THE MINOR ARCANA
Traditionally, the Minor Arcana addresses external concerns—the issues we must grapple with in the real world. The Minor Arcana is separated into four suits: Swords, Cups, Pentacles, and Wands. Each suit is associated with an element: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. These elements are symbols for the four ways in which we can interact with the external world around us.
In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, Swords are associated with Air, and Wands are associated with Fire; however, different deck creators are more comfortable with Wands being associated with Air and Swords being associated with Fire. I think this makes perfect sense since Wands usually derive from tree branches that blow in the wind and Swords are forged in fire. However, for this book, we will follow the imagery created by Waite and Smith and view Swords as linked to the Air element and Wands to the Fire element.
The element of Air is associated with the mind. It is symbolically linked to rationality, the law, thinking, mindsets, reason, brilliance, communication, logic, and oftentimes a need for a dispassionate perspective. When Swords appear in a reading, they call your attention to your mental state or the thoughts of the people around you. Swords may also illuminate mental blockages that must be resolved to regain your personal authority and power.
The element of Water is symbolized by Cups in the tarot. Cups are associated with feelings, emotions, love, relationships, memories, illusions, creativity, sensitivity, and all matters that affect the heart. When Cups appear in a reading, they reveal what is being felt. Cup cards lead you inward to understand your heart and feelings about particular people and situations. Cups also show pathways forward when working on relationships with others.
The element of Earth is presented as Pentacles in the tarot. Pentacles have also been called “coins” and are often linked to issues of money, finances, stability, prosperity, jobs, security, wealth, instability, manifestation, poverty, caution, and real-world practical action. When Pentacle cards appear, they call your attention to your finances and the security of your home, self, and career. Many times, Pentacles will reveal where you have an opportunity. Pentacles are rooted in practicality and hard work. Pentacles will also reveal worth and how worthy you feel.
The element of Fire is linked to the suit of Wands. Wands are associated with ambition, creativity, boldness, dynamism, vitality, growth, awakenings, brilliance, charisma, action, movement, ego, and actions that must be taken quickly. Wands reveal areas of personal growth and opportunity. When Wand cards appear in a reading, they often reveal what you are striving for. The little leaves sprouting on each of the wands symbolize personal growth and progress.
When giving a reading, be mindful of what suit seems to dominate. It will reveal what issues you are working on and where to look for pathways forward. Just as importantly, look at which suit seems to be missing. If other cards are providing a message that you are experiencing imbalance, the missing suit can reveal where you need to invest your energy to restore harmony.