Major vs. Minor Arcana

In the deck of Tarot there are two categories of cards, the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The twenty two cards within the Major Arcana are typically called “trump” cards. The cards within the Major Arcana are elaborately illustrated with fantastical, highly detailed portraits and symbolic details. Today, the cards in the Major Arcana are numbered from 1-22, usually with Roman numerals. However, traditionally they were not numbered at all due to a lack of literacy among the general population.

Typically speaking, when you give or receive a Tarot reading, the cards in the Major Arcana represent major life events and choices. They can refer to universal human experiences and giant life changes. For this reason, they are taken quite seriously, as opposed to the Minor Arcana.

Here is a numerical list of the Major Arcana:

0. 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. Strength
9. The Hermit
10. Wheel of Fortune
11. Justice
12. The Hanged Man
13. Death
14. Temperance
15. The Devil
16. The Tower
17. The Star
18. The Moon
19. The Sun
20. Judgment
21. The World

The Minor Arcana cards fall into four standard suits, with 14 cards in each suit. The suits are as follows: Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles. Each suit contains cards which are numbered one through ten. The remaining four cards are: the Page, Knight, King and Queen. They are similar to the face cards in current playing card decks. Yet unlike modern playing cards that have 52 cards in a deck, the Minor Arcana consists of 57 cards.

Cards which appear from the Minor Arcana during a reading generally hold less significance than those from the Major Arcana. They can refer to everyday or humdrum activities. The one exception to this rule are the face cards. Most Tarot readers agree that these face cards represent someone who already know, or someone you are going to meet.

Each suit holds particular meanings. Generally, this is what they pertain to.

Cups

As the name suggests, this suit is associated with the element of water. The suit of cups is often linked with spiritual growth and development. Cups can help you to recognize a pattern in your life.

Swords

The Swords can be warnings about future dissatisfaction or distress. They encourage deep thought, logic and reason in uncertain times. They are also an indication of a disharmony within the ego. Swords are associated with the element air.

Wands

Wands are associated with the element of fire. They indicate a call to action, movement and an outpouring of energy. Wands are also linked with traveling, exploration and adventure.

Pentacles

This suit foretells of monetary wealth and prosperity. Sometimes it is known as the “coin suit.” It also represents practicality and security. Pentacles are associated with the element of earth.