Tarot History · 5 min · 2026-02-01
Major Arcana vs Minor Arcana: How to Read Them Differently
22 major cards and 56 minor cards — different roles in a single spread.
Two Sections of the Deck
The 78-card tarot deck divides into: - Major Arcana (22 cards): The Fool to The World — major themes, life lessons, transformation - Minor Arcana (56 cards): 4 suits × 14 cards — everyday details, specific situations
When Major Arcana Carries More Weight
In a spread, numerous Major Arcana cards often suggest: - A significant transformative period - A recurring theme in life - Questions about meaning, not just events
A Death card in a love reading does not mean "definite breakup" — it typically signals the end of one phase in how you love.
Minor Arcana: Everyday Life
Minor cards show how Major themes manifest: - Five of Cups: small emotional disappointment - Eight of Pentacles: diligent work, income - Three of Swords: heartache, need for healing time
How to Read Them Together
Simple method on Melaap: 1. Look at Major first — "What is the big theme?" 2. Look at Minor next — "How is this showing up in everyday life?" 3. Check the suit (Wands/Cups/Swords/Pentacles) — which area of life stands out?
No card is "bad" or "good" in absolute terms. The context of your question determines meaning.