The Tarot consists of two parts, the Major and the Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana is 56 cards that are divided further into the four Tarot suits. The four suits encompass all areas of normal life and daily living. Read on to learn about the Tarot suits in depth.
Buy this deck THE WILD UNKNOWN (affiliate link)
Minor Arcana: The Tarot Suits
The Minor Arcana is broken down into four segments called suits. Each deck may have assigned different names to the suits, traditionally, they are called Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.
Each suit contains cards numbered Ace through ten and four court cards (we’ll talk about those in more depth later).
Each suit represents a different elemental energy and aspects of daily life.
The Tarot Suits are thought to occur in chronological order in how they manifest within us. They are described below in that order.
Wands
The Suit of Wands is associated with the element Fire. It’s seen as the divine spark that brings you an idea and brings about desires. Like fire, sometimes all you need is one spark before everything is a blaze.
It is both harmful and helpful. A fire out of control can burn you or destroy a home or a whole forest. On the other hand, a controlled fire can keep you warm on a cold night and cook you nourishing food. It can be both purifying and destructive.
The tarot suit of wands contains themes about spirit, passion, and what inspires us.
Wands Keywords: Creativity, ambitions, passion, energy, spirit,
Cups
The Suit of Cups is associated with the element Water. It’s seen as the motherly womb, the cup full of life-giving water.
Water is adaptable, changing shape to fit the container it occupies. However, when pushed it can cause much damage in the way of erosion. The Grand Canyon is an example of this.
Like emotions, Water is reactive. It changes to fit the current situation.
Water can be mysterious. It is hard to tell how deep it is and you never know what is under the surface.
Water is symbolic of the subconscious. Connected to the moon, Water and the tarot suit Cups are about emotions, love, and relationships.
Cups Keywords: emotions, intuition, instincts, relationships, love
Swords
The Suit of Swords is associated with the element Air. The Swords tarot suit is about communication, intellect, and action.
This is seen as the most dynamic suit in the whole deck. To achieve our desires we must take action. We may have to do things we don’t like and our actions may affect others negatively. We need to use our intellect to think logically and assess the risk.
Swords is about change, conflict, and power. Like the element air, actions happen swiftly and are in constant fluctuation.
Swords Keywords: Ideas, Thoughts, Communications, Conflict
Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles is associated with the element Earth. The Earth gives us nourishment. It supports all plant and animal life that we need to live with its fertility. It’s firm and keeps us stable. It is about nature.
The suit of Pentacles represents all the objects of the physical world, material possessions, and resources. It stands for our physical health as well.
Pentacles are about anything you can hold in your hand. It is the fruition of all our desires, emotions, and actions. It is our finances as well as our home. It represents our greed as well as our generosity.
Pentacles Keywords: Material World, Nature, Resources, Finances, Health
Tarot Suits and Elemental Herbs
For those herbal enthusiasts, I have created a list of herbs associated with each element. I have only included a small example of herbs. There are dozens more for each element.
Use these herbs in tea, as incense, or in candle rituals alongside a Tarot reading, or however you see fit. Read Utilizing Herbal Magic: 7 Enchanting Ways to Use Herbs in Your Tarot Practice for more ideas on how to incorporate Herbs with your Tarot readings.
Use caution before ingesting an herb or burning it, make sure it is safe.
If you’d like to learn more about herbs from a reputable source in the comfort of your own home, at a pace of your own, Check out my affiliate link to the Herbal Academy!
Wands/Fire
- Angelica
- Basil
- Bay
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Damiana
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Hawthorne
- Marigold
Cups/Water
- Aloe
- Lemon Balm
- Belladonna
- Chamomile
- Datura
- Eucalyptus
- Foxglove
- Jasmine
- Lilac
- Myrrh
- Sandalwood
- Valerian
Swords/Air
- Anise
- Borage
- Clover
- Dandelion
- Goldenrod
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Mint
- Mistletoe
- Orange Bergamot
- Pine
- Sage
Pentacles/Earth
- Cotton
- Honesty
- Honeysuckle
- Magnolia
- Mugwort
- Oleander
- Primrose
- Sagebrush
- Vervain
