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Post by sorlink on Sept 26, 2015 11:32:57 GMT -5
The Arcana and You: A (hopefully) Comprehensive Guide 'Sup, guys. So, as we all know, the arcana are an incredibly important aspect of Persona; they represent each character, and every character who belongs to an arcana falls into a pattern. So, obviously, when it comes to creating a persona character, the first order of business is to choose an arcana, and build the character around the common traits within that arcana. Of course, we don't all read tarot cards. So I thought it might be helpful to make a guide to the arcana. In the next few posts, I'll be outlining what each of the tarot cards represent, common traits the characters in the Persona series share, and a list of characters who belong to that arcana (only from P3 and P4 though because we all know those are the only Persona games.)
Arcana Resrictions:
Due to the roles these arcana play in the game, they are not allowed to be used in the role play. sorry my bbys 0. The Fool0. The JesterXX. JudgementXXI. The WorldXXI. The UniverseEverything else is fair game! (That means there's still 21 options to choose from, which is more than enough.) Without further ado, let's explore these tarot cards! |
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Post by sorlink on Sept 26, 2015 13:14:01 GMT -5
 I. The MagicianThe Magician tarot card in the upright position represents power, skill, concentration, initiative, self-confidence, and resourcefulness. In the reverse position, it represents manipulation, poor planning, and latent talents. Drawings of this card represent a "can-do" attitude and optimism towards the future. Within the games, characters of this arcana tend to be perverted male characters, and the right hand men of the protagonist (though this is an RP so no protag...). A common theme characters of this arcana share is a tragedy related to their romantic interest. Examples of characters within this arcana:  II. The PriestessThe Priestess tarot card in the upright position represents wisdom, intuition, female mystery, patience, hidden knowledge, and untapped power. In the reverse position, it represents hidden agendas and a need to obey a moral code. Drawings of this card represent the subconscious mind, and a need to listen to ones dreams and intuition. Within the games, characters of this arcana are modest, shy, and reserved, but also very intelligent. It takes time for them to open up to others. Examples of characters within this arcana:  III. The Empress
The Empress tarot card in the upright position represents fertility, femininity, beauty, nature, abundance, creativity, and comfort. In the reverse position, it represents a creative block and a dependence on others. Drawings of this card represent a connection to femininity, and a need to find one's feminine energy; create beauty in one's life. Within the games, characters of this arcana are women of authority, and are often wise and motherly figures. Examples of characters within this arcana:  IV. The EmperorThe Emperor tarot card in the upright position represents structure, authority, a solid foundation, and a desire to control one's surroundings. In the reverse position, it represents domination, excessive control, rigidity, and inflexibility. Drawings of this card suggest that one is trying too hard to control their surroundings and may be causing trouble for others, and that they should take a step back and understand that not everything in life is controllable. Within the games, characters of this arcana are men of authority. They are often troubled by something personal and don't know how to deal with it. Examples of characters within this arcana:  V. The HierophantThe Hierophant tarot card in the upright position represents education, authority, conservatism, tradition, and conformity. In the reverse position, it represents restriction, and challenging the status quo. Drawings of this card suggest that it is wise to follow established social structures and traditions, and to do what is expected by society. Within the games, characters of this arcana tend to be older, wise, and logical. Most importantly, however, is that they are obsessed with the past. Examples of characters within this arcana: |
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Post by sorlink on Sept 26, 2015 15:29:40 GMT -5
 VI. The LoversThe Lovers tarot card in the upright position represents love, union, relationships, values, and choices. In the reverse position, it represents discord, imbalance, and a misalignment of values. Drawings of this card suggest a choice between two paths in life, as if one is standing at a crossroads. It can also be a symbol of finding agreement with a friend or lover. Within the games, characters of this arcana are very social, outgoing, and cheerful. Lovers characters are always the popular ones. Examples of characters within this arcana:  VII. The ChariotThe Chariot tarot card in the upright position represents victory, willpower, self-confidence, and determination. In the reverse position, it represents lack of control and direction, and aggression. Drawings of this card suggest that one will be successful in achieving their goals, as long as they remain determined, assertive, confident, and focused. Within the games, characters of this arcana are very driven, and have a goal that they aim to achieve at any cost. They also tend to be short-tempered and aggressive. Examples of characters within this arcana:  VIII. JusticeThe Justice tarot card in the upright position represents fairness, law, objectivity, rationality, and truth. In the reverse position, it represents unfairness, lack of accountability, and dishonesty. Drawings of this card suggest a conscious awareness that all actions have long-term consequences. It also suggests a search for truth and an understanding of choices made in the past. Within the games, characters of this arcana are concerned with issues of fairness, and are otherwise very stoic individuals. Examples of characters within this arcana:  IX. The HermitThe Hermit tarot card in the upright position represents introspection, retreat, and wisdom. In the reverse position, it represents isolation, loneliness, and withdrawal. Drawings of this card suggest a period of soul-searching, a desire for a new direction in life, leading to a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Within the games, characters of this arcana place themselves in situations that hide them from the public eye. They tend to fill a supportive role, instead of being in the spotlight. Examples of characters within this arcana:  X. The (Wheel of) FortuneThe Fortune tarot card in the upright position represents good luck, karma, destiny, and a turning point. In the reverse position, it represents bad luck and going out of control. Drawings of this card suggest that life goes in cycles, and that one should not just take what life is handed to them. They must be active and try to remain on the good side of the wheel. One must not be discouraged when faced with adversity, as that is just part of the cycle of life. Within the games, characters of this arcana attempt to seize their destiny in spite of fate, and are tasked with making important decisions. Examples of characters within this arcana: |
