Minor Arcana

What is the Minor Arcana?

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 Tarot cards and expresses specific situations and emotions in daily life. They are the direct ancestors of modern playing cards and are divided into four suits.

Overview of the Four Suits

Wands

Element: Fire
Theme: Passion, Creativity, Work, Energy
Corresponding Fields: Career, Projects, Growth, Ambition
Keywords: Action, Inspiration, Entrepreneurial Spirit

Cups

Element: Water
Theme: Emotion, Love, Relationships, Spirituality
Corresponding Fields: Romance, Friendship, Family, Intuition
Keywords: Love, Healing, Emotion, Empathy

Swords

Element: Air
Theme: Thought, Communication, Conflict, Intellect
Corresponding Fields: Thought, Judgment, Difficulties, Truth
Keywords: Reason, Analysis, Difficulties, Clarity

Pentacles

Element: Earth
Theme: Material, Money, Property, Health, Practicality
Corresponding Fields: Finance, Health, Material Stability
Keywords: Stability, Abundance, Reality, Results

Structure of Each Suit

Each suit consists of 14 cards:

Pip Cards: Ace to 10

Ace (1): Pure energy of that suit, new beginnings
2-10: Development and progression of that suit’s theme

Court Cards: 4 cards

Page: Learner, Messenger
Knight: Action-taker, Explorer
Queen: Nurturer, Introverted Master
King: Ruler, Extroverted Master

Meaning of Numbers

Ace (1)

Basic Meaning: New beginnings, pure energy
Common to all suits: Potential, seed, gift

2

Basic Meaning: Duality, choice, balance
Development Stage: Early decisions or relationships

3

Basic Meaning: Creation, growth, expression
Development Stage: Creative development

4

Basic Meaning: Stability, foundation, structure
Development Stage: Establishment of a stable foundation

5

Basic Meaning: Change, instability, challenge
Development Stage: Period of difficulties or trials

6

Basic Meaning: Harmony, healing, resolution
Development Stage: Restoration of balance

7

Basic Meaning: Evaluation, choice, illusion
Development Stage: Conflict between reality and ideals

8

Basic Meaning: Power, skill, achievement
Development Stage: Acquisition of skills and exercise of power

9

Basic Meaning: Approaching completion, wish
Development Stage: Stage where the goal becomes visible

10

Basic Meaning: Completion, result, next cycle
Development Stage: Completion of one cycle

Detailed Suit Information

Wands - Element of Fire

Basic Themes

Passion, Creativity, Ambition
Work, Career, Projects
Energy, Drive
Inspiration, Growth

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Pip Cards

Ace: New project, creative inspiration
2: Future plans, personal power
3: Expansion, foresight
4: Blessing, stable foundation
5: Competition, conflict
6: Victory, success
7: Challenge, defense
8: Rapid action, progress
9: Vigilance, strength
10: Burden, responsibility

Court Cards

Page: Enthusiastic learner, new ideas
Knight: Adventurous, impulsive
Queen: Warm creativity, confidence
King: Leadership, vision

Cups - Element of Water

Basic Themes

Emotion, Love, Relationships
Intuition, Spirituality
Healing, Empathy
Imagination, Dreams

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Pip Cards

Ace: New love, emotional beginning
2: Love partnership, harmony
3: Friendship, blessing
4: Indifference, missed opportunities
5: Disappointment, sorrow
6: Nostalgia, past memories
7: Illusion, choices
8: Abandonment, seeking new path
9: Satisfaction, emotional fulfillment
10: Emotional fulfillment, family happiness

Court Cards

Page: Emotional message, intuitive learner
Knight: Romantic, idealistic
Queen: Intuitive, empathetic
King: Emotional maturity, wise

Swords - Element of Air

Basic Themes

Thought, Intellect, Communication
Difficulties, Challenges, Conflict
Truth, Justice
Analysis, Judgment

