Intro to the Major and Minor Arcana in Tarot

If you’re new to tarot, the idea of the Major and Minor Arcana will probably be unfamiliar to you at first. The tarot is a deck of 78 cards, divided into two main categories – the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

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Each section plays a unique role in a tarot reading, providing different types of insight and guidance. In this guide, we’ll cover the differences between the Major and Minor Arcana, explore some of the most well-known cards in each section, and discuss how to interpret them during a tarot reading.

By the end, you’ll have a much better understanding of this ancient divination system and how to harness its power for personal growth and self-discovery.

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana is the section of the tarot deck that contains 22 cards, often referred to as the “trump cards.” These cards are considered the most significant and impactful in a tarot reading, representing the big, transformative events and energies in our lives.

The Major Arcana cards depict archetypal figures, symbols, and themes that speak to the human experience on a deep, universal level. From the Fool’s journey of self-discovery to the Magician’s creative power and the Empress’s nurturing abundance, these cards capture the major milestones, challenges, and lessons we all face as we move through life.

Some of the most well-known and influential Major Arcana cards include:

The Fool: This card represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and an adventurous spirit. It’s about embracing the unknown and taking a leap of faith.

The Magician: This card symbolizes personal power, manifestation, and taking action to make your dreams a reality.

The High Priestess: This card represents intuition, mystery, and the divine feminine. It’s about tapping into your inner wisdom and trusting your instincts.

The Empress: This card is all about abundance, fertility, and the nurturing, creative aspects of the divine feminine.

The Emperor: This card symbolizes authority, structure, and the divine masculine. It’s about taking charge and wielding your power with confidence.

The Hierophant: This card represents tradition, conformity, and the established order. It’s about following the rules and seeking guidance from those in positions of authority.

The Lovers: This card is about relationships, choices, and the balance between individuality and connection.

The Chariot: This card symbolizes willpower, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles through focused action.

When the Major Arcana cards appear in a tarot reading, they often indicate significant life events, major turning points, or profound inner transformations that are unfolding or about to unfold. They can provide valuable insights and guidance during times of transition, challenge, or personal growth.

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, consists of the remaining 56 cards in the tarot deck. These cards are often seen as representing the more day-to-day, mundane aspects of our lives – the small victories, setbacks, and experiences that shape our individual journeys.

The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each with its own unique symbolism and meaning:

Wands: This suit is associated with creativity, passion, and the element of fire. The Wands cards often represent our drive, ambition, and ability to take action.

Cups: This suit is associated with emotions, relationships, and the element of water. The Cups cards often represent our feelings, intuition, and how we connect with others.

Swords: This suit is associated with intellect, communication, and the element of air. The Swords cards often represent our thought processes, decision-making, and the challenges we face.

Pentacles: This suit is associated with the physical world, material abundance, and the element of earth. The Pentacles cards often represent our finances, career, and overall sense of security and stability.

Within each suit, there are 10 numbered cards (Ace through 10) and 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). These cards provide more specific, day-to-day guidance and insight into the various areas of our lives.

For example, the Two of Cups might indicate the beginning of a new, promising relationship, while the Eight of Swords might suggest feelings of being trapped or limited by our own thought patterns.

While the Major Arcana cards tend to have a more profound, transformative impact, the Minor Arcana cards are equally important in a tarot reading. They help us navigate the ebb and flow of our everyday lives, offering practical advice and highlighting the small steps we can take to create positive change.

Combining the Major and Minor Arcana

When it comes to interpreting a tarot reading, the interplay between the Major and Minor Arcana is crucial. The Major Arcana cards provide the overarching themes, lessons, and energies at play, while the Minor Arcana cards fill in the details and offer more specific guidance.

For example, if the Fool card (a Major Arcana card) appears in a reading, it might indicate that you’re embarking on a new journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The Minor Arcana cards that surround it could then provide more context – perhaps the Seven of Wands suggesting that you’ll need to overcome some obstacles along the way, or the Ace of Cups hinting at the emotional fulfillment and joy that awaits you.

By considering both the Major and Minor Arcana cards in a reading, you can gain a well-rounded, multidimensional understanding of the energies, challenges, and opportunities that are present in your life. The Major Arcana cards provide the big-picture perspective, while the Minor Arcana cards offer the granular details and practical steps you can take to navigate your path.

Interpreting the Cards

When it comes to interpreting the tarot cards, whether they’re from the Major or Minor Arcana, it’s important to approach the reading with an open mind and a willingness to explore the deeper symbolism and meaning behind each card.

One of the key things to keep in mind is that the tarot is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all system. The cards can hold different meanings and significance depending on the context of the reading, the specific question being asked, and the unique perspective and life experiences of the person interpreting the cards.

For example, the Empress card, which is often associated with fertility, abundance, and the divine feminine, might take on a different meaning for someone who is struggling with infertility or who has a complicated relationship with their own femininity. In this case, the Empress might represent a longing for nurturing, self-care, and a deeper connection to the natural cycles of life.

When interpreting the tarot cards, it’s important to trust your intuition and to approach each reading with an open, curious, and non-judgmental mindset. Pay attention to the imagery, symbolism, and the feelings and impressions that each card evokes within you. Use your knowledge of the card’s traditional meanings as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to explore alternative interpretations that resonate more deeply with your unique situation and perspective.