Images of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck

Major Arcana ("Trumps")

      The first 22-cards are called the Major Arcana, which are sometimes referred to as the Trumps. These represent major archetypal influences in our lives and across the collective unconsciousness of the human population, across time. Please refer to Carl Jung's and Joseph Campbell's writings for more information on these topics.

      When reading Carl Jung's works, as you come across references to Synchronicity, please bare in mind when one combines the randomly shuffled deck of Tarot cards, in combination with Directed Intention, "empowered randomness" (Rosengarten) is engaged. The resulting process seems to have its roots in our holographic universe. In the same manner as observing a subatomic particle forces its quantum waveform to collapse into a single point in space-time, our observation and interaction with the universe may sometimes bring about a level of connection between our consciousness and that of the larger world in which we live. This interaction, when coupled with personal importance or meaning to us, is Synchronicity.

 

Court Cards

      The next logical grouping of cards are the "Court Cards" — Kings, Queens, Knights, and Pages. There are four "Court Cards" in each of four suites. These are useful in gaining insight as to human psychological modalities. Interestingly, at least one modern interpretation of primary psychological divisions also comprises of 16 personality types. Coincidence or Synchronicity?

 

Minor Arcana ("Pips")

      The remaining 40-cards are comprised four suites, of 10-cards each. Collectively they are often referred to as "pips." These are more mundane cards representing the minor trials, tribulations, and joys we may experience during any day of our life. Typically these "pips" tend to concern themselves with events and situations as opposed to personality influences most often seen in the Court. While important they do not carry the long-term influence of the archetypal Trump cards.

Swords (Air)

Four Suites

Suite convey important meanings in and of themselves. Here are some of the common correspondences:

 

Swords	Air	Yang (Male/Aggressive)	Thought; Communication; Intellect.
Wands (or Staves, Rods, Clubs)	Fire	Yang (Male/Aggressive)	Inspiration; Spirituality; Intensity.
Cups (or Hearts)	Water	Yin (Female/Passive)	Emotions; Feelings; Passion.
Coins (or Pentacles)	Earth	Yin (Female/Passive)	Physical; Sensations; Worldly Matters.