The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits. While the Major Arcana deals with life's big themes, the Minor Arcana reflects the everyday situations, emotions, and practical matters that make up daily life.
The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana
Cups — The Suit of Emotions
Cups represent the emotional realm — feelings, relationships, intuition, and the subconscious. When Cups dominate a reading, emotional matters are at the forefront.
- ✦Element: Water
- ✦Themes: Love, relationships, emotions, dreams, intuition
- ✦Key cards: Ace of Cups (new love), Two of Cups (partnership), Ten of Cups (happiness)
Wands — The Suit of Action
Wands represent the mental realm — thoughts, communication, conflict, and truth. They can indicate challenges but also clarity and decisive action.
- ✦Element: Fire
- ✦Themes: Passion, creativity, career, ambition, inspiration
- ✦Key cards: Ace of Wands (new venture), Three of Wands (expansion), King of Wands (leadership)
Pentacles — The Suit of the Material World
Pentacles represent the physical and material realm — money, career, health, and practical matters. They ground readings in tangible reality.
- ✦Element: Earth
- ✦Themes: Money, career, health, material success, practicality
- ✦Key cards: Ace of Pentacles (new opportunity), Eight of Pentacles (mastery), Ten of Pentacles (abundance)
🎴 Explore all 56 Minor Arcana cards on our Card Meanings hub with full interpretations for every card in every suit.