The difference between the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana

Let's talk about the structure of the Tarot and the energies behind the cards.

Any magical practice — tarot, ritual, astrology, — is based on the Hermetic axiom "as above, so below."

In other words, the macrocosm of the cosmos is reflected in the microcosm of individual experience. I often think of this seen in our eyes and Galaxy. When you look really closely at someone's eye - we can almost see a galaxy.

I also think of the quote, “on earth as it is in heaven”. Instead of invoking the will of heaven, the phrase might refer to an astrological idea that the planets and stars affect what happens here on earth. What happens in the physical world mimics what occurs on a different astral plane or in the spiritual world. Accordingly, the entire universe exists within a tarot deck, with each card representing a person, place, or event. These symbols are depicted in both the Major Arcana cards, which speak to greater lessons, and the Minor Arcana cards, which speak to lesser lessons.

The Major Arcana cards represent the larger themes or more impactful influences. They play a huge role in our journeys and each card stands alone as a powerful message in its own right, representing life-changing energies that define the beginnings or ends of cycles. These powerhouse cards appear during major transitions, signaling distinctive moments of transformation. The cards are numbered to represent stations within our greater journey through life; their chronological order reveals the passing of time.

The Minor Arcana cards, on the other hand, reflect more of the mundane aspects of life - they speak to the smaller actions that make up more of the whole. It is more minor influences and nuanced to specific situations or experiences.

Each present beautiful opportunities to learn more about yourself and your world, with the guidance of the decks and your own inner knowing you can support yourself through life transitions beautifully.