How Many Cards Are in a Tarot Deck?
& What each of these cards mean.
There are 78 Tarot cards in a standard RWS Tarot deck. 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Minor Arcana are divided into 4 suits. These are: Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles. Each suit contains 14 cards: 10 pip cards numbered Ace through ten and 4 Court Cards: The Page, Knight, Queen and King.
The Major Arcana
The Minor Arcana
How many Major Arcana cards are in a Tarot deck?
There are 22 Major Arcana cards. These represent the “Big Picture” or overall theme. They are the key archetypes and life lessons that we encounter on our journey. Each card serves as a symbolic guide, reflecting a theme or spiritual truth we discover along our path through life. These cards serve as a powerful reminder of life's transformative journey, guiding us through highs and lows and helping us connect with our deeper selves.
0. The Fool - New beginnings, spontaneity, and the courage to embark on a new adventure.
1. The Magician - Manifestation, resourcefulness, and the power to harness one's potential.
2. The High Priestess - Intuition, inner wisdom, and the mysteries of the subconscious.
3. The Empress - Fertility, nurturing, and the abundance of the natural world.
4. The Emperor - Authority, structure, and the establishment of order.
5. The Hierophant - Tradition, spiritual guidance, and the search for deeper meaning.
6. The Lovers - Relationships, choices, and the importance of harmony and balance.
7. The Chariot - Willpower, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
8. Strength - Courage, compassion, and inner strength in the face of adversity.
9. The Hermit - Soul-searching, introspection, and the quest for enlightenment.
10. Wheel of Fortune - Change, cycles, and the ever-turning wheel of fate.
11. Justice - Fairness, truth, and the pursuit of balance in decisions.
12. The Hanged Man - Letting go, new perspectives, and self-sacrifice for growth.
13. Death - Transformation, endings, and the beginnings that arise from closure.
14. Temperance - Moderation, balance, and harmony through patience and blending.
15. The Devil - Temptation, materialism, and the entrapments of desire.
16. The Tower - Sudden upheaval, chaos, and the revelation that leads to renewal.
17. The Star - Hope, inspiration, and the promise of healing and renewal.
18. The Moon - Illusion, intuition, and the exploration of the subconscious.
19. The Sun - Joy, success, and the illumination of clarity and positivity.
20. Judgement - Reflection, reckoning, and the awakening to new possibilities.
21. The World - Completion, achievement, and the celebration of coming full circle.
Learn the more about the Major Arcana meanings here. Scroll through the Major arcana, click on a card to learn more about its meaning.
The Pip Cards in Tarot: Ace Through Ten
The pip cards, also known as the numbered cards, form the core of each suit in the Tarot deck. Each card from Ace to Ten carries its own unique energy and symbolism, reflecting various aspects of life and the human experience. Let's explore what each of these cards represents!
What do the numbers on Tarot Cards Mean?
Ace: The Ace is the seed of potential, representing new beginnings and opportunities. In each suit, it signifies the purest form of that suit's energy.
Two: The Two represents duality, balance, and partnerships. It often indicates decisions and the need to consider multiple perspectives:
Three: The Three embodies growth, collaboration, and the early stages of manifestation. It signifies the expansion of ideas and relationships:
Four: The Four represents stability, structure, and the need for security. It can indicate a solid foundation but also the risk of stagnation:
Five: The Five often signifies challenge, conflict, and change. It encourages growth through adversity and can represent the discomfort of transition:
Six: The Six brings harmony, balance, and the resolution of past conflicts. It represents the joy of shared experiences and the return to stability:
Seven: The Seven embodies introspection, reassessment, and the questioning of one's values. It signifies challenges that encourage deeper reflection:
Eight: The Eight represents movement, change, and action. It's about taking control of one's circumstances and making necessary adjustments:
Nine: The Nine is a card of completion, reflection, and personal fulfilment. It signifies nearing a goal and the benefits of hard work:
Ten: The Ten represents the culmination of a journey, often indicating the exciting completion of significant goals and dreams. This card reflects the harmonious balance achieved after overcoming challenges, signifying a time of celebration and reflection. It symbolizes not just an end, but also the potential for new beginnings, encouraging us to embrace the next chapter with open arms and a hopeful heart.
