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The first section is a summary of the various arcana, should you wish to go through them and pick which one suits you best. The actual sentences are copy-pasted from the Megami Tensei wiki directly. The number of words with the commas are summaries of descriptions I found elsewhere on the internet, including that of the reverse Arcana. Should you wish to actually take a test to find what arcana you are, I would recommend the one by Quizfarm (titled 'Which Major Arcana Tarot Card are You?' by Cirrus). It is fairly thorough and, what is perhaps more important, the conclusion is not obvious. I also feel it's fairly accurate; you of course are welcome to disagree. As far as I can tell, the site is safe, though you are all free (and encouraged!) to use your own discretion.
After this is the list of Arcana and the associated Personas. The 'previous' section includes all of the Personas in the various games (though as this is copied from the Megami Tensei wiki there might be errors such as missing Personas). The 'New' section includes various Personas that I have added based on descriptions and/or any personal knowledge I have. At some point, I will add a new section and link where I will write the short summary of the character (such as you would find in the normal Persona Compendium) and eventually add statistics, powers, etc. I will add to this but it will probably be slow.
Feel free to use however you wish. Though credit would be nice-this was a lot of work!
1-Magician In tarot readings, the Magician Arcana is commonly associated with action, initiative, self-confidence, manipulation and power (more specifically, the power to harness one's talents.) As the name suggests, in gameplay, the Personas of the Magician Arcana are commonly Personas excelling towards Magic, particularly towards Fire-based element. The Magician means someone with power, yet the reversed version of it means someone misusing it or not using it's full potential (thus The Arcana Magician does not resemble a humanoid being, it only takes the form of human hands and bases it's whole body around them). Also the reversed Magician means someone who is ruthless. skillful, self-confident, can create anything, male power of creation by willpower and desire, energy of thought, raw, undirected power, ideas, help make reality, trickster, eloquent, charismatic, clever, witty, inventive, persuasive, verbalize what thinking
2-Priestess Portrayed as an old woman with a closed book, the Priestess Arcana is a symbol of hidden knowledge or other untapped power, wisdom, female mystery and magic when it appears in tarot readings. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Priestess Arcana are commonly associated with healing and support attributes. The Priestess means someone with knowledge and wisdom, yet the reversed version of it means someone unable to use that knowledge or someone not able to take decisions. decisions of what to do with ideas, gain knowledge (instinct, supernatural, secret, self) before you act, knows most esoteric knowledge, guide to the mysterious, magical, psychics, keep things hidden, reflect on feelings, solitary, librarian, knows information, maintain secret traditions and rites, time of solitary investigation or trust instincts, cold, unpredictable, scary, uncanny instincts, insights, protect ideas, sanctuary to reflect
3-Empress In tarot readings, the Empress represents prosperity, creativity, sexuality, abundance, fertility and comfort (most often in helping maintain peace around them like an ideal mother would.) Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Empress Arcana are Personas excelling in Ice-based attacks with healing powers also relatively common. The Empress means someone caring about one with motherly love, assuring the enjoyment of life, yet the reversed version of it means someone selfish and hedonistic. She represents the spiritual side of the soul, thus she starts the fight being weak to physical attacks.
4-Emperor In tarot readings, 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. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Emperor Arcana are Personas typically excelling in lightning-based and physical attacks. The Emperor represents someone of great nobility and strong will, therefore the shadow represents one's misleading will and corrupted intentions. The small sword represents the weak will of someone irresponsible or one who doesn't make the right decisions as a leader.
5-Hierophant 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, and the term was originally used to name ancient Greek priests who did so. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Hierophant Arcana have no weaknesses, but no particular strengths as well. The Reversed version represents the misuse of the divine knowledge to manipulate others as the two crosses represents followers who are crucified. The main Hierophant itself represents a powerful religious figure, who uses his authority and his relationship to the divine, which is the woman to control others. It can also mean a boss or person in power who misuses this power and your resentment against them. It can also mean someone who cares little for the status quo and feels rebellious.
