The Minor Arcana

1,2,3,4 Can I Have A Little More?

The Minor Arcana consists of four suits containing fourteen cards each. Like a regular deck of playing cards, there are four “court cards” and ten numbered cards in each suit. More information about Court Cards can be found here. The ten “everyday” cards in each suit represent smaller cycles that we experience in our short term life, and are chronological from Ace (new beginnings) to Ten (completion of the cycle). Minor Arcana cards help bring complexity and context to other cards in a reading, and usually represent our free will in day to day situations. The four Suits of the Minor Arcana are each linked to an Astrological Sign, corresponding to each of the four Elements, and each of the four “Cardinal” (or starting) signs of the Zodiac.

Wands

are ruled by fire energy and are linked to the sign of Aries. Wands represent springtime, ambition, inspiration, growth, and the ways we approach or manifest new opportunities. Personal growth and new beginnings within the spirit are indicated when multiple Wands come up in a reading.

Cups

are ruled by water energy and are linked to the sign of Cancer. Cups represent summertime, our emotions, relationships, and creativity. Matters of the heart, friendship, love, and connection to others are indicated when Cups appear in a reading. This suit deals with the whole range of human emotion and our instincts around attachments.

Swords

are ruled by air energy and linked to the sign of Libra. Swords represent autumn, our mental abilities, intellect, and action. They point to the constructive and destructive qualities in us all, and can indicate change, conflict and power. Logic, aggression, common sense, and activity are all part of this dynamic suit’s message.

Pentacles

are ruled by earth energy and are linked to the sign of Capricorn, Pentacles represent winter, finances, possessions, and the material world. Security, hard work, and financial matters are suggested by this suit. Many Pentacles in a reading indicate focus on our worldly possessions, home, and career.