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Pip Cards

Ace: New idea, clarity
2: Difficult decision, stalemate
3: Betrayal, heartbreak
4: Rest, meditation
5: Defeat, shame
6: Transition, escape from difficulties
7: Deception, strategy
8: Restriction, bondage
9: Anxiety, nightmare
10: Betrayal, painful end

Court Cards

Page: Curious, cautious
Knight: Impulsive, aggressive
Queen: Independent, clear judgment
King: Intellectual authority, fair

Pentacles - Element of Earth

Basic Themes

Material, Money, Property
Health, Body
Practicality, Tangible Results
Stability, Persistence

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Pip Cards

Ace: New opportunity, material beginning
2: Balance, multiple responsibilities
3: Skill, cooperation
4: Security, possession
5: Financial difficulty, worry
6: Generosity, sharing
7: Patience, long-term investment
8: Skill acquisition, diligence
9: Material success, independence
10: Inheritance, family wealth

Court Cards

Page: Practical learner, new opportunities
Knight: Responsible, reliable
Queen: Practical nurturer, abundance
King: Material success, generous

How to Read Court Cards

Knight

Age: Adolescence
Characteristics: Action-taker, explorer, extreme expression
Message: Need for action and change

Queen

Age: Mature woman
Characteristics: Nurturer, introverted power, intuition
Message: Inner strength and nurturing power

King

Age: Mature man
Characteristics: Ruler, extroverted power, authority
Message: Leadership and responsibility

Tips for Reading Minor Arcana

1. Understand Suit Characteristics

By grasping the element and theme of each suit, you can understand the basic direction of the card.

2. Utilize Number Meanings

Interpret by combining the universal meaning of the number with the characteristics of the suit.

3. Treat Court Cards as Specific People

Court cards often represent actual people, indicating their personality and role.

4. Think in Everyday Context

Since Minor Arcana represent daily events, aim for realistic and concrete interpretations.

Summary

The Minor Arcana are important cards that express the specific aspects of daily life in detail. By systematically understanding the characteristics of the four suits and the meaning of the numbers, you can achieve more accurate and practical readings.

While the Major Arcana indicates the major currents of life, the Minor Arcana serves as a valuable guide, informing us about daily situations and emotions.

Next Steps

Basic Spreads - Card layout methods and how to read them.
Practical Reading Guide - A practical guide to divination.
Frequently Asked Questions - Resolving questions about Tarot reading.

Ace of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Ace of Wands English Name: Ace of Wands Suit: Wands Number: Ace (1) Element: Fire Keywords: New Beginnings, Creative Energy, Passion, Inspiration Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Wand Extending from a Hand A hand emerging from a cloud holding a wand symbolizes divine inspiration and creative power. It represents blessings from heaven and the descent of ideas. ...

Two of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Two of Wands English Name: Two of Wands Suit: Wands Number: 2 Element: Fire Keywords: Personal Power, Planning, Future Prospects, Choice Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Figure on a Castle Wall The figure standing on a castle wall represents looking towards the future from a high vantage point. This indicates contemplating possibilities for a wider world from a current secure position. ...

Three of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Three of Wands English Name: Three of Wands Suit: Wands Number: 3 Element: Fire Keywords: Foresight, Expansion, Exploration, Long-term Prospects, Progress Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Figure Standing on High Ground The figure standing on a cliff or high ground represents broad vision and foresight, looking far ahead. From a stable current position, they are exploring possibilities for further development. ...

Four of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Four of Wands English Name: Four of Wands Suit: Wands Number: 4 Element: Fire Keywords: Blessing, Stability, Achievement, Joy, Harmony Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Four Wands as Support The structure where four wands support a canopy or arch symbolizes a stable foundation and achievement. The number 4 represents stability and order, indicating that the results of efforts have taken concrete form. ...

Five of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Five of Wands English Name: Five of Wands Suit: Wands Number: 5 Element: Fire Keywords: Competition, Conflict, Challenge, Trial, Confusion Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Five Young Men Fighting The five young men holding wands and competing represent healthy competition and challenge. This symbolizes constructive competition for growth, not destructive conflict. ...

