Understanding The Minor Arcane of Tarot Cards

A Tarot card deck is divided into two main groups-Queen, King) and ten cards that start with Ace and
the Major and Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana relatestwo then end with ten. The corresponding cards for
more to day to day life while the Major representsall of the suits (for example the Ace of each one)
larger happenings. The Minor Arcana is further divideshas a similar purpose but differs in meaning.
into four suits that have corresponding elements:The Aces of every suit states the theme that will be
Wands (fire), Cups (water), Swords (air) and Coinscarried through the rest of the cards. The Ace of
(earth).Cups, for example, represents emotion, intuition and
The Tarot suit of Wands contains cards focusing onlove- aspects that all Cups cards share. The Ace card
action, creativity and movement. Passion, adventure,is always positive and is representative of the best
risk, enthusiasm and confidence are also present. Theparts of its suit.
flame of the fire represents energy flowing out.The numbered cards beginning at two and ending at
There is a masculine energy to Wands cards.nine each have different suit aspects. These are
Cups Tarot cards dwell in the realms of emotion andmore specific to their suit and are what make a
spirituality. Internal states, relationships and emotionsTarot reading have depth. In Wands, the 2 is
are supported by the energy that flows in. Water ispersonal power, the 3 leadership, the 4 excitement
changeable, sustainable and adaptable making it suitand the 5 competition. There is no inherent positive
these cards well. There is a feminine energy to Cupsor negative energy associated with these cards. Their
cards.meaning relies heavily on placement in the pattern.
Swords Tarot cards are represented by the clarity ofIf the suits were set up as mathematical equations
Air. Thought, reason, intellect, truth and justice arewhere the number cards were added (or subtracted)
found in these cards. Unhappiness, lack of clarity andfrom the purpose of the Ace cards, the solution
disharmony can be represented in these cards if theywould be the Tens. The emotion, intimacy and love
are reversed or placed in a problematic position in aof the Ace of Cups transform into familial love,
pattern.peace and joy in the Ten of Cups.
Coins are represented by the concrete earth.The "people" of the court cards represent their suit
Security, material objects and practicality are found inqualities and a rank. They stand for ways of existing
these Tarot cards. Interactions with nature and ourin the world that can help or hurt us accordingly. The
own bodies are supported here, as are wealth andKing is masculine maturity, focused on action and
prosperity.observation. Strength, assertiveness and practicality
The structure of each suit is similar to regular playingare his defining traits.
cards. There are four court cards (Page, Knight,