A tarot deck holds 78 cards in two groups. The 22 Major Arcana mark the big life themes and turning points; the 56 Minor Arcana — four suits of 14 — cover the everyday texture of work, money, feelings, and conflict. New to reading? Start with our beginner's guide to tarot.
The Major Arcana
22 cards, from the Fool (0) to the World (21) — the major turning points.
The Suit of Wands
Fire — energy, drive, creativity, ambition.
The Suit of Cups
Water — emotions, love, relationships, intuition.
The Suit of Swords
Air — thought, conflict, truth, decisions.
The Suit of Pentacles
Earth — money, work, health, the material world.
Tarot is a tool for reflection and insight, not fortune-telling or professional advice.
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TarotHow to Use Playing Cards for Tarot ReadingsA regular 52-card deck maps neatly onto the tarot's Minor Arcana. The suit-by-suit correspondences, what you gain and lose, and how to do a simple reading.TarotThe Fool Tarot CardThe Fool stands at the edge of a cliff, ready to step into the unknown with the sun at his back. Upright & reversed meaning, love, career, yes/no.TarotThe Magician Tarot CardThe Magician stands with one hand raised to the heavens and one pointing to the earth, channeling intention into reality. Upright & reversed meaning, love, career, yes/no.TarotThe High Priestess Tarot CardThe High Priestess sits between two pillars at the threshold of the seen and unseen, guarding what cannot yet be spoken. Upright & reversed meaning, love, career, yes/no.TarotThe Empress Tarot CardThe Empress reclines in a field of ripe grain, crowned with stars and surrounded by growth. Upright & reversed meaning, love, career, yes/no.TarotThe Emperor Tarot CardThe Emperor sits on a stone throne carved with rams, ruling through order, discipline, and hard-won experience. Upright & reversed meaning, love, career, yes/no.