First there are the major and minor arcana. There are twenty-two major arcana, and fifty-six major arcana. The major arcana can be recognized by the fact that they have names instead of suits along with numbers, and by the fact that they have roman numerals on them. The major arcana symbolize things that have a major effect on someone's life, or things that show the big picture; what's really going on, or what is meant to be happening. The minor arcana are divided into four suits. These suits are called Pentacles, Swords, Cups, and Wands. The suit Pentacles symbolizes earth, mundane things, money, and dealings with other people. The suit Swords symbolizes fire, masculinity, passion, strength, and conflict (though not always). The suit Cups symbolizes water, femininity, emotions, and dealings with yourself. The suit Wands symbolizes air, intellect, and change. The way you can recognize the minor arcana is that they are marked by suit and number.
Here's a list of the major arcana (those which are in the Thoth deck. the names may be different in different decks). What they mean will be posted in the next post.
0 The Fool
I The Magus
II The Priestess
III The Empress
IV The Emperor
V The Hierophant
VI The Lovers
VII The Chariot
VIII Adjustment
IX The Hermit
X The Wheel of Fortune
XI Lust
XII The Hanged Man
XIII Death
XIV Art
XV The Devil
XVI The Tower
XVII The Star
XVIII The Moon
XIX The Sun
XX The Aeon
XXI The Universe
Then, for the minor arcana, there are the cards ace through ten, and then the four court cards; princess, queen prince, and knight.
Intro || Basics || Major Arcana || Pentacles || Swords || Cups || Wands || Spreads || Links
