With 78 cards in a Tarot deck, the task of memorizing them as a beginner may seem daunting. This is why I propose a more manageable approach: understanding the narrative within each suit. Similar to the major arcana, the minor arcana tells the story of The Fool moving through the deck. Each suit represents a different theme in his journey (the wands represent his passions, the swords represent his mind, the cups represent his emotions, and the pentacles represent his earthly materials), but you can extrapolate a pattern by understanding what each number represents in the deck. By thinking of each card as a component of a story, you will be able to use the context to remember what the card means.
Ace — New beginnings, opportunity, potential
There is a young wanderer, full of dreams and potential
Two — Balance, partnership, duality
The wanderer has a desire for balance and harmony. They seek a partner who will complement their journey.
Three — Creativity, groups, growth
Together, they embark on a path of creativity, joining with others to bring their ideas to life.
Four — Structure, stability, foundation
As their journey progresses, they realize the importance of structure and stability, laying the foundations for their dreams to become reality.
Five — Change, loss, conflict
But the road is not always smooth. Change and conflict challenge their resolve.
Six — Communication, cooperation, harmony
Yet through communication and cooperation, they find ways to navigate through the hard times and continue their journey.
Seven — reflection, understanding, knowledge
In moments of doubt, they pause to reflect and assess their progress, gathering knowledge from their experiences.
Eight — movement, action, accomplishment
With newfound mastery, they take decisive action, pushing forward toward their goals.
Nine — Fruition, attainment, fulfillment
After much effort, they reach a point of fruition, where their dreams become tangible.
Ten — completion, end of a cycle, renewal
But this was not the end. It was merely the completion of a cycle, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Understanding the Tarot through storytelling and numerology can greatly simplify the daunting task of memorizing the cards, especially for beginners. View each suit as a narrative and recognize the patterns within the numbers. The context will help you recall the meaning of each card. Learning about the journey will also provide a framework to read for other people. The cards do not exist in isolation. They are a part of a larger story that you and your client will work to uncover.
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