Numerology of the Arcana: How Many Tarot Cards Exist?

When it comes to the mystical and magical realm of Tarot, many people are curious about the number of Tarot cards that exist. While there is a deceptively simple answer to this question, the reality is much more complex and intriguing.

The Basic Numerology: 78 Tarot Cards in a Standard Deck

The most straightforward answer to the question of how many tarot cards there are is 78. This number represents the total number of cards in a standard Tarot deck, which is composed of two parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

• Major Arcana: The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing a significant spiritual or life event. These cards are the most well-known and carry a particular weight in a Tarot reading.
• Minor Arcana: The Minor Arcana is made up of 56 cards, which are further divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. These cards represent everyday life events and the various energies we experience throughout our lives.

This breakdown of the standard Tarot deck is commonly known as the "Rider-Waite" deck, named after its creator, Arthur Edward Waite, and the artist who illustrated the cards, Pamela Colman Smith. The Rider-Waite deck is the most widely recognized and used Tarot deck worldwide.

The Rich History of Tarot: Origins and Variations

While the Rider-Waite Tarot deck is considered the standard, it is essential to consider the rich history and various adaptations of the Tarot that have led to its current form. This history provides insight into the diverse world of Tarot cards and offers a broader understanding of their numerology.

Origins

The exact origins of Tarot cards are shrouded in mystery, with some theories pointing to Ancient Egypt and others to the Kabbalah of Jewish mysticism. However, the most widely accepted theory is that they originated in Italy in the 15th century, as playing cards known as 'Tarocchi.' Over the centuries, these cards evolved into the mystical and divinatory tool we know today as Tarot.

Variations

Throughout the world, various Tarot decks have emerged, representing different cultures, beliefs, and artistic styles. While all of these decks share the central structure of the Tarot, they may differ in the number of cards, the imagery, and the interpretation of the cards' meanings. Some of the diverse Tarot decks include:

• Marseille Tarot - This is an older and significantly influential Tarot deck from France. While similar in structure to the Rider-Waite deck, the Marseille Tarot features more abstract and less detailed imagery.
• Thoth Tarot - Designed by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, the Thoth Tarot is a highly symbolic and intricate deck. It contains 78 cards, but some Major Arcana cards have different names than the standard representatives.
• Lenormand - Although technically not a Tarot deck, the Lenormand is an oracle deck with 36 cards often used alongside Tarot for readings. Each card's imagery is more straightforward than Tarot, and the deck's divination style focuses more on practical everyday matters.
• Other decks - The list of Tarot and oracle decks currently available is seemingly endless, with options for every taste and belief system. Some popular alternatives include the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Deviant Moon Tarot, and the Prisma Visions Tarot.

Unique Tarot Decks: The Impact on Numerology

As mentioned earlier, the Rider-Waite tarot deck is just one standard version of the Tarot. Throughout history and across countries, various unique Tarot decks have emerged, featuring both additional and fewer cards. This variety results in some discrepancies when answering the question of how many Tarot cards exist in total.

For example, some Tarot decks may have additional Major Arcana cards representing archetypes not found in the standard Rider-Waite deck. Others may have a different number of court cards within the Minor Arcana or completely different suits and imagery.

It is important to remember that what truly matters when working with Tarot cards is the intuition and connection one feels with the deck. There is no "right" or "wrong" number of cards in a deck. Instead, the cards exist as a tool for opening the reader's intuition and connecting with the divine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many Major Arcana cards are in a standard Tarot deck? In a standard Tarot deck, there are 22 Major Arcana cards.
2. How many Minor Arcana cards are in a standard Tarot deck? In a standard Tarot deck, there are 56 Minor Arcana cards, divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles.
3. Which Tarot deck should I start with? The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is often recommended for beginners due to its clear imagery, which can be easier to interpret and learn. However, it is essential to choose a deck that resonates with you personally.
4. What is the difference between Tarot and oracle decks? Tarot decks follow a specific structure, usually consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. Oracle decks can vary in the number of cards, structure, and purposes, often created based on the specific theme or system unique to that particular deck.
5. Can you mix Tarot and oracle cards in a reading? Yes, you can mix Tarot and oracle cards in a reading. Combining both can provide a richer, more in-depth reading experience, especially when using oracle cards as a means of providing further clarification or advice to the Tarot reading.

In conclusion, while there is a standard number of Tarot cards in a deck (78), the world of Tarot is much richer and more diverse than this single number may suggest. By exploring various Tarot decks, the history behind them, and the numerology of the Tarot system, one can appreciate the beauty and power within this age-old mystical tool.

To learn more about Tarot and get personalized readings, check out this helpful blog and consider signing up for online psychic readings.