Overall Structure of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are composed of 78 cards, broadly divided into the following two categories:
- Major Arcana: 22 cards
- Minor Arcana: 56 cards
This structure is the origin of modern playing cards, and each has its own unique meaning and role.
Major Arcana
Overview
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards and forms the core of Tarot. “Arcana” is a Latin word meaning “secret,” and these cards express important life events and spiritual growth.
Characteristics
- Indicates major life currents
- Expresses spiritual growth and the soul’s journey
- Suggests important choices and turning points
- Numbered from 0 to 21
Major Arcana Composition
| Number | Card Name | Basic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | The Fool | New beginnings, infinite possibilities |
| 1 | The Magician | Willpower, creativity |
| 2 | The High Priestess | Intuition, subconscious |
| 3 | The Empress | Fertility, motherhood, creation |
| 4 | The Emperor | Authority, stability, fatherhood |
| 5 | The Hierophant | Tradition, teaching, spiritual guidance |
| 6 | The Lovers | Love, choice, relationship |
| 7 | The Chariot | Will, progress, victory |
| 8 | Strength | Inner strength, courage, patience |
| 9 | The Hermit | Introspection, wisdom, solitude |
| 10 | Wheel of Fortune | Destiny, change, cycle |
| 11 | Justice | Fairness, balance, truth |
| 12 | The Hanged Man | Sacrifice, suspension, new perspective |
| 13 | Death | Change, ending, rebirth |
| 14 | Temperance | Harmony, balance, moderation |
| 15 | The Devil | Bondage, desire, materialism |
| 16 | The Tower | Destruction, sudden change, awakening |
| 17 | The Star | Hope, inspiration, healing |
| 18 | The Moon | Illusion, anxiety, subconscious |
| 19 | The Sun | Joy, success, brightness |
| 20 | Judgment | Resurrection, rebirth, final judgment |
| 21 | The World | Completion, achievement, integration |
The Fool’s Journey
The Major Arcana is understood as a series of stories called “The Fool’s Journey”:
- Beginning (Cards 0-7): From the start of a new adventure to success in the real world.
- Trials (Cards 8-14): Inner growth and spiritual trials.
- Liberation (Cards 15-21): Liberation from bondage and ultimate completion.
Minor Arcana
Overview
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards and expresses the detailed aspects of daily life. They are the direct ancestors of modern playing cards and are divided into four suits.
Characteristics
- Indicates daily events
- Expresses specific situations and emotions
- Provides practical advice
- Composed of 4 suits × 14 cards
Composition of the Four Suits
1. Wands
- Element: Fire
- Theme: Passion, creativity, work, energy
- Modern Equivalent: Clubs
- Keywords: Action, ambition, growth, inspiration
2. Cups
- Element: Water
- Theme: Emotion, love, relationships, spirituality
- Modern Equivalent: Hearts
- Keywords: Love, intuition, emotion, healing
3. Swords
- Element: Air
- Theme: Thought, communication, conflict, intellect
- Modern Equivalent: Spades
- Keywords: Reason, judgment, difficulties, truth
4. Pentacles
- Element: Earth
- Theme: Material, money, health, practicality
- Modern Equivalent: Diamonds
- Keywords: Stability, abundance, reality, results
Composition of Each Suit
Each suit consists of 14 cards:
Pip Cards: Numbers 1-10
- Ace (1): New beginnings, pure energy
- 2-10: Development and progression of the suit’s theme
Court Cards: 4 cards
- Page: Learner, messenger, new beginnings
- Knight: Action-taker, explorer, extreme expression
- Queen: Nurturer, introverted master
- King: Ruler, extroverted master
Basic Principles of Card Reading
When a Major Arcana Card Appears
- Has significant meaning
- Relates to major life currents
- Suggests spiritual growth or important choices
- Requires deeper insight
When a Minor Arcana Card Appears
- Indicates daily events
- Expresses specific situations or emotions
- Provides practical advice
- Suggests short-term influences
Reading Combinations
- Many Major Arcana: A significant period in life.
- Many Minor Arcana: Focus on daily issues.
- Many of a specific suit: That suit’s theme is emphasized.
Upright and Reversed Positions
Upright Position
- The card appears in its normal orientation.
- Interpreted with its basic meaning.
- Often emphasizes positive aspects.
Reversed Position
- The card appears upside down.
- The meaning changes as follows:
- Opposite meaning
- Internalized expression
- Blockage or delay
- Excessive expression
Learning Points
Beginner’s Approach
- Start with the Major Arcana.
- Memorize basic meanings.
- Value imagery and emotions.
- Deepen understanding through practice.
Steps for Progress
- Learn the basics of the Minor Arcana.
- Understand suit characteristics.
- Learn the meaning of numbers.
- Understand card combinations.
Summary
Each of the 78 Tarot cards has its own unique meaning and role. The Major Arcana expresses important life events, while the Minor Arcana expresses daily details.
Understanding this basic structure will allow you to grasp the depth and practicality of Tarot reading.
Next Steps
Once you have learned about card types and structure, let’s delve deeper into the following:
- Detailed Meanings of Major Arcana - Explanation of the 22 major cards.
- Detailed Meanings of Minor Arcana - Explanation of the 56 minor cards.
- Basic Spreads - Card layout methods and how to read them.