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Post by sorlink on Sept 26, 2015 18:06:42 GMT -5
 XI. StrengthThe Strength tarot card in the upright position represents courage, patience, self-control, and compassion. In the reverse position, it represents weakness, self-doubt, and a lack of self-discipline. Drawings of this card suggest the taming of one's animal instincts and desires, and finding the inner strength and spirit to overcome any obstacle. Within the games, characters of this arcana are not easily upset, and have a lot of fortitude and strength of heart. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XI. Hunger/LustThe Hunger tarot card in the upright position represents power, devotion, dominance, and vitality. In the reverse position, it represents the danger of losing control, insatisfaction, and depression. Drawings of this card suggest acceptance of one's animal side. One can profit from letting loose and giving control to their animal instincts; in doing this, one can profit greatly, and gain power over themselves and others. Within the games, characters of the hunger arcana seek power and pleasure over all else, disregarding others around them. However, there's only one actual example of the Hunger arcana, so this can be played around with a little. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XII. The Hanged ManThe Hanged Man tarot card in the upright position represents self-sacrifice, suspension, restriction, and paradoxes. In the reverse position, it represents martyrdom and indecision. Drawings of this card represent a need to take time and reflect on one's decisions for the future, which can lead to a period of inaction. It can suggest a feeling of being stuck or restricted in life. Within the games, characters of this arcana are often caught between two extremes, such as two stages of life. The are also sometimes self-sacrificial. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XIII. DeathThe Death tarot card in the upright position represents endings, beginnings, change, regeneration, cycles, and transition. In the reverse position, it represents a resistance to change and an inability to move on. Drawings of this card suggests the end of a major phase in one's life, and marks the beginning of an even more important and valuable stage in life. One must put the past behind them and look forward to new opportunities. Within the games, characters of this arcana tend to be associated directly with death. They also experience cycles of change throughout the game they appear in. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XIV. TemperanceThe Temperance tarot card in the upright position represents synthesis, prudence, patience, moderation, and purpose. In the reverse position, it represents imbalance, excess, and a lack of long-term vision. Drawings of this card suggest that one has a long-term goal, and that they are not rushing towards it, instead taking their time and doing the best that they can. It suggests that everything is coming together well and that, as long as one continues to follow directions patiently, things will continue in a positive vein. Within the games, characters of this arcana are struggling to find a balance between their lives and their hobbies. Examples of characters within this arcana: |
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Post by sorlink on Sept 26, 2015 21:31:00 GMT -5
 XV. The DevilThe Devil tarot card in the upright position represents selfishness, bondage, sexuality, materialism, impulsiveness and addiction. In the reverse position represents detachment, breaking free, and a reclamation of power. Drawings of this card suggest feeling controlled by external forces, when in reality, those chains are a creation of one's own self. Within the games, characters of this arcana tend to be "devilish" individuals; lustful, greedy, proud. These characters also tend to have an anti-social tendency, and don't care much for the needs or well-being of others. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XVI. The TowerThe Tower tarot card in the upright position represents disaster, upheaval, revelation, and fall from grace. In the reverse position, it represents an avoidance of disaster and a fear of change. Drawings of this card suggest a time of great turmoil and destruction. One must seek to understand how they could have been so blind, naive, or wrong about a certain situation. Within the games, characters of this arcana tend to be arrogant, and find themselves in bad situations where they have found themselves fallen from grace. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XVII. The StarThe Star tarot card in the upright position represents hope, spirituality, self-confidence, generosity, luck, inspiration, and serenity. In the reverse position, it represents lack of faith, despair, and discouragement. Drawings of this card suggest that life's challenges have been endured, and one can now open up to healing and inspiration. Within the games, characters of this arcana embody hopefulness and joy. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XVIII. The MoonThe Moon tarot card in the upright position represents illusion, fear, anxiety, insecurity, and the subconscious. In the reverse position, it represents unhappiness, confusion, and a release of fear. Drawings of this card suggest overwhelming inner disturbances caused by the emergence of repressed images, thoughts, and feelings. It also suggests that things are not what they appear to be, and the paranoia that emerges once one realizes that is the case. Within the games, characters of this arcana commonly project their fears and anxieties onto others. They tend to have difficulty accepting themselves for who they are, and try to correspond to an ideal person. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XIX. The SunThe Sun tarot card in the upright position represents fun, warmth, success, optimism, and vitality. In the reverse position, it represents temporary depression and a lack of success. Drawings of this card suggest that life is good. After going through so many troubles, the sun now lights the way into the future. Within the games, characters of this arcana find themselves in terrible situations, which reveal their underlying optimism. Characters in this arcana have deep thoughts about the meaning of life, and manage to find their answers. Examples of characters within this arcana:  XX. The AeonThe Aeon tarot card in the upright position represents honesty, sincerity, introspection, and the beginning of a new era. In the reverse position, it represents lies and corruption. Drawings of this card suggest a need to search for truth inside one's self, instead of being tricked by the falsities in the world around them. Within the games, characters of this arcana seek to fully understand themselves, and the world around them. They are unfamiliar with the workings of the world, and are trying to find their place within it. Examples of characters within this arcana: |
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