Tarot 101: The Elements
We’re back again with more Tarot 101! After doing a brief overview of the major arcana last time and focusing on the fool’s journey, now we are going to turn to the minor arcana. Just like the major arcana post, this is a general overview of the cards, starting with the elements. We will be diving in deeper in a later blog but for now here is an introduction to the minor arcana.
Just because these cards are called the minor arcana does not make them unimportant compared to the major arcana. In terms of learning about your deck and the meanings of cards the minor arcana are almost more important because there are more of them; over twice as many minor as there are major arcana. Also the minor arcana cards tend to lend themselves better to interpretation depending on the specific deck you are using and are usually associated with smaller, daily life happenings instead of the huge existential ideas of the major arcana.
The minor arcana consists of suits and runs from Ace to King much like a normal deck of cards. We’re going to start by talking about the four suits. Some decks don’t use these traditional names so be aware of that. However, it’s usually quite obvious which suit they mean, especially if you have an understanding of what these suits stand for! Each suit is attached to a different element and those elements are associated with different characteristics. In reverse (upside down) the cards have different meanings that are usually opposite of the upright meaning but not always.
Earth is represented by the suit of pentacles.
This element is associated with foundations, work, and money. It is the most patient element and is also extremely practical. With pentacles you lay down long-term goals and planning. In reverse, earth can be stubborn, selfish, and disorganized.
When you think of the element of earth, what sorts of things do you think of? Use your own personal thoughts and interpretations as well!
The suit of swords represents air.
Traits for air are all about the brain and intellect. Air is detached from emotion and other distractions so that it can remain focused on the task at hand; a true master of analysis and strategy. It also includes overcoming trials or challenges. This is where you cultivate ideas to take on problems in your life. In reverse, air is confused, unfocused, and burnt out.
And of course what you personally think of when you think about this element.
Wands are used to represent fire.
Fire is all about energy, passion, and action. This element is also spontaneous and inspiring; willing and able to accomplish whatever it desires. High energy action plans are a staple for this element, allowing you to achieve your goals quickly and with style. In reverse, fire is unforgiving, defensive, and frustrated.
Finally, think about your own feelings and interpretations of fire.
Cups are used to represent water.
The most prevalent traits of water are emotion and intuition. Relationships are also usually a part of water. Cups are all about how you, and others involved, feel about certain situations and how you/they will feel depending on what path you take. In reverse, water is shallow, withdrawn, and disconnected.
Just as above, think of your own associations with water and use what it means to you!
Understanding the elements can help you immensely in beginning tarot reading. Without memorizing anything aside from these basic elements you can already read cards at a basic level by using this knowledge and the picture on the card.
For example, if you were to do a 3 card spread and a majority of the cards are cups, that tells you this is an emotional issue or the person has a lot of feelings about the problem, depending on if the cards are upright or in reverse. If there are pentacles, perhaps there are some money problems or they are unmoving on an issue. All the elements mix and match for an interpretation that you can now begin to decipher. Take this information in conjunction with the photos on the cards and you can give a simple reading!