A traditional tarot pack contains 78 cards and is divided into 2 main sections.

The first section is called the "Major Arcana", and consists of 22 cards.

The "Major Arcana" are the most powerful cards in the tarot pack and
carry much emphasis when they appear in a reading.

The second section is called the "Minor Arcana" and consists of 56 cards and they themselves are divided into four suits of 14 cards each.

The four suits are.....

WANDS

Wands are the cards of creativity,action and movement.

In the Tarot, Wands represent the Fire signs of the zodiac.

The Fire signs are :- 

Aries - Mar 21-Apr 19

Leo - July 23-Aug 22

Sagittarius - Nov 22-Dec 21

SWORDS

Swords are the cards of intellect,thought and reason.

In the Tarot, Swords represent the Air signs of the zodiac.

The Air signs are :-

Libra - Sept 23 - Oct 22

Aquarius - Jan 20 - Feb 18

Gemini - May 21 - Jun 20

Cups are the cards of emotions and spiritual experience.

In the Tarot, Cups represent the Water signs of the zodiac.

The Water signs are :-

Cancer - Jun 21 - Jul 22

Scorpio - Oct 23 - Nov 21

Pisces - Feb 19 - Mar 20

Pentacles are the cards of practicality, security and material concerns.

In the Tarot, Pentacles represent the Earth signs of the zodiac.

The Earth signs are :-

Capricorn - Dec 22 - Jan 19

Taurus - Apr 20 - May 20

Virgo - Aug 23 - Sept 22

In a reading the "Minor Arcana" cards represent everyday feelings, issues and situations.

They are not as powerful as the "Major Arcana" cards, but give a vital insight into the more basic influences and events in our lives.

Of course , there is much more to the tarot and the individual interpretations of each of the 78 cards, far more than I have explained here.

But I hope this basic overview has helped to explain a little of the fascinating world of the tarot.