How many different types of Tarot cards are there in a deck?
This question is often asked about the tarot card deck, how many cards are in a tarot deck so the answer is that there are 78 Tarot cards in a Tarot Deck, each card having a different meaning.
Below is the list of all 78 tarot Cards and names of all the cards in the tarot deck and a brief explanation. Each card in the Tarot Deck has a different symbol and meaning to it.
The complete list of Tarot Cards in a Deck
The Tarot is divided into two parts Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards and the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards including the three suits Wands, Swords, and Cups.
The Major Arcana tarot Cards List
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards. These cards symbolically represent the story of a Fool from ignorance to enlightenment.
The Major Arcana cards have values from 0 to 21. The symbolic story is visible in the pictorial form if these cards are placed in ascending order from 0 to 21.
The Major Arcana represents life lessons, focusing on the bigger picture while reading cards.
The Fool – 0
Having the number 0, the fool tarot card represents limitless possibilities. The Fool tarot card indicates that you are about to start a surprising new journey.
This leap of faith in starting the journey to the unknown could lead you to new places and during this journey, you might learn things that will help you grow as a human being.
The Magician – 1
The magician tarot card, having the number 1, represents manifestation and willpower. So when this card appears in your reading, means that you can overcome whatever obstacles you are facing in your life.
this card reveals that you can achieve your dreams if you can keep up with your inner willpower and mental strength.
The High Priestess – 2
The high priestess represents wisdom and intuition, in the tarot card deck.
When this card appears in the reading it usually indicates that one should acquire more knowledge and insight into whatever one is about to start or currently doing.
The high Priestess is referred to as the gatekeeper at the ancient temples.
The Empress – 3
The Empress tarot card indicates you get in touch with your feminine side. This could be imagination, style, creative thinking, or sensuality. This card tells you that happiness in not far you just have to look around yourself.
This card tells you that you are about to experience a surge in your creative side. This could be in form of work related to art and architecture or could mean that you could indulge yourself in some form of music etc.
The Emperor – 4
The Emperor card in the tarot deck represents the masculine side. It represents authority and leadership it also indicates taking a structured approach toward the problems one is facing in life.
This card represents security and careful and organized planning; Appearance of this card implies that you have to approach the work with organized steps and thoughts to get it done.
The Hierophant – 5
The Hierophant card says that you need to go along the already set rules and systems, do not try to innovate or create new rules.
Using the traditional ways and established procedures you will be successful in your goal.
The Lovers – 6
When you are about to take some important decision regarding your relationship and The Lovers card appears in your tarot spread then, you should try and take an informed decision, the decision should not be taken in a hurry.
You might be inclined to take a decision that seems to be easier, but it could not be the right one. So be cautious about whatever you decide.
The Chariot – 7
The time has come to take a decision and act on it, The Chariot card tells you that you are in control and situations are in your favor.
When The Chariot appears in your spread it signals that you are ready to overcome any obstacles you are facing to achieve your goals by remaining focused and determined.
Strength – 8
If you act tactfully you can overcome any obstacle you face in achieving your target or goals.
When The Strength card appears in your spread it signifies strength and courage. This card tells you that you have the ability to overcome obstacles easily by dealing with it sensitively and not with strength.
The Hermit – 9
When The Hermit appears in your Tarot spread it implies that it is time to look within you and for the answers.
It’s time for introspection personal growth and achieving enlightenment.
Wheel of Fortune – 10
The appearance of The Wheel of Fortune card in the tarot spread shows that you are about to be surprised with new opportunities, and offers.
The Luck is on your side, things are lining up in your favor. You need to be more aware and vigilant to look for these opportunities around you.
Justice – 11
Justice tarot card informs that it’s time to take a balanced decision, this indicates that you might be facing tough times but it’s to take decisions carefully
It also informs that you will get justice for the difficulties you have been facing for someone else’s fault.
The Hanged Man – 12
The appearance of the Hanged Man in the tarot spread indicates that it’s time to keep patience and let go of some things or people whom you are holding tight for a long.
This may lead to the greater good. Which we can’t foresee now. You can’t get everything in life.
Death – 13
The Death tarot card represents the end of the old and the start of a new beginning. This card signifies the transition, from one phase of life to another.
The Death tarot card has many different meanings.
Temperance – 14
The appearance of this card indicates patience in action and decision-making.
Your current situation might demand you to remain calm and think before making a decision.
