How Many Tarot Cards Are There

Table of Contents

A traditional tarot deck has 78 cards. These cards are split into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Knowing how many cards are in a deck is key for those into tarot.

The 78 cards in a deck are not random. They are designed to help with self-discovery and divination. As you explore tarot, learning about the number of cards is just the start of a fascinating journey.

Key Takeaways

A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards.
The deck is divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
Understanding the tarot decks count is crucial for tarot readings and interpretations.
The total number of tarot cards in a deck is 78, including 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards.
Knowing how many tarot cards are there is essential for anyone interested in tarot.
The tarot decks count provides a foundation for exploring the mystical world of tarot.

Understanding the Basic Tarot Card Count

Exploring tarot means knowing a standard deck’s structure. A traditional tarot deck has 78 cards. This is split into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana has 22 cards, each with a big life lesson or spiritual message. The Minor Arcana has 56 cards, making up most of the deck.

The Minor Arcana is split into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards, from Ace to 10 and four court cards. This setup is common in traditional tarot decks, helping us grasp the tarot’s basics.

The Standard 78-Card Deck Structure

The 78-card deck is a key part of tarot. It combines the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana for a full understanding. The Major Arcana cards, numbered from 0 to 21, cover big life themes and spiritual lessons.

Major Arcana Cards: The 22 Trump Cards

The Major Arcana cards are vital in tarot. They reveal deep insights into life’s big moments and spiritual teachings. These 22 cards help us understand the tarot’s deeper meanings.

Minor Arcana: The 56 Suit Cards

The Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits. Each suit represents a different life area: action, emotions, intellect, and material. The 56 cards in the Minor Arcana give us a detailed look at tarot, making it easier to explore.

The History Behind Modern Tarot Deck Numbers

Have you ever wondered about the history of tarot deck numbers? The modern tarot deck has 78 cards. It includes 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards. This makes up the total amount of cards in the deck.

The story of tarot cards began in Italy in the 15th century. They were first used as a game called Tarocchi. Over time, the deck changed, influenced by different cultures and traditions. Knowing the history of tarot deck numbers helps us understand the cards‘ meanings better.

Here are some key points about the history of tarot cards:

The adaptation of tarot for occult and fortune-telling purposes began in France around 1780.
The meanings ascribed to the various cards in fortune-telling are categorized into spiritual matters, business matters, love, conflict, and money.
A standard Tarot deck typically contains 78 cards, including 14 cards from each of the four suits, 21 trump cards, and 1 additional card known as The Fool.

The tarot card total and tarot card amount are key parts of the modern tarot deck. Each card has its own special meaning. As you explore tarot cards, you’ll see how history and culture have shaped the deck.

Breaking Down the Minor Arcana Suits

Exploring the Minor Arcana in tarot cards is key. It usually has 56 cards in most decks. The Minor Arcana is split into four suits, each with 14 cards. This includes 10 numbered cards and 4 court cards.

The Minor Arcana suits cover different life aspects. Each suit has its own energy and meaning. For example, Wands are about creativity and energy. Cups deal with emotions and relationships.

The table below shows the Minor Arcana suits and their elements:

Suit	Element	Association
Wands	Fire	Creativity, energy, motivation
Cups	Water	Emotions, relationships, feelings
Swords	Air	Intellect, communication, thoughts
Pentacles	Earth	Material aspects, finances, career

Knowing each suit’s traits helps you understand tarot cards better. It makes your tarot readings more insightful and meaningful.

How Many Tarot Cards Are There in Different Deck Variations

When you dive into tarot, you might ask how many tarot cards are there in various decks. The basic tarot deck has 78 cards. But, different decks have their own special features and card counts. Some decks add extra cards, like the Fool’s Journey or the Tree of Life. Others might have fewer cards or different suits.

The number of tarot card numbers can really change between decks. For instance, the original Italian tarot deck had 22 trump cards and four suits of 14 cards each. This made a total of 78 cards. On the other hand, some oracle decks have as few as 30 cards or more than 100. The Lenormand Decks usually have 36 cards, while the Marseille and Visconti-Sforza Tarot Decks often have 78 cards.

Here are some examples of tarot deck variations and their card counts:

Rider-Waite-Smith Deck: 78 cards
Thoth Deck: 78 cards
Marseille Tarot Deck: varies, typically 78 cards
Visconti-Sforza Tarot Deck: varies, typically 78 cards
Oracle Decks: 30-100 cards
Lenormand Decks: 36 cards

Learning about the different tarot decks can make you appreciate the tarot’s rich history. Whether you prefer the standard 78-card deck or something unique, knowing how many tarot cards are there can make your tarot readings more interesting.

Understanding Court Cards and Their Significance

Exploring tarot cards means knowing about court cards. A standard deck has 78 cards, with 16 court cards. These are split into four suits: Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles. Each suit has a Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

These cards show different sides of human nature. They help us understand relationships, personality, and life events.

Court cards offer deep insights into human experience. They help us see the symbolism and energy behind each card. For instance, the Page of Cups is young and exploratory. The King of Swords is mature and rational.

Here’s a quick look at the court cards and their suits:

Page: exploratory, youthful energy
Knight: erratic, energetic
Queen: inwardly mature, nurturing
King: outwardly mature, authoritative

Knowing court cards improves your tarot reading skills. It helps you understand the tarot card amount and its meaning. The key to mastering tarot is to grasp the energy and symbolism of each card.

Suit	Page	Knight	Queen	King
Cups	exploratory	erratic	nurturing	authoritative
Swords	analytical	action-oriented	discerning	logical
Wands	creative	adventurous	passionate	confident
Pentacles	practical	ambitious	responsible	wise

Conclusion: Making Sense of Tarot Card Numbers

The tarot deck is full of mystery and symbolism. It has a long history and offers deep insights. Whether you’re new or experienced, knowing the tarot card set size is crucial. It helps you understand the deck’s power.

The deck has 22 Major Arcana cards for big life events. It also has 56 Minor Arcana cards for everyday life. Together, they give a full view of human experiences.

Exploring tarot can bring wisdom and clarity to your life. It helps you understand yourself and the world better. So, let the tarot guide you on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

FAQ

How many tarot cards are in a standard deck?

A standard tarot deck has 78 cards. It’s split into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards).

What is the structure of a standard 78-card tarot deck?

The deck is made of 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards.

What are the Major Arcana cards in a tarot deck?

The Major Arcana cards range from 0 to 21. They start with The Fool and end with The World. Each card shows a key part of human experience and spiritual growth.

How many cards are in the Minor Arcana of a tarot deck?

The Minor Arcana has 56 cards. It’s split into four suits with 14 cards in each suit.

What is the history behind the number of cards in a modern tarot deck?

The modern tarot deck’s 78 cards evolved over centuries. It was shaped by various cultures and mystical traditions in Europe. The exact number and layout of cards have changed over time.

What are the four suits in the Minor Arcana of a tarot deck?

The Minor Arcana’s four suits are Wands (or Batons), Cups (or Chalices), Swords, and Pentacles (or Coins). Each suit covers a different part of human life, like creativity, emotions, intellect, and material things.

Are there variations in the number of cards in tarot decks?

Yes, there are many tarot decks with different numbers of cards. Some have extra cards or unique suits. Exploring these variations can deepen your understanding of tarot.

What are the court cards in a tarot deck, and what do they represent?

The court cards include Kings, Queens, and Pages. They represent different archetypes and traits related to relationships, personality, and life events. Knowing their meanings can offer deep insights during tarot readings.