If you’re new to Tarot, you may be wondering what the difference is between major and minor Arcana. Arcana means “secret knowledge.” Hence, both the major and minor arcana cards contain hidden knowledge. However, the major arcana cards are seen as more important, representing significant life changes and milestones. The minor arcana cards, on the other hand, represent daily occurrences and situations. In this article, I will explore the difference between the major and minor Arcana in more detail!
What Are The Tarot Cards, And Where Do They Come From?
The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The word “tarot” comes from the Italian word “tarocchi,” which means “trumps.” The Tarot has been used for centuries to divine the future, but it can also be used as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
There are 22 major arcana cards, sometimes called “trump cards.” These cards represent significant life events, such as The Fool (representing new beginnings), The Tower (representing change or upheaval), and The World (representing completion or closure).
The 56 minor arcana card is divided into four suits: Wands, Swords, Cups, and Pentacles. These suits represent different areas of life, such as creativity (Wands), emotions (Cups), thoughts and communication (Swords), and material wealth (Pentacles). Each suite contains 14 cards numbered from Ace to Ten, plus a Page, a Knight, a Queen, and a King. Tarot reading typically focuses on the major arcana cards, as they are seen as more important; however, all 78 cards can be used to gain insight into your life.
What’s The Difference Between Major And Minor Arcana?
Now that we know more about the Tarot let’s explore the difference between major and Minor Arcana.
- The Major Arcana represents significant life events, while the minor arcana cards represent daily occurrences and situations.
- The major arcana cards are numbered from 0 to 21, while the minor arcana tarot cards are numbered from Ace to Ten, plus a Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
- The suits of the Minor Arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) represent different areas of life, while the Major Arcana does not have this association. Minor arcana card meanings can also be interpreted differently depending on their position in a tarot spread.
- Each card in the Tarot has a different meaning, and the meaning of a card can change depending on its position in a reading. The major arcana cards are usually given more weight, as they represent bigger life themes.
- The Tarot can be used for divination or self-exploration. Divination is the practice of using the cards to predict future events, while self-exploration involves using the cards to gain insights into your own life and experiences. Minor Arcana generally concern themselves with the here-and-now, while major Arcana deal with more long-term issues.
So, what’s the difference between major and Minor Arcana? The major arcana cards represent significant life events, while the minor arcana cards represent daily occurrences and situations. The major arcana cards are numbered from 0 to 21, while the minor arcana cards are numbered.
The Symbolism And Meaning Of Each Major And Minor Arcana
The tarot cards are rich in symbolism and meaning. Each card has its unique message, which can be interpreted in several ways.
The Major Arcana
The major arcana cards represent the major aspects of our lives, such as love, loss, and rebirth. These cards often deal with heavier topics than the minor arcana cards.
The Minor Arcana
The minor arcana cards represent the more everyday occurrences in our lives, such as work and money. These cards often deal with more mundane themes than the major arcana cards.
How To Read Major And Minor Arcana Cards?
The Tarot can be used for divination or self-exploration. Divination is the practice of using the cards to predict future events, while self-exploration involves using the cards to gain insights into your own life and experiences.
To read the Tarot, you will need a deck of tarot cards and a quiet space to focus. Start by shuffling the cards and then drawing three cards from the deck. The first card you draw represents your past, the second card represents your present, and the third card represents your future. A Tarot deck can also be used for other card games. The standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards: 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. Only minor arcana cards are used in card games.
The Different Types Of Readings You Can Perform
Once you know the difference between major and minor Arcana, you can begin to perform readings. You can do a few different types of readings, depending on what you’re looking for.
You can perform a three-card reading if you want to gain insight into your past, present, and future. To do this, shuffle and cut the deck into three piles. Choose one pile, and turn over the top card. This will be your first card. Next, choose another pile, and turn over the top two cards. These will be your second and third cards. Finally, read the meaning of each card and consider how they might relate to your past, present, or future self.
If you want to focus on a specific question, you can perform a Celtic Cross reading. To do this, lay out ten cards in the shape of a cross. The first card is placed in the center of the cross and represents the issue at hand. The second card is placed directly above the first card and represents your recent past. The third card is placed to the right of the first card and represents your near future.
If you want a general overview of your life, you can perform a twelve-card reading. To do this, lay out twelve cards in a circle. The first card is placed in the circle’s center and represents you or the person you’re reading for. The second card is placed directly to the right of the first card and represents your recent past. The third card is placed directly to the left of the first card and represents your near future.
No matter what type of reading you choose to perform, remember that Tarot is a tool for guidance and self-reflection. The cards can offer insights into your past, present, and future, but it’s up to you to interpret their meaning. Trust your intuition, and don’t be afraid to use your symbolism and interpretation when reading the cards. With practice, you’ll become more confident in your ability to read the Tarot for yourself and others. Thanks for reading!
Final Thoughts
Tarot is a powerful tool for self-reflection and guidance. By understanding the difference between major and minor Arcana, you can begin to perform readings for yourself and others. Trust your intuition, and don’t be afraid to use your own symbolism and interpretation when reading the cards. With practice, you’ll become more confident in your ability to read the Tarot. Thanks for reading!
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