If you're new to tarot or considering purchasing your first deck, you've probably wondered: how many cards are in a tarot deck? The answer is both simple and fascinating - a standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, carefully divided into two main sections that work together to provide guidance on life's biggest questions.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the complete structure of a tarot deck, explain what each section means, and help you understand why these 78 cards have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The Quick Answer: 78 Cards Total
A standard tarot deck contains exactly 78 cards, divided into:
- 22 Major Arcana cards - representing life's major themes, lessons, and spiritual journey
- 56 Minor Arcana cards - reflecting daily life, challenges, and situations
This 78-card structure has been the standard since the 15th century and remains the foundation of virtually all modern tarot decks.
Understanding the Major Arcana: 22 Cards
The Major Arcana (meaning "greater secrets") consists of 22 numbered trump cards that represent life's significant spiritual lessons and archetypal experiences. These are the "big picture" cards that often indicate major life events or profound inner transformation.
The Complete Major Arcana List
| Number | Card Name | Core Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | The Fool | New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity |
| 1 | The Magician | Manifestation, willpower, skill |
| 2 | The High Priestess | Intuition, mystery, inner knowledge |
| 3 | The Empress | Fertility, abundance, nurturing |
| 4 | The Emperor | Authority, structure, stability |
| 5 | The Hierophant | Tradition, spiritual wisdom, conformity |
| 6 | The Lovers | Love, harmony, choices |
| 7 | The Chariot | Willpower, determination, victory |
| 8 | Strength | Courage, patience, inner strength |
| 9 | The Hermit | Soul-searching, introspection, guidance |
| 10 | Wheel of Fortune | Change, cycles, destiny |
| 11 | Justice | Fairness, truth, accountability |
| 12 | The Hanged Man | Surrender, new perspectives, waiting |
| 13 | Death | Endings, transformation, transition |
| 14 | Temperance | Balance, moderation, patience |
| 15 | The Devil | Shadow self, attachment, bondage |
| 16 | The Tower | Sudden change, upheaval, revelation |
| 17 | The Star | Hope, faith, renewal |
| 18 | The Moon | Illusion, intuition, the subconscious |
| 19 | The Sun | Joy, success, vitality |
| 20 | Judgement | Rebirth, inner calling, reflection |
| 21 | The World | Completion, integration, accomplishment |
The Fool's Journey
The Major Arcana tells a story known as "The Fool's Journey" - a metaphor for life's path from innocence (The Fool) to enlightenment (The World). Each card represents a lesson or experience the Fool encounters along the way, making the Major Arcana a complete map of human spiritual development.
Understanding the Minor Arcana: 56 Cards
The Minor Arcana (meaning "lesser secrets") consists of 56 cards divided into four suits, similar to a standard playing card deck. While the Major Arcana deals with life's big moments, the Minor Arcana addresses everyday situations, challenges, and experiences.
The Four Suits Explained
Each suit contains 14 cards: Ace through 10, plus four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
Wands (Fire Element) - 14 Cards
Wands represent:
- Creativity and inspiration
- Passion and energy
- Ambition and career
- Action and movement
- Spirituality and purpose
When Wands appear frequently in a reading, the focus is on creative projects, career matters, or personal passion.
Cups (Water Element) - 14 Cards
Cups represent:
- Emotions and feelings
- Relationships and love
- Intuition and psychic abilities
- Creativity of the heart
- Spiritual connection
Love readings often feature many Cups, as this suit governs matters of the heart.
Swords (Air Element) - 14 Cards
Swords represent:
- Thoughts and intellect
- Communication and truth
- Conflict and challenges
- Decision-making
- Mental clarity or confusion
Swords often indicate situations requiring mental focus, difficult decisions, or communication issues.
Pentacles (Earth Element) - 14 Cards
Pentacles (also called Coins or Disks) represent:
- Material wealth and finances
- Career and business
- Physical health and body
- Home and security
- Practical matters
Pentacles address the tangible aspects of life - money, work, health, and physical environment.
The Court Cards: 16 Cards Total
Each suit contains four Court Cards, totaling 16 across the Minor Arcana:
- Pages (4 total): Represent messages, students, or the beginning stages of the suit's energy. Often indicate young people or new developments.
- Knights (4 total): Represent action, movement, and pursuit. Knights are the "doers" who actively pursue the suit's qualities.
- Queens (4 total): Represent mastery and nurturing of the suit's energy. Queens embody emotional intelligence and receptive power.
- Kings (4 total): Represent authority and external mastery. Kings have conquered their domain and lead with the suit's energy.
Court Cards can represent actual people in your life, aspects of yourself, or situations embodying those qualities.
Card Count Summary
| Section | Components | Card Count |
|---|---|---|
| Major Arcana | Cards 0-21 | 22 |
| Minor Arcana - Wands | Ace-10 + 4 Court Cards | 14 |
| Minor Arcana - Cups | Ace-10 + 4 Court Cards | 14 |
| Minor Arcana - Swords | Ace-10 + 4 Court Cards | 14 |
| Minor Arcana - Pentacles | Ace-10 + 4 Court Cards | 14 |
| TOTAL | 78 |
Do All Tarot Decks Have 78 Cards?
