Tarot decks are divided into major and minor arcana cards. The word “arcana” is derived from the latin word Arcanum meaning secret. Therefore the cards showing you secrets. Decks typically have 78 cards – 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards, with many different spreads to find the answers to your questions.
It is said that the order the major arcana cards mirror the stages of life. It begins with the fool who is the spirit seeking life followed by the magician representing birth. Ending with the world – the end of a cycle. When these cards appear in your spread it is to bring attention to the subject as they represent matters of higher purpose.
Divided into 4 suits the minor arcana cards make up the other 56 cards in the deck. The suits each represent different aspects of our lives. Therefore more of one particular suit appearing in your spread will ask you to bring attention to this aspect of your life. Also the numbers have meaning, ie. 2’s rep relationships, 5’s changes or challenges or 10’s endings and new beginnings.
All this information will help you to interpret your spread whether your deck is traditional or not. I have included a list of the Major Arcana cards and the suits and what they mean. Enjoy!
Major Arcana Cards
0 or 22 The Fool 1 The Magician 2 The High Priestess 3 The Empress 4 The Emperor 5 The Hierophant 6 The Lovers | 7 The Chariot 8 Justice 9 The Hermit 10 Wheel of Fortune 11 Strength 12 The Hang Man 13 Death | 14 Temperance 15 The Devil 16 The Tower 17 The Star 18 The Moon 19 The Sun 20 Judgement 21 The World |
Minor Arcana Suits
Coins / Pentacles /Disks / Rings - Material body or possessions (element - earth)
Cups / Chalices - Emotions and Love (element - water)
Swords - Reason (element - air)