Color Harmonies in the Minor Arcana

# The Emotional Palette of the Suits

Although each suit has dominant colors that correspond to its element, every card in the Minor Arcana contains a rich palette of hues that amplify its meaning. Understanding these color harmonies deepens your reading.

Swords, being Air, favor blues and yellows — the clarity of the sky. However, notice how darker cards like the Nine of Swords use blue-black tones, suggesting darkness and mental confusion. Rosy Swords suggest loving communication.

Cups, being Water, use a great deal of blues and greens. But notice splashes of red (passion) or violet (spirituality). A Cup surrounded by violet suggests spiritual love. One surrounded by red indicates intense passion.

Wands, being Fire, use vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. Notice how shadows and darker tones in the minor cards (such as the Five of Wands) use deeper reds, suggesting a more serious or troubled passion.

Pentacles, being Earth, use greens, yellows, and golds. The most prosperous Pentacles gleam with pure gold. The more impoverished Pentacles use dull browns and grays.

Learn to see how the artist has manipulated colors to reinforce the message. A Seven of Wands with dark tones denotes a harder defense than one painted in bright, clear colors. Color never lies — it always amplifies the underlying meaning.