Numbered cards in the suit of Wands
Ace of Wands: Inspiration, enthusiasm, and creative energy.
Two of Wands: Planning, foresight, and potential for expansion.
Three of Wands: Exploration, progress, and looking ahead.
Four of Wands: Celebration, harmony at home, and community milestones.
Five of Wands: Competition, rivalry, and the struggle for dominance.
Six of Wands: Recognition, success, and triumph over adversity.
Seven of Wands: Perseverance, standing your ground, and defending beliefs.
Eight of Wands: Swift action, communication, and progress happening quickly.
Nine of Wands: Resilience, persistence, and the final push before a breakthrough.
Ten of Wands: brings a message of heavy burdens and responsibilities. You might find yourself feeling weighed down by obligations, so remember to check in with your limits. While ambition is admirable, overcommitting can lead to burnout.
Numbered cards in the suit of Cups
Ace of Cups: Love, emotional fulfillment, and spiritual connection.
Two of Cups: Love, mutual respect, and emotional connections.
Three of Cups: Celebration, friendship, and community.
Four of Cups: Apathy, contemplation, and re-evaluating emotional needs.
Five of Cups: Grief, disappointment, and the need to focus on positive aspects.
Six of Cups: Nostalgia, childhood memories, and giving and receiving.
Seven of Cups: Choices, illusion, and the difficulty of decision-making.
Eight of Cups: Departure, seeking deeper fulfillment, and abandoning the superficial.
Nine of Cups: Contentment, satisfaction, and emotional happiness.
Ten of Cups: This card radiates blissful harmony and emotional fulfilment. It's all about those warm, fuzzy feelings of love, family, and joy. Picture your ideal relationships—this card suggests you're on the path to achieving such happiness.
Numbered cards in the suit of Swords
Ace of Swords: Clarity, truth, and intellectual breakthroughs.
Two of Swords: Indecision, blocked emotions, and the need for clarity.
Three of Swords: Heartbreak, sorrow, and the necessity of healing.
Four of Swords: Rest, recovery, and taking a step back for reflection.
Five of Swords: Conflict, betrayal, and the complexities of victory.
Six of Swords: Transition, moving away from difficulties, and finding peace.
Seven of Swords: Deception, stealth, and the need for strategy.
Eight of Swords: Feeling trapped, limitation, and the importance of perspective.
Nine of Swords: Anxiety, nightmares, and the power of personal fears.
Ten of Swords: signals an ending, often abrupt and painful. Yet, while this card may seem grim, it also symbolizes the chance for a powerful transformation. It's time to release what no longer serves you—be it a job, relationship, or unhealthy habit.
Numbered cards in the suit of Pentacles
Ace of Pentacles: Material prosperity, new ventures, and financial stability.
Two of Pentacles: Balancing priorities, juggling responsibilities, and adaptability.
Three of Pentacles: Teamwork, skill development, and recognition for efforts.
Four of Pentacles: Control, possessiveness, and a fear of losing what one has.
Five of Pentacles: Financial loss, hardship, and feelings of isolation.
Six of Pentacles: Generosity, charity, and the balance of giving and receiving.
Seven of Pentacles: Patience, evaluation of progress, and long-term outlook.
Eight of Pentacles: Diligence, apprenticeship, and commitment to mastery.
Nine of Pentacles: Independence, self-sufficiency, and enjoying the fruits of labour.
Ten of Pentacles: embodies wealth and legacy, suggesting a sense of stability in material and familial matters. This card often indicates a flourishing family unit and lasting prosperity.
The Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King
The Court Cards represent various aspects of personality and situations in our lives. They embody traits, feelings, and roles that can guide us in understanding ourselves and others. The Court Cards highlight different personas. They encourage us to embrace these different energies within ourselves, and they highlight other people in our lives who may embody these traits as well.
Page
The Pages are the youthful, curious spirits of the Tarot. They are often seen as messengers, bringing new ideas and opportunities. Representing a sense of enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge, the Page encourages you to explore new beginnings and be open to possibilities. When this card appears, it invites you to embrace your inner child—spark your imagination and let your creativity flow!
Knight
Knights are the action-oriented adventurers, charging into situations with energy and determination. They symbolize movement and pursuit of goals, driven by ambition and a sense of duty. A Knight represents someone who is willing to take risks and face challenges head-on. When you draw a Knight, it may be time to gather your courage, take bold steps, and pursue your passions with fervour.
Queen
The Queens embody nurturing qualities, leadership, and wisdom. They are the social and emotional glue that holds the Tarot family together. Each Queen reflects a different aspect of femininity, whether it’s intuition, creativity, or intellect. Drawing a Queen encourages you to tap into your compassionate side, use your intuition, and be a source of support and guidance to others. It speaks to the importance of emotional intelligence and understanding in your dealings.
King
Kings are the authoritative figures, commanding one’s realm with mastery and control. They represent stability, power, and responsibility. Each King embodies the positive traits of leadership, providing structure, guidance, and mentorship. When you encounter a King in your reading, reflect on your leadership abilities and consider how to assert your authority in a balanced way. It may be time to take charge and use your skills for the greater good.
The Court Cards and Their Unique Energies
In Tarot, the Court Cards—Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings—represent different facets of personality and energy within each suit. Here's how they vary:
Wands
Page of Wands: Enthusiastic and adventurous, the Page brings creativity and a thirst for exploration. Expect new ideas and an eagerness to start fresh projects.
Knight of Wands: Bold and energetic, the Knight rushes into action, often impulsively. This energy is about taking risks and seizing opportunities.
Queen of Wands: Charismatic and confident, she embodies warmth and leadership. The Queen inspires others with her passion and determination.
King of Wands: Visionary and authoritative, the King is a natural leader. His energy harnesses ambition and inspires greatness in others.
Cups
Page of Cups: Open-hearted and intuitive, the Page represents emotional discovery and creativity. This card encourages exploration of feelings and relationships.
Knight of Cups: Romantic and idealistic, the Knight pursues dreams and emotions with fervour. Expect a journey of the heart, often fueled by passion.
Queen of Cups: Compassionate and nurturing, she embodies emotional intelligence and empathy. The Queen offers support and understanding, fostering deep connections.
King of Cups: Balanced and wise, the King manages emotions with grace. He represents emotional maturity and encourages diplomacy in relationships.
Swords
Page of Swords: Curious and alert, the Page represents new ideas and intellectual challenges. This energy is quick-thinking and often brings messages or news.
Knight of Swords: Determined and assertive, the Knight charges forward with ideas and arguments. He embodies clarity and a need for action, sometimes without considering consequences.
Queen of Swords: Analytical and perceptive, the Queen wields her intellect and communication skills with honesty. She represents clarity of thought and setting boundaries.
King of Swords: Strategic and authoritative, the King represents logical thinking and decision-making. His energy embodies fairness and the pursuit of truth.
Pentacles
Page of Pentacles: Grounded and practical, the Page signifies new beginnings in the material realm. There's a focus on study, skill-building, and opportunities for growth.
Knight of Pentacles: Reliable and diligent, the Knight embodies hard work and responsibility. His energy is methodical, representing steady progress and dedication.
Queen of Pentacles: Nurturing and resourceful, she balances practicality with care. The Queen creates a stable environment and is often associated with home and family.
King of Pentacles: Successful and accomplished, the King represents financial security and wise stewardship of resources. His energy embodies abundance and security.
