Tarot card reading is a powerful tool for gaining insight into different aspects of life. A tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Understanding the difference between these two types of cards is essential for interpreting tarot readings accurately.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, how they influence readings, and what they reveal about your life.
What is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent significant life themes, spiritual lessons, and transformative events. These cards depict major turning points in one’s journey and often indicate deep personal growth or major life decisions.
Key Features of the Major Arcana:
Represents major life events and spiritual evolution Symbolizes fate, destiny, and karmic lessons Often associated with long-term influences and changes
Examples of Major Arcana Cards and Their Meanings:
- The Fool (0): New beginnings, adventure, taking a leap of faith
- The Magician (I): Manifestation, power, taking action
- The High Priestess (II): Intuition, hidden knowledge, mystery
- The Lovers (VI): Relationships, choices, deep connections
- Death (XIII): Transformation, endings leading to new beginnings
The World (XXI): Completion, fulfillment, success
When Major Arcana Cards Appear in a Reading:
If your tarot spread contains many Major Arcana cards, it suggests significant life events, spiritual growth, or deep personal transformation. It’s a sign that something major is unfolding, and the universe is guiding you toward a profound lesson.
What is the Minor Arcana?
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that represent day-to-day experiences, emotions, challenges, and choices. These cards deal with practical aspects of life rather than deep spiritual transformations.
Key Features of the Minor Arcana:
✅ Represents daily struggles, joys, and decisions
✅ Symbolizes personal experiences and emotions
✅ Often associated with short-term influences
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, similar to playing cards:
- Cups (Emotions & Relationships) – Love, intuition, feelings
- Pentacles (Finances & Career) – Wealth, work, material success
- Swords (Thoughts & Challenges) – Conflict, mental clarity, decisions
- Wands (Passion & Creativity) – Ambition, energy, inspiration
Examples of Minor Arcana Cards and Their Meanings:
- Ace of Cups: New love, emotional beginnings, happiness
- Five of Pentacles: Financial hardship, feeling left out, struggle
- Ten of Swords: Endings, betrayal, painful but necessary closure
King of Wands: Leadership, vision, taking charge of your goals
When Minor Arcana Cards Appear in a Reading:
If a tarot reading contains mostly Minor Arcana cards, it suggests temporary situations, daily life events, and personal choices. These cards highlight the steps you can take to shape your future.
Both Major Arcana and Minor Arcana play essential roles in tarot readings. While the Major Arcana provides insight into life-changing events, the Minor Arcana focuses on day-to-day experiences and personal choices. Understanding the balance between these two types of cards can help you gain deeper clarity in your tarot readings.