Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, divided into two parts: Major Arcana (22 cards) representing universal forces and life lessons, and Minor Arcana (56 cards) reflecting everyday situations, emotions, and events. Each card carries its own symbolism, read according to its upright or reversed position and its relationship with surrounding cards in a spread.

The most widely used Tarot deck today is the Rider-Waite-Smith, published in 1909, featuring detailed illustrations on every card — unlike earlier decks that used only numerical symbols. Since then, thousands of versions have been created, but the core system of meanings remains the same.

The 22 Major Arcana begins with card 0 — The Fool — and ends at card 21 — The World. This sequence is often called "The Fool's Journey": from innocence, through lessons of power, love, death, and rebirth, toward fulfillment.

When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it often points to larger forces at work — karmic lessons, turning points, or defining life themes. Minor Arcana, on the other hand, reflects the everyday events and emotions we can actively shape.