๐ด Major vs Minor Arcana
In a Tarot deck, the 78 cards are split between two key sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Understanding their differences offers deeper insight into any Tarot reading.
Major Arcana cards represent powerful life lessons and spiritual themes. Minor Arcana cards reflect everyday events and emotions.
๐ Breaking Down the Arcana
Major Arcana (22 Cards)
These cards symbolize the soulโs journey. From The Foolโs leap of faith to The Worldโs fulfillment, each card reflects key archetypes, transitions, and spiritual growth.
Minor Arcana (56 Cards)
These cards focus on daily lifeโchallenges, relationships, thoughts, and actions. They are divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.
Roles in a Reading
A Major Arcana card signals a pivotal moment. A Minor Arcana card adds contextโshowing how external events or personal emotions play out in detail.
๐ Four Suits of the Minor Arcana
๐งCups
Represent emotions, love, intuition, and relationships.
๐ฅWands
Connected to passion, inspiration, and creative drive.
๐ฟPentacles
Symbolize money, health, work, and material matters.
๐ก๏ธSwords
Represent thoughts, communication, conflict, and logic.
๐ซ Working Together
Balance in the Spread
A reading heavy in Major Arcana indicates powerful, long-term shifts. A Minor Arcana focus suggests dealing with current, manageable issues.
Building the Narrative
Major cards create the framework of your story. Minor cards flesh out the detailsโadding flavor, tone, and day-to-day relevance.
๐ Interpret with Clarity
When interpreting, consider:
- Is this a life-changing moment or a temporary situation?
- Do the cards point to inner transformation or outer conflict?
- How do the suits interact with the archetypal energy?
- What patterns emerge between the major and minor cards?
๐ด Master the Arcana
The beauty of Tarot lies in the dance between major forces and minor moments. Each card plays its part in the symphony of self-discovery.
๐ The Journey Continues
Whether you pull The Magician or the 3 of Cups, every card speaks. Major or minor, each one is a guidepostโlighting your path through lifeโs mysteries.
Learning the Arcana empowers your intuition and deepens your spiritual conversationsโone card at a time.


