The Minor Arcana are the supporting cards that reflect the menial details that fill in into the main players of the Major Arcana. They give more elaborate fine points of the story laid out by the other cards coming the Major Arcana. These cards can things in love, work, family, health and finances. The Minor Arcana also is the predecessor of the current playing cards that is used in Poker and Bridge.
There are four suits in the Minor Arcana, these are the Suit of Cups, Suit of Swords, Suit of Wands or Batons and the Suit of Pentacles or Disks. Most of this cards were used for playing purposes in the time that they were created but now play a vital role in divination.
The Suit of Cups
The Suit of Cups or the Cups represent the fluidity of things that they hold such as the element of water and emotions. They relate into changing things such as love and feelings. The also go with the signs that associate with water such as Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio.
The King of Cups
The King of Cups normally signifies an actual older man in your life from whom you will receive care and advice from. He is kind and compassionate and understanding. He will aid you in times of pain and sorrow or will guide you towards achieving success. In terms of your job, this may be a colleague or a supervisor who will help you. In terms of love, it means you are in a good position in your love life and will find a good and strong connection.
The Queen of Cups
The counter part of the King of Cups, the Queen of Cups is normally a female who is older than you who will give you advice and support. In your work, much like the King, she will be an ally in your endeavors to succeed. In terms of love, this is a good omen that you will have a compassionate and caring relationship which will grow beautifully.
The Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups is a symbol of intellect and optimism. It means you must use your mind instead of just pure hard work to achieve something. It also reminds you to feel happy despite the times of difficulties. This card is a good sign in terms of love and relationships. It means good things are to come. When it comes to work, it means for you to work smart and that everything will work out in your field.
The Page of Cups
The Page of Cups in a reading will mean something that needs to be noticed. Something you do in your life which you need to thankful about, because you are doing a good job. It may also mean someone who needs your attention, be it a friend or a lover who patiently waits for you to be there. It may also mean for you to relax a bit and not to put too much pressure on yourself. It may also mean that a person who is younger will help you in your journey.
The Ten of Cups
The Ten of Cups represent a long journey towards happiness and fulfillment. I means you will achieve what you want but it may take some time. It may also signify a good thing in long term relationships such as marriages and families. When it comes to your job, it means you are now a valuable asset and will remain a part of your company for the long run. It may also convey the reconnection of past relationships that were held for a long time but now are not being given much attention.
The Nine of Cups
The nine of cups means that you will find joy and satisfaction in your life. This card is linked to creativeness and the arts. It also means good work does pay off. For singles, it may show that you will now meet someone for you. In work, it will mean that if you have hard a hurdle, you will be able to be finally be successful.
The Eight of Cups
This card means you will have achieved good things in something but at the cost of sacrificing something else. If you are happy with your career, your love life or relationship may need more work or vice versa. It will be a sign for you to get up and change things in your life such as going forward or leaving something which is not giving you a holistic benefit.
The Seven of Cups
The Seven of Cups convey a feeling of confusion with your choices whether to follow your head or your heart. It may signify the inner workings of your soul but your mind or even your work hinders you from attaining that. At this point you may need to focus more on the real you and find what kind of truth that serves you best is.
The Six of Cups
The Six of Cups is the card of reminisces and memories of even your younger days. It means for you to find joy in things that is rooted in the past such as long lost friends or family you have not spoken to or even your ex who you may still have feelings for. It also may go with things that you used be inspired with right before money became very important. Revisiting this things will make a great impact in your life.
The Five of Cups
The Five of Cups normally is a bad sign when it comes up in the spread. It is a sign that something is not going well. In this card you will normally a man who is forlorn and three cups that are spilt which signifies loneliness and tragedy. This is normally related to something you are giving much importance to but is clearly not giving you much in return. On the other hand there are two cups in the picture that is upright, which means if you practice prudence, you shall release yourself from that misery.
The Four of Cups
The Four of Cups represents you feeling too detached to the current things going around you and urges you to put more feelings into people and endeavors that may lead you to joy and happiness in the later days to come. It is a card that tells you to let go of too much daydreaming about the future or let go of the apathy towards occurrences around you. In terms of love, you may need to show more affection to your partner. In terms of work, you may need to stop complaining about your work and start loving it more.
The Three of Cups
The Three of Cups is a card that signifies a completion of something and the success of an endeavor. It may mean you getting married or having a child or being promoted or having something good in your work. It is a very good sign in any spread that is a cause for joy now or in the near future.