6-Lovers In tarot readings, 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. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Lovers Arcana are commonly associated with Support-Healing attributes. Normally, it is a connection between two people that is intimate and close, and represents a completion of two halves. But when reversed, it represents a pairing that has been forced, or is being done for the wrong reasons; lack of solid justification. Simple gender distinction that it attempted to connect people with, not anything involving personalities.
7-Chariot The Chariot Arcana is a symbol of victory, conquest, self-assertion, control, war and command. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Chariot Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in Physical-based attacks. As with all Shadow Arcanas, the Chariot Shadow is the inverse version of the Chariot, which represents victory and conquest. In this case, it is literally military conquest and victory at all costs. It represents impulsiveness, inflexibility, and anxiety; difficult to control.
8-Justice Portrayed as a woman holding a sword and balance, the Justice Arcana symbolizes a strict allegory of justice, objectivity, rationality and analysis. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Justice Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in Light-based affinities. Reversal: Instead of representing unbiased reason, moderation of one's behavior and logic in the face of conflict, this particular incarnation represents corrupted reason, thinking with one's emotions, and an excess of desires which is detrimental to the self. Corrupt leadership, or a mishandling or lack of moderation of one's desires. It may represent a dictator or fascist.
9-Hermit Portrayed as an old man in a dark place or cave, holding up a lantern, the Hermit is associated with wisdom, introspection, solitude, retreat and philosophical searches. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Hermit Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in Mental-Ailment skills. The Hermit Arcana represents a person who is introspective, reclusive, seeks philosophical searches, and understands one's self. The dark side of the arcana is a person is unable to keep to oneself, has complete disregard and no respect for society and is inhumane.
10-Fortune Portrayed as a wheel with different animals wearing wealthy and beggarly clothes up and down the wheel, the Fortune Arcana symbolizes Fate and varying luck, fortunes and opportunities. What goes up will go down, what goes down will go up. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Fortune Arcana is associated myth-figures related to Fate and Time, and has personas of the wind element. In tarot, the Fortune card teaches patience in order to achieve greater gains and changes, while the reversed card represents quick resolutions by any means necessary.
11-Strength Portrayed as a young woman holding up a terrifying beast (more often a lion), 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. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Strength Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in Physical attributes. cowardice, fear, timidity. A complete lack of backbone. likely to back down from challenges. They're weak-willed when it comes to controlling their own impulses or changing their life. They're far too passive and scared.
12-Hanged Man Portrayed as a man hanging up-side-down from one leg, with his other leg crosses it forming a '4'; 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. Gameplay-wise, the Persona of the Hanged Man Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in survivability. The Hanged Man represents ultimate altruism and the self-sacrifice one must make in order to save or redeem another, all in the name of greater good. The shadow is in the air, for it refuses to help others, preferring to remain egotistical and selfish. It is the lack of compassion within those who are needed for.
13-Death While it is associated with foreboding of doom, Death Arcana also symbolizes the metamorphosis and deep change, regeneration and cycles. The Personas of the Death Arcana are commonly associated with and excel in Dark-based affinities, but weak towards Light-based affinities. The easiest reversal here is to say that something does not come to an end, or it does not die. natural cycle, growth not allowed.
