Minor Arcana

The Suits of Minor Arcana Tarot

The Minor Arcana Tarot includes the four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands. Each suit covers different areas of life, such as emotions, actions, intellect and material needs. Let us understand the Minor Arcana meanings of each Suit in tarot:

• The Suit of Cups

The Suit of Cups in Tarot is all about feelings, emotions and maturity. It is associated with the Water element, which focuses on our inner world, heart, and intuitions. This suit also showcases how we relate to not just ourselves but also the external world.

• The Suit of Pentacles

Connected to the Earth element, this suit focuses on stability, growth, and all the things necessary to survive in the physical world. It covers major areas such as home, job, finances, career, etc. This suit of cards teaches us to focus on basic needs while reminding us to avoid materialistic desires.

• The Suit of Swords

The Suit of Swords in the Tarot focuses on mind, intellect, and communication. Linked to the Air element, this suit encourages intelligence and smart decisions. However, it also hints at negative behaviour, making people rude, aggressive, and hurtful in their words or actions.

• The Suit of Wands

Associated with the Fire element, the Suit of Wands revolves around passion, energy, willpower, and what we want in life. This suit encourages action, leaving your comfort zone, and achieving your goals with determination and passion.

Minor Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

Number cards and Court Cards complete a Minor Arcana Tarot card deck. But their area of focus and meanings are entirely different from one another. For instance, one provides insights about different stages of life, while the other reflects the personality of the reader. So, let us try to understand the Minor Arcana meanings behind the numbered cards and Court cards in detail:

Meanings Behind the Number Cards

Also known as the ‘Pip cards’ or ‘Spot Cards’, the numbered cards in the tarot range from 1 to 10 in each suit. Each number carries different energies and hints at different stages or areas of life. Let us take a look at what each number represents in the Minor Arcana tarot deck:

• Aces in Tarot: The Aces symbolise new beginnings, initiative, drive, potential, determination, and skills. The message behind these cards is your opinion regarding a particular task and the efforts you put into achieving it.
• Twos in Tarot: The appearance of Twos in Tarot deals with balance, decisions and stability. These cards symbolise the need for partnerships to maintain peace and harmony in our lives.
• Threes in Tarot: The Threes are all about communication, growth, and expansion. They teach us the value of teamwork and collaboration in being successful. When people come together, anything big can be achieved.
• Fours in Tarot: The Fours represent resting, taking a break, and waiting before making a big step. These cards remind us that to reach somewhere significant, it is important to pause, learn from the past and then move forward with a plan.
• Fives in Tarot: The fives in tarot often bring obstacles, loss, conflict, and barriers. The cards tell us that sometimes challenges and obstacles are a necessary part of the journey towards success and growth.
• Sixes in Tarot: The Sixes represent growth, choosing the right path, and overcoming obstacles. It comes with a message of moving away, leaving toxic things behind, and working on yourself. The cards bring light and hope after a period of darkness.
• Sevens in Tarot: The Sevens in Tarot are about re-evaluating and making decisions. It allows us to look back, correct our mistakes, and make decisions to get closer to our goals.
• Eights in Tarot: The appearance of Eights in tarot focuses on movements and action. It promises a period of positive transformation ahead. But only if we take charge, take quick actions and work hard.
• Nines in Tarot: The Nines in Tarot talks about nearing completion and fulfilment. These cards hint that you are almost about to reach your destination. But still, there is a lot more to accomplish before reaching the end.
• Tens in Tarot: The Tens are all about outcomes, results, completion, and the end of the cycle. These cards indicate the completion of something old and a fresh start of something new in our lives. They encourage us to accept the change and move forward.

Meanings Behind the Court Cards

Of a 56-card tarot deck, 16 Court cards focus on different aspects of our personalities. The Court cards are comprised of pictures of the Queen, Kings, Knights, and Pages, which is why they are known as the ‘Face cards’. Let us try to understand the different personalities of tarot Minor Arcana court cards:

• Pages in Tarot: Known as the ‘messenger of the new beginnings’, the Pages in tarot symbolise new opportunities and youthful energy. The cards ask you to accept and welcome whatever opportunity comes your way and act upon it with full dedication.
• Knights in Tarot: Termed as the ‘action-takers’, the Knights cards in tarot focus on movements and taking action. They hint that taking the right action at the right time will lead you to success and accomplishment.
• Queens in Tarot: The ‘master of emotions’, Queen cards give out feminine energy and are related to care, emotional intelligence and compassion. The cards advices putting control over your emotions and becoming a better version of yourself.
• Kings in Tarot: Authoritative and influential in nature, the King court cards in tarot guide you in decision-making. Known as the ‘masters of control’, these cards tell if you can succeed in life, achieve your goals, and build a better life.