Tarot Basics: Major vs. Minor Arcana
Tarot Reader
The Structure of a Tarot Deck
A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, split into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
1. The Major Arcana (22 Cards)
The Major Arcana ("Big Secrets") represents life's clear spiritual lessons and karmic influences. They follow the Fool's Journey, starting from The Fool (0) to The World (21).
When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it suggests a significant, life-changing event or a powerful internal shift.
- Examples: The Lovers (Choice/Union), Death (Transformation), The Tower (Sudden Change).
2. The Minor Arcana (56 Cards)
The Minor Arcana ("Little Secrets") represents the trials and tribulations of daily life. They are divided into four suits, similar to playing cards:
- Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, feelings. (Hearts)
- Pentacles (Earth): Money, career, material possessions. (Diamonds)
- Swords (Air): Thoughts, intellect, conflict. (Spades)
- Wands (Fire): Passion, inspiration, willpower. (Clubs)
Reading Tips for Beginners
- Connect with the imagery: Before looking up the meaning, trust your intuition. What story does the picture tell?
- Daily Draw: Pull one card each morning to set an intention or theme for the day.
- Don't fear "Bad" Cards: Cards like Death or The Devil aren't literal omens of doom. Death means change/rebirth, and The Devil implies attachment or addiction.