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
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
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
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.