The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards which are divided into 4 suits, Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles. It is thought, and generally accepted that each suit corresponds to one of the four astrological elements of Fire, Air, Water and Earth.
The suit of Wands corresponds to the element of Fire. Fire is a created force which can either shed light and create warmth, or, if uncontrolled, can burn and cause destruction. Wands represent creativity, the imagination and the want of turning dreams into reality. The positive side of Wands has much to do with authority and control and the establishment of power through strength, victory and strife. The negative side being the misuse of power and oppression.
The suit of Swords corresponds to the element of Air. Swords represent our way of thinking and things which we believe to be true or not true and often suggests conflicts and strife as well as their outcomes. Happiness, attainment, sorrow and despair can all be found in the very active suit of Swords.
The suit of Cups corresponds to the element of Water. The Cup represents our ability to manage and contain our emotions and feelings, the Cup can be either empty or full and its contents may be thirst quenching or poisonous. The contents of the Cup symbolises the unconscious, it is the most liquid and the most powerful force in the world and has the ability to supply all of our wishes without ever drying-up.
The suit of Pentacles corresponds to the element of Earth. Pentacles represent our ability to make positive changes in our lives. Pentacles symbolise the material world, our successes and our losses, wealth and poverty.
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