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Tarot Card Basics - The Minor Arcana

Tarot Card Meanings: Minor Arcana

Every Tarot Card deck has 78 cards; while the Major Arcana often steals the spotlight, the remaining 56 cards form what is known as the Minor Arcana. These cards are equally important in understanding Tarot meanings as they dive into the details of daily life, offering insights into the more nuanced aspects of our experiences.

In Latin, Minor Arcana means "small secrets" - these cards reflect the everyday events, emotions, and situations that shape our lives. Where the Major Arcana deals with overarching life themes and significant milestones, the Minor Arcana brings focus to the practical, the mundane, and the transient experiences that influence our path.

The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit corresponds to a specific element and aspect of life:

  • Cups represent emotions, relationships, and connections, aligning with the element of Water.
  • Pentacles focus on material aspects such as finances, career, and physical possessions, connected to the element of Earth.
  • Swords delve into the realm of intellect, conflict, and decision-making, resonating with the element of Air.
  • Wands symbolize creativity, passion, and inspiration, associated with the element of Fire.

Each suit contains fourteen cards: ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and four Court Cards - Page, Knight, Queen, and King. The numbered cards often depict specific situations or phases, while the Court Cards can represent people, personality traits, or aspects of the querent’s own character.

Interpreting the Minor Arcana requires attention to both the imagery and the context within a spread. While these cards may seem less dramatic than the Major Arcana, they are essential for understanding the finer details of a reading, offering clarity and depth to the story being told.

To gain a deeper understanding of the Minor Arcana, please explore the links below. You will find images, key terms, and summaries for each card within the suits, which will be invaluable on your journey to mastering Tarot.

The 56 Minor Arcana Tarot Cards:

Cups: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King
Pentacles: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King
Swords: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King
Wands: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, King

Mastering the Minor Arcana is about recognizing the subtle shifts and patterns in everyday life. These "small secrets" are the threads that, when woven together, reveal the rich tapestry of your personal journey through the Tarot.