Tarot - The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana

The general belief concerning the Minor Arcana is that it came into existence long after the Major Arcana, but, once again, the scenery and dress of the figures portrayed on the cards are reminiscent of the medieval period, and most scholars feel they were added to the deck during that time.

The Minor Arcana consists of four "suits", each consisting of thirteen cards. These cards add to the details of the "story" which the cards of the Major Arcana tell in a reading. The suits are: Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles.

As you did with the Major Arcana, place each card in front of you, read the explanation which is given, study the keywords, look at the picture on the card, and let the picture tell you its' story, as well as reading the explanation/meaning in the printed text.

The meaning of each card will be given in the posts which follow, with the exception of the Kings and Queens of each suit. Each suit represents one of the Astrological "elements": Earth, Air, Fire and Water and the three Signs which are included in each of these divisions. The meaning of the Kings and Queens is shown by the Astrological Sign which they represent. When we say that they represent these Signs, do not take that literally. If you have any knowledge of Astrology you know this means they can have the characteristics of these Signs, but does not mean the person it refers to must be of that Sign.

For example, if the King of Swords comes up in a reading, this does not mean that the person the card refers to must be a Libra, Gemini or Aquarius person. What it does mean is that the person referred to will have the traits associated with these Signs.

As a rule, the Kings represent men and the Queens represent women. There can be exceptions to this general rule, but time and practice will teach you to recognize this deviance when it occurs.

Here's another hint that will make reading the cards easier for you. When you encounter the Knights and Pages in a reading, think of them as "messengers". The suit they are in will show you what kind of message it is and how it will arrive.

We will begin with the Swords. Remember, place each card in front of you, read the meaning given, study the keywords, study the card. An example of what is meant by "study the card"--look carefully at the King Of Swords card. Notice the sumilarity to the Justice card of the Major Arcana. Both cards deal with "legal matters", the Justice card with the matter itself, The King of Swords, as a general rule, with a person involved with those legal matters--a lawyer, policeman, government official. Note the colors of the King's robe, cape, crown. Study his throne and the markings on it. Study the card until you fully understand how this card represents "legal".

(Updated 2007. All rights reserved.)