A Beginner’s Guide to the Major and Minor Arcana in Tarot 

Tarot is a powerful tool for self-discovery, spiritual insight, and personal growth. Understanding the structure of the tarot deck is essential for anyone looking to dive into tarot readings, whether for personal use or professionally. This guide will break down the basics of the major and minor arcana, explaining how many cards are in each, what they represent, and how they work together to tell a story.

How Many Cards Are in a Full Tarot Deck?

A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two primary sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. These two sets work together to create a comprehensive system that reflects both significant life events and everyday situations.

• Major Arcana: 22 cards
• Minor Arcana: 56 cards

Let’s explore the differences between the two and what each section of the deck represents.

Major Arcana: Major Life Lessons and Spiritual Growth

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, numbered 0 to 21. These cards symbolize profound life lessons, turning points, and spiritual themes that shape a person’s journey. When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it often signals an important shift or transformational event that requires attention. These cards are archetypal and reflect themes we all encounter at some point in life.

Some well-known Major Arcana cards include:

• The Fool (0): New beginnings, potential, and taking risks
• The Magician (I): Manifestation, personal power, and skill
• The Lovers (VI): Relationships, choices, and harmony
• Death (XIII): Transformation, endings, and new beginnings
• The World (XXI): Completion, fulfillment, and achievement

Theme: The Major Arcana cards emphasize the big picture in life. They often point to significant life experiences that shape our personal and spiritual growth.

Minor Arcana: Everyday Challenges and Practical Matters

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit contains 14 cards—ten numbered cards (Ace to 10) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).

These cards deal with the more practical, day-to-day aspects of life. They offer insight into challenges, emotions, relationships, thoughts, and material matters. While the Major Arcana focuses on life-changing themes, the Minor Arcana gives clarity on how these themes manifest in daily situations.

The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana

Each suit represents a different area of life and corresponds to a specific element. Below is a breakdown of the meanings behind the suits:

1. Wands (Fire Element)

• Keywords: Passion, creativity, ambition, and action

• Focus: Wands deal with personal power, inspiration, and the pursuit of goals. They reflect how you direct your energy toward what you are passionate about.

• Examples: Ace of Wands (new opportunities), Ten of Wands (burden, hard work)

2. Cups (Water Element)

• Keywords: Emotions, intuition, relationships, and love

• Focus: Cups reflect your emotional world, relationships, and inner feelings. They offer insight into how you connect with others and your emotional well-being.

• Examples: Ace of Cups (new love or emotional beginning), Five of Cups (grief or disappointment)

3. Swords (Air Element)

• Keywords: Thoughts, intellect, conflict, and clarity

• Focus: Swords represent your mental state, thoughts, decisions, and conflicts. They highlight how you communicate, solve problems, and make choices.

• Examples: Ace of Swords (clarity or new ideas), Nine of Swords (anxiety or fear)

4. Pentacles (Earth Element)

• Keywords: Material wealth, work, stability, and health

• Focus: Pentacles reflect the physical world, including finances, career, and health. They point to how you manage resources and create stability in your life.

• Examples: Ace of Pentacles (new financial opportunity), Ten of Pentacles (wealth, legacy)

Court Cards in the Minor Arcana

The court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King—represent people, personalities, or energies influencing a situation. They can also reflect stages of personal growth:

• Page: New beginnings, curiosity, and learning

• Knight: Action, movement, and pursuit of goals

• Queen: Maturity, nurturing, and understanding

• King: Leadership, mastery, and authority

How the Major and Minor Arcana Work Together

A tarot reading often combines cards from both the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana sets the overall tone or theme, signaling significant life events or lessons. The Minor Arcana adds context, showing how these larger themes play out in daily life.

For example:

• If The Lovers (Major Arcana) appears with the Two of Cups (Minor Arcana), it may suggest a new romantic relationship or deep emotional connection.

• If The Tower (Major Arcana) appears with the Ten of Wands (Minor Arcana), it could indicate a sudden disruption leading to stress or burdens.

Summary: The Structure of a Tarot Deck

• 78 cards in total: 22 in the Major Arcana and 56 in the Minor Arcana

• Major Arcana: Reflect major life lessons, transformation, and spiritual growth

• Minor Arcana: Focus on everyday situations, challenges, and practical matters

• Four Suits in the Minor Arcana: Wands (fire), Cups (water), Swords (air), and Pentacles (earth)

Understanding the structure and meaning of the tarot deck allows you to approach readings with confidence. The Major Arcana highlights life’s pivotal moments, while the Minor Arcana adds depth by providing insight into how these moments affect your daily life. Together, they offer a complete picture of your journey, helping you navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and align with your higher self.

Now that you know the basics of the Major and Minor Arcana, you can begin exploring the cards and developing your intuitive reading skills. Remember that tarot is a personal journey—let the cards guide you with an open heart and mind. Happy reading!