cutting or the meaning of "to be inspired."
During the pacification of the land, he went to Izumo with Takemikazuchi to negotiate the transfer of the land with Ookuninushi. He also fought alongside Takemikazuchi in the battle against Amatsumikaboushi.
My note: A sword deity who embodies justice through careful discernment rather than brute force. While sharing a connection with Takemikazuchi as a war god, Futsunushi's approach is markedly different - he wields authority through calm deliberation and wise judgment.
His very name carries dual meaning: either the sound of a sword's decisive cut or "to be inspired," suggesting that true justice requires both sharp clarity and divine wisdom.
This balanced approach was demonstrated during the critical negotiation for the transfer of land in Izumo, where he worked alongside Takemikazuchi. Rather than relying solely on martial might, he employed diplomatic wisdom. Even in battle against Amatsumikaboushi, his strength came from righteous purpose rather than mere force.
When this deity appears, it often calls for self-reflection about justice and judgment - particularly regarding self-judgment. The card suggests examining whether we're being too harsh with ourselves and if more self-compassion is needed.
Like Futsunushi's sword, justice should be wielded with precision and purpose, defending what's morally right and protecting the innocent (symbolized by the white sun).
The card carries a dual message: "I will guard your rest, as justice is with you" - offering protection to those in the right, while also serving as a reminder that justice's protection depends on our own actions and choices.
It encourages approaching conflicts with logical clarity and intellectual dedication rather than heated passion.
Key 12 The Hanged Man - "Purification"
Upright: Training, patience, trials, self-sacrifice, immobility, purification, surrender, divine insight
Reversed: Pointless endurance, despair, futile effort, succumbing to desire, limits
After parting with Izanami at Yomotsu Hirasaka, Izanagi performed purification rites, washing away impurities while holding memories in his heart.
From washing his left eye came Amaterasu, from his right eye came Tsukuyomi, and from his nose came Susanoo.
After giving birth to these incredibly powerful children, Izanagi entrusted them with ruling and retired, never appearing again in the stories. Though not recorded, some believe Izanagi might have died when he visited Yomi.
My note: In this powerful moment, we see Izanagi performing misogi (ritual purification) after his fateful journey to Yomi (the Underworld).
Having just faced death itself in his failed attempt to retrieve Izanami, he immerses himself in the cleansing waters, likely during high tide when the ocean's purifying power is strongest.
The torii gate standing in the water marks this as a liminal space - a boundary between the mundane and spiritual worlds.
The imagery of Izanagi surrendering himself headfirst to the waters represents complete abandonment of earthly concerns and ego.
This isn't just physical cleansing - it's a profound spiritual transformation.
From this act of pure surrender came extraordinary creation: Amaterasu from his left eye, Tsukuyomi from his right, and Susanoo from his nose - three of the most powerful deities in the pantheon.
This moment marks both an ending and a beginning.
After creating the divine children and entrusting them with their domains, Izanagi retreats from the mythology, suggesting that this surrender led to a complete transformation of his role and being.
Some traditions even suggest he may have died after his visit to Yomi, making this purification his final profound act.
When this card appears, it suggests a need for complete surrender to spiritual cleansing, letting the waters of wisdom wash away impurities while remaining open to divine insight.
Like Izanagi embraced by the ocean's waters, sometimes we must let go of our normal perspective to receive higher understanding, even if it means a complete transformation of our current state.
Key 13 Death - “The Gentle Slope of the Underworld"
Upright: Death and rebirth, destruction and creation, turning point, transformation, setting boundaries, inevitable change
Reversed: Stagnation, stoppage, lethargy, laziness
Yomotsu Hirasaka is the slope connecting the mortal world and Yomi. Izanami chased the fleeing Izanagi to this slope. To prevent Izanami from entering the mortal world, Izanagi placed the "Thousand-Pulling Rock."
When an angered Izanami declared "I will kill a thousand of your people each day," Izanagi responded "Then I shall ensure fifteen hundred are born." Her anger might be interpreted as love, warning him not to come to Yomi.
My note: This pivotal moment captures Izanami's transformation from the Mother of Creation to the Mistress of Yomi (the Underworld).
The scene takes place at Yomotsu Hirasaka, the sacred slope connecting the realm of the living with the realm of death, where a dramatic confrontation between the divine couple unfolds.
