Tarot 101
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits, each representing an element and aspect of daily life. While the Major Arcana shows life's big lessons, the Minor Arcana reveals how these themes play out in everyday situations.
The Four Suits
Wands
Associated with the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
The suit of Wands represents the element of Fire and governs our passions, creativity, and drive. Wands cards often appear when we are taking action, pursuing goals, or feeling inspired. They speak to our career ambitions, creative projects, and the spark that motivates us.
Ace of Wands
New inspiration, creative spark, potential
Two of Wands
Planning, future decisions, discovery
Three of Wands
Expansion, foresight, overseas opportunities
Four of Wands
Celebration, harmony, homecoming
Five of Wands
Conflict, competition, disagreements
Six of Wands
Victory, success, public recognition
Seven of Wands
Challenge, perseverance, defensiveness
Eight of Wands
Speed, action, movement forward
Nine of Wands
Resilience, courage, persistence
Ten of Wands
Burden, responsibility, hard work
Page of Wands
Exploration, excitement, freedom
Knight of Wands
Energy, passion, adventure
Queen of Wands
Courage, confidence, determination
King of Wands
Leadership, vision, entrepreneurship
Cups
Associated with the signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces
The suit of Cups represents the element of Water and governs our emotional world. Cups cards deal with feelings, relationships, intuition, and matters of the heart. They often appear in readings about love, friendship, and our inner emotional landscape.
Ace of Cups
New love, compassion, creativity
Two of Cups
Partnership, unified love, attraction
Three of Cups
Celebration, friendship, collaboration
Four of Cups
Apathy, contemplation, disconnection
Five of Cups
Loss, grief, disappointment
Six of Cups
Nostalgia, memories, childhood
Seven of Cups
Choices, fantasy, illusion
Eight of Cups
Walking away, disillusionment, leaving
Nine of Cups
Contentment, satisfaction, gratitude
Ten of Cups
Harmony, marriage, family
Page of Cups
Creative opportunities, curiosity
Knight of Cups
Romance, charm, imagination
Queen of Cups
Compassion, calm, comfort
King of Cups
Emotional balance, diplomacy
Swords
Associated with the signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius
The suit of Swords represents the element of Air and governs the realm of the mind. Swords cards deal with thoughts, words, beliefs, and the truth we tell ourselves. They often appear during times of conflict, decision-making, or when clear communication is needed.
Ace of Swords
Breakthrough, clarity, new ideas
Two of Swords
Difficult choices, stalemate, denial
Three of Swords
Heartbreak, sorrow, grief
Four of Swords
Rest, recuperation, contemplation
Five of Swords
Conflict, disagreements, defeat
Six of Swords
Transition, change, moving on
Seven of Swords
Deception, strategy, resourcefulness
Eight of Swords
Imprisonment, self-limiting beliefs
Nine of Swords
Anxiety, worry, fear
Ten of Swords
Painful endings, deep wounds, betrayal
Page of Swords
Curiosity, new ideas, thirst for knowledge
Knight of Swords
Action, impulsiveness, ambition
Queen of Swords
Clear boundaries, direct communication
King of Swords
Intellectual power, authority, truth
Pentacles
Associated with the signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
The suit of Pentacles represents the element of Earth and governs the material world. Pentacles cards deal with finances, career, physical health, and tangible results. They often appear when we are focused on building security, growing wealth, or manifesting our goals.
Ace of Pentacles
New financial opportunity, prosperity
Two of Pentacles
Balance, adaptability, time management
Three of Pentacles
Teamwork, collaboration, learning
Four of Pentacles
Security, conservation, control
Five of Pentacles
Financial loss, poverty, isolation
Six of Pentacles
Generosity, sharing, giving and receiving
Seven of Pentacles
Long-term vision, sustainable results
Eight of Pentacles
Apprenticeship, skill development
Nine of Pentacles
Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency
Ten of Pentacles
Wealth, inheritance, family
Page of Pentacles
Ambition, desire, diligence
Knight of Pentacles
Efficiency, routine, conservatism
Queen of Pentacles
Practicality, creature comforts
King of Pentacles
Abundance, security, ambition