The Suits of the Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana in the tarot consists of the majority of the deck. Organized into four suits, the Minor Arcana describes each situation one finds themselves in. Pulling several cards together with a set intention allows us to clarify situations and specify our channeled messages. The suit tells us how each energy presents itself.

The four suits, Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands each include Ace through Ten as well as a Page, Knight, King, and Queen. We can interpret the numerology and symbols on the cards better by understanding the suits. Accordingly, each card has its own interpretation. Each suit pertains to one of Four Elements. Therefore, understanding this connection relays an easy beginner strategy to reading tarot! 

The Suit of Cups

The suit of Cups pertains to the Water Element. When a Reader pulls a Cups card, the message relates to emotions, intuition, and/or romance. If the primary suit of your spread turns out as Cups, the situation at hand likely relates to the querent’s love life. Cups represent flowing energy, connection to the Divine, and revealing shadow energy. 

The Pentacles

The suit of Pentacles corresponds to the Earth Element. In a reading, Pentacles tell of material matters such as finance, work, and/or building. If Pentacles turns out as the primary suit of the spread, the situation relates to physical matters. Pentacles represent the slowest and most reliable energies in the deck. 

The Suit of Swords

The suit of Swords relates to the Air Element. Pulling a Swords card tells of communication and deep thinking. If a reading turns out mostly Swords, then the situation at hand involves overthinking, impulsivity, and/or arguments. Swords represent the fastest and least reliable energies of the deck. 

The Wands

The suit of Wands relates to the Fire Element. If a Reader pulls a Wands card, the message relates to passion, action, and/or egoic energy. If the primary suit of a spread turns out as Wands, then the situation likely relates to matters of the ego, anger, or passion. Wands represent consistent but illogical energy in the querent’s life, and can also point to areas that hit home to the querent.

When reading the Tarot, interpreting the suits can bring greater clarity to the situation. Accordingly, the suits help us to correlate different characteristics and situations. One can even interpret Zodiac signs in the reading. 

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Finally, the Suits of the Minor Arcana allow us greater insight into situations. Using this information helps us find advice, clarity, and perspective. So, understanding the suits provides a healing opportunity to seek a higher understanding of one’s life.