Minor Arcana Cards

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that represent everyday events, challenges, and influences. Divided into four suits—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles—these cards focus on the practical, emotional, mental, and material aspects of life. While the Major Arcana reflects overarching themes, the Minor Arcana delves into the details of daily experiences, offering insight into decisions, relationships, and actions within specific situations.

Suit of Wands

The Suit of Wands represents action, energy, and ambition. It is associated with creativity, passion, and inspiration, reflecting pursuits in career, goals, and personal growth. Wands often signify movement, initiative, and the drive to bring ideas to life.

Suit of Cups

The Suit of Cups symbolizes emotions, relationships, and intuition. It governs matters of the heart, such as love, friendships, and emotional well-being. Cups also represent creativity, inner reflection, and the flow of feelings in both personal and spiritual contexts.

Suit of Swords

The Suit of Swords represents intellect, communication, and conflict. It delves into mental challenges, decision-making, and the power of truth. Swords often signify clarity, struggle, or the need to confront obstacles and find balance in thoughts and actions.

Suit of Pentacles

The Suit of Pentacles is connected to material matters, including finances, career, and physical well-being. It reflects themes of stability, growth, and practical achievement, emphasizing the importance of hard work, responsibility, and nurturing what you value.

Suit of Wands Cards

The Suit of Wands, also known as Rods or Staves in some decks, is associated with the element of fire and represents passion, creativity, ambition, and spiritual energy. In playing cards, Wands correspond to Clubs. This suit deals with inspiration, career matters, personal growth, and the spark of creation.

Ace of Wands

Meaning of Ace of Wands card
The Ace of Wands represents pure potential, new inspiration, and the initial spark of creativity. Like a seed ready to burst into flame, it signifies the beginning of new ventures, creative projects, or spiritual quests. The card often shows a hand emerging from the clouds holding a flowering staff, suggesting divine inspiration and the raw energy of new beginnings. [See full card details]

Two of Wands

Meaning of Two of Wands card
The Two of Wands symbolizes planning, personal power, and future vision. It typically depicts a figure holding one wand while another is fixed to a wall, often gazing out over a landscape or globe. This card represents the moment of contemplation between inspiration and action, where we plan our next moves and consider our place in the world. [See full card details]

Three of Wands

Meaning of Three of Wands card
The Three of Wands represents expansion, foresight, and leadership. It shows a figure standing on a cliff overlooking the sea, watching ships sail away. This card suggests that initial plans are in motion, and one must now watch for opportunities and prepare for growth. It speaks to commercial ventures, exploration, and waiting for results. [See full card details]

Four of Wands

Meaning of Four of Wands card
The Four of Wands celebrates stability, homecoming, and achievement. Often depicted as a decorated archway or canopy, it represents moments of joy and celebration, particularly around home, family, or community. This card suggests the completion of a phase and the establishment of secure foundations. [See full card details]

Five of Wands

Meaning of Five of Wands card
The Five of Wands illustrates conflict, competition, and challenge. It shows figures seemingly fighting or sparring with wands, representing the natural tension that arises when different energies or ideas clash. This card can indicate healthy competition or unnecessary strife, depending on context. [See full card details]

Six of Wands

Meaning of Six of Wands card
The Six of Wands symbolizes victory, public recognition, and success. It typically shows a figure riding in triumph, often carrying a wreath-crowned wand. This card represents achievement, good news, and the acknowledgment of one's efforts by others. [See full card details]

Seven of Wands

Meaning of Seven of Wands card
The Seven of Wands represents defensiveness, standing your ground, and courage. It shows a figure defending their position from a higher ground against multiple challenges. This card suggests the need to protect what you've achieved and maintain your position against opposition. [See full card details]

Eight of Wands

Meaning of Eight of Wands card
The Eight of Wands symbolizes swift action, movement, and change. Often depicted as eight wands flying through the air, it represents rapid developments, messages, and the quick manifestation of ideas. This card suggests events moving at high speed and the need to stay ready for fast-paced change. [See full card details]

Nine of Wands

Meaning of Nine of Wands card
The Nine of Wands represents resilience, persistence, and last stands. It shows a wounded but determined figure standing guard with eight wands behind them and holding a ninth. This card suggests being battle-worn but not beaten, maintaining vigilance despite exhaustion. [See full card details]

Ten of Wands

Meaning of Ten of Wands card
The Ten of Wands depicts burden, responsibility, and overwhelming obligation. It shows a figure struggling to carry ten heavy wands, suggesting the weight of success or the burden of too many commitments. This card indicates the need to reassess commitments and perhaps delegate responsibilities. [See full card details]

