Quintessence (Minor Arcana)

To add depth to your own tarot readings and/or get additional advice, I always recommend calculating the quintessence after each tarot reading. The word quintessence therefore means: the core or essence of a matter.

So the quintessence of your tarot reading shows what it is mainly about.

The following is a brief guide to use when calculating and interpreting the quintessence of your own readings. 

Calculating the quintessence with the Major Arcana

Add up all the numbers of all the cards you have drawn. The result (the sum) corresponds to the card that adds to your 'reading' an extra message or advice

All numbers above 21 should be added together.

For example 23> 2+ 3 = 5 (the Hierophant)

35> 3 + 5 = 8 (the Force)

CAUTION:

When, after adding the two digits of the result, you arrive at another two-digit number, you also add these numbers together again.

For example: 67> 6 + 7 = 13 (Death) AND > 1 + 3 = 4 (second advice card: the Emperor!)

In this case, Death shows that it is important to bring closure to a certain situation, the Emperor tells you how best to do so. 

Read >HERE further if you only want to use the Great Arcana quintessence.

If you also want to use the Minor Arcana as additional advice cards, read on below the image.

Calculating the quintessence with the Minor Arcana

When you have added up all the cards from your card reading, you can also look up this number in the list of Minor Arcana cards below.

If you use both the Major Arcana quintessence and the Minor Arcana quintessence, your readings will gain even more depth.

If you prefer all descriptions of the maps in book form, you can >HERE order my book 'The Tarot in Brief'.

Below is an overview in which all minor arcana cards are linked to numbers.

1. Swords Ace

Symbolism: the sword can 'cut a knot', therefore this sword represents a decision to be made, clarity being created.

 

2. Swords two

Symbolism: the person in the picture seems to be protecting her heart. She may have been hurt before, failed before, and now closes herself off to avoid being hurt and/or disappointed again. The swords each point in one direction indicating doubt.

 

3. Swords three

Symbolism: the swords pierce a heart, but there is no blood. These are old wounds, old hurts that can be stirred up. Sometimes this card represents a decision taken against feelings.

 

4. Swords four

Symbolism: the person on the card is taking a rest. Usually 'of necessity' to heal or to sort things out for himself so that he/she can continue rested and with fresh courage.

 

5. Swords five

Symbolism: there has been struggle and possible dishonesty and/or foul play. Both winner and loser feel uncomfortable.

 

6. Swords six

Symbolism: the boat sails to the other side, there have been troubled times, but those in the boat hope for a better, new beginning. One enters 'calmer waters'.

 

7. Sifting swords

Symbolism: the person in the card is trying to say goodbye to the past, but because he keeps looking back and is not honest with himself and/or those around him, something will always 'stick' and he will never get rid of it. This card often represents falling into the same mistakes/ habits over and over again.

 

8 Swords eight

Symbolism: the person on the card is bound and blindfolded, indicating that she won't/can't/doesn't look forward. But... why not? There are no knots, she can unwind in an instant and take off the blindfold. The way forward is free, but she has to want to see it!

 

9. Swords nine

Symbolism: the person on the card is worried, but... are these worries well-founded? The swords on the card do not touch the person, but rather tell her that all obstacles can be removed one by one. She is better off putting her energy into this, rather than fretting about it!

 

10. Swords ten

Symbolism: the person on the card is pierced by swords. A gruesome sight. Yet it is only a symbolic meaning: it is the death of worry. A better time follows, as the sun rises on the horizon!

 

11. Swords Squire

Symbolism: this Squire has a restless influence. He does not have both feet on the ground, and discord is in the air, therefore he is vigilant: ready for battle! Criticism and disagreement is part of this card.

 

12. Swords Knight

Symbolism: this Knight brings a restless atmosphere. Aggression, strife, and impulsiveness.

 

13. Swords Queen

Symbolism: this Queen is insightful, somewhat cool, straightforward, intelligent and independent. Aloofness, intellect, independence.

 

14. Swords King

Symbolism: this King is somewhat stubborn, dominant, rigid and authoritarian. He does not tolerate contradiction and is easily irritated.

 

15. Rod Ace

Symbolism: the staff with new fresh leaves on it is grasped, as if a new opportunity is being offered and tackled. The card radiates strength, and because it is an Ace, the first card of a series, it indicates a new beginning.

