minor arcana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Technical (Specialist)
Quick answer
What does “minor arcana” mean?
The smaller, non-trump cards in a tarot deck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The smaller, non-trump cards in a tarot deck.
In tarot, the 56 cards consisting of four suits (typically Cups, Pentacles, Swords, Wands) which represent the everyday events, people, and influences in one's life. They are contrasted with the more thematically significant Major Arcana (trump cards). In broader occult or metaphorical usage, it can refer to lesser or mundane matters compared to major, transformative ones.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage, as it is a highly specialised term of art. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of mysticism, divination, and symbolic interpretation. It is neutral within its specific domain.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, appearing almost exclusively in texts about tarot, cartomancy, or symbolism.
Grammar
How to Use “minor arcana” in a Sentence
The minor arcana consist(s) of...To read/interpret the minor arcanaA card from the minor arcanaThe symbolism of the minor arcanaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in papers on comparative religion, history of cartomancy, or symbolic systems. Example: 'The study focused on the iconographic evolution of the minor arcana in 19th-century French decks.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in general conversation unless discussing tarot specifically.
Technical
Core term in tarot reading, deck design, and occult literature. Example: 'The querent's question about daily finances is best addressed by the minor arcana, particularly the suit of Pentacles.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minor arcana”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minor arcana”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minor arcana”
- Using a plural verb for the singular collective form (e.g., 'The minor arcana are...' is acceptable but less common than '...is...').
- Misspelling as 'minor arcanum' (which would be singular).
- Capitalising it unnecessarily when not at the start of a sentence.
- Confusing the suits or their traditional names (e.g., 'Coins' vs. 'Pentacles').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 56 cards in the minor arcana of a standard 78-card tarot deck.
The traditional suits are Cups, Pentacles (or Coins), Swords, and Wands (or Rods). Each suit contains Ace through Ten, plus Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
The Major Arcana (22 cards) represent significant life themes, karmic lessons, and archetypal forces. The Minor Arcana (56 cards) reflect the day-to-day events, actions, thoughts, and influences.
Yes, many readers use 'minor-only' spreads for practical, everyday questions. The Minor Arcana provide detailed and specific guidance on mundane affairs.
The smaller, non-trump cards in a tarot deck.
Minor arcana is usually formal/technical (specialist) in register.
Minor arcana: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪnər ɑːˈkɑːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪnər ɑːrˈkɑːnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a minor arcana matter.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'minor' as in 'lesser' and 'arcana' as in 'secrets.' The Minor Arcana are the 'lesser secrets' of the tarot, dealing with everyday life, unlike the 'major' life-changing secrets of the Major Arcana.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY DEPICTED BY CARDS. The Minor Arcana are the detailed map of the everyday roads and landscapes, while the Major Arcana are the significant landmarks and turning points.
Practice
Quiz
What does the term 'minor arcana' specifically refer to?