Minor Arcana Card Meanings: A Beginner's Guide, Part 2
Every photograph in this guide features the Lucid Dreams Tarot, Black Eclipse edition.
The Minor Arcana: The Story of Everyday Life
While the Major Arcana explores the great milestones of our lives, the Minor Arcana focuses on the experiences that fill our days. These fifty six cards represent our thoughts, emotions, relationships, careers, ambitions, challenges and achievements.
This second part of the guide covers the minor arcana card meanings: the four suits, the numbers running through them, the court cards and the first simple spreads you can lay out at home. If you are starting at the very beginning, part one covers what tarot is, where it came from and all twenty-two major arcana cards.
Think of it this way:
The Major Arcana asks, "What major lesson is life teaching me?"
The Minor Arcana asks, "How can I navigate today with wisdom and clarity?"
Because most tarot readings concern everyday situations, you will often find that the Minor Arcana makes up the majority of the cards in a spread. Learning these cards is one of the biggest steps towards becoming a confident tarot reader.
Understanding The Four Suits
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits. Each represents a different aspect of human experience and is associated with one of the four classical elements.
Although artwork differs from deck to deck, the symbolism remains remarkably consistent.
Pentacles, The Element of Earth
Keywords: Prosperity • Stability • Work • Health • Home
Pentacles represent the physical material world. They concern money, careers, practical matters, health, security, home life and long term achievements. Earth reminds us that meaningful success is usually built patiently, one step at a time. When Pentacles dominate a reading, practical decisions often deserve your attention.
Questions Pentacles may answer include:
- How can I create greater stability?
- What practical action should I take?
- How can I improve my financial wellbeing?
- What foundations am I building?
Common themes include:
- Career
- Finances
- Property
- Health
- Business
- Long-term planning
Swords, The Element of Air
Keywords: Thoughts • Communication • Truth • Decisions • Challenge
Swords represent the mind.
They govern communication, knowledge, decision-making, conflict, truth, justice and mental clarity. Because thoughts can either empower or limit us, Swords often highlight situations requiring honesty and careful consideration. Although some Sword cards have a reputation for being difficult, they frequently encourage growth through greater understanding.
Questions Swords may answer include:
- What truth am I avoiding?
- How can I communicate more clearly?
- What belief is holding me back?
- Which decision requires careful thought?
Common themes include:
- Communication
- Learning
- Problem solving
- Boundaries
- Conflict resolution
- Mental clarity
Wands, The Element of Fire
Keywords: Passion • Creativity • Inspiration • Action • Ambition
Wands are full of energy and enthusiasm. They represent our ideas, ambitions, personal growth, creativity and the courage to pursue our dreams.
When many Wands appear in a reading, life often feels exciting, fast moving and full of potential. However, fire can also burn too brightly, reminding us not to exhaust ourselves through impatience or overwork.
Questions Wands may answer include:
- What inspires me?
- Where should I focus my energy?
- What new opportunity is emerging?
- How can I pursue my goals with confidence?
Common themes include:
- New businesses
- Creative projects
- Career ambitions
- Travel
- Leadership
- Personal confidence
Cups, The Element of Water
Keywords: Emotions • Relationships • Intuition • Compassion • Love
The suit of Cups reflects the emotional world. These cards explore love, friendship, family, healing, empathy, intuition and spiritual connection. Water naturally flows and adapts, reminding us to honour our feelings rather than suppress them. When many Cups appear, emotions are often central to the situation.
Questions Cups may answer include:
- What is my heart trying to tell me?
- How are my relationships evolving?
- What emotional healing is needed?
- Am I listening to my intuition?
Common themes include:
- Love
- Family
- Friendships
- Emotional wellbeing
- Compassion
- Spiritual growth
A really easy way to remember the suits can be found in Liz Dean's The Ultimate Guide To Tarot, page 12.
Understanding the Number Cards
Each suit contains ten numbered cards. Although every suit tells a different story, the numbers themselves follow a familiar pattern.
- Ace, new beginnings, fresh opportunities, potential.
- Two, balance, choices, partnerships, cooperation.
- Three, growth, creativity, collaboration, expansion.
- Four, stability, structure, rest, strong foundations.
- Five, challenge, conflict, change, learning.
- Six, harmony, progress, healing, moving forward.
- Seven, reflection, perseverance, evaluation, inner strength.
- Eight, movement, dedication, skill, personal development.
- Nine, fulfilment, wisdom, nearing completion.
- Ten, completion, endings, legacy, preparing for a new cycle.
Recognising these patterns makes learning tarot much easier because similar themes repeat across each suit.
Understanding the Court Cards
Many beginners find the Court Cards the most challenging part of tarot. The good news is that there is not one "correct" interpretation.
Court Cards can represent:
- A person
- An aspect of yourself
- A personality trait
- An approach to a situation
- A stage of personal development
The more you read tarot, the more naturally these meanings begin to emerge.
