Throwback Thursday: Everyday and Life Lessons Tarot

Posted on July 24, 2025 by tanlee3

I’ve never liked the phrases ‘Minor Arcana’ and ‘Major Arcana’, which are used to refer to the two parts of Tarot. They literally mean ‘little secret’ and ‘big secret’. And their existence is no longer a secret, so what the???

In a way I get it. The stories told in both books is not obvious. Meanings remain hidden until you study the images and use your intuition to decode each card. However, the titles ‘minor arcana’ and ‘major arcana’ don’t explain the difference between them, and as a writer, I believe strongly that it is important for words to conjure up the things of which they speak.

So I’ve come up with more contemporary titles.

The Minor Arcana consists of cards that deal with day-to-day situations so I’ve dubbed this part, Everyday Tarot.

The Major Arcana refers to the most profound cards in Tarot. The heavy ones that encapsulate major life experiences. So I’ve called this part, Life Lessons Tarot.

Do these titles feel right to you?

Throwback Thursday: The Tarot of Numbers

Posted on April 24, 2025 by tanlee3

The number of a Tarot card helps you understand its meaning. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the more intense or evolved the experience.

We’re going to focus on the Everyday Tarot section of the deck in this conversation, aka the Minor Arcana. Numbers in Life Lessons Tarot (the Major Arcana) are a whole other ball game.

1: This is usually a card of beginnings but in Tarot the one cards are Aces. And that’s how this card can also feel. Ace. Akin to hitting a hole in one. Being given a gift. Cherish it.

2: Dealing with Duality: Weighing your options (Wands). Partnering with others (Cups). Keeping all the balls juggling through the air (Pentacles). Taking time out from others when you feel overwhelmed (Swords.)

3: Growth: Of skills (Wands). Of friendships (Cups). Of achievements (Pentacles). Of heartache (Swords).

4: Building a solid foundation: Being successful (Wands). Saving money (Pentacles). Feeling sure of yourself (Cups). Keeping yourself mentally healthy (Swords).

5: Struggle street: Competition (Wands). Heartbreak (Cups). Arguments (Swords). Feeling poor (Cups).

6: Changing your attitude: Feeling like a winner (Wands). Trying not to live in fantasy land (Cups). Letting go of sorrows (Swords). Being open to good fortune and accepting when it isn’t your turn (Pentacles).

7: Being strategic: Stopping to take stock of where you’re at (Pentacles). Choosing wisely (Cups). Persevering against the odds (Wands). Or just straight out taking an opportunity when it presents itself (Swords. Some may call it stealing, ha!)

8: Recommitting to goals: Because you’ve finally made inroads into achieving them, yay, and now you need to take the next step (Wands). Because you got waylaid by the wrong relationship/job/personal style but now you’re ready to go after the right one (Cups). Because you’re like the tortoise, committed to the destination; you just keep on keeping on (Pentacles). Fighting the negative self-beliefs that are holding you back (Swords).

9: Holding on to achievements: This can be earthly riches (Pentacles), feeling self-satisfied (Cups), defending territory to your dying breath (Wands) or letting your fears overwhelm you (Swords).

10: Going as far as possible: Whether that be pushed to your physical or mental limits (Wands and Swords) or finding your place at home and in society (Cups and Pentacles).

Does knowing these meanings help you understand the cards better?

Minor and Major Arcana

Posted on February 7, 2018 by tanlee3

There are two parts to a Tarot deck. One part is called the ‘Minor Arcana’ and the other part is called the ‘Major Arcana’. But what do these labels mean? Continue reading →

Everyday & Lifelessons Tarot

Posted on September 5, 2012 by tanlee3

I’ve never liked the phrases ‘Minor Arcana’ and ‘Major Arcana’ which are used to refer to the two types of card you find in Tarot. These terms are meaningless to a modern audience. As a writer I believe strongly that it is important for words to conjure up the things of which they speak. So I’ve been raking my brain to come up with more contemporary titles.

The Minor Arcana consists of Continue reading →

The Big Secret

Posted on September 3, 2012 by tanlee3

The Tarot card deck is divided into two parts called the Minor Arcana and the Major Arcana which literally means the Little Secret and the Big Secret. In other words: hidden knowledge. But why was it hidden? This is just one of many unanswered questions about Tarot. We don’t know where it came from or who invented it but if you study the cards what you discover is this: Tarot is one of the most profound and beautiful books you will ever read.

I hope you’ll let me share it with you.

The Tarot Teaclub

The Tarot Guide To Popular Culture And Everyday Life

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