Page of Wands

Meaning of Page of Wands card
The Page of Wands represents enthusiasm, exploration, and new ideas. Often depicted as a young person holding a flowering wand, this card suggests the excitement of discovering new passions or beginning new adventures. It brings messages of opportunity and inspiration. [See full card details]

Knight of Wands

Meaning of Knight of Wands card
The Knight of Wands embodies action, adventure, and impulsiveness. This figure charges forward fearlessly, representing passionate pursuit of goals and the courage to take risks. The Knight brings energy and excitement but can also indicate hasty action or reckless behavior. [See full card details]

Queen of Wands

Meaning of Queen of Wands card
The Queen of Wands represents confidence, independence, and social charm. She sits confidently with a black cat at her feet and a sunflower on her wand, suggesting natural leadership, warmth, and the ability to inspire others. This card represents someone who combines passion with practical wisdom. [See full card details]

King of Wands

Meaning of King of Wands card
The King of Wands embodies creative mastery, charismatic leadership, and bold vision. He represents the mature expression of fire energy - someone who can channel passion and creativity into meaningful achievements while inspiring others. This card suggests the ability to lead with vision and enthusiasm. [See full card details]

The Suit of Wands teaches us about the nature of inspiration, ambition, and creative force. These cards remind us that passion must be tempered with wisdom, and that creative energy requires direction to be truly effective. When Wands appear prominently in a reading, they often indicate matters of career, creativity, or personal growth are at the forefront.

Their presence suggests times of inspiration, action, and transformation through creative or spiritual endeavors. The Wands remind us that our passionate nature and creative drive are essential aspects of our journey, urging us to pursue our ambitions while maintaining the wisdom to channel our energy effectively.

Suit of Cups Cards

The Suit of Cups, also known as Chalices in some decks, is associated with the element of water and represents emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity. This suit deals with matters of the heart, feelings, dreams, and spiritual experiences. In playing cards, Cups correspond to Hearts.

Ace of Cups

Meaning of Ace of Cups card
The Ace of Cups represents new emotional beginnings, spiritual awakening, and the pure potential of love. It often appears as an overflowing chalice, suggesting divine love and emotional abundance. This card indicates the start of new relationships, creative inspiration, or spiritual insights. It speaks to the heart opening to new possibilities and the flow of pure emotional energy. [See full card details]

Two of Cups

Meaning of Two of Cups card
The Two of Cups symbolizes partnership, mutual attraction, and harmony in relationships. It shows two people sharing cups in a ceremony of connection, representing the initial stages of romance, business partnerships, or deep friendships. This card suggests balance and understanding between two parties, with each giving and receiving equally. [See full card details]

Three of Cups

Meaning of Three of Cups card
The Three of Cups celebrates community, friendship, and shared joy. Often depicted as three figures dancing or toasting together, it represents gatherings, celebrations, and the pleasure of companionship. This card reminds us of the importance of social connections and sharing our happiness with others. [See full card details]

Four of Cups

Meaning of Four of Cups card
The Four of Cups illustrates contemplation, reevaluation, and sometimes emotional stagnation. It typically shows a figure sitting under a tree, seemingly disinterested in three cups while a fourth is offered from a divine hand. This card suggests a time of introspection, perhaps even melancholy, when one might be taking emotional offerings for granted. [See full card details]

Five of Cups

Meaning of Five of Cups card
The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and disappointment. It shows a figure mourning over three spilled cups, while two full cups stand behind them. This card reminds us that even in times of emotional loss, not all is lost – there are still blessings to be found if we turn to see them. [See full card details]

Six of Cups

Meaning of Six of Cups card
The Six of Cups symbolizes nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocence. It often depicts children sharing flowers in cups, representing sweet memories, past relationships, and the pure joy of giving and receiving. This card can indicate reconnecting with old friends or revisiting past experiences with new perspective. [See full card details]

Seven of Cups

Meaning of Seven of Cups card
The Seven of Cups represents choices, fantasies, and illusions. It shows seven cups floating in the clouds, each containing different visions or desires. This card suggests a time of many options but warns against getting lost in daydreams – not all that glitters is gold, and choices must eventually be made. [See full card details]

Eight of Cups

Meaning of Eight of Cups card
The Eight of Cups signifies emotional withdrawal and seeking deeper meaning. It shows a figure walking away from eight stacked cups, often under a moon. This card represents the courage to leave behind emotional situations that no longer serve our highest good, even when they seem outwardly satisfying. [See full card details]

Nine of Cups

Meaning of Nine of Cups card
The Nine of Cups is often called the "wish card" and represents emotional satisfaction and material abundance. It shows a figure seated before nine cups arranged in an arc, suggesting contentment and the fulfillment of wishes. This card indicates a time of happiness and getting what you've hoped for. [See full card details]

