A Look at the Minor Arcana

In tarot, a lot of focus is given to the major arcana cards, but it is rare that we get a good glimpse into the minor arcana. However, as the minor arcana is a major facet of most readings, I thought it would be nice to do some exploration in a broad sense. Later, I'll explore this more on the Door in the Looking Glass, but for now, this will be a good reference to have on hand. First, the suits:

The Tarot minor arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (also known as Coins or Disks in some decks). Each suit represents a different aspect of life and carries its own symbolism and meaning.

Wands represent creativity, inspiration, and action. They are associated with the element of fire and represent initiative, ambition, and growth. In a Tarot reading, Wands often indicate energy, enthusiasm, and passion.

Cups represent emotions, relationships, and intuition. They are associated with the element of water and represent love, happiness, and emotional fulfillment. In a Tarot reading, Cups often indicate feelings, relationships, and creative expression.

Swords represent intellect, communication, and conflict. They are associated with the element of air and represent reasoning, logic, and mental clarity. In a Tarot reading, Swords often indicate challenges, decisions, and disputes.

Pentacles represent material wealth, practical matters, and the physical world. They are associated with the element of earth and represent stability, security, and prosperity. In a Tarot reading, Pentacles often indicate financial matters, career opportunities, and practical concerns.

Numerology plays a significant role in the Tarot minor arcana, as each card is associated with a specific number that carries its own symbolic meaning and significance. The numbers 1 through 10 represent different stages of personal growth, challenges, and experiences.

1: The Ace represents new beginnings, fresh starts, and potential. It is the seed of the suit and carries the energy of creation.

2: The Two represents balance, partnership, and duality. It can indicate choices, cooperation, or opposing forces.

3: The Three represents growth, expansion, and creativity. It can indicate collaboration, communication, and manifestation.

4: The Four represents stability, security, and structure. It is a foundational number that can indicate solid foundations, order, or organization.

5: The Five represents change, challenges, and conflict. It can indicate disruption, uncertainty, or struggle.

6: The Six represents harmony, balance, and cooperation. It can indicate harmony, peace, or reconciliation.

7: The Seven represents introspection, wisdom, and spiritual growth. It can indicate inner reflection, analysis, or seeking deeper understanding.

8: The Eight represents power, control, and success. It can indicate achievement, abundance, or material success.

9: The Nine represents completion, fulfillment, and attainment. It can indicate reaching a goal, closure, or culmination.

10: The Ten represents fulfillment, completion, and wholeness. It can indicate endings, achievement, or the culmination of a cycle.

The numerology in the minor arcana of the Tarot adds depth and layers of meaning to each card, providing insights into the various stages and experiences that individuals may encounter on their personal journey. By incorporating numerology into Tarot readings, one can gain a deeper understanding of the messages and guidance offered by the cards.

The Tarot minor arcana court cards represent different personality types, or aspects of ourselves, and can also symbolize people in our lives or specific situations. Each suit in the minor arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) has its own set of four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

1. Page: The Page represents youth, new beginnings, enthusiasm, and potential. They can symbolize a messenger, a novice, or someone who is open to learning and exploring. The Page is often associated with curiosity, creativity, and a fresh perspective. In a reading, the Page can indicate new opportunities, new ideas, or the need to embrace a beginner's mindset.

2. Knight: The Knight represents action, movement, and drive. They are often associated with courage, determination, and a sense of purpose. The Knight can symbolize passion, ambition, or taking initiative in a situation. In a reading, the Knight can indicate a call to action, a need for forward momentum, or the energy to overcome obstacles.

3. Queen: The Queen represents nurturing, intuition, compassion, and emotional depth. They are often associated with receptivity, empathy, and a strong connection to their emotions. The Queen can symbolize support, understanding, or the ability to provide comfort and care. In a reading, the Queen can indicate emotional maturity, wisdom, or the need to cultivate a deeper understanding of one's feelings.

4. King: The King represents leadership, authority, mastery, and wisdom. They are often associated with strength, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. The King can symbolize power, expertise, or the ability to make decisions with clarity and conviction. In a reading, the King can indicate a need to step into a position of leadership, take charge of a situation, or embody qualities of strength and confidence.

In a Tarot reading, the court cards can represent aspects of the querent's personality or characteristics of individuals influencing the situation. They can also offer advice, guidance, or insights into the energies at play. By understanding the symbolism and meanings of the court cards in the minor arcana, one can gain a deeper understanding of the different roles and influences in a reading.

By combining these deeper meanings, you can dig deeper into the cards than you ever have, and add new layers of depth to your readings.