Minor Arcana in Tarot

Tarot Symbology: Minor Arcana Cards

Since I am not one to leave people hanging, I thought it best to provide some basic information regarding the Minor Arcana Cards for Tarot. I would like to remind you to take these topics as I discuss them as informational and not as something which is written in stone. Each of us has a different perspective on learning and embracing non-mainstream supportive elements. My intention is to provide you with information with which to broaden your own Book of Wisdom. Tarot has been a tool many individuals use to support their decision making process; how you choose to embrace this knowledge is for you to decide. You always have a choice.

Tarot decks come in many different designs, with varying images, foci, and intentions, so provide yourself with the space to experience more than more deck. A typical tarot deck consists of 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into four suits: namely, Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles. The four suits represent the four elements of air, earth, fire and water. Each suit is a symbol of an aspect of human emotions and ambitions, and all suits have ten numbered cards and four court cards.

While the numbered cards generally refer to transient events, advice, ideas, etc., the court cards represent people in our lives or behavior patterns.

Symbols and Their Meanings

Admittedly, Minor Arcana cards are a little more difficult to read than Major Arcana cards, but a little knowledge of symbology can help you interpret their most obvious hidden meanings even if you have not studied tarot. The more you use or refer to the Tarot, the more you will see your own interpretation of each card’s meaning. The following is a general introduction to their symbols and meanings.

Swords mostly represent strife and struggle and can also be seen as a phallic symbol associated with the element of Air. The sword’s masculine energies represent ego, matters of the mind, and problems and issues related to seeking power. As you work with your deck, look at the imagery of the swords. What are the main themes which come to you naturally when looking at them?

The cups (element of water) stand for matters of the heart such as, love, lust, happiness, friendship, sorrow, emotional turmoil, etc. The cup or chalice essentially represents the feminine side of human nature. When reading a spread of more than one card, ask yourself, “What do I feel when I see the card?” Your first “hit” will be the correct one.

The Pentacles (a circle with a star) have several symbolic meanings associated with them. In Tarot they are seen as “coins” and are associated with all things material like desires, fortune, loss, practicality, frugalness, etc. The element of the pentacles is the earth. One of the difficulties of working with the Tarot is being able to put your “ego” self aside when learning the language of your own deck. When looking at the cards, try to put your own fears, judgments and expectations or desires aside first. This is easier said than done, but with practice you will move through the process quickly.

The wand (element of fire) is associated with hard work and said to be the farmer’s suit. Wands generally refer to a person’s vocation, career, or profession. Different cards in this suit represent stages in a human’s work life, from finding career focus or the birth of an idea to success and stress! Remember, each card will have a general meaning, but to each “reader” in each new spread the specific and direct meaning will appear.

Application of Tarot Symbology

Understanding the symbology of Minor Arcana cards can help you gain a better understanding of the smaller lessons all of us need to learn in order to fulfill our life’s purpose. For instance, every Minor Arcana card depicts certain universal life situations and problems that all of us face in our day to day life. As you learn to decode their symbology, you will be able to analyze your own life’s problems from a higher perspective.

For example, two of swords is a Minor Arcana card that in the Rider-Waite deck depicts a blindfolded woman sitting on a sea shore with her arms crossed over her chest, holding a sword each in both hands. A look at the card will tell you that it depicts a situation where one is keeping the swords uncrossed (in other words conflict at bay) by blindfolding oneself to reality. Generally, when we try to avoid conflict we convince ourselves it’s the best way to handle things. But more often than not, in order to maintain peace in difficult situations we choose to ignore the most obvious truth; the resultant peace therefore is temporary and uncomfortable.

Tarot is not just a divination tool. It’s a tool that can help you understand life better but can also give you the much-needed support in your journey toward spiritual growth. There are many different types of support available while we walk our path; our tool boxes are filled with elements that are unique to us and our own journeys. While you are in choice, so too is everyone else. We must honor where they are and how they are choosing to move through their life.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen