The Major and Minor Arcana
Your Path to Tarot
Discover the Major and Minor Arcana in tarot, exploring how upright and reversed cards reveal external and internal energies. Learn how reversals uncover hidden lessons and the weaker aspects of Court Cards for deeper self-understanding.
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Introduction
Tarot helps people probe their subconscious mind to uncover deep, hidden secrets using images and symbols. The deck is made up of 78 cards, split into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana covers big life events and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana deals with everyday experiences, divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.
When cards are reversed, they don’t always mean the direct opposite. For example, upright cards represent external energy, while reversed cards point to internal energy or what’s private and self-focused. For example, The Empress upright is about nurturing others, but reversed, it’s about nurturing yourself. The Eight of Cups upright is about escape, so reversed, it’s about a private escape—one no one knows about.
Another way to see reversals is that the querent might not have fully learned the lesson from the previous card. When Court Cards show up reversed, they highlight the card’s negative or weakest qualities. Tarot is a tool that helps uncover what’s hidden, guiding people to better understand themselves and their situations.
Book Shelves
Colors of Tarot (e-book available)
Numbers of Tarot (e-book available)
Tarot Journal Questions
Tarot Card Spreads