How Many Arcana Cards are There?

The Tarot deck consists of a total of 78 cards, and one of the most significant portions of this deck is the Arcana cards. The word “arcana” comes from the Latin word “arcanum,” which means secret or mystery. This set of cards is divided into two distinct groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, which are often considered the core of the Tarot deck. These cards represent powerful archetypal energies and symbolize major life events, spiritual growth, and deep transformations. Each Major Arcana card carries its unique meaning and message, making them highly influential when they appear in a Tarot reading.

List of Major Arcana Cards with Brief Descriptions:

1. The Fool: Represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and taking risks.
2. The Magician: Symbolizes creativity, intention, and the power to manifest.
3. The High Priestess: Represents intuition, wisdom, and the inner mysteries.
4. The Empress: Symbolizes nurturing, abundance, and feminine energy.
5. The Emperor: Represents authority, structure, and masculine energy.
6. The Hierophant: Symbolizes tradition, spirituality, and religious beliefs.
7. The Lovers: Represents love, relationships, and choices.
8. The Chariot: Symbolizes willpower, determination, and success.
9. Strength: Represents inner strength, courage, and personal power.
10. The Hermit: Symbolizes solitude, reflection, and spiritual guidance.
11. Wheel of Fortune: Represents destiny, changes, and cycles of life.
12. Justice: Symbolizes fairness, truth, and balance.
13. The Hanged Man: Represents surrender, letting go, and gaining new perspectives.
14. Death: Symbolizes major transformation, endings, and new beginnings.
15. Temperance: Represents balance, moderation, and harmony.
16. The Devil: Symbolizes attachments, illusions, and materialism.
17. The Tower: Represents sudden changes, upheaval, and revelations.
18. The Star: Symbolizes hope, inspiration, and spiritual guidance.
19. The Moon: Represents illusions, intuition, and hidden aspects.
20. The Sun: Symbolizes joy, success, and vitality.
21. Judgement: Represents self-reflection, awakening, and transformation.
22. The World: Symbolizes completion, fulfillment, and wholeness.

The Major Arcana cards act as guides and reflect the deeper aspects of our journey through life. They provide valuable insights into our psyche, inner growth, and the challenges we may encounter along the way.

The Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana comprises 56 cards, divided into four suits—Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit consists of ten numbered cards (Ace to Ten) and four court cards—Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These cards represent more mundane aspects of life, daily events, and our interactions with others.

List of Minor Arcana Suits:

1. Cups: Symbolizes emotions, relationships, and creativity.
2. Pentacles: Represents material possessions, wealth, and practical matters.
3. Swords: Symbolizes conflicts, decisions, and intellect.
4. Wands: Represents inspiration, passions, and personal growth.

The Minor Arcana cards can provide specific details and offer practical advice in various areas of life. They often depict the day-to-day situations we encounter and the patterns that shape our existence.

Total Number of Arcana Cards

In conclusion, the Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, with the Arcana cards divided into two main groups:

• Major Arcana: Comprised of 22 cards representing significant life events and deep transformations.
• Minor Arcana: Comprised of 56 cards representing more mundane aspects of life and daily events.

Both the Major and Minor Arcana cards work together to form a comprehensive system that enables Tarot readers to provide insights, guidance, and understanding into various aspects of life, spirituality, and personal development.

Whether you are seeking answers, spiritual growth, or simply intrigued by Tarot symbolism, exploring the rich depth and wisdom found within the Arcana cards can be an enlightening journey.