The Two of Cups
The Two of Cups is a card that means a strong bond with someone or a good balance in something you do. It may depend on the Major Arcana cards that will appear in your reading but this card means something will be going in status quo with a partner, friend, lover or a relative who you think has a very significant bond with you. In work, this will mean that everything is going smooth sailing so far.
The Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups is a symbol of a powerful and joyous beginning in your emotional wellbeing. It may mean that you will find joy in love or will find a partner soon. It may also indicate a good transition at work. At this very moment you are likely to find happiness and good feelings.
The Suit of Wands
The Suit of Wands or the Batons are linked with things you work with or your career. This are normally endeavors that you do to earn a living or you are passionate about. It corresponds to the element of creating metal which is the element of fire. The astrological signs that go with it are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
The King of Wands
The King of Wands normally shows a man who is associated with your work like an older colleague or a boss. This person will give you work advise in order for you to do better in your tasks be more open about what he says because his advice is valuable to your career. In terms of love, the King of Wands is linked to a partner who is willing to do anything for you.
The Queen of Wands
The Queen of Wands is a card that means you are both outgoing but also rooted to your family and friends. You like to do many things but still keep those relationships balanced. In terms of work, this means that you will be able to get things done in an efficient manner and be happy with what you do. In love, it may signify that you may get to know someone by being introduced by someone one older than you. If you are already in a relationship there is a lot positive energy there and you both can do things you love but still stay connected. It may also signify a woman who has a strong influence over your work that will aid you in achieving your goals.
The Knight of Wands
The Knight of Wands is a messenger card that means you are to receive a good news in your job. You may be assigned to a new location or be given some time to travel for vacation or work. Normally this card is light and energetic and would mean that you have much zeal for your work which your bosses will love but others may not fully understand.
The Page of Wands
The Page of Wands means a great deal of activity and energy in your work but in a positive way. It may also be a younger colleague who you are becoming close to and can be your ally at work. In terms of love this can signify that we should not be distracted and that we should focus on our relationships and still enjoy each other’s company.
The Ten of Wands
This card means that you are putting too much effort in your job. It may signify that since everything is going well that you are still pushing yourself more to the point of breaking. Stop being workaholic and try to relax a little. You might be feeling burned out in your job right now.
The Nine of Wands
The Nine of Wands would mean that there is a bit of tension at work although it is still in a phase where it is very much manageable for you. Don’t let this issues make you feel down. You are likely still feeling OK in your family or relationships but your work is bothering you. This card tells you to stop worrying too much and let go a little bit. You may benefit from doing meditation to release your stress.
The Eight of Wands
The Eight of Wands is an omen of fast paced things that are about to transpire in your life and most probably work. You must be ready as things may be a bit hectic and if you are not, chances are you might get confused on how things are going. In essence it is a good sign that whatever you are doing, there are only going to be a few setbacks but mainly everything will pan out. Just go with the flow since most probably work will be dictated by other factors which you cannot control. On the other hand, in terms of love, this card is good sign though it may mean you needing to move or travel for a partner.
The Seven of Wands
The Seven of Wands shows your strength in overcoming issues at work like some conflicts but you are sure to finish on top of it. It shows that you must be strong and courageous in your battles; do fear being defeated. There may be some disagreements at work or your love life that you would need to be firm about. Remember though to be considerate at all times to avoid creating a big rift in your work life or love life.
The Six of Wands
The Six of Wands is a sign where in you are headed for good things very, very soon. If you had been working hard in the past, you will receive recognition either in pay or in praise. You will be happy and contented with your work. In love, you will also find a good balance in things. If you single, you may be finding someone who will like you. On the other hand, this card means that even if you must celebrate your victory, you should stay humble so as not to vex people around you.
The Five of Wands
The Five of Wands signifies that you face some hardships and a big competition, most likely in your work or even love depending on the other Major Arcana cards that would appear. You will likely feel alone in the tasks you are undertaking but do not lose hope because you will find that in you is the strength to overcome any issues. However, you must sacrifice something in order to achieve victory. In love, this card means someone else is eyeing the person you love and you must prove you are the worthy one.
The Four of Wands
The Four of Wands is a card that offers a meaning of small triumphs. But even though these triumphs are small such as a party, or finding happiness in daily life, it will matter in your overall wellbeing. It is a card of good harmony and balance you will likely find contentment in your work. It also shows new beginnings you may find yourself undertaking new tasks in your work. In love, it may open doors in taking your love life forward like moving in together.
The Three of Wands
The Three of Wands is a card that means you tend to be more productive and creative in your work at this time. You show good energy in any tasks that are assigned to you. It is also a good sign if you are looking for a new job since it would mean that your creativeness and your spark will likely attract that work you are applying for. On the other hand if you have put some hard work into your current post, be patient and you will be able to rip the benefits in the days to come.
