Tarot card interpretations are inherent in the meanings of the cards in the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
The 56 Minor Arcana cards in the tarot card deck are divided into 4 suits – Pentacles, Cups, Swords & Wands. They represent the energy, emotions, and activities of our daily lives.
If you want to learn more about tarot cards, read our comprehensive Major Arcana tarot guide.
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Cups
The tarot card suit of cups is most often associated with feelings and emotions. This is associated with positive traits such as affectionate, caring, gentle, gracious and patient. On the negative side, traits like escapist, frail, introverted, lazy and overemotional reflect on this suit.
The cups suit is also called the suit of cauldrons, vessels, goblets, and chalices in different versions of the tarot decks. Its counterpart in the Anglo-American playing cards is the suit of hearts. It is said to be of the water element and is linked to astrology signs like Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
In the course of a tarot reading, if cups cards appear it may be interpreted as a strong surge of feelings. It is also associated with emotions, psychic abilities, and fantasy. If the spread is predominantly made up of cups tarot cards, then it can result in the blossoming of a new relationship or friend for the querent. It can even mean involvement in a project one is passionate about.
If the cups cards show up in reverse it can mean a tendency towards moodiness and emotions such as anger, jealousy, and sadness. The dominance of reversed cups tarot cards can result in the souring of a friendship or tension between family and friends.
Pentacles (Coins)
The tarot card suit of Pentacles is usually associated with the material aspect of the querent’s life. It can mean that the querent is dependable, driven, generous, hardworking and practical. On the darker side, this tarot card also has negative traits such as being obsessive, pessimistic, rigid and uncompromising.
The coin suit is also called pentacles, discs, cash or gold in different versions of the tarot decks. Its counterpart in the Anglo-American version of the playing cars is the suit of diamonds. It is said to be connected to the Earth element and astrological signs such as Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Like the Earth, the suit of Pentacles is all about abundance, health, luxuries, and material possessions. You can rely on this suit if you want to know more about the fortune of a person.
During a tarot card reading, if the suit of coins appears, it can be associated with the querent’s finances, possessions, accomplishments, business, and home. In a deeper reading, it can also represent the intangible qualities such as one’s personal values and beliefs as well as his or her self-worth.
The usual question people ask when the coins are dominant in a spread is about finding financial stability. This card should be interpreted as the path to prosperity and achieving one’s personal goals. In itself, the coin tarot card does not have to mean money. It is what you value most in your life to help you achieve your true destiny.
If it appears in reverse, it can mean material loss but more so compromised values. For instance, it can mean the querent is overwhelmed with the need to gain more riches. It may signify discontent, which leads to materialism and greed. It is, however, important to remember that the Pentacles is a long-term suit. It is all about creation, rather than the temporary pursuit of excitement.
Wands
The Tarot Card Suit of Wands has the benefit of pride of place as they are the first suit of this 56-card, deck. In a tarot card reading, because of this, “Wands” having the high up position in the whole tarot cards deck and it stands one of the most important. Wands represent the birth of an idea or concept, as also purpose and growth. Wands point out circumstances that are in very early stages of progress. For the most part, those that are confined to the sphere of thought and have not developed further than thought.
In a tarot card reading, the Ace of Wands corresponds to the early stages of development. Things such as thoughts, concepts, and intentions; it is a symbol of possibility. In Tarot cards interpretation, the Ace of Wands also symbolizes a new beginning and encourages you to try new ways of looking, such as doing something new.
A Glance at a few of the Cards
The four of wands represents a stage where one’s ideas have developed into solid and have reached their final result. The focal point of this tarot card is the interpersonal love relationships, indicates that marriage may follow a current romance.
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The five of wands reveals obstacles, both, current and future.
The six of wands is the gathering of improvement, achievements, and success through hard work. In addition, designates as the prospect of a victory. Determination, in spite of sacrifice, is advised and inherent in the reading of this card.
The seven of wands card is said to be needed to make a stand and decline to compromise on someone’s principles.
Swords
The Tarot Card Suit of Swords is usually associated with the mind; with thinking and communication. In contrast to the Wands, The Swords in the Tarot Cards are known as the most challenging of the 4 suits. Not only to interpret but also in terms of life difficulties.
The element associated with this Swords is air and so pertains to the mind. As we all know, the mind can be the hardest part of us to control or define. With this suit, we explore the challenges that often come with an overactive mind or intellect and thus affect aspects of our lives from our relationships to career and others.
The four “Court Cards” often represent people in our lives; people who are often one of the three air signs in Astrology. Gemini, Libra or Aquarius people are represented by the Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
During a tarot card reading, if the suit of Swords appears, it can be associated with a challenge; an argument or a heartbreak, or a forceful person, perhaps. Maybe you are in conflict with a truth, stuck in your own rigidity, or in the midst of a legal battle. Whatever your situation, the Swords will teach you valuable lessons.
If it appears in reverse, we could be stuck in a rut or in the decision making process. Perhaps we are hiding something important, like a secret relationship. Remember, communication is key here.