As Izanagi seals the boundary with the Thousand-Pulling Rock, we witness not just an ending but a powerful transformation.
The rising sun in the background symbolizes that even in moments of profound endings, new beginnings emerge.
Izanami's declaration to take a thousand lives daily, met by Izanagi's promise to create fifteen hundred births, establishes the eternal cycle of death and life.
Her apparent anger can be interpreted as a form of love - a harsh warning to keep Izanagi from entering the realm of death before his time.
This suggests that even seemingly negative transformations can carry deeper meaning and perhaps even protection within them.
When this card appears, it often signals not just an ending but a fundamental transformation that changes the very nature of a situation or relationship.
Just as Izanami could never return to her role as the nurturing mother goddess, some changes are irreversible and must be accepted.
The card reminds us that death and transformation are natural parts of existence - they will come when their time arrives, but they also carry within them the seeds of new beginnings, as shown by the rising sun.
Key 14 Temperance - "Mediation"
Upright: Harmony, self-control, moderation, mixing, dedication,
Reversed: Waste, exhaustion, lack of moderation
Kikurihime is the deity who mediated between Izanagi and Izanami at Yomotsu Hirasaka, also known as a matchmaking deity.
The water in the red and white cups mixes to become one. Kikurihime's name is said to come from either the word "kukuru" meaning "to bind things together" or a variation of "kiki-ireru" meaning "to listen and accept."
My note: A powerful mediating deity whose very name suggests her essential nature - either "to bind together" (括るkukuru) or "to listen and accept" (聞きいれるkiki-ireru).
She is most famous for her role in mediating between Izanagi and Izanami at Yomotsu Hirasaka, earning her recognition as a deity of matchmaking and reconciliation.
The imagery is rich with symbolic elements: she stands with one foot in water (connection to emotions) and one on land (grounding in physical reality), suggesting the ability to bridge different realms.
The ceremonial sakazuki cups she holds - one red and one blue - represent opposing forces being brought into harmony, much like the traditional RWS card's mixing of liquids between cups.
Above her, a circular rainbow represents rare and precious moments of perfect balance.
The chrysanthemum (菊kiku) carries multiple layers of meaning.
As Japan's national flower and the imperial insignia, it represents refinement and endurance.
As an autumn flower blooming on Choyo-no-sekku (9/9), it symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation.
The yellow chrysanthemum's dual meaning of "broken love" and "longevity & happiness" suggests the complexity of bringing opposing forces into balance.
When this card appears, it suggests a need for careful mediation and sacred balance. Like Kikuri-hime's formal, ceremonial approach, some situations require serious, intentional effort to achieve harmony.
The rising sun in the background promises new beginnings through this careful balancing act. Her presence suggests that through patient listening and acceptance, seemingly opposing forces can be brought into meaningful unity.
Key 15 The Devil - "The Separation"
Upright: Betrayal, bondage, corruption, temptation, hatred, jealousy, shadow self, destructive power
Reversed: Recovery, awakening, new encounters, earnestness, reset
Hinokagutsuchi, born while burning Izanami, was immediately beheaded by Izanagi. However, unable to cut off his feelings for Izanami, Izanagi went to Yomi to retrieve her.
From Hinokagutsuchi's scattered blood and the dripping blood from the sword, many gods were born.
Fire represents humanity's greatest civilization - beneficial when handled well but a "double-edged sword that burns oneself" when misused, which this deity personifies.
My note: A complex deity born of tragedy - the fire deity whose birth burned his mother Izanami from within, leading to her death and the permanent separation of the divine couple.
This moment represents how our most powerful qualities or desires can become destructive forces when uncontrolled. Like fire itself, which Hi-no-kagutsuchi embodies, these aspects of ourselves can be either civilization's greatest tool or its most devastating weapon.
The tragedy didn't end with his birth - from his beheading by his grieving father Izanagi and the blood that flowed from both his body and the sword, many other deities were born. This suggests how even our darkest moments can lead to unexpected creation and transformation.
The card speaks to the nature of attachment and separation on multiple levels.
While traditionally viewed as the "devil" that separated the divine couple, from a modern perspective, this separation forced both Izanagi and Izanami to develop their individual identities - Izanami as Queen of the Underworld and Izanagi as the Solitary Creator.
When this card appears, it rarely indicates a literal devil but rather points to the things that separate us from our highest selves or loved ones - addictions, unhealthy attachments, or destructive patterns we feel trapped within.