14-Temperance Portrayed as a woman with angel wings mixing up the water of two cups, one blue, the other red, the Temperance Arcana is a symbol of synthesis, prudence, harmony, and the merging of opposites. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Temperance Arcana are often well-rounded Personas. out of balance-reverse
15-Devil Portrayed as a hermaphrodite devil over two naked and chained figures, the negative aspect of the Devil Arcana represents 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. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Devil Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in dark-based affinities. trapped in unhealthy, too attached
16-Tower Portrayed as a tower stricken by lightning, from which two small figures fall down; a straight Tower of Babel allegory about pride preceding the fall. 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. truth revealed Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Tower Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in physical-based attacks and attributes. truth hidden, live in the lies
17-Star The Star Arcana is also commonly associated hope, self-confidence, faith, altruism, luck, generosity, peace and joy. In gameplay, the Personas of the Star Arcana commonly excel in ice-element attacks, but are vulnerable to fire-based attacks. out of touch with reality
18-Moon Portrayed as two dogs howling at the Moon, around a pool with a lobster in it, with two towers in the background, 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.) Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Moon Arcana tend to align towards Physical Skills, while having average Magic stats., lost, false hope, healing, chaos, anarchy
19-Sun Portrayed as two children holding hands under a blazing sun, The Sun symbolizes happiness, joy, energy, optimism, and accomplishment. Occasionally, it is also associated with one's initial happiness. Gameplay-wise, the Personas of the Sun Arcana are commonly Personas excelling in Light and Fire-based attacks. poor logic, reasoning, disorder
20-Judgement In gameplay, the Judgement Arcana is commonly associated with a balance of Light and Darkness. Protagonists are also given the Judgement Arcana at near end of the game. The Judgement Arcana also symbolizes the protagonists' actions and decisions late-in the game, symbolizing a person's awareness of himself, and others. fear of the unknown, taking on burdens, entrenching in unneeded, haunting
21-The World It often appears as the final triumph arcana, creating miracles and aiding the Protagonists. Portrayed as a young woman (or hermaphrodite, depending on deck) surrounded by figures of an angel, a bull, an eagle, and a lion (representations of the four elements in transcendent form, as well as the symbols of the four Evangelists Luke, Matthew, John, and Mark respectively), The World Arcana is a representation of the world's totality, the symbol of fulfillment, wholeness, and harmony. The World Arcana is commonly associated with Social Links, where its power is based upon the Protagonist's bonds with others. information overload, unwilling to do anything new, stuck inside comfort zone, pretends to know things
0-The Fool 1-Magician
Note: these are only available Note: these are available to Fool and
to the Fool Arcana. Magician Arcana.
Previous: Previous:
Tenjiku Tokubei Houris
Narukami Frey
Kamakura Gongoro Tengu
Sarutobi Sasuke Agrippa
Tobi Katou Abe no Seimei
Fuuma Kotarou Manana
Junnosuke Kuroda Isis
Orpheus Rangda
Legion Hermes
Ose Trismegistus
Black Frost Nekomata
Decarabia Jack Frost
Loki Pyro Jack
Susano-o Sati
Slime Orobas
Orpheus Telos Rangda
Izanagi Surt
Yomotsu-Shikome Hua Po
Obariyon Jiraiya
Shiki-Ouji Susano-o
New: Pixie
Proteus Dis
Wana-games-ak Jinn
Khepri Mada
Janus New:
Khnum Mercury
Spider Glaucus
Khonsu Nereus
Mut Poseidon
Nut Circe
Ptah Cagn (Kaang)
Heitsi-Eibib
Heka
Coyote
2-Priestess 3-Empress
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Priestess Arcana. Empress Arcana.
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Maso Vesta
Verdandi Durga
Tensen Nyan Nyan Arianrhod
Sif Nemesis
Parvati Seioubo
Izanami Rinok
Hathor Kali
Scathach Gaia
Lucia Penthesilea
Juno Artemisia
Apsaras Leanan Sidhe
Unicorn Lakshmi
Sarasvati Hariti
Ganga Gabriel
Kikuri-Hime Mother Harlot
High Pixie Skadi
Konohana Sakuya Alilat
Ametarasu Yaksini
Saki Mitama Senri
Hariti Titania
Tzitzimitl Gorgon
New: Isis
Athena New:
Diana Naiad
Vesta Thetis
Tethys Coti
Agathodaemon Akka (Maderakka, Maan-Eno)
Amun Anuket (Anqet, Anukis)
Amunet Qebehsenuef
Aloja Hapy
Satis Geb
Mimir Hathor
Heqet
Meskhenet
Ishtar
Demeter
Agamemnon
4-Emperor 5-Hierophant
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Emperor Arcana. Hierophant Arcana.