The Two of Wands
The Two of Wands is a card that means fruitful partnerships in work or in love, but mostly in work and in finances. It means that you will find a good ally in work or you have already found one. Starting a business venture with someone will be good, though this means you must both keep your balance and that there should be no abuse coming from either parties. In love it means balance is needed to give harmony in your relationship
The Ace of Wands
Aces are normally symbols of new beginnings. In this case the Suit of Wands are linked to work and career as well as achievements. If you are going through a rough patch, you will find a very good news in your job or work it may mean a promotion or a new job. You must be confident about yourself to ask for what you deserve. In other cases, people see this as an omen for having a baby but in a very positive light.
The Suit of Pentacles (Disks)
The Suit of Pentacles deals with money, wealth, work in general. A little similar to the Suit of Wands, but in this case more on the financial side rather than the creativity and productive side. It also tells us about external things that influence money such as health, creativity, work and finances. On the other hand there is also the negative side of it wherein we become greedy or egoistic. On a positive note, it may signify abundance and prosperity. This suit relates to the element of Earth. Zodiac signs related to it are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
The King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacle symbolizes tradition, authority, discipline, security and control. As most court cards in the suits, it may mean an actual person in your life who is urging you to be more practical and not spend too much. On the other hand, if the card is reversed, you may see this person as too controlling. It may be your boss or your dad. If this card appears it means for you’re to follow the crowd in your work. In love, try to not experiment too much to avoid conflict. Accept the advice of someone who is older than you.
The Queen of Pentacles
The Queen of Pentacles is a symbol of groundedness and giving time to your family over working too hard. You must consider that the family is the reason why you work so hard and not be blinded by your work that you sacrifice your family. On the other hand, you must not spend too much money on the whims of your family life and practice prudence. This may also symbolize your mother or a relative who will assist you in case you are having some financial problems. If she is a boss, you will know that she wants you to be focused on your work and keep a balance.
The Knight of Pentacles
This card may signify some good news in terms of money. It may also mean inheritance or receiving a reward from a higher person. When it comes to your family, you will be able to live comfortably together. It may also mean for us to uphold good virtues such integrity, honor and loyalty in our work or someone who has these traits that will help in our job.
The Page of Pentacles
The Page of Pentacles is a card associated with finances that are to come or a new job that is coming for you. It is a card that indicates good energy when it comes to work, the intellect and thinking. It may mean that at this point you enjoy tasks that are engaging and that uses your mind. It is a very good sign when you are trying to focus in your work or if you are feeling bored in your job lately. It means you will find enjoyment in what you do. Just don’t put too much fin in to doing your tasks; you must remember to focus on what matters.
The Ten of Pentacles
The Ten of Pentacles symbolizes abundance in most areas of your life including your finances and relationships as well as work. It means that you are feeling an overflowing amount of joy because of these blessings which are normally given to you via the relationships you have. You will feel the sense of security in health, wealth, love and work. You must allow all these blessings to inspire you to work and help others. Do not overlook the blessings and continue to live a good life by showing good example.
The Nine of Pentacles
The Nine of Pentacles is a card that means that you will be successful because of your own efforts and that you must also be grateful though to the ones you helped you reach the top. It also signifies that if you are encountering any financial or work difficulties, you will have the skills to overcome it and be a winner in the end. If you are in a relationship, it means that your love will grow better and flourish even if there are any ordeals I the past.
The Eight of Pentacles
Unlike the most Pentacle cards, the Eight of Pentacles would mean that you will be reap blessings pertaining to your psyche and your soul rather than financial riches. You are likely to feel happy about what you do especially if you feel that you are creating something good. It may mean a hobby that can be your work such as artistic passions like baking, writing, drawing or anything that requires your creative juices to flow. You will show passion in your life and this will make you happy. In a relationship, you must not allow your work to take toll on it. You must show that you love your partner more than your work.
The Seven of Pentacles
The Seven of Pentacles lets you know that you should be patient when it comes to achieving your dreams but you will reach them eventually. It may also mean that you will get return on the efforts or investments you have put in the past which will now allow you to grow. You must have a good and clear vision of the future ahead of you and what you want to achieve for you to succeed. You will be rewarded for working hard and giving your best. In love, this may mean that this time everything is making sense and that you will finally feel happy and be rewarded. If you are still looking for a partner, you might find him or her finally.
