Four suits, 56 cards
The Minor Arcana have four suits. Each contains Ace through Ten plus Page, Knight, Queen and King. A suit helps identify a card’s subject, but it does not replace the individual card’s meaning.
Cups: feelings and relationships
Cups includes affection, connection, memories and loss. The Two of Cups shows a meeting and is associated with reciprocity. The Five of Cups highlights disappointment and what remains after a loss.
In a reading about relationships, consider whether the card describes closeness, distance or something that still needs to be worked through.
Swords: ideas, decisions and conflict
Swords deals with thought, communication and friction. The Ace suggests clarity or a decisive idea. The Two shows a suspended choice. The Four relates to rest after strain.
For a confusing situation, separate what you already know from what you still need to ask or decide.
Wands: initiative and movement
Wands relates to drive, creativity and action. The Ace brings the urge to begin. The Three looks toward expansion. The Ten shows the weight of many responsibilities.
For an ongoing activity, this suit offers a way to consider both the enthusiasm to begin and the effort to continue.
Pentacles: work and resources
Pentacles covers the material side of life: time, work, money and comfort. The Three values collaboration and skill. The Eight highlights practice. The Nine represents independence and enjoying the fruits of your work.
In a project reading, connect these themes to the resources available and the work involved.
Compare cards in the tool
Open the list of 78 cards and find two from the same suit, such as Ace of Cups and Five of Cups. Compare their images and meanings, then record the differences in your journal.