While 78 cards is the standard, some decks deviate from this number:
Decks with More Than 78 Cards
- Thoth Tarot: 80 cards (includes 3 versions of The Magus)
- Osho Zen Tarot: 79 cards (adds "The Master" card)
- Some modern decks: Include extra cards for spreads, additional Major Arcana, or blank cards for personalization
Decks with Fewer Than 78 Cards
- Major Arcana Only Decks: 22 cards - focus solely on life's big themes
- Mini decks: Some travel-sized versions omit Court Cards
Oracle Decks: A Different Structure
Oracle decks don't follow the 78-card structure at all. They can contain anywhere from 30 to 100+ cards and follow their own unique themes and systems. This is one of the key differences between tarot and oracle cards.
Tarot vs. Oracle Cards: Understanding the Difference
Many beginners confuse tarot and oracle cards. Here's how they differ:
| Feature | Tarot | Oracle |
|---|---|---|
| Card Count | 78 (standard) | Varies (30-100+) |
| Structure | Fixed (Major/Minor Arcana) | Flexible, creator-defined |
| Suits | Yes (4 suits) | Usually no |
| Learning Curve | Steeper | Gentler |
| Interpretation | Traditional meanings | More intuitive |
For beginners, oracle cards can be easier to start with, while tarot offers a deeper, more structured system for those ready to invest in learning.
The History Behind 78 Cards
The 78-card tarot structure emerged in 15th century Italy, originally as playing cards for a game called "Tarocchi." The deck combined:
- A standard 56-card Italian playing deck (four suits of 14 cards)
- 22 trump cards (the Major Arcana) added for the game
It wasn't until the 18th century that French occultists began using tarot for divination and spiritual purposes. The structure has remained virtually unchanged since then, proving its effectiveness for both gaming and spiritual practice.
Why 78 Specifically?
The number 78 holds significance in numerology:
- 7 + 8 = 15, and 1 + 5 = 6 (the number of harmony and balance)
- 78 is the sum of numbers 1 through 12 (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12 = 78)
- 22 Major Arcana cards correspond to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (in Kabbalistic interpretation)
How to Use All 78 Cards Effectively
For Beginners
Start by learning the Major Arcana first. These 22 cards tell a complete story and appear in most readings. Once comfortable, gradually incorporate the Minor Arcana.
For Daily Readings
Use the full 78-card deck. Shuffle thoroughly and draw 1-3 cards for daily guidance.
For Specific Questions
The Minor Arcana excels at answering practical questions about relationships, work, and daily decisions. The Major Arcana provides context for life's bigger themes.
For Deep Spiritual Work
Major Arcana-only spreads work beautifully for shadow work and spiritual exploration.
Choosing Your First 78-Card Deck
When selecting a tarot deck, consider:
- Imagery that resonates: You'll be spending lots of time with these cards
- Clear symbolism: Especially important for learning
- Quality construction: Durable cards with smooth shuffling
- Guidebook included: Helpful for understanding the creator's interpretation
Popular beginner-friendly decks include the Rider-Waite-Smith (the most referenced in tarot books) and modern illustrated decks that maintain traditional symbolism while offering fresh artistic perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tarot cards are there in total?
A standard tarot deck contains exactly 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. This has been the standard structure since the 15th century.
Why are there 22 Major Arcana cards?
The number 22 corresponds to the Hebrew alphabet (22 letters) and holds significance in Kabbalah and numerology. The 22 cards also perfectly represent the Fool's Journey through all major life experiences.
Can I use just the Major Arcana for readings?
Absolutely! Many readers use Major Arcana-only spreads for spiritual questions or when they want to focus on life's bigger themes. The 22 cards form a complete system on their own.
Are oracle cards the same as tarot cards?
No. Oracle cards don't follow the 78-card structure. They vary widely in card count (typically 30-60 cards) and don't use the Major/Minor Arcana system. Oracle decks are often more intuitive and beginner-friendly.
How many cards should I pull in a reading?
This depends on your question and experience level. Common spreads include:
- 1 card - daily guidance
- 3 cards - past/present/future or situation/action/outcome
- 5-10 cards - detailed spreads like the Celtic Cross
If you're confused about a card, you can always draw a clarifying card.
Do I need all 78 cards to do a reading?
Yes, for a complete tarot reading, you should use all 78 cards. This ensures every possible message has the opportunity to come through. However, specialized spreads using only Major Arcana are also valid.
What's the difference between Minor and Major Arcana?
Major Arcana (22 cards) represent life's significant spiritual lessons and major events. Minor Arcana (56 cards) address everyday situations, challenges, and practical matters. Both are essential for comprehensive readings.
Caring for Your 78-Card Deck
To maintain your deck's energy and physical condition:
- Cleanse regularly to remove accumulated energy
- Store in a protective box, bag, or cloth
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Handle with clean, dry hands
- Shuffle gently to extend card life
Start Your Tarot Journey
Now that you understand how many cards are in a tarot deck and what each section means, you're ready to begin your tarot journey. The 78-card structure has guided seekers for centuries, offering wisdom for life's biggest questions and everyday challenges alike.
Whether you choose a traditional tarot deck, explore oracle cards, or start with a beginner-friendly deck, remember that the most important element is your willingness to learn and trust your intuition.
The cards are waiting. Your journey begins now.
Ready to find your perfect deck? Explore our complete collection of tarot and oracle decks designed for readers at every level.
