How Many Cards Are in a Tarot Deck? A Comically Enlightening Count

How Many Cards Are in a Tarot Deck? A Comically Enlightening Count

Introduction

Alright, folks, it's time to tackle a question that's been plaguing mankind since the dawn of, well, tarot cards. "How many cards are there in a tarot deck?" you ask, your voice trembling with anticipation. Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a numerical journey of mystical proportions.

The Magic Number

Drumroll, please... A standard tarot deck has 78 cards! Yes, you heard it right, 78. That's more than the number of times you've promised to start a diet on Monday. But don't let the number intimidate you. These 78 cards are your friends, your guides, your late-night philosophical companions. They're a lot like pizza - diverse, satisfying, and always there when you need them.

The Major and Minor Leagues

Now, these 78 cards are split into two "leagues": the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana is like the VIP section of a club - exclusive and full of big players. It has 22 cards, each representing significant life events or spiritual lessons.

The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, is like the rest of the club - still important, but a bit more down-to-earth. It has 56 cards divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. These cards represent the day-to-day ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, the "I spilled coffee on my white shirt" moments of life.

The Suits and Their Stories

Each suit in the Minor Arcana has 14 cards, including ten numbered cards and four court cards: King, Queen, Knight, and Page (or Jack). They're like a royal family, each with their own personalities and dramas.

  • Cups (Water): They're all about emotions, relationships, and creativity. They're the poets of the tarot world, always ready with a heartfelt sonnet or a tear-jerking ballad.
  • Pentacles (Earth): These cards deal with material aspects, work, and money. They're the practical ones, always reminding you to pay your bills and save for a rainy day.
  • Swords (Air): They represent intellect, thoughts, truth, and conflict. They're like that brutally honest friend who tells you when you've got spinach in your teeth.
  • Wands (Fire): These cards are about action, inspiration, energy, and passion. They're the life of the party, always ready for an adventure or a spontaneous road trip.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. A tarot deck has 78 cards, each with its own story to tell and lesson to share. They're like a group of friends, ready to offer advice, provide insight, and occasionally give you a metaphorical kick in the pants.

If you're ready to meet these 78 magical companions, check out our collection of tarot decks on our Shopify store. And remember, the magic isn't in the cards—it's in you!

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