The Minor Arcana is the forerunner to the modern-day playing card deck. of 56 cards. In Tarot these are made up of four suits of 14 cards. In each suit the cards are numbered Ace to 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen and King.

Incorporating numerology and symbolism gives each card in Tarot a deeper meaning. This makes learning to read them quite easy. For example, each card has a simple image, which belongs to a suit, and has an element that represents that suit. Stories and journeys are created by each card in that suit adding to and building upon the previous cards. The descriptions of the cards are based on the Rider Waite tarot deck, while other decks may have different pictures, yet the basic meanings remain consistent.

Number One: New beginnings and action.

Aces are the first card in the suit. The number one relates to "independence, individuality, initiation," and an overall sense of new beginnings. When aces appear in a spread, it indicates what areas of the querent's life are ready for a change, big or small — and where to focus attention to take the steps to create those shifts. 

Ace of Swords - Element: Air 

The illustration of the Ace of Swords is a hand coming out of  a black cloud with a grey background, holding a sword with a crown on top. Swords represents truth, mental thoughts, actions and words. Drawing the Ace of Swords indicates a break through the fog that has clouded the querent’s ability to think clearly. This card also calls for the querent to be clear and assertive and to speak their truth when communicating with others.

Ace of Wands - Element: Fire 

The picture of the Ace of Wands is a hand coming out of the clouds holding a wand. The wand is sprouting new leaves. Wands represent drive, energy, motivation, passion, creativity. Drawing the Ace of Wands indicates that it is a good time to start a new project or do something interesting and creative. Depending on the querent's question it could mean a new possibility/ potential/ opportunity opening up. The Ace of Wands also encourages the querent to believe in themselves, trust their own instincts, find their own voice so that they can follow their own dreams.

Ace of  Cups - Element: Water

The image of the Ace of Cups is a hand coming out of the clouds holding an overflowing cup of joy and happiness. Cups represent feelings, emotions and intuition, so now is a good time for a fresh start and/or possibly a new relationship that is emotionally fulfilling.

Ace of Pentacles - Element  Earth

The suit of Pentacles represents physical manifestation - money, wealth, business and practical things. The Ace of Pentacles depicts a hand emerging from the clouds, open palm upwards holding a large coin. This card represents the universe offering a gift, a new way of making money or manifesting abundance. It could also signify a new financial or career opportunity.

Written by Verna

Getting to the point where you love yourself truly is like climbing a cliff face barefoot with no rope. If you’ve been hurt and betrayed or perhaps your childhood wasn’t that great, then the path to loving yourself can be one shaky step forward and a few shingle-sliding steps back. The stakes seem so high, one wrong decision and you could have to start all over. One blind choice and you could unravel.

Don’t look down. 

The Tarot can remind you to shine your valuable energy on yourself. To show self care and compassion and be your own champion. The cards fall and remind you to feed your passions, obey your intuition, take that creative risk, clear the swords from the heart, deal with sorrow, be imperfect and feel your power.

In the Ace of Cups a magnificent golden chalice is handed to you. A downward dove indicates divine love pouring universal energy into your cup and the five overflowing streams represent your senses. This cup is invaluable. It speaks of the seeds of great happiness, of experiences that make your heart swell with fullness. It’s the days when you feel blessed and lucky. It is filled with your sensory self. And I like to think of the Ace of Cups as a self love card. A spiritual card of truly feeling your value irrespective of accolades of failures. Your value as a spiritual being. Loving yourself is as simple as that. Loved simply because you exist, like a flower, or a tree. 

A chalice you carry with you everywhere. Being selective about what goes in and protecting the contents gained and garnered.

When the Queen of Cups holds her chalice it is filled with her experiences in love - all the facets. How she mothers and loves, all the sunsets and bush walks and long baths and right choices and lessons learned. Even the sweetness of grief is distilled in her chalice. The Queen of Cups will never let anyone knock her cup over again. It simply won’t happen. Though sometimes it does. 

There are many cards in the Tarot calling you to deepen your experience of self. Through knowing yourself, loving yourself - caring for your beautiful soul and sacred journey is perhaps why you are here on Earth. 

Love yourself.

Written by Southern Star

A traditional tarot card deck has 78 cards each with its own imagery and symbolism. Each card represents different aspects of life, situations or personal characteristics. When read as a spread or combination of cards, the cards become a tool to create a picture that tells a story that relates to the person who has asked for the reading. (querent). Every reading is different depending on the reader and the circumstances, but tarot cards are also a useful tool in offering insights and common-sense advice on the trials and excitements on this journey we call life.