It can also represent our shadow aspects that need acknowledgment and integration. Like fire, these aspects of ourselves aren't inherently evil - they become problematic only when mishandled or left uncontrolled.
The card reminds us that sometimes what appears to be our greatest tragedy can become the catalyst for necessary transformation and individuation.
Key 16 The Tower - "Queen of Yomi"
Upright: Collapse, tragedy, brainwashing, paranoia, self-destruction, breakdown
Reversed: Tension, misunderstanding, misfortune, humiliation, disaster
When Izanagi went to retrieve Izanami from Yomi, he was warned "don't look" while she prepared.
Growing impatient, he looked and saw Izanami's decomposing form covered in maggots. Terrified, he fled. Angered at being seen, Izanami pursued him with the Yomotsu-shikome (Hags of Yomi) and the Eight Thunder Gods she had just created.
While fleeing, Izanagi threw his comb which transformed into bamboo shoots and peaches that the Yomotsu-shikome stopped to eat, allowing his escape to Yomotsu Hirasaka.
My note: This pivotal scene represents a dramatic shattering of reality, centered on Izanagi's fateful decision to look upon Izanami in Yomi (the underworld) despite being warned not to do so.
The revelation of his beloved wife's decomposed form, now crawling with maggots, marks an irreversible breakdown of illusion. When Izanagi flees in horror, the enraged Izanami - now transformed into a fearsome deity of death - pursues him with her newly created Eight Thunder Gods and the Yomotsu-shikome.
The imagery is rich with classic Tower symbolism: sudden destruction of existing structures (their marriage/bond), divine punishment (eight lightning strikes, symbolizing the Thunder Gods), burning revelation (flames), and desperate flight.
Even Izanagi's defensive actions - throwing his comb which becomes bamboo shoots and peaches - represent how small objects can become salvation in moments of crisis.
The peach, traditionally used for protection against evil spirits in Japanese folklore, and the solid foundation of rock at Yomotsu Hirasaka become symbols of sanctuary amidst catastrophic change.
This myth captures the essence of a Tower moment: the violent collapse of what we thought we knew, leading to a transformative (if traumatic) revelation.
Just as Izanami shifts from beloved wife to wrathful death goddess, such moments force us to confront harsh truths and accept that some changes cannot be undone.
Key 17 The Star - "Tanabata" ("Takehazuchi")
Upright: Hope, inspiration, wishes, talent, clear vision
Reversed: Disappointment, overambition, pessimism, unclear future
Takehazuchi dances wearing self-woven fabric to grant wishes. They appeared in Izumo and sealed away Amatsumikaboushi, whom neither Takemikazuchi nor Futsunushi could defeat, using seven-colored fabric. This led to them being considered stronger than the war gods.
My note: This interpretation centers on Takehazuchi as a divine weaver who brings hope through sacred craft and ritual dance.
Their power lies not in martial strength but in the transformative nature of their seven-colored fabric - powerful enough to seal away even those whom the war deities couldn't defeat.
The imagery emphasizes balance (standing on one leg), the flow of divine blessings (water pouring between heaven and earth), and the harmonious interplay of opposing forces (the black and white birds).
The bamboo element reinforces themes of adaptability and resilience - the ability to remain flexible yet unbroken through life's challenges.
This version of The Star emphasizes hope through grace, craft, and divine connection.
Key 17 The Star - "The Defiant God" (Amatsumikaboushi)
Upright: Hope, inspiration, wishes, talent, clear vision
Reversed: Disappointment, overambition, pessimism, unclear future
Same meanings, but depicts Amatsumikaboushi, who defeated Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi before being sealed by Takehazuchi. Though not in original mythology, the card depicts Amatsumikaboushi as Hikoboshi (Cowherd) and Takehazuchi as Orihime (Weaver).
My note: Amatsumikaboushi, presenting hope through resistance and unconventional paths.
As Japan traditionally didn't worship stars, Amatsumikaboushi's perpetual radiance represents divine defiance of natural order - making them a misunderstood figure who brings light by challenging norms.
The imagery of dual water-pouring represents unconditional giving, while the central star surrounded by seven smaller ones (chakras) suggests alignment between individual spirit and higher consciousness.
