One of the first steps toward understanding the Tarot lies
in appreciating the meaning of its two Arcana – the Major and the
Minor. But even before that, the novice does well by committing to
memory the meaning of “Arcana” – defined as “mysterious knowledge,
language, or information accessible only by the initiate.”
By its very definition, the word “Arcana” exudes secrecy and a
certain esoteric eeriness – making it the perfect word for the two
branches of the Tarot so important to believers, including new
“initiates.” To learn about Tarot is one thing; to truly learn the
meaning of the Tarot’s Arcana is quite another.
Because the Arcana are secret, and because their deeper
meanings are closed to many, learning them takes time, determination,
and perhaps even a gift. This gift belongs to those with a desire to
learn the mysteries and knowledge of the Ancients, the special few, the
Chosen. The Arcana, though seemingly somewhat simplistic at first
glance, are in actuality the great secret to reading Tarot.
The first of the Arcana, termed the “Major Arcana,”
symbolically relate to our physical, as well as intellectual,
emotional, and spiritual states of being. These 22 powerful cards
illuminate our strengths, weaknesses, fears, wishes, and the light and
dark portions of our souls. The Major Arcana in a commonly used Tarot
deck include the fool, the magician, the high priestess, the empress,
the emperor, the hierophant (wise man or teacher), the lovers, the
chariot, strength, the hermit, the wheel of fortune, justice, the
hanged man, death, temperance, the devil, the tower, the star, the sun,
the moon, judgment, and the world.
A number of the Major Arcana cards serve as archetypal
representatives of real people in our lives, either as a whole or in
symbolic parts. Some archetypes, for instance, would be authority
figures, mysterious or mystical people, or parental, sibling, or other
familial figures.
The Major Arcana cards each represent, through their images,
positive and negative forces. The interpretation of the meanings of the
cards, however, relies on many factors. Some of these factors include
how the cards are laid, which cards surround others, the information
sought, the reader, and the person for whom the reading is being
performed. So even though each individual Major Arcana symbol or card
holds its own unique meanings, it must be taken as only one part of a
whole with the above critical dynamics taken into account.
When dealing with the Major Arcana, one deals with some of the
ancient, mystical, and hidden secrets of the universe – and should do
so with the caution attributed to the wisest among us. But be cautious,
not afraid! Some may say, “Curiosity killed the cat!” But we also know:
“Satisfaction brought it back!” And even though cats do purportedly
have nine lives, you’ll have to consult the Major Arcana to even hazard
a guess as to which life the cat in question is now living – once
you’ve learned the Major Arcana’s secrets, that is!
Tarot card reading delves into an individual’s psyche and
thus depends largely upon the energy that person generates, whether
consciously or subconsciously. And because human beings are complex
creatures with all kinds of major and minor issues – not only negative,
but positive as well – the Tarot must duly address them all. So,
although the Major Arcana bring to light the larger issues in life,
there also exists the Minor Arcana – which serve the purpose of
illuminating the “secret and closed” events, feelings, needs, and
everyday details of our existence.
Fifty-six cards constitute the Minor Arcana within these suits:
Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. And just as with the Major Arcana,
the interpretation of these cards lies not only the face-value meanings
of the cards, but also in how they are laid (the “spread” – whether
they are upside down, the positions they take in your chosen pattern,
etc.), the mindset and emotions of the interpreter and of the person
being “read,” and the very questions themselves. Reading Tarot cards
successfully takes time, and with that comes experience – the key to
giving a good reading.
But one must start at the beginning, learning the meanings of
each of the individual 56 Minor Arcana. As mentioned above, these are
divided into the four suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. And
each suit encompasses the Ace, then 2-10 numeral cards, and finally the
court cards: the Page, Knight, Queen, and King – very similar to an
ordinary deck of playing cards in some ways, yet powerfully different
in others!
Each suit in the Minor Arcana represents distinctive
characteristics, and these combined qualities create an image of our
day-to-day lives. The suits and a very abbreviated listing of some of
their characteristics include:
- Wands – ingenuity, accomplishment, change
- Cups – feelings, spirituality
- Swords – intelligence, contemplation, logic
- Pentacles – pragmatism, safety, physical and material needs
Cards within suits correspond to the theme of the particular suit to
which it belongs. An Ace declares the overall quality of whatever suit
it is in. For instance, the Ace of Cups represents affections,
feelings, intuitiveness, and personal familiarity – all the most
positive aspects of the Cups’ characteristics. A Ten of Cups may
signify the fruition of those qualities with, for example, the peace
and joy one finds within the atmosphere of a happy family. One by one,
the meanings of each card must be committed to memory. When the Tarot
novice becomes comfortably familiar with the 56 Minor Arcana
representations, he or she should then be ready for the next steps
toward understanding the subsequent – and deeper – aspects of the art
of Tarot.
Learning the art of Tarot can be a challenging – and rewarding
– endeavor. But the student must realize Tarot is not easy, and Tarot
is not quick. As with all things in the secret and hidden arts such as
Tarot, one must be willing to persevere, to continue resolutely down
the path toward enlightenment – and rejoice as the mysteries of the
journey unfold.