Most readers start this journey curious to tap into their intuition and psychic abilities by giving and receiving simple tarot card readings with their friends and family.  Sometimes it is harder to read for friends and family and almost impossible to read for yourself than it is a complete stranger because you know them and have emotional expectations about the outcome. Whereas, with complete strangers it is actually quite surprising how perceptive people are when they are asked to give a reading for someone because the clues are always there; body language, verbal language and most people intuitively pick up the energy (vibes) of the people they are interacting with.

As with anything, the more you practice the better you become. Some readers are extremely intuitive and naturally gifted at reading the tarot cards because when they do a reading the cards ‘become alive’ and start interacting with each other and telling the story of the querent’s question. The most proficient tarot card readers are also gifted psychics and have the ability to ‘tune into guides’ and other information that goes beyond the five normal senses. Everyone has their own innate wisdom and the ability to be psychic or a tarot card reader depending on their desire and interest to create a practice that embraces this and brings it into their everyday life.

There are many different ways to read tarot cards, ranging from the simple to the complex. Starting with the basic yes / no spread, right up to using multiple cards to ask meaningful questions which takes the querent on a deep, introspective, spiritual and personal journey. The word spread in a tarot card reading means each card that is placed has a designated meaning, giving the reader an overview and the ability to use the cards in combination to create a story. The most common spreads are the three-card spread, the five-card spread and the Celtic Cross which uses ten cards.

There are many different tarot card or oracle decks which a reader may choose from, each with their own unique symbolism and messages. The reader will use the cards that will give them the most accurate and authentic information to share with their clients.

Written by Verna

A basic tarot card deck has 78 cards. The deck is divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Arcana means the secret of the mysteries. The Major Arcana represents archetypes/stereotypes/ideals of universal life experiences which myths and legends are based on. Whereas the Minor Arcana focuses more on the decisions and influences of everyday life.

The Major Arcana has 22 cards which is a master number and represents the souls’ journey to enlightenment. There are 21 numbered cards and one unnumbered card which represents the Fool or the uninitiated starting out on their journey, learning life lessons and meeting new teachers along the way.

The Fool is represented by the number 0 which is the beginning and the end of a cycle. The Fool is carefree and happy to venture out into the world totally in the present moment because he/she is naive and is totally unaware or unafraid of what lies ahead. The journey takes him/her through all the numbered cards which represent different human, psychological and spiritual aspects of themselves. On this journey the Fool finds perspective and maturity by learning how to deal with both the internal and external influences in his/her life. At the end of this particular journey, the Fool has gained knowledge, understanding and wisdom of the world. The Fool now knows that life is an endless cycle that is learnt by experience.

The Fool on his/her journey to enlightenment also has to engage in activities, interact with people, thoughts, feelings, ideas and projects that make up his/her everyday life. This is personified by the Minor Arcana which has 56 cards that are made up of four suits of 14 cards. In each suit the cards are numbered Ace to 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen and King.

The suit of Wands represents energy, motivation and passion.

The suit of Swords represents mental thoughts, actions and words.

The suit of Cups represents feelings, emotions, intuition and creativity.

The suit of Pentacles represents physical manifestation, money and practical things.

Tarot card reading is more than just memorising the meaning of the cards. Each card comes with its own unique characteristics, rich in imagery and symbolism that goes deeply into the human psyche, assimilating the lessons, joys and challenges of the human/soul journey. A gifted tarot card reader creates a meaningful reading by intuitively linking the cards together to create a story.

Written by Verna

The Leo zodiac sign and the Sun tarot card share a profound connection, both symbolizing vitality, confidence, and creative expression. Leo, ruled by the Sun, embodies traits of leadership, generosity, and a radiant, charismatic presence. Similarly, the Sun tarot card represents positivity, success, and joy signifying a period of enlightenment and clarity. When these two powerful symbols come together in a reading, they amplify themes of personal power, self-assurance, and the fulfillment of one's true potential, urging you to embrace your inner light and shine brightly in all endeavors.

In addition to the Sun tarot card, the Strength card is also ruled by Leo. The Strength card, often depicted with a woman calmly taming a lion, embodies the qualities of inner strength, courage, and determination, which are core attributes of the Leo zodiac sign. This card emphasizes the power of compassion, patience, and gentle control, reflecting Leo's ability to lead with both heart and mind. When the Strength card appears in a reading, it often suggests harnessing your inner fortitude and confidence to overcome challenges, mirroring the resilient and regal nature of Leo.