Avoid extreme situations or making extreme decisions.
The Devil – 15
The appearance of the Devil card is not a good sign when it appears in your tarot spread.
This card represents addictions and unhealthy habits. Excess of anything is bad.
This card appears to warn you to move your attention to more important matters than indulging in work and habits which are of no good.
The Tower – 16
This could be the worst to draw from a Tarot deck. The Tower implies total destruction. This card signifies sudden massive changes or tragedies.
A total loss can also lead to a completely new beginning.
The Star – 17
The star tarot card indicates changes in your inner self, via circumstances that are traumatic.
These painful events could change you forever, but it does not mean worst for you if you have faith in yourself, you can get out of this situation.
The Moon – 18
The Moon card appears in the tarot deck to warn us from taking decisions based on emotions and dreams.
This card warns that the truth might not be what we see. Trust your intuition sometimes and delay taking decisions when your emotions take control of your life and start affecting it.
The Sun – 19
The Sun card in the tarot deck reminds us to look at the brighter side of life too.
The hard times might be over and good things are coming soon. The sun reminds us that bad times don’t last forever.
Judgment – 20
The appearance of this card suggests that whatever you are going through today could be because of some actions or decisions taken by you previously.
Please keep an open mind and move ahead with it, nothing can be done for the past but taking thoughtful decisions can change the future outcome.
The world – 21
The appearance of The World card in your tarot spread tells you that whatever you were doing is about to get completed soon.
You are on your way to accomplishing the task after all the ups and downs you have faced.
The time has come to reap the benefits, of the hard work you put in earlier.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana card deals with day-to-day events of life, whereas The Major Arcana deals with the larger part of life.
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards. To get the complete picture of a reading Major and Minor cards are read together in a spread.
The 56 cards of Minor Arcana are divided into 4 suits. The Wand, The Cups, The Pentacles, and The Swords.
Each Suit contains 14 cards in it thus making a total of 56 cards. All 14 cards are similar in the 4 suits. They contain one Ace, 9 cards from 2 to 10, and four court cards The Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
Suit of Cups
The Suit of Cups refers to water and emotions. The tarot cards in this suit deal with emotions related to family and friends. It also deals with your reaction to reaction towards various situations.
- Ace of Cups: The Ace of Cups represents a new beginning and fulfillment in life.
- Two of Cups: The Two of Cups represents love and relationships with family and friends.
- Three of Cups: The Three of Cups represents celebrations and reunions.
- Four of Cups: This tarot card shows that you might be feeling trapped in your current situation and feeling depressed.
- Five of Cups: This tarot card represent loneliness in your life.
- Six of Cups: The Six of Cups is represent nostalgia. It reflects that you are still connected to the past in some way.
- Seven of Cups: The Seven of cups tells us that you have plenty of choices and options with you, chose wisely.
- Eight of Cups: It’s time to let go of something you are holding tight, for quite some time, this could be for a better future.
- Nine of Cups: The Nine of Cups tells that your dreams are about to get fulfilled.
- Ten of Cups: Ten of Cups represents that you have completed the task at hand and it’s time for happiness and reunion with family and friends.
- Page of Cups: The Page of Cups is one of the court cards it represents youthfulness and good news.
- Knight of Cups: The Knight of Cups represents romantic proposals or invitations that are about to come, so be prepared.
- Queen of Cups: This court card represents feminity and sensitivity.
- King of Cups: This court card represents wisdom and good advice.
Suit of Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles refers to the material world. This suit represents material things or matters related to finances and carrier. These cards are also known as “The Money Cards”.
- Ace of Pentacles: This Ace represents prosperity and opportunities.
- Two of Pentacles: this tarot card informs that you should prioritize your work, and avoid multi-tasking for the time being.
- Three of Pentacles: Doing things by yourself is good, but there are situations when asking for help is better, so go out and ask for it.
- Four of Pentacles: Let go of your past and accept your present situation. Try and take a balanced approach toward life.
- Five of Pentacles: This tarot card shows that you are struggling with your finances. Have faith in yourself and keep going.
- Six of Pentacles: True happiness comes from sharing and caring. So show some Generosity whenever you can.
- Seven of Pentacles: Careful planning is the key to long-term success, so plan carefully and then execute.
- Eight of Pentacles: To achieve your ambitions, you need to work diligently and need to improve on your relevant talent.