 

16. Rod two

Symbolism: much has already been achieved, yet there is still doubt about the future, there is still a long way to go before you can actually enjoy what you have achieved so far. Don't keep thinking about the future, but above all enjoy the 'now' and share it with someone else if necessary. Together you are stronger and you might have more fun.

 

17. Rod three

Symbolism: a long road is behind us, and now is the time to reap the harvest and let go of the past to move on on a basis that brings certainty.

 

18. Rod four

Symbolism: there are celebrations, gatherings where your company is wanted, groups of people from two to more having a good time together, a card with a positive look that welcomes you!

 

19. Rod five

Symbolism: battles are being fought, but in a playful way. Yet there seems to be some rivalry, people want to 'prove themselves'.

 

20. Bar six

Symbolism: a victory march. The winner, the hero, is brought in amid joy and cheers. He brings good news and gets the appreciation he deserves.

 

21. Rod seven

Symbolism: the person on the card seems to want to defend himself. Possibly people disagree with him or he actually feels 'attacked' and feels he has to defend his position. The card also points out that, above all, you should not let others take you off guard, that you would do well to (continue to) stand up for what you think and feel!

 

22. Rod eight

Symbolism: the bars fly through the air and are already landing. They indicate rapid, positive, developments, and they are already on their way to you!

 

23. Bar nine

Symbolism: there is talk of a difficult past in which the person on the card has had many struggles. As a result, he has now become more cautious and may be inclined to let the cat out of the tree and build a wall around himself to avoid new disappointments.

 

24. Bar ten

Symbolism: the person on the card misallocates his powers. Possibly he wants to do too much at once, making things unnecessarily difficult for himself.

 

25. Bars Squire

Symbolism: this Squire has a positive influence. Sometimes he is a messenger who brings unexpected good news, or indicates someone around you who sends you an invitation or proposal or an event that sparks your inspiration, that motivates you. He is also associated with spiritual messages.

 

26. Rod Knight

Symbolism: this Knight conveys a somewhat impatient atmosphere. His horse is trampling with impatience to leave this place and the Knight seems to have a hard time keeping him in check. He is about to leave at full gallop. Over-enthusiasm.

 

27. Rod Queen

Symbolism: this Queen is beautiful inside and out. She is understanding, helpful, but also knows very well what she wants. Cordial and self-confident.

 

28. Rod King

Symbolism: this King is sympathetic, serious, strong-willed and motivating. A rock you can rely on and trust. Self-confident and enterprising.

 

 

Cups

29. Cups Bait

Symbolism: the cup overflows with goodness. Happiness, health, prosperity - in every field, this card is a harbinger of happiness and prosperity!

 

30. Cups two

Symbolism: slowly but surely, two people come together. It concerns something special and lasting, which, although it needs time to grow and develop, will not be transient.

 

31. Cups three

Symbolism: several people are having a good time together. There is a happy ending, a 'happy ending' that is toasted. The goal is/will be achieved!

 

32. Cups four

Symbolism: the person on the card sits looking dissatisfied in front of him and does not see that he is being handed a goblet. This card represents sulking about a particular situation, and going into the dissatisfaction in such a way that he overlooks obvious solutions when there are!

 

33. Cups five

Symbolism: the person on the card is grieving for what has been lost, and is so sad about this that he does not see that there are still a number of cups standing upright behind him, that there is a bridge leading to a beautiful place that he can go to, that there is still enough to look forward instead of 'lingering' in the past and grief.

 

34. Cups six

Symbolism: memories fill the mind. Everything used to be better and more beautiful, but... is it really? What can you do now to bring back that feeling, the atmosphere, of the past?

 

35. Sifting cups

Symbolism: the person on the card does not seem to be able to choose from all the options presented to him, or... those he comes up with himself. Which options are feasible for him, and which are not? This card reminds us of the danger of dreams that cannot be fulfilled, perhaps because they are too high, and so disappointment is almost inevitable.

 

 

36. Cups eight

Symbolism: the person on the card is saying goodbye to his current lifestyle. Although he is still uncertain about what is to come next, he perseveres. Gradually it will become clear which new path he will take.

 

37. Cups nine

Symbolism: the person on the card is content, but also a bit smug. Perhaps he enjoys everything he has a bit too much and has trouble controlling himself when it's sociable...

 

38. Cups ten

Symbolism: the people on the card are grateful and content, they appreciate and enjoy what they have. This card is always a positive omen, in whatever field, it represents the achievement of a goal, a wish fulfilled. Joy, gratitude, but also warns that nothing can be taken for granted, that we have to keep working on our happiness ourselves, and that this will be rewarded.