It is important to remember that the Court Cards bring an additional element...
Pages are Earth
Knights are Fire
Queens are Water
Kings are Air
For example, the Page of Pentacles is Earth of the suit of Earth. The Queen of Swords is Water of the Suit of Air and so on. Looking at the example of the Queen of Swords you may be looking at intuition or emotion with the element of Air bringing thoughts or decisions.
The Page
Keywords: Curiosity • Learning • Messages • Discovery
Pages are students, they represent new beginnings, enthusiasm, exploration and a willingness to learn. When a Page appears, it often encourages us to remain open minded and embrace fresh opportunities.
The Knight
Keywords: Action • Determination • Movement • Adventure
Knights bring momentum, they pursue goals with energy and conviction. Each Knight approaches challenges differently, depending on the suit, but all encourage movement rather than remaining stuck.
The Queen
Keywords: Wisdom • Compassion • Confidence • Inner Mastery
Queens represent maturity and emotional intelligence, they understand their suit deeply and lead through wisdom, patience and experience. Queens often encourage self belief and quiet confidence.
The King
Keywords: Leadership • Responsibility • Authority • Achievement
Kings symbolise mastery, they have learned the lessons of their suit and apply them with balance and responsibility. Rather than controlling others, the healthiest Kings lead through integrity and experience.
You Don't Need to Memorise Every Meaning
One of the biggest misconceptions about tarot is that every card has one fixed definition. In reality, tarot is wonderfully flexible. The Three of Cups may celebrate friendship in one reading, while in another it highlights teamwork or family support. The Five of Pentacles could represent financial hardship, but it might also encourage someone to seek help rather than struggle alone.
Context is everything.
As you gain experience, you will begin to notice how cards interact with one another. Their meanings become richer, more nuanced and deeply personal. Instead of trying to memorise seventy-eight separate definitions, focus on understanding the symbolism, the elements, the numbers and the story unfolding across the spread.
Tarot is a language and like any language, fluency comes through practice, curiosity and trust in your own intuition. With patience, the cards stop feeling like individual pieces of information and begin to weave together into meaningful conversations that offer guidance, clarity and inspiration.
Choosing Your Deck
One of the questions beginners ask most often is:
"Which tarot deck should I buy?"
The wonderful truth is that there is not a single correct answer.
Your first tarot deck should be one that genuinely speaks to you. The artwork should inspire you, invite your curiosity and make you want to pick up the cards again and again.
Many readers begin with the Rider-Waite-Smith system because it forms the foundation for countless modern tarot decks. Learning this structure makes it much easier to explore other decks in the future, as many contemporary artists build upon its symbolism while adding their own unique style.
As you browse different decks, ask yourself:
- Do I connect with the artwork?
- Can I easily understand the imagery?
- Does this deck make me excited to learn?
- Will I enjoy spending time with these cards?
There is no need to choose the "most advanced" deck. The best tarot deck is the one that encourages you to practise. We have written a fuller guide on how to choose your first tarot deck if you would like to take your time over the decision.
At The Guilded Veil, we are passionate about carefully curated independent tarot decks created by talented artists from around the world. Every deck tells its own story while remaining rooted in the timeless wisdom of tarot.
Whether you are drawn to dreamlike photography, nature inspired artwork, mythology, or beautifully illustrated contemporary designs, there is a deck waiting to become your companion.
Supporting Independent Tarot Creators
Independent tarot artists invest months and often years creating a deck. From sketching concepts and painting illustrations to writing guidebooks, testing prototypes and overseeing production, every deck represents an extraordinary labour of love. It is also why we champion human made decks over AI generated ones.
Choosing authentic editions directly supports these creators and helps ensure they can continue producing beautiful work for the tarot community.
Sadly, counterfeit tarot decks have become increasingly common online. These unauthorised copies often feature poor print quality, missing guidebooks, inferior card stock and, most importantly, they deprive artists of the income they deserve. If you are unsure what to look for, our guide to spotting a fake tarot deck walks through the warning signs.
Whenever possible, purchase genuine editions from trusted independent retailers who value the creators behind the cards.
Preparing Your Tarot Deck
Many readers enjoy creating a simple ritual when welcoming a new tarot deck. While these practices are entirely optional, they can help establish a meaningful connection with your cards.
You might like to:
- Shuffle through every card slowly.
- Spend time looking at each illustration.
- Sleep with the deck nearby for a few nights.
- Write your impressions in a tarot journal.
- Pull a daily card to become familiar with its personality.
There is no right or wrong way.
The important thing is spending time with your deck.
Cleansing and Caring for Your Tarot Cards
Whether viewed spiritually or simply as a mindful routine, caring for your tarot deck helps preserve both the cards and the experience of reading them.
Many readers choose to cleanse their deck by:
- Passing the cards through Palo Santo smoke.
- Placing a Selenite wand beside the deck.
