The tarot card system consists of 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards. Major arcana cards are also called trump cards and deal with the big issues of one's life. The cards of the minor arcana deal with everyday issues and also show ways to manage different aspects of life.
Four Elements of the Minor Arcana in Tarot
Also called pip cards, the minor arcana cards are divided into four suits, similar to a deck of standard playing cards. The four suits are wands, cups, swords and pentacles. The four suits symbolize the elements of fire, water, air and earth. Some cards of the minor arcana are numbered, while other cards are called court cards. The four court cards are king, queen, knight and page.
The numbered cards represent a specific stage of one's life. For example, ace of wands represents the beginning of spiritual quest. The court cards represent the traits and characteristics of one's personality.
What do Wands Symbolize in Tarot?
Wands are also called rods, batons or staffs. Wands represent spirituality, inspiration, passion. The element of fire is associated with wands. Spark of inspiration, source of illumination and fiery spirit are some words used to describe characteristics of the tarot wands.
What do Cups Symbolize in Tarot?
Cups are also called chalices. Cups are able to hold water and other liquids. Deeply felt emotions are symbolized by the tarot cups.
What do Swords Symbolize in Tarot?
Swords may also be called blades in some tarot decks. The element of air is associated with swords.
Swords, like words, move through the air and hence, swords are related to thoughts, ideas and other means of communication. Sword cards are symbolized by the intellect and other pursuits of the mind.
What do Pentacles Symbolize in Tarot?
There are many alternate names for pentacles - coins, disks, stones, worlds, stars. Pentacles are associated with the earth element. Tangibles, physical realities of human existence are symbolized by pentacles.
Tarot is rich in symbolism and cards of the minor arcana are no exception. Besides the elemental association of each suit, the number on each card has its own numerological significance. If the major arcana describes the mysteries of life, the minor arcana cards describe how the mystery of life is experienced on a daily basis.
Related Reading
Readers who wish to get a free tarot reading online may find the article, How to Get a Free Online Tarot Card Reading?, useful. To understand the significance of drawing a trump card in a tarot card reading, also see Understanding Major Arcana in Tarot Card Reading.
To know how numbers and images serve as useful tarot symbols, also read Understanding the Symbolism of Tarot Cards.
Sources:
- Simple Fortunetelling with Tarot Cards, Corrine Kenner [Llewellyn Worldwide, 2007].
- Tarot Card Combinations, Dorothy Kelly, Joan Bunning [Weiser, 2003].
 |