The Six of Pentacles
The Six of Pentacles indicates that you will have money but you must share this blessing to people around you. Generosity begets good things such as good karma. It may also mean that you may get wealth from the help and generosity of another person. Be thankful and grateful. Someone higher than you may give you help in your job even without you asking for it or even deserving it, you must show that you are worth this help. On the other hand you might beget riches if you start supporting people, such as charities or investing in friend’s endeavor.
The Five of Pentacles
The Five of Pentacles can be a negative sign in your career or even your love life or health. It points to the feeling of being isolated from the people around you and that everybody is moving forward but you feel left behind. You can be at the point where you are worried about your household and finances. You need to practice prudence in order for you to overcome this difficult time.
The Four of Pentacles
The Four of Pentacles is a card that signifies control, stability, security, wealth, possession and conservatism. If you pull out this card, it may mean that you will be able to get money from inheritance or even get it from traditional work such as a bonus in your job. You will find that your work is doing well and that you will be happy where you stand in your career. If you are feeing wary, you will soon find happiness and a sense of release and find security and comfort. In love this is a good omen that your relationship has finally gone to a stage of commitment.
The Three of Pentacles
The Three of Pentacles indicates that you will be working well with others in your job or even in your family. Teamwork will play a vital role in succeeding. The people that surround you appreciate your efforts in the tasks that you do. In your work, you will need to collaborate well with others in order to succeed. Be not afraid to learn new things from people around you. In your relationship, both of you will contribute to create a happy team; listen to one another. In general you will see appreciation whether in your job or relationships.
The Two of Pentacles
The Two of Pentacles leads you to find balance and time management in your life. You generally need to focus on two main aspects of your life and try not to take too much on your plate as it may disrupt the proper balance of your life. Work and family, health and money, love and career. You should not take in too much into your tasks. You also need to learn to how to adapt to change since this card points out being adaptable to whatever may come. Prioritize the things you feel will have a great impact on your happiness so as not to feel lost if any changes come.
The Ace of Pentacles
As to all Aces, the Ace of Pentacles also mean new beginnings. It is a very good sign if you are trying to find a new job or start a new business venture. It may mean you will get a good deal of money either from inheritance or from your work such as a promotion. In love it may mean a future of marriage depending on the Major Arcana that may appear. In work, you will rise up. Always be humble even in your success.
The Suit of Swords
The Suit of Swords goes with the element of Air and the signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. This set of cards indicate change, movement, the intellect, courage, conflict, force, oppression and power. The card correlate to your mind and intuition and the way you think. It can go with your religion, your beliefs, advocacies and things that you feel strongly about. Being the element of intellect, you must find balance in your soul and you feeling such as the Sword is the mind, the spirit is the set of Wands and the Cups go with feelings.
In a reading, this may mean that the Querent, is seeking answers to things related to thinking and his mind. He might be going through some internal struggle where a good advice can help him be free and move forward.
The King of Swords
The King of Swords is a card that signifies authority, power, intellectual prowess and clear thinking. Normally it indicates an actual person in your life who has these traits that would offer you advice or will direct you in order for you to move forward. This may be someone who is a lawyer or has a certain amount of power and influence. A person who is not very old; may also be a young supervisor who has visions for your company. He may want a change in your work that you need to cope with. It may also be yourself, moving towards the goals with a steady head and not letting your heart take over. This signifies high amount of prudence and putting emotions aside. Do not let love also blind you into giving up your dreams. Love may be important but so are your dreams.
The Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords carries the traits of being on your toes and being able to think fast. It is a good sign of independence and self-sufficiency; it also goes with intuition and the ability to perceive things right away. The queen may be a person who may or may not be a woman who is very wise yet may not be close to you who will give you advise in you work and push you to be better. She may be a mentor, a teacher or a supervisor or even a coach leading you to work harder towards your goals. At this point, you may also becoming wiser in terms of your moves. You may be weighing things first before your decide in your work or love life.
The Knight of Swords
The Knight of Swords is a bringer of good news and high energy. This may indicate good activities coming your way such as projects that you like, travelling, taking in many things and lots of power to achieve anything you undertake. If you see this card, it is a good time to take your energy to broaden your horizons such as taking a part time job or having a new hobby which will make you feel happy and alive. This energy will translate in your love life such as finding a spark there or getting a better sex life. In work, you will be actively participating in improving your company’s overall output.
The Page of Swords
This card gives the meaning of wanting to participate in social activities and needing to make social connections. You are likely to love talking to people and is a good sign if you are into public relations. You are also now open to new ideas such as learning about new philosophies or even trying out Yoga, cooking or a new project that clearly opens you mind. On the other hand, this may also mean that you are coming too strong and are likely to annoy people if you push your opinions too much on others. In work try not to be too much seeking attention. In love, take into consideration how your partner feels and not just how you feel.
