The Structure of Tarot: Grand Changes (Major) and Daily Wisdom (Minor)
Why are there 78 Tarot cards? Through the difference between the Major Arcana, the pillars of the grand soul, and the Minor Arcana, the guides for specific life paths, we cultivate the eye to look at life balancedly.
The Structure of Tarot: A Grand Construction Called Life
When we hold Tarot cards, we face a vast system of 78 cards. This system is largely divided into the 'Major Arcana (22 cards)' and the 'Minor Arcana (56 cards).' 'Arcana' means 'mystery' or 'secret' in Latin.
The harmony of these two groups tells us that our lives are woven with grand flows of destiny and very specific daily events.
I. Major Arcana: Life's Milestones and Archetypes
The 22 Major cards deal with the 'Fundamental Universal Themes' of our lives.
- Nature: Irresistible fateful events, stages of soul growth, unavoidable grand changes.
- Meaning: If many Major cards appear during a reading, it means that your current week or month is a very important turning point in your entire life, or there is a task to be learned spiritually in depth.
II. Minor Arcana: Daily Sceneries and Elements
The 56 Minor cards deal with the 'Specific and Realistic Events' we experience every day. These are further divided into four suits, connected to the four elements of ancient philosophy:
- Wands (Fire): Passion, business, action, creative energy. "What shall I start?"
- Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, love, intuition. "What am I feeling?"
- Swords (Air): Thoughts, decisions, conflicts, intellect. "How shall I judge?"
- Pentacles (Earth): Money, health, workplace, physical outcomes. "What shall I possess and build?"
The Minor cards provide very specific advice or accurately describe the attitudes of people around you regarding the problems you are currently brooding over.
III. A Balanced Perspective: Harmony of Macro and Micro
Life is a variation on themes of Major and Minor.
- If living only for the Major: One might become immersed only in the spiritual world or grand causes, and neglect the reality (money, health, chores) they are standing on.
- If living only for the Minor: One might swing between joy and sorrow over every day's trivial problems, forgetting where they are headed (the purpose of life).
IV. Wisdom from Tarot
The act of spreading Tarot cards is a rehearsal for looking at your life 'three-dimensionally.' It is important to distinguish whether the problem bothering you now is a Minor card (a trivial misunderstanding or temporary fatigue) or a Major card (a new start or an old loss) that is changing your life path.
Conclusion: Trust Your 78 Possibilities
The 78 Tarot cards are not a mysterious power outside, but 'psychological resources' within you. Sometimes you must establish authority like 'The Emperor,' sometimes pursue romance like the 'Knight of Cups,' and sometimes endure the pain of collapse like 'The Tower.'
Whatever card comes out, it's not trying to attack you. It's just a kind subtitle explaining what meaning this scene has in your life's movie. How is your daily life being written as an arcana today? A life that doesn't miss micro-richness within the macro-flow—that is the best wisdom Tarot delivers to us.