How Many Cards Are in a Tarot Deck? (Major vs Minor)
If you’re new to tarot, this question is secretly about confidence:
“If I understand the structure, I won’t feel lost.”
Good news: tarot is beautifully organized.
How Many Cards in a Tarot Deck?
A standard tarot deck has 78 cards:
- 22 Major Arcana
- 56 Minor Arcana
That’s it. Once you remember 22 + 56, the whole system becomes less intimidating.
What the Major Arcana Represents (22 cards)
Major Arcana cards are like the “big chapters” of life:
identity, turning points, deep lessons, endings, beginnings.
Explore them here:
Beginner mindset:
When Major Arcana appears, ask:
- “What is this situation trying to teach me?”
- “What part of me is changing?”
What the Minor Arcana Represents (56 cards)
Minor Arcana cards are daily life:
habits, emotions, work stress, conversations, timing, choices.
Explore them here:
Minor Arcana is divided into 4 suits:
- Cups (feelings, connection): https://tarotguide.net/minor-arcana/cups
- Wands (drive, creativity): https://tarotguide.net/minor-arcana/wands
- Swords (thoughts, conflict): https://tarotguide.net/minor-arcana/swords
- Pentacles (money, body, stability): https://tarotguide.net/minor-arcana/pentacles
Each suit has:
- Ace through Ten (10 cards)
- Page, Knight, Queen, King (4 court cards)
Total: 14 per suit → 14×4 = 56
Why This Structure Helps Your Readings
When you know the category, you stop panicking.
- Major Arcana shows up → think “big lesson / long arc”
- Minor Arcana shows up → think “daily pattern / practical step”
- Court card shows up → think “a role, a person, or a way of behaving”
That alone improves accuracy because you’re using a consistent framework.
Quick Practice: Learn the System in 3 Minutes
Do this exercise:
- Draw one card: https://tarotguide.net/tarot-card-generator
- Decide: Major or Minor?
- If Minor: which suit?
- Ask: “So… what part of life is this about?”
Then interpret:
Next Steps
- Beginner-friendly reading: https://tarotguide.net/one-card-tarot-reading
- Past–present–future: https://tarotguide.net/three-card-tarot-reading
- Interpret your draw: https://tarotguide.net/tarot-reader