Ten of Cups

Meaning of Ten of Cups card
The Ten of Cups symbolizes complete emotional fulfillment, particularly in family life and community. It often shows a family celebrating under a rainbow with ten cups, representing harmony, joy, and the achievement of emotional dreams. This card suggests lasting happiness and deep emotional security. [See full card details]

Page of Cups

Meaning of Page of Cups card
The Page of Cups represents emotional messages, creative beginnings, and inner child energy. Often depicted as a youth holding a cup with a fish appearing from it, this card suggests surprising emotional insights, new creative ideas, or the beginning of emotional learning. It encourages playful exploration of feelings and intuition. [See full card details]

Knight of Cups

Meaning of Knight of Cups card
The Knight of Cups is the romantic dreamer of the tarot, representing the pursuit of emotional and creative ventures. This figure moves forward slowly but steadily, led by heart rather than head. The Knight brings messages of love, creative opportunities, or romantic invitations. [See full card details]

Queen of Cups

Meaning of Queen of Cups card
The Queen of Cups embodies emotional intelligence, intuition, and empathy. She sits peacefully by water, holding an ornate cup, suggesting deep emotional wisdom and psychic abilities. This card represents emotional maturity, compassion, and the ability to understand and nurture others' feelings. [See full card details]

King of Cups

Meaning of King of Cups card
The King of Cups represents emotional mastery and control. While deeply feeling, he maintains calm authority over the emotional realm. This card suggests the ability to handle complex emotional situations with wisdom and grace, balancing heart and head effectively. [See full card details]

Together, the Suit of Cups guides us through the full spectrum of emotional experience, from the first stirrings of feeling to complete emotional maturity. These cards remind us that our emotional lives are as real and important as our physical experiences, and that managing our feelings with wisdom leads to deeper connections and more fulfilling relationships.

When Cups appear prominently in a reading, they often indicate that emotions, relationships, or creative matters are at the forefront of the situation. They remind us to pay attention to our feelings, intuition, and the subtle currents of our inner lives, while also considering how we connect with others on an emotional level.

Their presence can suggest times for emotional healing, creative expression, developing relationships, or exploring spiritual connections. The Cups teach us that emotional intelligence and spiritual awareness are crucial aspects of our human journey, equal in importance to practical achievements or intellectual understanding.

Suit of Swords Cards

The Suit of Swords is associated with the element of air and represents intellect, thought, communication, and conflict. In playing cards, Swords correspond to Spades. This suit deals with mental activity, decision-making, truth, and challenges. It often represents both the power and the burden of the mind.

Ace of Swords

Meaning of Ace of Swords card
The Ace of Swords represents mental clarity, breakthrough insights, and truth. It shows a hand emerging from clouds holding an upright sword, often crowned with victory wreaths. This card signifies moments of mental breakthrough, when fog clears and truth becomes apparent. It suggests new ideas, mental focus, and the cutting away of confusion. [See full card details]

Two of Swords

Meaning of Two of Swords card
The Two of Swords symbolizes difficult decisions, stalemate, and mental balance. It typically shows a blindfolded figure holding two crossed swords, suggesting temporary blindness to a situation or willful ignorance. This card represents being stuck between two choices, often indicating the need to remove the blindfold and face reality. [See full card details]

Three of Swords

Meaning of Three of Swords card
The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, grief, and painful truth. Its classic image of three swords piercing a heart in storm clouds is one of the most striking in tarot. This card speaks to the necessary pain of truth and the way mental understanding can sometimes wound us emotionally. [See full card details]

Four of Swords

Meaning of Four of Swords card
The Four of Swords illustrates rest, recuperation, and mental repose. It shows a figure lying in repose, often on a tomb or altar, suggesting the need for mental rest and meditation. This card indicates the importance of taking breaks from mental activity and allowing the mind to heal. [See full card details]

Five of Swords

Meaning of Five of Swords card
The Five of Swords depicts conflict, defeat, and pyrrhic victory. It shows a figure gathering swords while others walk away in apparent defeat. This card suggests hollow victories, the aftermath of arguments, or situations where winning comes at too high a cost. [See full card details]

Six of Swords

Meaning of Six of Swords card
The Six of Swords represents transition, moving away from trouble, and mental healing. It typically shows figures in a boat being ferried to a distant shore, suggesting movement from turbulent waters to calmer seas. This card indicates recovery from mental stress and gradual progress toward peace. [See full card details]