- Nine of Pentacles: Time to enjoy success and independence which comes with prosperity.
- Ten of Pentacles: You have everything you desired, prosperity, good life, and wonderful people around you and your family.
- Page of Pentacles: Be realistic and stick to your goals set earlier, Look at the practical aspect of your plans and dreams too.
- Knight of Pentacles: Strong willpower is required to achieve the goals set by you. On the way keep improving your skills. Also, consistency would be the key point to your success.
- Queen of Pentacles: Once you achieve what you want remain grounded and show gratitude towards people who were there in your journey.
- King of Pentacles: You are about to taste success and prosperity. The King of Pentacles is about abundance, and stability.
Suit of Wands
Suit of Wands represents fire, thus it focuses on determination and strengths, and it also represents new ideas and creativity.
These cards tell more about core values and beliefs.
- Ace of Wands: It’s time for a fresh start with new enthusiasm, you will be filled with creativity.
- Two of Wands: Time to make decisions, you are ready for a journey be it internal or to a new destination.
- Three of Wands: It’s time to explore the new, and move forward in life with determination; you might get a chance to lead.
- Four of Wands: This card represents celebrations and excitement. This could be after an achievement. Time to rest.
- Five of Wands: You are about to face new competition and challenges. You might also have to deal with a rivalry.
- Six of Wands: Your efforts have been recognized and you will be given full credit for the victory or achievement.
- Seven of Wands: You are a person of strong willpower and you do your work with conviction.
- Eight of Wands: It’s that exciting time of the year when you receive good news. You should be ready to take quick action and decision.
- Nine of Wands: Don’t lose your stamina and courage now you are near your target, keep up the energy and continue the good work.
- Ten of Wands: The work is all over you, you are feeling exhausted and feeling that you are overworked. Due to this pressure, you are struggling at work.
- Page of Wands: This could be the right time to start something new as you are all charged up with creative ideas and energetic like a child.
- Knight of Wands: You are passionate and confident about what you are thinking or that you are currently involved with.
- Queen of Wands: Nothing will stop you now that you have passionately and wholeheartedly started your work to reach your goal.
- King of Wands: You are a magnetic, inspiring and charismatic person.
Suit of Swords
The Suit of Swords is associated with communication and action.
The cards tell us that we should make our decisions wisely and be cautious while taking important decisions.
The Suit of Swords warns about potential conflicts near you so be aware.
- Ace of Swords: This card indicates clarity of mind which will help better decision-making.
- Two of Swords: You are at a crossroad at the moment, take your time to make a better and more informed decision.
- Three of Swords: You are surrounded by sadness and your heart is broken, you need to be careful and overcome your grief.
- Four of Swords: This card tells that you might be in a chaotic situation currently. May it’s time to relax a bit and then restart after some time. Don’t be anxious.
- Five of Swords: This card warns that you might get into some conflict or argument. Just be careful.
- Six of Swords: This card tells that it’s time to move ahead and let go of some things or some people who are holding you back. Time will heal everything.
- Seven of Swords: This card warns you against the manipulative environment around you, and currently you might be surrounded by dishonest people.
- Eight of Swords: It could be that time of year when you feel hopeless and unproductive, and it seems nothing is working.
- Nine of Swords: This card indicates that you are currently in a state of hopelessness.
- Ten of Swords: This card tells you are staring at a failure and if you do not control it soon you might face a mental breakdown.
- Page of Swords: This card tells that currently, you are full of youthfulness and energy.
- Knight of Swords: You are in a situation where you need some courage to accomplish your task.
- Queen of Swords: This card tells that you are supportive and independent.
- King of Swords: This card tells that you talking logically and with authority.
FAQ
How many cards are there in a standard tarot deck?
A Tarot Card Deck Contains 78 cards. All tarot cards are divided into two groups:- The Major Arcana and The Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana deck has 22 cards and The Minor Arcana deck has 56 cards.
The Major Arcana represent long-term goals whereas TheMinor Arcana represents short-term goals.
The Major Arcana don’t have suits, they are called the trump cards.
The 56 cards of The Minor Arcana are further divided into four suits:- Cups, Pentacles, Wand, and Swords.
Each suit represents a different aspect of life.
Each of these Suits has 14 cards, Ace is the first card, 9 numbered cards from two to ten, and one each page, knight, Queen, and king.
These suits represent Cups — water, Pentacles — earth, Wand — fire, Swords — air.