Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Francis
The tarot is a deck of 78 cards used for divination and fortune-telling. Each card has its own unique name, meaning, and symbolism. In this article, we will explore the tarot card names and their significance in the deck.
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The Origins of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are a fascinating aspect of divination and are often associated with the mystical and supernatural. The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to the mid-15th century in Italy, where they were used for games and entertainment. It wasn’t until the 18th century when tarot cards started to be used for divination purposes.
The First Tarot Cards
The first tarot cards were known as the Visconti-Sforza tarot deck, named after the Italian aristocratic families who commissioned them. This deck was created in the mid-15th century and consisted of 78 cards, divided into four suits (cups, swords, wands, and pentacles). The Visconti-Sforza deck is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful tarot decks in existence.
Understanding the Tarot Cards
The Major Arcana
The tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each with a unique symbolic meaning. These cards represent major life events or spiritual lessons that we must learn. Each card in the Major Arcana has a specific name and number, which helps to identify its meaning.
The Fool
The first card in the Major Arcana is The Fool. This card represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and taking risks. The Fool is often depicted as a young man about to step off a cliff, symbolizing the leap of faith required to embark on a new journey.
The Magician
The Magician is the second card in the Major Arcana and represents manifestation, creativity, and power. The Magician is depicted as a figure with one hand pointing towards the sky and the other towards the earth, symbolizing the ability to bring ideas into reality.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits (cups, swords, wands, and pentacles), each with 14 cards. The Minor Arcana represents everyday events and situations that we encounter in our lives. Each card in the Minor Arcana has a specific meaning and interpretation, depending on its suit and number.
The Cups
The Cups represent emotions, relationships, and creativity. Each card in the Cups suit has a depiction of a chalice or cup, symbolizing the emotions and feelings that we hold within us.
The Swords
The Swords represent intellect, communication, and conflict. Each card in the Swords suit has a depiction of a sword, symbolizing the mental and verbal battles we face in our lives.
The Wands
The Wands represent passion, energy, and creativity. Each card in the Wands suit has a depiction of a wand or staff, symbolizing the drive and ambition that propels us forward.
The Pentacles
The Pentacles represent material possessions, finances, and abundance. Each card in the Pentacles suit has a depiction of a pentacle or coin, symbolizing the physical manifestations of our hard work and efforts.
The High Priestess
The High Priestess is the third card in the Major Arcana and represents intuition, mystery, and hidden knowledge. The High Priestess is often depicted as a woman sitting between two pillars, symbolizing the duality of the universe and the balance between light and dark.
The Empress
The Empress is the fourth card in the Major Arcana and represents nurturing, abundance, and creativity. The Empress is often depicted as a woman sitting on a throne surrounded by nature, symbolizing the abundance and fertility of the earth.
The Emperor
The Emperor is the fifth card in the Major Arcana and represents authority, structure, and stability. The Emperor is often depicted as a man sitting on a throne, symbolizing the control and order that is necessary to maintain stability in society.
FAQs for the topic: What are the tarot card names?
What is a tarot card?
A tarot card is a card used for divination, commonly associated with fortune-telling, and various spiritual practices. The cards are generally believed to have originated in Italy during the Renaissance period and have since become popular across the world. Tarot cards typically contain various symbols, images, and numbers that are believed to hold significant meanings in a reading.
How are tarot cards organized?
In a traditional tarot deck, there are 78 cards typically divided into two categories known as the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each with a unique name, and represents significant life lessons or spiritual truths. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits, each of which represents a different element or set of qualities.
What are some common tarot card names in the Major Arcana?
Some common tarot card names in the Major Arcana include The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, and Judgment.
What are some common tarot card names in the Minor Arcana?
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each of which has ten numbered cards and four court cards. The suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. The numbered cards in each suit represent different stages of development, while the court cards represent people or personalities. Each suit also has an associated element or set of qualities. Some common tarot card names in the Minor Arcana include Ace of Wands, Two of Cups, Three of Swords, Four of Pentacles, King of Wands, Queen of Cups, Knight of Swords, and Page of Pentacles.