 

39. Goblets Squire

Symbolism: this Squire is a charmer and brings with him love, a reconciliation dream, or flattery. He not infrequently offers new opportunities, like a new education, a new relationship, new spiritual impulses, or even a (literal or figurative) birth!

 

40. Goblets Knight

Symbolism: this Knight brings an air of love, helpfulness and relaxation. He is kind to you and willing to lend a helping hand.

 

41. Cups Queen

Symbolism: this Queen is loving, sensitive, caring, and above all intuitively well-developed, but also a dream star. Spirituality and seduction.

 

42. Cups King

Symbolism: this King is sympathetic, compassionate, responsible, yet has a certain need for freedom. He likes to enjoy life, this Burgundian-minded king

 

Pentacles

43. Pentacles Ace

Symbolism: the Ace is in a beautiful environment that radiates peace, happiness and well-being. Inner and outer wealth. This is also again the first card of a series, so again this card represents a new beginning, a new opportunity with a high success rate.

 

44. Pentacles two

Symbolism: the person on the card does not have both feet firmly on the ground, but nevertheless seems to be balancing. This card represents adapting well to new situations, but without actually going anywhere (yet). Balance is still missing. The card has a somewhat playful character and does not indicate serious plans, rather tentative hesitation.

 

45. Pentacles three

Symbolism: the person on the card gets a chance to show what he can do. He is willing to work for his goal, and does his best to do so. He takes the advice of others to heart, but in addition he continues to follow his own intuition. The combination of his own common sense, following his intuition, plus the advice of others, which he may or may not follow on the basis of his intuition, allows him to progress considerably on his road to success!

 

46. Pentacles four

Symbolism: the person on the card 'sits' on his possessions, and possibly his feelings. He finds it hard to take a risk now and then, and prefers to hold on to everything, and keep everything as it was. That way he knows what he has, but... at the same time, with this attitude he also misses out on a lot of beautiful good new things! He is so keen on certainty, creating insecurity instead.

 

47. Pentacles five

Symbolism: the people on the card feel sick and all sorts of things are missing in their lives. Yet they refuse to ask for help, because they may then have to change themselves. Change takes effort, so they prefer to continue living in uncertainty... The snow on the card means that everything is temporary. Even difficulties. Sometimes this card also represents illness that makes one temporarily unable to work on his/her problems. Even then help may be needed (which one sometimes finds difficult to ask for, as one does not want to be a burden to anyone. Still, it can be nice to get someone's advice or help when you need it...)

 

48. Pentacles six

Symbolism: the rich man gives money to the poor, but... he does not throw it around, he considers what they need and weighs his gifts carefully. The poor welcome his support and extend their gratitude to him. Support can be very important!

 

49. Pentacles seven

Symbolism: the person on the card is waiting for his bush to grow and flower. He knows he has done the right thing, digging, sowing, tending, only now he finds it difficult to be patient until real results of his efforts can be seen. Still, it is important to wait and not force anything. After all, everything needs time to grow...

 

50. Pentacles eight

Symbolism: the person on the card is doing fine work and actually enjoys it, because he is doing work he has chosen himself. It takes him time and energy, but it gives him satisfaction! That too is wealth!

 

51. Pentacles nine

Symbolism: the person in the card is enjoying the beautiful surroundings. He/she seems to have to make little effort for all the beauty around him/her. In the past, he/she has made the right decisions which now allows him/her to enjoy all that has been achieved.

 

52. Pentacles ten

Symbolism: this card usually represents family ties, heredity, the family.

There is much learning, peace, harmony and conviviality. Inner and outer wealth. A stable foundation and security.

 

53. Pentacles Tawny

Symbolism: this Squire has a valuable, stable influence. New, welcome lessons and help are to be expected.

 

54. Pentacles Knight

Symbolism: this Knight brings with him a stable, familiar atmosphere. Although somewhat slow, he is strong and persistent and slowly but surely reaches his goal.

 

55. Pentacles Queen

Symbolism: this Queen is reliable, helpful, intelligent and caring.

She is 'the mother' and values domestic sociability and her family. She is not short of anything and thoroughly enjoys all the beauty around her.

 

56. Pentacles King

Symbolism: this King is honest, consistent, leading, but also sympathetic. He holds a good position that enables him to support himself and his family and make sure they do not lack anything.

 

Tarot Blog >HOME