The tarot is a deck of 78 cards that is used for divination, meditation, and spiritual growth. The cards are divided into two main sections - the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent archetypal forces and situations in human life. Each card has its own symbolic imagery and meaning that aims to provide insight into the spiritual journey. The cards in the Major Arcana include:
The Fool – represents new beginnings, potential, and innocence.
The Magician – signifies action, power, and manifestation.
The High Priestess – is linked to intuition, mystery, and the subconscious.
The Empress – embodies creativity, fertility, and nature.
The Emperor – is associated with authority, structure, and reason.
The Hierophant – relates to traditions, institutions, and seeking knowledge.
The Lovers – focuses on relationships, choices, and uniting opposites.
The Chariot – represents self-discipline, victory, and determination.
Strength – is about courage, patience, and inner power.
The Hermit – introspection, solitude, and soul searching.
Wheel of Fortune – signifies cycles, change, and destiny.
Justice – focuses on truth, law, and integrity.
The Hanged Man – suggests sacrifice, surrender, and gaining a new perspective.
Death – represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings.
Temperance – Temperance is linked to harmony, moderation, and balance.
The Devil – symbolizes addiction, materialism, and shadow impulses.
The Tower – indicates sudden upheaval and disruption.
The Star – embodies hope, faith, and renewal.
The Moon – relates to the unconscious, illusion, and intuition.
The Sun – focuses on vitality, joy, and enlightenment.
Judgment – represents reflection, reckoning, and absolution.
The World – points to completion, integration, and accomplishment.
In contrast to the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards across four suits that relate to the practical aspects of everyday life. The four suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards - ten numbered cards from Ace to 10, and four court cards of Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
• The suit of Wands represents passion, inspiration, and willpower.
• Cups relate to emotions, relationships, and creativity.
• Swords signify intellect, challenges, and mindsets.
• Pentacles embody the physical realm, prosperity, and security.
• The court cards represent different personality types connected with each suit.
• Pages exhibit youthful energy.
• Knights suggest action and movement.
• Queens portray nurturing and calm authority.
• Kings exude mature masculine power.
When laid out in a spread, the interplay between the Major and Minor Arcana cards provides an intricate tableau of symbols and meanings to contemplate. Both sections work together to create a comprehensive picture of life's journey and offer insights for reflection, guidance, and development. The tarot's rich iconography and archetypes make it a versatile tool for increasing self-awareness and understanding one's place in the human experience.
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