Six of Swords

Card Basics Card Name: Six of Swords English Name: Six of Swords Suit: Swords Number: 6 Element: Air Keywords: Transition, healing, new beginnings, progress, moving toward peace Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Movement by Boat The image of crossing water by boat symbolizes transition from difficult circumstances to a better environment. It represents the decision and action to leave the past behind and move toward a new future. Six Swords The six swords standing upright in the boat represent past difficulties and problems. They show that rather than abandoning these experiences, one carries them forward as lessons while moving forward. ...

Six of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Six of Wands English Name: Six of Wands Suit: Wands Number: 6 Element: Fire Keywords: Victory, Glory, Success, Recognition, Honor Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Victor on a White Horse The figure on a white horse symbolizes pure victory and noble success. The horse represents strength and nobility, and the rider indicates that victory was achieved through legitimate means. ...

Seven of Swords

Card Basics Card Name: Seven of Swords English Name: Seven of Swords Suit: Swords Number: 7 Element: Air Keywords: Strategy, deception, independence, cunning, hidden motives Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Thieving Figure The figure stealthily carrying away swords symbolizes strategy and secret action. It represents an indirect approach using cunning rather than direct confrontation. Seven Swords The act of taking five swords while leaving two behind shows partial success rather than complete victory. It represents the wisdom of obtaining what is necessary even when everything cannot be gained. ...

Seven of Wands

Card Basics Card Name: Seven of Wands English Name: Seven of Wands Suit: Wands Number: 7 Element: Fire Keywords: Defense, Courage, Challenger, Difficulty, Perseverance Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Defender on a High Ground The figure standing on a high hill represents facing difficulties from an advantageous position. The high ground symbolizes strategic advantage and a broad perspective. ...

Eight of Swords

Card Basics Card Name: Eight of Swords English Name: Eight of Swords Suit: Swords Number: 8 Element: Air Keywords: Restriction, limitation, mental imprisonment, fear, self-limitation Card Symbolism Key Symbolic Elements Blindfolded and Bound Woman The blindfolded woman with bound hands symbolizes a state where one cannot see their own power. It represents psychological limitations rather than physical restrictions. Eight Swords The eight swords standing around her represent restrictions and obstacles. However, they don’t completely surround her, showing that an escape route remains available. ...

What is the Minor Arcana?#

Overview of the Four Suits#

Wands#

Cups#

Swords#

Pentacles#

Structure of Each Suit#

Pip Cards: Ace to 10#

Court Cards: 4 cards#

Meaning of Numbers#

Ace (1)#

2#

3#

4#

5#

6#

7#

8#

9#

10#

Detailed Suit Information#

Wands - Element of Fire#

Basic Themes#

Basic Meaning of Each Card#

Cups - Element of Water#

Basic Themes#

Basic Meaning of Each Card#

Swords - Element of Air#

Basic Themes#

Basic Meaning of Each Card#

Pentacles - Element of Earth#

Basic Themes#

Basic Meaning of Each Card#

How to Read Court Cards#

Page#

Knight#

Queen#

King#

Tips for Reading Minor Arcana#

1. Understand Suit Characteristics#

2. Utilize Number Meanings#

3. Treat Court Cards as Specific People#

4. Think in Everyday Context#

Summary#

Next Steps#

What is the Minor Arcana?

Overview of the Four Suits

Wands

Cups

Swords

Pentacles

Structure of Each Suit

Pip Cards: Ace to 10

Court Cards: 4 cards

Meaning of Numbers

Ace (1)

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Detailed Suit Information

Wands - Element of Fire

Basic Themes

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Cups - Element of Water

Basic Themes

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Swords - Element of Air

Basic Themes

Basic Meaning of Each Card

Pentacles - Element of Earth

Basic Themes

Basic Meaning of Each Card

How to Read Court Cards

Page

Knight

Queen

King

Tips for Reading Minor Arcana

1. Understand Suit Characteristics

2. Utilize Number Meanings

3. Treat Court Cards as Specific People

4. Think in Everyday Context

Summary

Next Steps