Minor Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

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Learn to decipher wands, cups, pentacles, and swords
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If the Major Arcana cards help to sketch out an overview of your life, think of the Minor, or lesser, Arcana cards as the smaller details that focus on your daily life and routine. In any given tarot deck, there are 56 Minor Arcana cards that are divided into 4 different suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles, and Swords. We’ll give you an overview of what each suit and their cards represent—and, most importantly, what they can mean for your life if you draw them in a tarot reading.

Things You Should Know

  • There are 14 cards in each Major Arcana suit: an Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
  • The Suit of Wands represents activity and motion, and the Suit of Cups signifies spirituality, emotions, and relationships.
  • The Pentacles suit stands for material possessions and finances or financial security, and the Suit of Swords represents intelligence, logic, and thought.
Section 1 of 5:

Minor Arcana Overview

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  1. While Major Arcana tarot cards (e.g., The Empress, The Fool , The Lovers, etc.) represent the major, big-picture elements of your life, their Minor Arcana tarot counterparts really zoom in and focus on the details, feelings, and struggles of your day-to-day existence. In a typical tarot deck, there are 56 Minor Arcana cards in total. [1]
  2. Like a deck of playing cards, the 56 Minor Arcana cards all fall into different suits. These suits aren’t the standard Hearts, Clubs, Spades, and Diamonds, though—rather, they’re Wands, Cups, Pentacles, and Swords. Each suit relates to specific themes that apply to your day-to-day life and routine. [2]
    • Wands: Wands are connected to the element of fire and represent confidence, energy, and adventurousness. In a reading, the Suit of Wands speaks to themes of movement and imagination in your life.
    • Cups: Cups are associated with the element of water and represent your relationships and emotions. In a reading, the Suit of Cups relates to themes of spirituality and feelings.
    • Pentacles: Pentacles are attributed to the element of earth and signify nature, physical experiences, and money. In a reading, the Suit of Pentacles speaks to themes of your material goods and finances.
    • Swords: Swords are associated with the element of fire and symbolize ethics, truthfulness, and fairness. In a reading, the Suit of Swords speaks to themes of intelligence, reason, and negative states of mind.
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  3. All Minor Arcana suits contain an Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Throughout all of these suits, each card type relates to a specific sort of theme or lesson in your life. [3]
    • Ace: Beginnings and new potential
    • 2: Balance; two halves coming together
    • 3: The way a group works together; completion
    • 4: Growth and advancing forward
    • 5: Change; conflict
    • 6: Harmony; finding solutions
    • 7: Self-reflection; introspection
    • 8: Achievement; growth
    • 9: Transition; feeling almost complete
    • 10: Completion; continuing onward
    • Page: New opportunities and beginnings
    • Knight: Movement and forging ahead
    • Queen: Femininity; looking to wise individuals for guidance
    • King: Power; the need for self-belief
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Section 2 of 5:

Suit of Wands

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  1. The Ace of Wands symbolizes the importance of both taking the initiative and taking the first step forward with an idea or project that you have in mind.
    • Keywords: Creativity, passion, inspiration
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries , Leo , Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  2. 2
    2 of Wands The Two of Wands revolves around the concept of decision-making—it especially stresses the importance of taking a leap of faith and exploring new horizons.
    • Keywords: Goal-setting, risk-taking, planning
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  3. 3
    3 of Wands The Three of Wands centers around the theme of traveling and taking steps to reach your potential.
    • Keywords: Confidence, growth, expansion
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  4. 4
    4 of Wands The Four of Wands revolves around the concepts of stability and fellowship with your loved ones and friends.
    • Keywords: Home, parties, belonging
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  5. The Five of Wands points to some sort of issue, competition, or conflict that’s currently bothering you or will soon make itself known.
    • Keywords: Tension, arguments, rivals
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  6. 6
    6 of Wands The Six of Wands acknowledges a recent success you’ve reached thanks to your personal capabilities.
    • Keywords: Victory, rewards, recognition
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  7. 7
    7 of Wands The Seven of Wands urges you to stay true to your principles and goals, even if you’re in a difficult spot—you may need to be on the lookout for people trying to supersede you.
    • Keywords: Defending yourself, defending your territory, protectiveness
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  8. 8
    8 of Wands The Eight of Wands signifies that your past troubles (the ones connected with the Seven of Wands) are gone and that you may be charting a new, exciting course for yourself in the future.
    • Keywords: Movement, excitement, sudden changes
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  9. The Nine of Wands reminds you of the difficulties you’ve conquered in the past and urges you to keep a positive and empowered attitude as you face future obstacles.
    • Keywords: Persistence, resilience, grit
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  10. 10
    10 of Wands The Ten of Wands reminds you to seek balance and moderation in your life rather than expecting too much from yourself at once.
    • Keywords: Burden, responsibility, burnout
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  11. 11
    Page of Wands The Page of Wands symbolizes your energetic desire to put yourself out there, but it also warns you to not get too distracted or unmotivated in the process.
    • Keywords: Adventurousness, fearlessness, cheerfulness
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  12. 12
    Knight of Wands The Knight of Wands encourages you to get out, seek adventure, and accomplish what you’re setting out to do.
    • Keywords: Charming, free-spirited, energetic
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  13. 13
    Queen of Wands The Queen of Wands speaks to the immense focus and drive you have in your life right now, along with the positive, inspiring, and occasionally self-focused energy you carry.
    • Keywords: Self-assured, passionate, vivacious
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  14. The King of Wands symbolizes the eager desire you have to face and conquer whatever challenges may come your way, as you find problem-solving to be really satisfying. [4]
    • Keywords:
    • Element: Fire
    • Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
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Section 3 of 5:

Suit of Cups

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  1. The Ace of Cups urges you to release any negative emotional vibes you’re carrying and live a fulfilling, unburdened life.
    • Keywords: Spirituality, new feelings, intuition
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer , Scorpio , Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  2. 2
    2 of Cups The Two of Cups highlights the power of being part of a pair and joining forces with someone else.
    • Keywords: Partnership, close bonds, unity
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  3. 3
    3 of Cups The Three of Cups signifies happy moments spent with your friends and spells out a future celebration or reunion in your future.
    • Keywords: Community, group events, friendship
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  4. 4
    4 of Cups The Four of Cups encourages you to take a careful inventory of your attitude to help you get through a rough, discouraging patch in your life.
    • Keywords: Contemplation, apathy, discontent
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  5. The Five of Cups notes that you might be overly focused on something negative that happened in the past, and the disappointment you feel that certain events didn’t play out the way you wanted them to.
    • Keywords: Sadness, loss, grief
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  6. 6
    6 of Cups The Six of Cups represents a sense of nostalgia you might be feeling, including a desire to return to the carefree days of your childhood.
    • Keywords: Memories, sentimentality, healing
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  7. 7
    7 of Cups The Seven of Cups reminds you to be mindful of the consequences that come with your goals and dreams, along with the importance of taking active steps to achieve your desires.
    • Keywords: Illusion, indecision, wishful thinking
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  8. 8
    8 of Cups The Eight of Cups highlights a need to step away from something in your life in order to transition and transform into something better.
    • Keywords: Abandonment, searching for truth, letting go
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  9. The Nine of Cups indicates that you’ve reached a point of personal happiness, and that, after a fair amount of struggling, you’ve reached exactly what you’re looking for.
    • Keywords: Wish fulfillment, satisfaction, pleasure
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  10. 10
    10 of Cups The Ten of Cups encompasses feelings of jubilance, peace, and contentment within your romantic or familial relationships.
    • Keywords: Happiness, emotional stability, domestic harmony
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  11. 11
    Page of Cups The Page of Cups highlights the importance of being open-minded and accepting of new ideas that sail into your orbit, especially ones that come from your gut.
    • Keywords: Idealism, sensitivity, dreamer
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  12. 12
    Knight of Cups The Knight of Cups signifies something that’s upcoming in your life: a person or event that will provide you with some type of emotional advantage.
    • Keywords: Charming, idealist, grateful
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  13. 13
    Queen of Cups The Queen of Cups reminds you to prioritize your own emotional and mental well-being and to not set yourself on fire to keep others warm.
    • Keywords: Intuition, kindness, compassion
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  14. The King of Cups highlights the importance of striking a healthy balance with your thoughts and feelings, and how doing so can help you learn more about yourself. [5]
    • Keywords: Diplomatic, devoted, wise
    • Element: Water
    • Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
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Section 4 of 5:

Suit of Pentacles

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  1. The Ace of Pentacles hints that stability and prosperity are on the horizon as long as you pay attention to the new opportunities that are heading in your direction.
    • Keywords: New opportunities, abundance, manifestation
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  2. 2
    2 of Pentacles The Two of Pentacles hints that you might be putting a lot of time and energy into balancing separate elements of your life—it might help to distance yourself to get a better point of view.
    • Keywords: Adaptation, flexibility, balancing resources
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  3. 3
    3 of Pentacles The Three of Pentacles indicates that success is on you and your team’s horizon and that all the pieces are in place to reach the goals you’re hoping to reach.
    • Keywords: Teamwork, collaboration, shared goals
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  4. 4
    4 of Pentacles The Four of Pentacles acknowledges the success that you’ve reached but also warns of becoming too greedy in order to hold onto this success.
    • Keywords: Security, stinginess, insecurity
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  5. The Five of Pentacles points to difficult times in your future, such as a period of loneliness, low income, or sickness/disease.
    • Keywords: Hardship, alienation, adversity
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  6. 6
    6 of Pentacles The Six of Pentacles indicates that you’ve reached a comfortable balance in your current income and that you’re able to comfortably share your resources with others.
    • Keywords: Charity, generosity, gratitude
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  7. 7
    7 of Pentacles The Seven of Pentacles indicates that your financial difficulties are coming to an end and that the efforts you’ve put into your financial status are benefitting you in the long run.
    • Keywords: Results, rewards, harvest
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  8. 8
    8 of Pentacles The Eight of Pentacles stresses the importance of putting a lot of effort and energy into your goals in order to achieve the high results you want.
    • Keywords: Craftsmanship, high standards, expertise
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  9. The Nine of Pentacles indicates that you’re feeling accomplished, capable, and ready to treat yourself.
    • Keywords: Success, achievement, independence
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  10. 10
    10 of Pentacles The Ten of Pentacles reminds you that your personal investments will pay off, and that, with your careful perspective and work ethic, you’ll find success.
    • Keywords: Legacy, inheritance, affluence
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  11. 11
    Page of Pentacles The Page of Pentacles highlights the importance of having a determined work ethic and staying focused (as well as asking for help if you need it).
    • Keywords: Diligent, consistent, studious
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  12. 12
    Knight of Pentacles The Knight of Pentacles points to the importance of being dependable and trustworthy, and that your current sense of commitment and loyalty allows you to check all the items off your task list.
    • Keywords: Patient, efficient, practical
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  13. 13
    Queen of Pentacles The Queen of Pentacles offers multi-faceted support and guidance as you strive to achieve your dreams—besides affection, she encourages you to be cautious and financially sound.
    • Keywords: Caring, nurturing, business savvy
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  14. The King of Pentacles encourages you to properly manage your time and money as you seek to achieve your dreams. [6]
    • Keywords: Prosperity, safe, protective
    • Element: Earth
    • Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
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Section 5 of 5:

Suit of Swords

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  1. The Ace of Swords signals that you’re about to encounter an important moment where you can see your life from a new perspective.
    • Keywords: Clarity, vision, truth
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini , Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  2. 2
    2 of Swords The Two of Swords indicates that you might be in an uncomfortable position where you have to make a difficult decision between two different paths.
    • Keywords: Stalemate, denial, stuck in the middle
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  3. 3
    3 of Swords The Three of Swords indicates that a deep hurt or betrayal may be in your future—if you plan for it ahead of time, it might not be quite as painful.
    • Keywords: Separation, sadness, loss
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  4. 4
    4 of Swords The Four of Swords stresses the importance of taking time to step back, rest, and rejuvenate your spirit after a hurtful and/or exhausting circumstance.
    • Keywords: Peace, recuperation, sanctuary
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  5. The Five of Swords points to a current conflict you’re experiencing in your life or a disagreement that’s leading to plenty of negative vibes.
    • Keywords: Aggression, hostility, intimidation
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  6. 6
    6 of Swords The Six of Swords indicates that change and transition are occurring in your life—but you aren’t feeling that happy about it.
    • Keywords: Accepting lessons, departure, moving on
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  7. 7
    7 of Swords The Seven of Swords warns that a certain person in your orbit (be it yourself or somebody else) is struggling to deceive and be sneaky.
    • Keywords: Scheming, lies, cunning
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  8. 8
    8 of Swords The Eight of Swords highlights a difficult time in your life when you’re feeling corned; because of your negatively altered mindset, it’s not a great time to make big choices for yourself.
    • Keywords: Helpless, imprisoned, victimized
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  9. The Nine of Swords highlights a struggle or trauma you might be juggling and the importance of sharing your difficulties with others.
    • Keywords: Negativity, anxiety, isolation
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  10. 10
    10 of Swords The Ten of Swords warns that a serious problem or crisis is headed in your direction and that it might not even be on your radar.
    • Keywords: Failure, exhaustion, ruin
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? No
  11. 11
    Page of Swords The Page of Swords affirms that you’re feeling energized and excited about a new idea that’s bustling around in your mind and that it’s important to tell your ideas to other people.
    • Keywords: Communicative, curious, inspired
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  12. 12
    Knight of Swords The Knight of Swords acknowledges the grit and perseverance you have when approaching life’s tasks and challenges, but it also warns you to not let your tenacity keep you ignorant of any possible ramifications.
    • Keywords: Impatient, focused, ambitious
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  13. 13
    Queen of Swords The Queen of Swords encourages you to take a more practical and rational approach to making decisions rather than leaning on your emotions alone.
    • Keywords: Independent, principled, objective
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
  14. The King of Swords highlights the importance of being observant and objective in your day-to-day life, along with the importance of using your intelligence to assert yourself. [7]
    • Keywords: Integrity, discipline, strict
    • Element: Air
    • Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
    • Does it mean yes or no in a reading? Yes
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      Tips

      • Use a deck of playing cards if you don’t have a traditional tarot deck on hand. The Suit of Hearts corresponds with the Suit of Cups, the Suit of Clubs corresponds to the Suit of Wands, the Suit of Spades corresponds to the Suit of Swords, and the Suit of Diamonds corresponds to the Suit of Pentacles. The Jack card can stand in for either the Knight or the Page.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.learntarot.com/less3.htm
      2. ↑ http://www.learntarot.com/less3.htm
      3. ↑ https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/learn-tarot-with-labyrinthos-academy/tarot-and-numerology-what-do-numbers-in-tarot-mean-for-the-minor-arcana-infographic
      4. ↑ https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-suit-of-wands-tarot-card-meanings
      5. ↑ https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-suit-of-cups-tarot-card-meanings
      6. ↑ https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-suit-of-pentacles-tarot-card-meanings
      7. ↑ https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-suit-of-swords-tarot-card-meanings

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