Major and Minor Arcana
Major and Minor Arcana: The Heartbeat of Tarot
In the world of Tarot, the cards are more than just beautiful images — they’re like a mirror reflecting our inner landscape and a roadmap guiding us through life’s twists and turns. The Tarot deck is divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Together, they tell the story of the soul’s journey, from its first steps into the world to its ultimate spiritual awakening.
What Is the Major Arcana?
The Major Arcana is a set of 22 cards that represent the big, life-changing moments in our personal and spiritual journey. These cards are often referred to as the 'Fool’s Journey,' beginning with The Fool, a character who steps into the unknown with nothing but a sense of wonder and an open heart. Each card that follows represents a major archetype or life lesson, from The Magician, symbolizing manifestation and power, to The World, representing completion and fulfillment.
The Major Arcana is all about the big themes — destiny, fate, spiritual awakening, and the deeper, sometimes hidden, forces that shape our lives. When a Major Arcana card shows up in a reading, it’s like the Universe tapping you on the shoulder and saying, 'Pay attention — something important is happening.'
The Major Arcana Cards:
The Fool (Beginnings, Adventure)
The Magician (Manifestation, Power)
The High Priestess (Intuition, Inner Knowledge)
The Empress (Creation, Abundance)
The Emperor (Authority, Stability)
The Hierophant (Tradition, Spiritual Guidance)
The Lovers (Relationships, Choices)
The Chariot (Willpower, Victory)
Strength (Courage, Inner Power)
The Hermit (Introspection, Wisdom)
Wheel of Fortune (Change, Destiny)
Justice (Truth, Balance)
The Hanged Man (Surrender, Perspective)
Death (Transformation, Endings)
Temperance (Harmony, Patience)
The Devil (Temptation, Shadow Self)
The Tower (Sudden Change, Revelation)
The Star (Hope, Healing)
The Moon (Illusion, Subconscious)
The Sun (Joy, Clarity)
Judgement (Awakening, Rebirth)
The World (Completion, Wholeness)
What Is the Minor Arcana?
While the Major Arcana covers the grand, cosmic themes, the Minor Arcana zooms in on the everyday experiences and practical aspects of life. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit represents a different aspect of life:
Wands: Passion, action, creativity, and energy.
Cups: Emotions, relationships, and intuition.
Swords: Thoughts, challenges, and conflicts.
Pentacles: Material world, career, and finances.
Each suit has ten numbered cards (Ace to 10) and four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). The Minor Arcana is like a snapshot of everyday life, showing the ups and downs, the choices and challenges, and the people and experiences we encounter along the way.
How Do the Major and Minor Arcana Work Together?
Think of the Major Arcana as the big, overarching story and the Minor Arcana as the individual scenes that fill in the details. If a reading is heavy with Major Arcana cards, it suggests that major life themes or spiritual lessons are at play. If the reading leans more toward the Minor Arcana, it may be more about day-to-day issues, specific challenges, or opportunities to make small yet impactful changes.
Conclusion
Together, the Major and Minor Arcana create a beautifully intricate tapestry of life’s journey — from the grand, sweeping lessons of the Major Arcana to the everyday, relatable moments of the Minor Arcana. Whether you’re new to Tarot or a seasoned reader, understanding how these two parts work together can deepen your readings and offer powerful insights into the path you’re walking. After all, every epic story is made up of both grand adventures and small, everyday moments — and the Tarot captures them all.
