A deck of tarot cards contains 78 cards. Traditionally, these cards are further divided into two parts. The first part is called the Major Arcana (also known as Trump cards), which includes 22 cards in total. You can think of these cards as major themes or life transitions; they carry more weight in a tarot card reading.
The Major Arcana
We start at card zero with the Fool at the beginning of his journey, and each card thereafter leads up to the last card in the Major Arcana, the World, which symbolizes achieving a milestone.
Major Arcana cards tell a beautiful story that is shared by each and every one of us. Also known as the Fool's Journey, the Major Arcana takes us through the themes and experiences needed for self-actualization.
The Minor Arcana
The remaining 56 cards are what we call the Minor Arcana. Just because they are not part of the initial 22 cards of the tarot deck does not make them less significant. As we learn more about tarot together in future blogs, it will become clear how much each of these cards can resonate with our own unique stories and experiences in an impactful way.
The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana can further be broken down into four suits (similar to a traditional deck of playing cards): Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (or Coins). Each of these four suits is symbolic of different facets of ourselves and our lives.
- Wands: Connected to our creativity, taking action, and adventure.
- Cups: For matters of the heart, our emotions, and relationships with ourselves and others.
- Swords: Mainly about our mind, thoughts, and intellect. Think head over heart, whereas Cups are more in tune with our hearts.
- Pentacles: Related to the material world, things like finances and career. These cards are more grounded and practical in nature.
Structure of the Minor Arcana
Within each of the four suits of the Minor Arcana, we can further break down the cards. Each of the four minor suits consists of 14 cards of three types:
- An Ace card (the first card, or number 1)
- Nine numbered cards (from two to ten)
- Four Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
These Court cards represent different aspects of people or situations in a tarot reading. The Minor Arcana suits are similar to those in standard playing cards, but they have unique meanings and images that resonate with our own cards and experiences.
History and Use of Tarot Decks
Tarot decks and oracle decks have been cherished for centuries for divination and fortune telling. The history of the tarot is rich and colorful, with its cards often used for occult purposes and as tools for self-discovery.
The beauty of tarot is its ability to resonate with people in different ways and for different purposes.
In addition to their mystical uses, tarot cards have also been enjoyed in various card games, like French Tarot. An oracle deck can be another engaging way to enrich the reading experience while offering us deeper insights.
Some Final Thoughts
Together, these form a deck of 78 cards that can offer us guidance and clarity in tarot card readings. Whether you're using a shuffled deck or drawing a single card for insight, the tarot deck is a powerful tool for exploring the depths of your mind and spirit.
References
Tarot | wikipedia.org
The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org
The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite
The Big Book of Tarot: How to Interpret the Cards and Work with Tarot Spreads for Personal Growth | Joan Bunning
The Modern Witch Tarot Journal | Lisa Sterle
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided.
