Which Tarot Cards To Separate?

The tarot deck is divided into two categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards are the most recognizable and impactful, representing situations we all face in the grand scheme of life. They carry specific messages of perspective and provide guidance for uncovering personal meanings for each card.

To read a Tarot card, start with a basic three-card spread by laying three cards out in front of you, face down in a horizontal line. There are many different ways to choose a Tarot card, but always use your left hand. The Major Arcana is the core and foundation of the deck, filled with archetypal significance.

The Minor Arcana is a group of 56 cards divided into four suits: cups, swords, wands, and pentacles. The Minors focus more on day-to-day situations. To interpret the cards, split the deck into three separate piles (Majors, Court cards, and Minors) and design a spread that explicitly assigns these cards into designated positions.

The most common one is the 3-card spread, which requires you to separate the Major and Minor Arcana cards and shuffle both decks before beginning. The tarot also has a separate 21-card trump suit and a single card known as the Fool.

The tarot deck is divided into two primary areas: the Significant Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Significant Arcana consists of 22 cards that stand for major aspects of life, while the Minor Arcana consists of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.