The Minor Arcana is a fascinating set of 56 cards, divided into four captivating suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles, and Swords. Each suit has 14 cards, including 10 numbered cards (Ace to 10) and 4 court cards (The Page, The Knight, The King, and The Queen). Together, these cards offer valuable insights into different aspects of our everyday lives.
The word “Arcana” implies hidden secrets, and the Minor Arcana represents these minor secrets. When you read these cards, they shed light on various aspects of our lives, such as work, relationships, money, values, beliefs, and the people we encounter.
The Minor Arcana also has interesting connections with the social class system or varna system, the alchemical elements, and modern playing cards. Although understanding these connections isn’t crucial for tarot card readings, it can add depth to the interpretation of the cards’ meanings.
If you find it overwhelming to remember and understand the meanings of all these cards, don’t worry. Grouping the cards in different ways can simplify this task and show how they are interconnected. By considering the elemental associations of the cards, you can get a basic understanding of each one without relying solely on symbols or external Tarot references.
Get ready for a revealing journey as you explore the hidden depths of the Minor Arcana. Let these cards be your guide, leading you to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Minor Arcana Associations
To gain a deeper understanding of the Minor Arcana, it’s helpful to divide your Tarot deck into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. For now, let’s set aside the Court Cards, as we’ll explore their interpretation in a separate post.
| Corresponds | Cups | Swords | Pentacles | Wands |
| Element | Water | Air | Earth | Fire |
| Playing Cards | Heart | Spade | Diamond | Clubs |
| Astrological signs | Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces | Gemini, Libra and Aquarius | Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo | Aries, Leo and Sagittarius |
| Upright Keywords | Emotions Love Relationships Intuition Creativity | Thoughts Mental clarity Communication Intellect Truth | Abundance Wealth Stability Material possessions Practicality | Passion Energy Inspiration Ambition Action |
| Reverse Keywords | Emotional blockage, Disharmony Disconnection Unrealistic expectations Emotional instability | Confusion Mental turmoil Miscommunication Dishonesty Conflict | Financial difficulties Lack of resources Insecurity Material loss Overly focused on material matters | Lack of direction Burnout Impatience Conflict Stagnation |
| Varna system | Brahmins /Priests | Military/ Kshatriyas | Business man/ Vaishyas | Peasants/ Shudras |
| Colours | Red | Indigo | Green | Yellow |
| Seasons | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring |
| Direction | West | North | East | South |
Minor Arcana Suits and numbers
The Minor Arcana consists of four suits—Wands, Cups, Pentacles, and Swords—each spanning from Ace to Ten. Let’s explore the meaning of each number across all suits, as they share similar themes and concepts.
Ace:
The Aces hold significant power within the Minor Arcana and are closely connected to the Major Arcana’s Magician card. They represent new beginnings, whether it’s starting a new job or embracing the journey of pregnancy. The Aces lack human figures, giving them a larger-than-life quality that embodies the essence of their respective suits.
Two:
Number two, associated with the High Priestess, signifies intuition and a desire for change and excitement. Something may be holding you back, possibly obligations or restrictions, hindering you from reaching your full potential. Striving for balance becomes crucial in this situation.
Three:
Linked to the Empress of the Major Arcana, the number three represents celebrations, wisdom, fertility, desires, and heartbreaks. The contradictory nature of number three is evident in cards like the Three of Cups, symbolizing joy and fulfillment, while the Three of Swords represents heartbreak and betrayal.
Four:
Governed by the Emperor, number four signifies authority, strength, and stability. The Four of Cups suggests discontentment with what is offered, while the Four of Wands symbolizes celebrations, home, and fond memories. The Four of Swords advises taking a break and recharging, while the Four of Pentacles may evoke mixed feelings, like contentment or greed, depending on other cards in the reading.
Five:
Associated with higher authority, dominance, and spiritual knowledge, number five corresponds to the Hierophant in the Major Arcana. The Five of Wands portrays struggle, minor arguments, and the need for balance. The Five of Cups represents sadness, loss, and the importance of maintaining self-belief to move forward. The Five of Swords suggests dominance, gloating, and the aftermath of defeat, while the Five of Pentacles signifies financial challenges and hardship.
Six:
Number six encompasses our ability to relate to the world, handle situations, and overcome challenges. The Lovers card in the Major Arcana aligns with the number six. The Six of Wands signifies completion, victory, and a reminder to remain humble. The Six of Cups symbolizes emotions, friendship, nostalgia, and sharing. The Six of Swords advises leaving behind painful experiences and starting anew. Finally, the Six of Pentacles emphasizes charity, generosity, and sharing resources beyond material wealth.
Seven:
Number seven represents a period of reflection and the application of learned lessons. It is linked to the Chariot in the Major Arcana, symbolizing travel, victory, and self-trust. The Seven of Wands indicates the need for self-defense and confronting challenges. The Seven of Cups pertains to living in a dream world, making choices, and determining desires. The Seven of Swords warns against distrust, deception, and avoiding responsibility. The Seven of Pentacles signifies procrastination and the need to prioritize and evaluate one’s current situation.
Eight:
The Strength card in the Major Arcana forms the foundation for number eight in the Tarot cards. This card represents not physical strength, but rather spiritual and mental fortitude, reminding us to be compassionate and patient. The Eight of Wands suggests high energy, quick progress, and positive news on the horizon. The Eight of Cups urges moving on from overwhelming or sad situations. The Eight of Swords signifies feeling trapped, hopeless, and the need to maintain emotional balance. The Eight of Pentacles emphasizes hard work, skill acquisition, and focused dedication to achieve goals.
Nine:
The Hermit card in the Major Arcana aligns with the number nine, representing introspection and soul-searching. The Nine of Wands signifies victory after a long battle and persistence in pursuing goals. The Nine of Cups showcases fulfillment, contentment, and pride in accomplishments. The Nine of Swords symbolizes unhappiness, worry, and the need to change one’s perspective. The Nine of Pentacles portrays a serene and abundant life, where one has everything they need and can enjoy the rewards of their labor.
Ten:
The Wheel of Fortune, the tenth card of the Major Arcana, ties together all the number tens in the Tarot cards. It symbolizes the cycles of life, with ups and downs. Appreciating the good times and remembering that difficult periods are temporary becomes important. The Ten of Wands reminds you to trust others and delegate responsibilities rather than shouldering everything alone. The Ten of Cups signifies celebration, completion, and happiness. The Ten of Swords warns of betrayal and being a victim of circumstances, encouraging you to seek a positive outcome. Remember that light follows darkness!
Over to you
Embark on a journey of discovery as you delve into the intricate meanings behind each suit and number in the Minor Arcana. Allow the Tarot cards to guide you, providing insights into your life and the world around you.