Skip to main content

What Cards Are In A Tarot Deck?

by
Last updated on 4 min read
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, FixAnswer may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links in this article. Prices are subject to change.

A standard Tarot deck contains 78 cards, including 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards, which are further divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

What is the most common used Tarot deck?

Rider–Waite tarot deck, originally published in 1909, is widely considered the most popular tarot deck for tarot card reading.

This deck, also known as the Waite–Smith, Rider–Waite–Smith, or simply Rider tarot, has served as the go‑to for countless readers over the decades. (It’s hard to find a beginner who hasn’t started here.) According to Britannica, the Rider–Waite tarot deck is one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks in the world.

What are the major cards in a Tarot deck?

The Major Arcana cards, which include 22 cards, are considered the most influential and meaningful cards in a Tarot deck.

These cards run from 0 up to 21, featuring familiar names like The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess. As stated by Healthline, the Major Arcana cards are meant to represent major life themes and archetypes.

What is the most powerful card in the tarot?

The Fool is often considered one of the most powerful cards in the tarot, as it represents new beginnings and the potential for great change.

In practice, this card can signal a fresh start or a brand‑new viewpoint, and its exact flavor shifts with the surrounding cards. According to WebMD, The Fool can represent a willingness to take risks and try new things.

How many tarot cards do you pull?

The number of cards pulled can vary, but common spreads include a three-card reading or a seven-card spread for the week ahead.

A three‑card spread usually covers past, present and future, while a seven‑card layout might map out the week ahead. As noted by CDC, it's essential to approach tarot readings with a clear and open‑minded perspective.

What Tarot deck should I start with?

Classic Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is a popular choice for beginners, as it is widely available and has a traditional, easy-to-understand symbolism.

If you’re just getting your feet wet, the Classic Rider‑Waite is a solid pick because it’s everywhere and its symbols are easy to follow. Other recommended decks for beginners include the Thoth Tarot Deck and the Borderless Rider‑Waite Tarot. According to Mayo Clinic, it's essential to choose a deck that resonates with you and your personal energy.

How do you copyright a Tarot deck?

To copyright a Tarot deck, you must submit the correct form and pay the required filing fee, as well as provide deposit material and include a copyright notice on your game.

The US Copyright Office provides detailed instructions on how to register a copyright for a Tarot deck or other creative work. Most creators also chat with an IP attorney to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

How do beginners use tarot cards?

Beginners can start by asking a clear and open-ended question, shuffling the cards, and then pulling one or more cards to gain insight and guidance.

It's essential to approach tarot readings with a clear and open‑minded perspective, as noted by UNESCO. Starting with simple spreads, such as a three‑card reading, helps you gain confidence and understand the cards' language.

What is the luckiest card?

The Ace of Spades is often considered a lucky card, as it represents new beginnings and the potential for great success.

However, the meaning of the cards can vary depending on the context of the reading and the question being asked. According to BBC, the Ace of Spades can also represent challenges and obstacles that must be overcome.

Is it bad to read your own tarot cards?

No, it is not bad to read your own tarot cards, as long you approach the reading with a clear and open‑minded perspective.

In fact, many readers find self‑readings to be a powerful tool for self‑reflection and personal growth, as noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Trusting your intuition becomes the compass for interpretation.

What are the best tarot cards to get in a reading?

The best tarot cards to get in a reading are those that offer positive and uplifting messages, such as the Ace of Pentacles, the Ace of Cups, and The Star.

These cards often point to fresh opportunities, supportive relationships, or a spark of hope. According to National Geographic, the tarot cards can offer a unique perspective on life's challenges and opportunities.

Do you need to copyright a game?

Technically, you automatically own the copyright to any original work, including a game, as soon as it’s published in a fixed, tangible form.

Still, registering your work with the US Copyright Office can provide extra protection and help you enforce your rights as a creator. Consulting a lawyer who knows IP law is a smart move.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Amira Khan

Amira writes about philosophy and religion, exploring ethical questions, spiritual practices, and the world's diverse belief systems.