This version emphasizes hope through authenticity and perseverance, even when one's path seems to go against conventional wisdom. The message becomes "you are divinely protected even when walking a solitary path."
Key 18 The Moon - "Night-Devouring Moon (Male Tsukuyomi)"
Upright: Instability, deception, enchantment, escapism, urgent choices, hidden truths, shadow work
Reversed: Improvement, intuition, minor mistakes, breaking from the past
Tsukuyomi, one of the three noble children born from Izanagi's purification, depicted as a new moon male deity. According to the deck's original story, Tsukuyomi was injured by Susanoo in childhood and periodically became violent like him.
As he grew, both his personality and appearance changed. He was entrusted to Ukemochi but ended up killing them, resulting in banishment to rule the Night-Devouring Land.
My note: In this version, Tsukuyomi embodies the new moon's transformative darkness.
His form emerges from the complex mythology where childhood trauma (injured by Susanoo) leads to cyclical violence, mirroring the moon's own cycle of death and rebirth.
Standing before the torii gate in dark attire, his sideways glance and knowing smirk suggest the deeper mysteries of lunar wisdom - both its deceptive and illuminating qualities. It is as if Tsukuyomi asked “Are you ready for what is yet to be unveiled?”
The black and white kitsune at his feet represent the dual nature of his power: the ability to both conceal and reveal truth.
His violent act against Ukemochi, leading to banishment in the Night-Devouring Land, speaks to the moon's power to transform through destruction before renewal.
The emerging crustacean symbolizes unconscious truths surfacing from the depths, while his posture questions whether we're prepared for such revelations.
Even in this darker aspect, he maintains a connection to his sister Amaterasu's light, though reflected through shadow.
Key 18 The Moon - “The Full Moon (Female Tsukuyomi)”
Upright: Instability, deception, enchantment, escapism, urgent choices, divine reflection, direct revelation
Reversed: Improvement, intuition, minor mistakes, breaking from the past
Same meanings, but depicts Tsukuyomi as a female deity in full moon form. While Japanese mythology doesn't specify Tsukuyomi's gender, this deck includes both versions.
The female Tsukuyomi represents purity, closer to Amaterasu's sun, based on Susanoo's claim during the divine pledge that "birthing females proves my heart is pure.”
My note: This version reveals Tsukuyomi in her full moon splendor, drawing nearest to Amaterasu's solar radiance while maintaining her distinct lunar nature.
Her white attire and direct gaze suggest transparency, yet she stands as guardian of the same mysteries as her male counterpart.
The torii gate behind her marks the threshold between mundane and magical realms, while the paired kitsune remind us that even in full illumination, lunar wisdom requires balance between light and shadow.
Her sword-bearing stance echoes her male aspect's capacity for decisive action, though wielded with greater clarity of purpose.
The emerging crustacean beneath suggests that even in moments of greatest illumination, deeper mysteries continue to surface.
Her purity, referenced in Susanoo's words about female divinity, doesn't negate her connection to night's mysteries but rather suggests a different way of engaging with them - through direct revelation rather than subtle manipulation.
She embodies the moon's nurturing aspect while maintaining its power to transform and illuminate the unknown.
Both versions ultimately represent different approaches to the same lunar mysteries: one through shadow and subtle transformation, the other through direct illumination and purifying insight.
Together they remind us that the moon's wisdom can be accessed through both paths, each offering its own unique gifts and challenges.
Key 19 The Sun - "The Sun Deity"
Upright: Life, birth, blessing, success, acquisition, promised future, spiritual mastery, rising above adversity
Reversed: Poor condition, disappointment, defeat, failure, spiritual pride, divine ego, forced positivity
Amaterasu, one of the three noble children from Izanagi's purification, is the supreme sun deity. Full of life force, their power gives strength to all things.
When Amaterasu hid in the rock cave due to Susanoo's rampage, the world lost its power and fell into chaos until Omoikane and others helped restore them to the heavens.
Wearing red robes that guide people, they illuminate and watch over all. Each circuit of the sky creates a new day, which people celebrate.
My note: Amaterasu represents the supreme deity whose power literally gives life to all things. The card shows her in full regalia, standing upon a lotus - symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and the ability to maintain purity despite worldly challenges.
Her raised right hand suggests divine command over universal forces, while her red robes represent both guidance and warning.
The myth of her hiding in the celestial cave adds depth to this interpretation.
