Structure of the Tarot

The Major Arcana

The Trumps or Major Arcana are twenty-two of the seventy-eight Tarot cards that represent a "missing" fifth suit that is not found in traditional playing cards. The archetypes and images relate to soul qualities that are mirrored by humanity. When studied and applied to our waking life, the powerful images help us to move along the royal road to wisdom, or our initiation path to higher consciousness. There is a progression of experience and symbolic movement an individual meets when working with the Major Arcana that opens one to new dimensions of awareness and life direction. The journey begins with the Trump 0, The Fool, and ends with Trump 21, The World, and then cycles back toward a new level of gestation and birth. Some people refer to these cards as Soul Cards, for they speak directly to the High Self, offering a mirror through which one can perceive oneself more clearly. They are also seen as helpers and guides.

Sixteen Court Cards

The sixteen court cards are represented by the four principal authorities governing our life. These authorities can be identified as: The Page (our inner muse); The Knight (our inner adventurer); The Queen (our inner wisdom); and The King (our true inner power). These four authorities represent the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical aspects living within the individual. In early decks, when the royal courts ruled the "common people," these cards were realistically depicted as the Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Over the centuries, and through the changing paradigms within cultures, these roles have shifted. We no longer have a royal court that presides over the "kingdom." One may choose to continue working with the royal courts and their traditional imagery. However, in our modern world, these historical images are archetypal in nature, and serve as symbolic food for the soul.

Modern decks may portray a King as a Shaman, a Statesman or a Guardian. We may find the Queen transformed into a Wise Woman, a Guide, a Teacher or a Goddess. In any event, it is entirely up to the individual, and to the creators of new and innovative decks, to discover within themselves the images most suitable to their own inner worlds. This is one example of the personal relationship and diversity one encounters when using the Tarot.

Forty Numerical Cards

The forty numerical cards, numbered ace to ten are historically called the "Pip" cards or the Minor Arcana. These are related to the mystery of numerology and the magical power of numbers. Each number carries a force that is supported and anchored within the universal codes of nature, the galaxies, music, language and human experiences. The Minor Arcana cards reveal the actions, suggestions and challenges we face each day. They support the body of the Major Arcana, or Greater Mysteries, by offering us practical guidelines, mirrors and solutions in life.