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Seimen Kongou Aizen Myouou
Amon Ra Genjo
Airgetlam Umayado no Ouji
Marduk Shaka
Baal Yama
Hurakan Mithra
Indra Varuna
Odin Yamaoka
Lugh Brahma
Vishnu Castor
Polydeuces Omoikane
Caesar Berith
Forneus Flauros
Oberon Hokuto Seikun
Take-Mikazuchi Ananta
King Frost Daisoujou
Raja Naga Kohryu
Kingu Psyche
Barong Shiisaa
Rokuten Maoh Thoth
Oberon Anzu
Setanta Unicorn
Okuninushi Hachiman
Thoth Cerberus
Pabilsag New:
New: Thetis
Ophion Sphinx
Abaia Adar Llwch Gwin
Amun-Ra Amun
Aten Apis (Hapis, Hapi-ankh)
Griffon Bast
Min Duamutef
Resheph
Minerva
Oracle
Muses
Saraswati
Ea (Babylon)
Ceridwen
Enki (Sumeria)
6-Lovers 7-Chariot
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Lovers Arcana. Chariot Arcana.
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Eros Ogun
Eros Prime Susano-o
Venus Palladion
Pixie Pallas Athena
Robin Goodfellow Ara Mitama
Jack Frost Chimera
Pyro Jack Zouchouten
Vivian Ares
Alice Oumitsunu
Io Nata Taishi
Isis Koumokuten
Narcissus Thor
Queen Mab Tomoe Gozen
Saki Mitama Suzuka Gongen
Titania Slime
Raphael Nata Taishi
Cybele Eligor
Alp Triglav
Himiko Kin-Ki
Kanzeon Atavaka
Undine Futsunushi
Leanan Sidhe New:
Ishtar Triton
New: Oni
Alal Adar Llwch Gwin
Hapi Adlet
Alpheus Ahuizotl
Ceyx Hippocampus
Alcyone Bast
Selene Griffon
Endymion Miraj
Maashes
Menhit
Monthu
Neith
Pakhet
Apedemak
Orion
8-Justice 9-Hermit
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Justice Arcana. Hermit Arcana.
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Nemhain Nekomata
Tyr Tenhou Gensui
Helios Grinbulsti
Hyperion Byakko
Nemesis Genbu
Kala-Nemi Kinich Ahau
Angel Tishtoriya
Archangel Moros
Principality Yomotsu-Shikome
Power Naga
Virtue Lamia
Dominion Taraka
Throne Kurama Tengu
Melchizedek Nebiros
Uriel Arahabaki
Sraosha Forneus
New: Ippon-Datara
Al Basti Mothman
Aker Hitokoto-Nushi
Nidhoggr
Ongyo-Ki
New:
Oceanus
Dzee-dzee-bon-da
Heimdallr
Merlin
Nepthys
10-Fortune 11-Strength
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Wheel of Fortune Arcana. Strength Arcana.
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Hermes Cerberus
Chronos Valkyrie
Hypnos Titan
Fortuna Jikokuten
Kusi Mitama Hanuman
Clotho Narasimha
Lachesis Kali
Atropos Siegfried
Norn Rakshasa
Empusa Sandman
Sukuna-Hikona Kusi Mitama
Yamato-Takeru Oni
New: Zaou-Gongen
Adhene New:
Agathodaemon Aatxe (Etsai)
Aitvaras Tsui'goab
Tyche Amun
Alicanto Horus
Bes Bat
Bes
Mafdet
Meretseger
12-Hanged Man 13-Death
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Hanged Man Arcana. Death Arcana.