The Ten of Swords
This card symbolizes betrayal and the loss of trust. It comes to answer the question “Should I trust this person?” with a clear no. It shows that someone or a group of people are plotting against you. This card may also signify a very bad omen of failing in your job or even losing it. You will feel very hurt and vulnerable. In relationships you might be cheated upon or have a falling out or a big misunderstanding. It is likely to feel depressed at this point.
The Nine of Swords
The Nine of Swords means mental affliction, depression, anxiety, being desperate or even having recurring nightmares. You may be going through a time of being unable to sleep. Try to take some steps to calm your heart and soul; try meditation. Stop overworking yourself to the point of getting burned out and resenting your job. In relationships, try not creating unlikely worry such as getting too jealous and clingy. On the other hand if something really feels wrong, try to communicate with your partner and do not hide behind a façade of being ok. If you feel there is something wrong then it is either with you or your partner. Seek advice.
The Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords means being bound by restrictions around you that may either be internal or external. These restrictions can be your beliefs, morals or even religion that causes you to feel confused because you would like to act differently. It may be someone in power who is controlling you and not letting you grow as a person such as a parent, spouse or even your boss or colleagues. This card may also signify you trying to stay in your comfort zone and by this you stop yourself from reaching your full potential. For example is even if you hate your job, you stay because you are afraid to be jobless, not taking that Master’s degree or another degree because you fear the expenses or staying in a suffocating relationship.
The Seven of Swords
This card means someone is out to cheat on you or use you in some way or another. Someone you trust the most will stab you in the back or people may be talking behind your back. It may also be you thinking about getting away with using someone, do not do it. You will likely to fail at this. If you are going into some sort of competition such as a bid for promotion or a business deal, be careful cautious, someone may be trying to get the best of you. This card may also mean a single source of anxiety that you are clutching and is difficult to let go off and you yourself created that issue. Try to calm down and resolve it.
The Six of Swords
The Six of Swords would mean that you are going through a though time towards a necessary change to improve your mind, body and soul. It may mean a change in career or losing your job in order for you to realize that the past job was not really working out for you; that you must find something that makes you happy. It may be a break up that shatters you to pieces but in the end it will be because the relationship is toxic and you had to step away from that toxicity. You may benefit from some changes such as travelling or dating new people. You may also profit from changing into a different department in your job; anything that offers change will reward your psyche.
The Five of Swords
When the Five of Swords appears in the spread it signifies a certain downfall for you. You may be going through a lot of conflict with the people around you which leads to heavy tension and in the end you will end up losing. You may be becoming too obsessed with your own ideas that you feel that you are never wrong. This could show up in your work where in you go into arguments to prove you are right or in a relationship that you act with no regard for your partner. Try to be more calm and understanding. Avoid heavy losses by thinking things over
The Four of Swords
Unlike the other Sword cards, the Four of Swords is a good omen. It means you will make good realizations about your overall life, though they may not be for lasting time. You will be able to find balance with your thought and action, work and love, health and wealth. Things may be looking up for you; like getting better if you have been battling sickness or feeling better after being sad for so long. In your work, you will find happiness there because it may been grueling for some time but now you may be headed for a nice vacation to clear your head. This good break should be taken towards letting things go and being too upset.
The Three of Swords
The Three of Swords is a card pointed towards pain in the heart. It means that something deep will wound you such as broken relationships, partnerships or friendships. You will take this pain very seriously. In terms of work, you may find yourself feeling denied and rejected. You may even lose your job which you love so much. In love, you may find that the person you love will hurt you deeply.
The Two of Swords
This card means that you have come to a stalemate point in a conflict or you will be in the middle of two opposing sides. It may also mean truce or coming into terms with an equal opponent such as a colleague you always get annoyed with or with your love where in you have always argued in the past but now you will finally find reconciliation. On the other hand it may also mean that you are now in a point where two thoughts that are both valuable to you are giving you a hard time deciding. You must use your intellect to choose wisely and not become blinded.
The Ace of Swords
This card means achieving mental prowess that you have been longing for. You will find a new success in this field such creating new projects at work or starting a new relationship. The key in this card is for us to be brave and be open to change. To use our wits in going into the right direction. There is something wonderful coming but only if we are willing to let go of negative energies that we hold on to. You may need to switch careers to something rewarding or open yourself to a new relationship or take your current relationship into the next step. This will be a big move but it will pay off.
The Minor Arcana are cards that give life to the Major Arcana they explain further the workings of the Querent’s life. This should be used to give clarity into the reading. I hope this helps you in your journey with the Tarot. Enjoy!