- Leaving the cards under the moonlight, by popping them on a table by a closed window (avoiding damp conditions).
- Shuffling with clear intention.
- Taking a few quiet breaths before beginning a reading.
Physical care is equally important so store your cards away from direct sunlight and moisture to protect the artwork. Wrapping your deck in a soft cloth or placing it inside a velvet tarot bag helps prevent wear while creating a beautiful ritual each time you read. Our full guide to cleansing and caring for your tarot deck goes into more depth on both.
At The Guilded Veil, we also offer thoughtfully chosen tarot accessories, including a Palo Santo and Selenite cleansing set and a velvet tarot bag and cloth set, helping you care for your treasured decks for years to come.
Your First Tarot Reading
The best way to learn tarot is simply to begin. You don't need complicated spreads or lengthy rituals, just start with a single card.
Ask yourself:
What do I need to know today?
What energy should I embrace?
What lesson is unfolding?
Spend a few minutes studying the artwork.
Notice:
- Colours
- Symbols
- Facial expressions
- Movement
- Animals
- Weather
- Objects
Ask yourself what story the image is telling before reaching for the guidebook.
This simple exercise strengthens your intuition remarkably quickly.
Three Easy Tarot Spreads for Beginners
One Card Daily Guidance
Perfect for developing confidence.
Ask:
"What energy would serve me today?"
Reflect on the card throughout the day. I find taking a photo of the daily card and having it as my home screen on my phone helps me to stay mindful of the card throughout the day.
Three Card Spread
One of the most versatile layouts.
Option One:
Past ~ Present ~ Future
Option Two:
Situation ~ Challenge ~ Guidance
Option Three:
Mind ~ Body ~ Spirit
Three card spreads encourage you to see how cards interact with one another.
Five Card Decision Spread
Ideal when facing important choices.
Explore:
- Current position or issue that is in the now (present)
- Energy that has contributed to the current situation (past)
- Likely outcome or result if current energy continues (future)
- Advice, help, or hindrance from others, your inner-self or the cosmic/spiritual forces.
- Overall situation and aspects of the issue that must be accepted, such as outside influences.
Remember, tarot reveals possibilities, not fixed destinies.
You always have the power to shape your path.
Common Tarot Myths
"You must never buy your own tarot deck."
False. Many experienced readers purchase every deck they own.
Choose the deck that genuinely inspires you.
"Tarot predicts the future."
Not exactly. Tarot highlights current energies, possibilities, patterns and potential outcomes based on present circumstances.
Your choices remain incredibly important.
"Some cards are bad."
Every tarot card carries wisdom.
Even challenging cards such as Death, The Tower, or the Ten of Swords offer opportunities for healing, growth and transformation. No card should be feared.
"You need psychic abilities."
Absolutely not. Tarot is a skill that develops through observation, intuition, practice and reflection.
Like learning a musical instrument or a new language, confidence grows with experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tarot suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Anyone can learn tarot with patience, curiosity and regular practice.
How long does it take to learn tarot?
Most beginners feel comfortable with the basics after a few weeks of consistent practice.
Learning tarot, however, is a lifelong journey that continually deepens.
Can I read tarot for myself?
Absolutely. Many readers primarily use tarot for personal reflection and journaling.
Do I need to memorise every card?
No. Understanding the symbolism and trusting your intuition is far more valuable than memorising long lists of keywords.
Which tarot deck should I choose?
Choose artwork that genuinely speaks to you. If you love your deck, you'll naturally spend more time learning with it.
Begin Your Tarot Journey
Tarot is not about having all the answers. It is about asking meaningful questions. It invites us to slow down, reflect, notice patterns and trust our own inner wisdom. Whether you read tarot for spiritual guidance, creative inspiration, mindfulness, or simple curiosity, the cards have an extraordinary ability to illuminate the path ahead.
Every shuffle is a new conversation.
Every spread is an opportunity to learn.
Every reading deepens your understanding, not only of the cards, but of yourself.
If you are ready to begin your own tarot adventure, explore our carefully curated collection of authentic independent tarot decks and accessories at The Guilded Veil. We proudly support talented artists, celebrate beautiful craftsmanship and believe that every reader deserves a deck that truly resonates with their heart.
May your tarot journey be filled with wonder, wisdom and endless discovery.
Final Thoughts
Learning tarot is not a race, it is a relationship.
The more time you spend with your cards, the more they reveal. Over time, you will begin to recognise recurring symbols, trust your intuition more deeply and appreciate that every reading is an opportunity for growth.
Whether you are taking your very first steps with a brand new deck or returning to tarot after many years, remember that every expert reader once started exactly where you are now, with curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Welcome to the remarkable world of tarot. Your journey is only just beginning.
Next week we will be learning in more depth all about the Fool's Journey and how it relates to your life.
•♡• May your path be illuminated, your intuition trusted and your cards always reveal the wisdom you seek. Until next time... welcome to The Guilded Veil •♡•