Seven of Swords

Meaning of Seven of Swords card
The Seven of Swords symbolizes deception, strategy, and mental agility. It shows a figure sneaking away with swords, suggesting clever but potentially questionable behavior. This card can indicate the need for careful strategy or warn against dishonest tactics. [See full card details]

Eight of Swords

Meaning of Eight of Swords card
The Eight of Swords represents restriction, self-imposed limitations, and mental imprisonment. It shows a blindfolded figure bound loosely among eight swords, suggesting that perceived limitations may be more mental than real. This card often appears when we feel trapped by our own thoughts. [See full card details]

Nine of Swords

Meaning of Nine of Swords card
The Nine of Swords depicts anxiety, nightmares, and mental anguish. It shows a figure sitting up in bed, face in hands, with nine swords on the wall behind them. This card represents the darkest hours of night when worries seem overwhelming. [See full card details]

Ten of Swords

Meaning of Ten of Swords card
The Ten of Swords illustrates rock bottom, complete defeat, or the end of a difficult situation. It shows a figure pierced by ten swords, suggesting a situation that couldn't get worse. Paradoxically, this card often indicates that things can only improve from here. [See full card details]

Page of Swords

Meaning of Page of Swords card
The Page of Swords represents curiosity, vigilance, and new ideas. Often depicted as a youth with an upraised sword scanning the horizon, this card suggests mental alertness, new ways of thinking, and the desire to learn and communicate. [See full card details]

Knight of Swords

Meaning of Knight of Swords card
The Knight of Swords embodies swift action, intellectual pursuit, and charging ahead with ideas. This figure charges forward on horseback, sword raised, representing rapid movement and aggressive mental energy. The Knight brings swift change but may act without full consideration. [See full card details]

Queen of Swords

Meaning of Queen of Swords card
The Queen of Swords represents clear thinking, direct communication, and intellectual independence. She sits on a throne holding a sword upright, suggesting sharp wit and the ability to see truth clearly. This card represents someone who has learned wisdom through experience and can cut through confusion to find truth. [See full card details]

King of Swords

Meaning of King of Swords card
The King of Swords embodies intellectual authority, clear judgment, and mental mastery. He represents the highest expression of air energy - someone who can use intellect and authority with wisdom and ethical consideration. This card suggests leadership through clear thinking and fair judgment. [See full card details]

The Suit of Swords reminds us that the mind is both a powerful tool and a potential source of suffering. These cards teach us about the importance of mental clarity while warning against overthinking and self-created anxieties. When Swords appear prominently in a reading, they often indicate intellectual matters, conflicts, or important decisions are at hand.

Their presence can suggest times of mental challenge, important communications, or the need to face truth squarely. The Swords remind us that while the mind can create problems, it can also solve them through clear thinking and honest assessment. They teach us to use our mental faculties wisely while remaining aware of their limitations.

This suit often deals with life's more challenging aspects, but always with the potential for growth through understanding and the triumph of clarity over confusion. The Swords ultimately teach us that truth, though sometimes painful, leads to freedom and wisdom.

Suit of Pentacles Cards

The Suit of Pentacles, also known as Coins or Disks in some decks, is associated with the element of earth and represents material matters, wealth, physical health, and practicality. In playing cards, Pentacles correspond to Diamonds. This suit deals with the tangible aspects of life: money, career, physical well-being, and manifestation.

Ace of Pentacles

Meaning of Ace of Pentacles card
The Ace of Pentacles represents new material beginnings, prosperity, and manifestation. It shows a hand emerging from clouds holding a large coin or pentacle, often with a garden path leading to mountains below. This card signifies new opportunities for abundance, whether financial, physical, or material. [See full card details]

Two of Pentacles

Meaning of Two of Pentacles card
The Two of Pentacles symbolizes balance, adaptability, and juggling resources. It typically shows a figure dancing while juggling two pentacles in an infinity sign, often with ships on waves in the background. This card represents the dynamic balance needed to manage multiple material concerns and the importance of staying flexible. [See full card details]

Three of Pentacles

Meaning of Three of Pentacles card
The Three of Pentacles represents craftsmanship, collaboration, and recognition of skills. It shows artisans or craftspeople working together on a project, suggesting the value of teamwork and professional expertise. This card indicates mastery of practical skills and the importance of working with others. [See full card details]

Four of Pentacles

Meaning of Four of Pentacles card
The Four of Pentacles illustrates security, conservation, and sometimes over-attachment to material things. It shows a figure holding one pentacle tightly while sitting on another, with two more at their feet. This card suggests the need to find balance between security and generosity. [See full card details]