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Odysseus Mot
Prometheus Rhadamanthus
Medea Rhadamanthus Prime
Inugami Hades
Take-Minakata Hel
Orthrus Ankou
Vasuki Charon
Ubelluris Loa
Attis Pale Rider
Hecatoncheires Samael
Hell Biker Alice
Berith Thanatos
Yomotsu-Ikusa Ghoul
Makami Mokoi
Yatsufusa Matador
Taowu White Rider
New: Mahakala
A Bao A Qu New:
Akabeko Shinigami
Apis (Hapis, Hapi-ankh) Heitsi-Eibib
Mnevis Gaunab
Yambe-Akka (Jabme-akka)
Anubis
Imsety
Heqet
Khepri
Nephthys
Osiris
Ra-Horakhty
14-Temperance 15-Devil
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Temperance Arcana. Devil Arcana.
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Nigi Mitama Bres
Mithra Poltergeist
Genbu Surt
Seiryuu Beelzebub
Okuninushi Lucifer
Suzaku Lilim
Byakko Vetala
Yurlunger Incubus
Apsaras Succubus
Sylph Lilith
Xie Zhai Abaddon
Vishnu Pazuzu
New: Ukobach
Yama-uba Belphegor
Adroa (Adroanzi) Belial
Ma'at New:
Abaasy
Al
Ala
Alû
16-Tower 17-Star
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Tower Arcana. Star Arcana.
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Nyarlathotep Callisto
Amatsu Mikaboshi Kimnara
Eligor Iris
Cu Chulainn Ghandharva
Uriel Kenren Taishou
Bishamonten Heinir
Seiten Taisei Valkyrie
Masakado Astria
Shiva Hanuman
Chi You Fariedone
Mara Nandi
Tao Tie Kaiwan
Abaddon Ganesha
Yoshitsune Garuda
New: Saturnus
Phorcys Lucifer
Bakeneko Kartikeya
Acheri Helel
Adze Kintoki-Douji
Aerico Kamui
Afanc Neko Shogun
Ahkiyyini Fuu-Ki
Ga-Gorib New:
Aitu Abada (Nillekma, Arase)
Ajatar Alan
Akhlut Zodiac
Akurojin-no-hi Aries
Apep (Apophis) Taurus
Tsi-noo Gemini
Nun (nuun) Cancer
Pandora Leo
Virgo
Astraea
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Chiron
Capricorn (Seagoat, Pan)
Aquarius (Deucalion,Pyrrha)
Pisces
Cardinal Cross
Andromeda
Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
Cassiopeia
Pleiades
Hyades
Flintboys
Krttika
Rishis
Zeta Tauri
Svaha
Arundhati
Alcor
Tianquiztli
18-Moon 19-Sun
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Moon Arcana. Sun Arcana.
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Maia Vulcanus
Maia Prime Vulcanus Prime
Artemis Apollo
Pairika Yatagarasu
Succubus Quetzalcoatl
Tsukuyomi Jatayu
Nanna Horus
Gurr Metatron
Yamata-no-Orochi Vishnu
Girimehkala Asura
Dionysus Suparna
Chernobog Cu Sith
Seth Phoenix
Sandalphon Gdon
Baal Zebul Narasimha
Sandalphon Tam Lin
Andra New:
Nozuchi Baldr
Alraune
Sui-Ki
New:
Poseidon
Siren
Will o' Wisp
Alkonost
Kuk
20-Judgement 21-The World
Note: these are available to Fool and Note: these are available to Fool and
Judgement Arcana. World Arcana.
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Yamaoka Demeter
Nike Njord
Michael Mucalinda
Gabriel Seiryu
Phaleg Uruboros
Melchizedek Izanagi-no-Okami
Armati New:
Amurtart Achiyalabopa
Satan Akupara
Anubis Shesha
Trumpeter Kurmaraja (Kurma)
Messiah Atum (Atem, Tem)
Lucifer Nekhbet
Metatron Nu
Ardha Yggdrasil
Uriel Tirawa
Nidhoggr
Atavaka
New:
Sphinx
Ma'at
