The Variety of Cards in a Tarot Deck: A Complete Overview

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Updated: January 5, 2025

When it involves tarot analyses, one of one of the most usual questions individuals have is how many cards remain in a tarot card deck. The response may stun you as there are different variants of tarot card decks with varying varieties of cards. In this article, we will check out the principal kinds of tarot decks and the number of cards in each.

Typical Tarot Card Decks

The most popular type of tarot deck is the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card deck, which includes 78 cards. This deck is split right into 2 primary areas: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Significant Arcana consists of 22 cards, each portraying a different archetypal style, while the Minor Arcana contains 56 cards separated into 4 fits: Mugs, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.

Other typical tarot card decks, such as the Thoth tarot deck and the Marseille tarot card deck, likewise follow the 78-card framework, with variations in the art work and significance used on the cards.

  • Rider-Waite-Smith tarot card deck: 78 cards
  • Thoth tarot deck: 78 cards
  • Marseille tarot card deck: 78 cards

Variants in Tarot Card Decks

While the 78-card tarot card deck is one of the most common, there are also variations that have even more or fewer cards. One instance is the Tarot de Marseilles, which has 79 cards, including an extra card called La Papesse (The High Priestess).

On the various other hand, some tarot decks, such as the Tarot of Marseilles, may have fewer cards than the conventional 78-card deck. These decks might have less cards in the Major or Minor Arcana, or may omit certain cards entirely.

Oracle Decks

Apart from traditional tarot card decks, there are also oracle decks that are used for prophecy functions. Oracle decks vary significantly in the variety of cards they contain, with some decks having as few as 20 cards and others having more than 100 cards.

Unlike tarot card decks, oracle decks do not comply with a standard personal astrology reading structure or importance, allowing for higher adaptability and creativity in readings. Some popular oracle decks include the Angel Oracle Cards and the Siren Guidance Oracle Cards.

Choosing the Right Deck

With numerous options offered, it can be overwhelming to choose the appropriate tarot card deck for your requirements. When choosing a deck, take into consideration the art work, meaning, and energy of the cards. Depend on your intuition and pick a deck that resonates with you directly.

Final thought

Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or a beginner looking to explore the world of prophecy, comprehending the number of cards in a tarot card deck is necessary for picking the free tarot card reading best deck for your requirements. By exploring the different types of tarot decks and their unique characteristics, you can grow your connection to the cards and boost your tarot practice.