Even the greatest light can be temporarily dimmed by chaos (Susanoo's rampage), and sometimes restoration requires collective wisdom (Omoikane's strategy) rather than individual power.
This suggests that true solar energy isn't just about constant brightness, but about understanding the rhythm of shine and shadow.
Key 20 Judgement - "The Eastern Conquest"
Upright: Revival, rebirth, restoration, decision, improvement, awakening, salvation, higher calling
Reversed: Setback, separation, inability to rise again, stagnation, sad parting
When Emperor Jimmu faced a crisis during his eastern conquest, Yatagarasu (the eight-span crow) was sent by Amaterasu to guide him to success. Yatagarasu blew the conch shell to rouse those who had lost spirit. Some say it was Takamimusubi who sent Yatagarasu.
My note: The card captures that pivotal moment when Yatagarasu manifests before Emperor Jimmu during his eastern conquest's darkest hour.
The crow's very form - three legs representing heaven, earth, and humanity - embodies the interconnection of divine wisdom with earthly matters.
The three magatama adorning his neck mark him as a Divine Messenger.
The conch shell being hold by Yatagarasu serves as both practical tool and spiritual metaphor.
Its sacred sound pierces through despair to awaken not just individual spirits but collective consciousness, symbolizing how divine messages often need to be both heard and felt to create transformation.
In Emperor Jimmu's raised hands, we see the perfect posture of spiritual receptivity.
The presence of people flanking Emperor Jimmu reminds us that even divinely ordained missions require human collaboration. Spiritual awakening rarely happens in isolation.
The entire scene is a masterful representation of how spiritual breakthrough often occurs: divine wisdom (Yatagarasu) meets receptive leadership (Jimmu's raised hands) supported by collective effort (surrounding people), all catalyzed by sacred sound (the conch) that bridges heavenly and earthly realms.
Awakening require the alignment and activation of all these elements for success.
Each symbol builds upon the others to create a complete picture of spiritual awakening and divine guidance manifesting through human vessels for collective benefit.
Key 21 The World - "The Heavenly Jeweled Spear"
Upright: Success, achievement, completion, perfection
Reversed: Stagnation, bankruptcy, incompletion
Though various deities were born from the creation of heaven and earth, there was no land. Izanagi and Izanami, seventh generation siblings, stood on the Floating Bridge of Heaven and stirred the undefined earth with the Amenonuboko (Heavenly Jeweled Spear) given by Ame-no-Minaka-Nushi.
They joined together saying "I have a protruding part" and "I have a hollow part" - "Let us join them together." The card represents how what one cannot accomplish alone might be achieved together.
My note: The card captures the primal moment of universal creation, where Izanagi and Izanami stand upon the Floating Bridge of Heaven (Ame-no-ukihashi), symbolizing the sacred threshold between potential and manifestation.
The Amenonuboko (Heavenly Jeweled Spear) serves as the cosmic tool of creation, representing how divine will requires proper instruments to manifest in form.
Their sacred union - acknowledged through the recognition of complementary parts ("protruding" and "hollow") - represents the fundamental principle that creation requires the harmonious meeting of opposing forces.
The presence of the Five Deities of Creation adds multiple layers of meaning: they represent the four elemental powers (emotional water, passionate fire, intellectual air, and material earth) crowned by the primary Creator Ame-no-Minaka-Nushi.
All aspects of existence must come into harmony for true completion. This five-fold pattern mirrors many sacred systems: the five elements, five directions, five phases of creation.
The scene itself becomes a living mandala of creation: the divine couple at center (unity), the spear as axis mundi (divine will), the bridge as sacred space (liminal realm), and the surrounding deities as elemental powers (manifestation).
Together, they demonstrate that ultimate completion isn't just about personal achievement but about bringing all aspects of existence into a harmonious relationship.
“Decoding the Japanese Myth Tarot Deck” Project
Minor Arcana - The Suit of Pentacles (The Tale of Okuninushi)
Minor Arcana - The Suit of Cups (The Tale of Konohanasakuya)
Minor Arcana - The Suit of Swords (The Tale of Yamato Takeru)
© 2025 Rani Hariga. Decoding Japanese Myth Tarot is an independent translation and interpretation project based on The Japanese Myth Tarot by Yamamoto Naoki.
This work is unofficial and unaffiliated with the original creator.
Text may be shared with proper credit. All rights reserved.