The Minor Arcana is the term used to describe the last 56 cards of the tarot that follow the major arcana. These 56 cards help to define the initial 22 cards in specific detail. The minor arcana mirrors the setup of a traditional set of playing cards in that there are four suits and 14 cards to each suit.

          The four major suits of the minor arcana are: swords, wands, cups and coins or pentacles. Some decks rename these suits accordingly but they all represent the four basic elements in physical nature, respectively, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The different cards of the minor arcana can represent different people, places, specific influences, and emotions surrounding a situation. While the major arcana will define the significant factors relating to a reading, the minor arcana will detail issues not always fully apparent.

          It is my belief that using the minor arcana in your readings will help tremendously with defining subtle details that you may miss only using the majors.

          The cards of the minor arcana are listed below and grouped according to their respective suit. Like the majors, each card will have both upright and reversed meanings to help facilitate your particular style of reading.

Swords	Wands	Cups	Pentacles
Ace Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Page Knight Queen King	Ace Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Page Knight Queen King	Ace Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Page Knight Queen King	Ace Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Page Knight Queen King