Major Arcana
The Major Arcana cards, sometimes called Trump Cards, is each illustrated with specific symbols and has a title and specific number from zero to twenty-one. While most tarot decks are similar, there may be differences. For example, in some decks, Strength and Justice are numbered Eight and Eleven respectively while in other decks, the numbers on these two cards are switched.
Many scholars felt that they reflect the Universal law and the mysteries in the cosmic worlds. Some scholars focus on the numerical order of the cards, others on the meanings behind the symbols and images of the cards. Some felt that the Major Arcana represents a path to enlightenment sometimes known as the Fool’s journey. But most agreed that the cards in the Major Arcana represent forces beyond our daily grind and offer insights into our cosmic world and helping to connect the individual to his/her higher being.
The imagery and symbols on each card is so rich and purposeful that they warrant a dedicated study to understand how they can help an individual develop your intuition and help you connect with your Divine self.
Minor Arcana
It is widely believed that this portion of the Tarot was originally intended for game (and fun) rather than serious divination. There are four suits: cups, pentacles, swords and wands. Each suit has 14 cards . The court cards: King, Queen, Knight and Page. Ten other pip cards numbered from Ace to ten.
It is said that while the Major Arcana “speaks” about the greater forces in our lives, the Minor Arcana is about the specific concerns in our daily lives and are useful in answering everyday questions and addressing everyday concerns. Drawing a minor arcana card helps to direct the individual to the specific area in his/her life that needs attention as each suit represents a distinct area of activity and personal growth. Refer to the table below on the key areas that each suit governs and its main element, do remember that I today’s context, many occupations are no longer gender biased, hence the meaning of the symbols on individual cards may change.
Court Cards
There are four court cards in every suit: King, Queen, Knight and Page. The Page is sometimes called the knave in some decks. The images are often straightforward depiction of a King or a Queen or a Knight or a Page. The King and Queen often sat on their thrones while the Knight rode on his horse. The most variations would be the Page, standing in plain royal wear but which is sometimes described as a girl. The main thing that differentiates the various suits will often be a symbolic object that represents the suit held in the hand of the character.
Many scholars agree that the court cards may represent actual people in our lives or a particular characteristic of our own selves. There are also abstract meanings attached to the cards where the court cards refer to influences in our environment. Often the court cards are also used as Significators. The King and Queen represent a mature man and women respectively. The Knight may represent a young man and the page a young lady. The choice of suit often corresponds to the astrological influence of the individual whose fortune is being divined.
The King of any suit may hi-light a point of completion, after all this is the highest position ever in a suit. To progress, he may have to let go and start something new again to begin as an Ace. The Queen, a mature woman, who is a leader/ruler in her own right and not just the King’s consort. She often embodies the feminine qualities and the creative and softer side of leadership. She knows when to compromise and when to assert her situation. That said, the King and Queen may not represent a man and a woman respectively. The King could represent a woman who displays masculine qualities and the Queen can refer to a man who displays feminine qualities. This is the same for both the Knight and the Page.
A Knight is someone who serves the Crown and has a purpose. He is often considered an important messenger or an agent of movement as he rides on his horse. The type of message he carries corresponds to the suit he belongs to. The Page, as a personal attendant of the royal family, also has duties to the Crown but often of a more domestic type. Being a page means that one is willing to assume a subordinate role.
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