How Many Cards Are in a Tarot Deck?
A Beginner's Guide
If you’re new to tarot, one of the first questions you might have is, “How many cards are in a tarot deck?” The standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, and each card is packed with symbolic imagery and meaning. Let’s break it down and explore the structure of a tarot deck in more detail.
The Structure of a Tarot Deck
A tarot deck is divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Each section has its own unique purpose and set of cards.
Major Arcana: 22 Cards
The Major Arcana is made up of 22 cards, numbered from 0 to 21. These cards represent major life events, spiritual lessons, and significant themes. They often carry deeper, overarching messages compared to the Minor Arcana.
Here is the complete list of Major Arcana cards:
The Fool (0)
The Magician (I)
The High Priestess (II)
The Empress (III)
The Emperor (IV)
The Hierophant (V)
The Lovers (VI)
The Chariot (VII)
Strength (VIII)
The Hermit (IX)
Wheel of Fortune (X)
Justice (XI)
The Hanged Man (XII)
Death (XIII)
Temperance (XIV)
The Devil (XV)
The Tower (XVI)
The Star (XVII)
The Moon (XVIII)
The Sun (XIX)
Judgment (XX)
The World (XXI)
Each card in the Major Arcana represents a pivotal point in one’s journey, often referred to as "The Fool’s Journey."
Minor Arcana: 56 Cards
The Minor Arcana is composed of 56 cards, divided into four suits:
Wands (associated with fire and creativity)
Cups (associated with water and emotions)
Swords (associated with air and intellect)
Pentacles (associated with earth and material matters)
Each suit contains 14 cards: 10 numbered cards (Ace through Ten) and 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). These cards focus on day-to-day events, challenges, and relationships.
Variations in Tarot Decks
While the 78-card structure is standard, there are variations. Some decks include extra cards or deviate from traditional symbolism to fit a specific theme or artistic interpretation. For example, oracle decks, which are often mistaken for tarot, can have any number of cards and follow different structures entirely.
Why 78 Cards?
The number 78 has roots in numerology and symbolism. It’s believed that this structure provides a comprehensive representation of the human experience, blending spiritual lessons (Major Arcana) with practical insights (Minor Arcana).
Conclusion
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). This intricate structure allows tarot to explore both profound life themes and everyday situations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reader, understanding the makeup of a tarot deck is the first step toward unlocking its rich potential.