What Does Arcana Mean?

Arcana is the plural form of the Latin word "arcanum," meaning "secret," "mystery," or "hidden knowledge." In tarot, the term is used to classify the two main groups of cards, carrying the connotation that tarot holds concealed wisdom waiting to be revealed.

Major Arcana and Minor Arcana

A standard 78-card tarot deck is divided into two sections:

• Major Arcana (22 cards): Representing life's significant themes, spiritual lessons, and major turning points. Numbered from The Fool (0) to The World (21)
• Minor Arcana (56 cards): Representing everyday events, practical matters, and gradual developments. Divided into four suits of 14 cards each

History of the Term

The word "arcana" was not always associated with tarot. Early Italian players called the trump cards "Trionfi" (Triumphs), while French players used "Atouts" (Trumps). The term "arcana" was popularized by 19th-century French occultists, particularly Éliphas Lévi and Paul Christian, who sought to emphasize the mystical dimension of the cards.

Significance in Readings

The balance between Major and Minor Arcana in a reading carries interpretive weight. A spread dominated by Major Arcana suggests the querent is experiencing significant life events, karmic lessons, or spiritual growth. When Minor Arcana cards predominate, the focus is on day-to-day practical matters and personal agency.