How to Master the Tarot Minor Arcana

Because the minor arcana portion of the Tarot deck is the largest with 54 cards, it can be a challenge to master the meanings. Decks and spreads exist of only the major arcana cards, but you'd be losing an important balance in the system of meanings by limiting yourself to just that part. Here's how to keep the meanings of all those cards straight.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Memorize minor arcana suit associations. Wands refer to work or career, cups to relationships and emotions, swords to problems and pentacles to finances and material possessions. By examining the layout of the suits in a Tarot spread, you get an overall picture of your client's concerns.

2. Remember that court cards refer to people in the client's life. Aces indicate new beginnings and represent the purest form of the suit's associated element. Numbered cards are for everyday concerns.

3. Separate the minor arcana cards from the deck and pick one at random each morning. Read its meaning. Spend 10 to 15 minutes meditating on it, trying to visualize the images on the card.

4. Carry the chosen daily card with you. Look at it throughout the day and try to fit something in its message into what's happened. For example, a card that signals success can help you see the small successes of the day.

5. Do pretend readings with just the minor arcana cards. Imagine clients of different ages and situations and ask a question that would be important to them. Confine your interpretation to that question.

6. Give free readings with only the minor arcana portion of the Tarot deck. Tell your clients up front that you're still learning. Take your time in figuring out how the cards fit together and get your client's input.

7. Record your Tarot readings. Re-create the minor arcana spread and follow along as you make connections between the cards. Write down anything you missed the first time around.

Tips & Warnings

• The elements corresponding to each minor arcana suit provides guidance in a Tarot spread. Wands are for fire, cups for water, swords for air and pentacles for earth.
• Check your local library for study rooms where you can close the door and give a private reading.
• A local community center may offer rooms you can rent cheaply by the hour for your free readings.