Minor Arcana: definition

The minor arcana complete the major arcana by bringing a more concrete and detailed reading of situations. They often describe the dynamics of daily life, relationships, work or material circumstances.

Each suit generally includes ten numbered cards and four court cards: king, queen, knight and page.

In some approaches, the minor arcana are read in a very narrative way, while in other methods they are interpreted mainly from their symbolic structure and their relationship with the major arcana.

Their use varies according to the schools: some readers work with all 78 cards, while others focus on the 22 majors. There is no single rule; it is also a question of method and personal affinity.

Read attentively, the minor arcana bring precision: they qualify the climate of a spread, indicate concrete areas —affect, money, work, conflict— and complete the broad view of the majors with the detail of the everyday.

Understanding the minor arcana in their structure —four suits, ten numbers and four figures— is essential for situating tarot within its overall architecture, even if each reader then decides what place to give them in their practice.

In short, knowing them well broadens the reader's possibilities, whether they decide to integrate them into their spreads or choose to concentrate above all on the major arcana.