Tarot: the meanings of the different suits in the minor arcana
Each suit represents different aspects and qualities and each number in the suit represents different progressions with those qualities.
The Cups represent your emotions, relationships, and creativity. The Cups cards are associated with the element Water. The Ace of Cups is new emotional beginnings, the 10 of Cups is great happiness in family and romantic relationships, and the cards in between represent different emotional relationship levels. For example, the Two of Cups is partnerships, the Six of Cups is nostalgia, the Eight of Cups signifies leaving something behind.
The Pentacles represent the physical realm, your money, material possessions, and career. The Pentacles are associated with the element Earth. The Ace of Pentacles is new beginnings that may lead to long-term success. The Three of Pentacles is collaboration and teamwork, the Six is balance and abundance, the Eight is reflecting on the rewards you’ve earned, and the Ten is success and the benefits of a life well lived.
The Swords represent your thoughts, intellect, words, actions, and ethics. They are associated with the element Air. The Ace is spiritual and mental clarity and may signify a new project. The Two can be a crossroads or a need for balance, the Six is transition and change, travel and possible new opportunities, the Eight is blocked vision, possibly due to fear or negativity, and the Ten is enlightenment that comes because of trauma or difficulty.
The Wands represent your energy, motivation, and passion. They are associated with the element Fire. They are about action, creativity, passion, inspiration, enthusiasm, adventure, and embracing new opportunities and passions. The Ace is an inspiring new beginning, full of potential. The Three signifies the determination to follow your own heart, the Six is positive news and connecting to your higher self, the Eight is a time to be decisive and take action, and the Ten is possible overwhelm and a time to ask for help.