Arcana — Definition

Arcana is the Latin plural of arcanum, meaning "secret" or "mystery." In tarot, the term refers to the structural division of the deck into the 22 Major Arcana, which depict broad life themes and archetypes, and the 56 Minor Arcana, which describe everyday situations and emotional textures. The split was popularised in the late 19th century by occultists who reframed playing-card decks as a system of esoteric knowledge. Reading both arcana together gives a fuller picture: the Major sets the stage, the Minor fills in the details.

Origin

From Latin arcanum, meaning "hidden thing" or "secret." Adopted into tarot vocabulary by 19th-century French occultists.

Example

A spread that pulls mostly from the Major Arcana usually points to a turning-point moment rather than a passing mood.