Major Arcana study guides
The 22 Major Arcana cards describe recurring archetypes and turning points such as beginning, choosing, losing, integrating and completing. These first English guides include detailed editorial meanings rather than short keyword lists.
How the 78-card deck is organised
Beyond the Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana cards bring the themes into everyday life. Wands relate to action and creative drive, Cups to emotion and connection, Swords to thought and communication, and Pentacles to work, body and material conditions. Each suit moves from Ace through Ten and then four court cards, allowing number and rank to add another layer of context.
A card’s position in a spread matters as much as its traditional meaning. “The Magician in a present-action position” asks a different question from “The Magician as an obstacle.” Begin with the question, observe the image and let the position narrow the interpretation.
A useful way to practise
Draw one card and write three observations before looking up its meaning. Then read the guide and compare which details you noticed and which you missed. When single cards become familiar, move to a three-card line and practise linking the positions into one coherent account.
Continue to the three-card tutorial ↗