The 78 Cards: Structure and Organization

# The Complete Composition of Tarot

A traditional tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two major sections: the 22 Major Arcana and the 56 Minor Arcana. This structure is not random — it reflects a deep philosophy about spiritual progression and lived experience.

The Major Arcana, numbered 0 through 21, form the Fool's Journey. This path represents the spiritual journey of The Fool, who begins as an innocent and naive figure and gradually transforms into a wise and enlightened being. Each Major Arcana corresponds to a specific stage of this inner journey.

The Minor Arcana, for their part, are organized into four suits (Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles), each corresponding to one of the four classical elements (Air, Water, Fire, Earth) and representing the domains of everyday life. Each suit contains 14 cards: the four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) and ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten).

This structure creates a complete and balanced system. The Major Arcana speak of great transformations and destinies, while the Minor Arcana offer practical and detailed guidance on how to navigate everyday situations. Together, they form a complete guide to understanding every dimension of human experience.