Five of Pentacles

Meaning of Five of Pentacles card
The Five of Pentacles represents material hardship, health concerns, and feeling left out in the cold. It shows figures struggling in winter weather, often passing beneath a stained glass window. This card reminds us that sometimes we fail to see available resources or help during difficult times. [See full card details]

Six of Pentacles

Meaning of Six of Pentacles card
The Six of Pentacles symbolizes generosity, charity, and the fair exchange of resources. It shows a merchant weighing coins in scales while giving to those in need. This card represents both giving and receiving, suggesting the importance of balanced material exchanges. [See full card details]

Seven of Pentacles

Meaning of Seven of Pentacles card
The Seven of Pentacles represents assessment, patience, and long-term investment. It shows a figure contemplating their harvest of pentacles, suggesting the need to evaluate progress and consider long-term results. This card speaks to the patience required for material growth. [See full card details]

Eight of Pentacles

Meaning of Eight of Pentacles card
The Eight of Pentacles illustrates skilled work, dedication, and apprenticeship. It shows a craftsperson diligently working on pentacles, representing the mastery that comes through dedicated practice and attention to detail. This card suggests focusing on developing practical skills. [See full card details]

Nine of Pentacles

Meaning of Nine of Pentacles card
The Nine of Pentacles represents material independence, refinement, and self-reliance. It shows a well-dressed figure in a abundant garden with a falcon, suggesting material success achieved through discipline and cultivation. This card indicates material abundance and self-sufficiency. [See full card details]

Ten of Pentacles

Meaning of Ten of Pentacles card
The Ten of Pentacles symbolizes lasting wealth, family legacy, and material security. It shows a family scene with an elder, suggesting generational wealth and established prosperity. This card represents the achievement of material goals and creation of lasting resources. [See full card details]

Page of Pentacles

Meaning of Page of Pentacles card
The Page of Pentacles represents study, practical opportunities, and manifestation of goals. Often depicted as a youth contemplating a pentacle, this card suggests new learning opportunities in practical matters and the beginning stages of manifesting dreams into reality. [See full card details]

Knight of Pentacles

Meaning of Knight of Pentacles card
The Knight of Pentacles embodies reliability, routine, and methodical progress. This figure sits steadily on a stationary horse, representing slow but sure progress toward goals. The Knight brings steady work and reliable results, though perhaps lacking in excitement. [See full card details]

Queen of Pentacles

Meaning of Queen of Pentacles card
The Queen of Pentacles represents nurturing abundance, practical wisdom, and material comfort. She sits in a lush garden holding a pentacle, suggesting prosperity through practical knowledge and careful management of resources. This card represents someone who creates comfort and abundance for themselves and others. [See full card details]

King of Pentacles

Meaning of King of Pentacles card
The King of Pentacles embodies material success, business acumen, and practical achievement. He represents the mature mastery of the material realm - someone who can create and maintain abundance through wisdom and experience. This card suggests leadership in business or practical matters. [See full card details]

The Suit of Pentacles teaches us about our relationship with the physical world and material resources. These cards remind us that material concerns are a valid part of spiritual life and that proper management of resources can support higher goals. When Pentacles appear prominently in a reading, they often indicate matters of money, work, health, or practical concerns are at the forefront.

Their presence suggests times to focus on practical matters, material goals, or physical well-being. The Pentacles remind us that while material success isn't everything, having a solid material foundation can support our other endeavors. They teach us to approach material matters with wisdom, patience, and awareness of long-term consequences.

This suit often brings messages about the importance of practical planning, careful management of resources, and the value of patience in building lasting success. The Pentacles ultimately teach us that material abundance, when properly understood and managed, can support our overall well-being and growth.

What is the Minor Arcana in tarot?

The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards in a tarot deck that focus on everyday events, challenges, and experiences. Unlike the Major Arcana, which deals with overarching life themes, the Minor Arcana reflects the details of daily life and personal growth.

How many Minor Arcana cards are in a tarot deck?

There are 56 Minor Arcana cards, divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit contains 14 cards, including ten numbered cards (Ace to Ten) and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).

What are the four suits of the Minor Arcana?

Cups: Represents emotions, relationships, and intuition.
Pentacles: Focuses on material wealth, career, and physical health.
Swords: Deals with intellect, communication, and conflict.
Wands: Represents passion, creativity, and action.

What do the Minor Arcana cards represent?

The Minor Arcana cards represent the smaller, everyday aspects of life, such as decisions, relationships, work, and emotions. They provide insight into specific situations and how they influence your personal journey.

How are the Minor Arcana cards structured?

The Minor Arcana is divided into two groups:
Numbered cards (Ace to Ten): These show the progression of situations, from beginnings (Ace) to resolution (Ten).
Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King): These often represent people, personality traits, or roles in a situation.