Tarot Card Meanings - The Minor Arcana

The numbered Minor Arcana, or "pip" cards often represent specific influences and situations, but also describe human conditions within their respective elements. While each card has a particular meaning in individual readings, as suits they also describe ascendancy through the realms of thought, relationship, character and industry. Additionally, the number, or rank of the cards represents stages of development within each realm. You may follow this progression by clicking the next link below the card meanings on each card’s page. The elemental correspondences described below determine which realm each suit is associated with.

Elemental correspondences:

The element of the Wands is Fire, which associates them with energy, inspiration, desire, planning and design.

The element of the Cups is Water, which associates them with emotion, romance, love, creativity and the subconscious mind. The Cups are also known as the Chalices.

The element of the Swords is Air, which associates them with character, principles, communication and intellect.

The element of the Pentacles is Earth, which associates them with the environment, money, security, and the material world. The Pentacles are also known as the Coins.