Meaning of the 78 Tarot Cards

The Tarot decks used today consist of 78 cards and are divided into two main groups. One of these groups is the ‘Major Arcana,’ and the other is the ‘Minor Arcana.’ The word ‘Arcana’ translates to secret or mystery.

The Major Arcana Tarot cards consist of 22 cards, while the Minor Arcana cards comprise 56 cards.

In short, the sequence found in the Major Arcana cards represents possibilities that everyone may encounter in the flow of life. Therefore, Major Arcana cards are generally considered more powerful and impactful compared to Minor Arcana cards.

Major Arcana Cards

*Some sources indicate that the positions of the 8th card and the 11th card in the Major Arcana cards are altered, and the reason for this change is unknown.

(Example Source: Angel Tarot Cards / Doreen Virtue ve Radleigh Valentine)

Minor Arcana Cards

The Minor Arcana cards contain messages that reflect more on daily life. They provide an opportunity to detail thoughts, ideas, initiatives, celebrations, excitements, troubles, etc. They consist of a total of 56 cards and are divided into 4 groups.

• Wands
• Cups
• Pentacles
• Swords

These groups are also associated with the elements.

In each group, there are cards numbered from 1 to 10 and 4 court cards.

Court Cards:

• Page
• Knight
• Queen
• King

The Minor Arcana Cards – Wands

The Minor Arcana Cards – Cups

The Minor Arcana Cards – Pentacles

The Minor Arcana Cards – Swords