So I recently (4 months ago) got some tarot cards. They were 53 and a mix of the major and minor arcana. I was wondering if anyone had any idea if that would be ok to do. I used to do readings with a normal pack of playing cards so I'm rather used to the layout, but I just wanted to know if anybody knew anything about mixing both arcana. Is it bad, is it ok, does it only matter the way that one interprets the cards?
Some people start out reading only the major arcana, as these represent major themes and are only 22 cards. As time and experience progress, folks tend to add the minor arcana as they are more accustomed to the cards.
Something concerns me just a little: You mention the deck is 53 cards. Is it an oracle deck, or is it a traditional tarot deck, missing a lot of cards? If it is the former, there's no worry; oracle decks are not often labeled 'tarot,' because they will frequently use a different quantity of cards, based on the creator's inspiration. A tarot deck, however, based on the traditional symbolism, should have 78 cards. With cards missing, the deck may not be able to reflect certain ideas or symbols as accurately as having a complete set might.
My friend got my cards from an old shop about a year ago. They were unopened and I believe the deck is called The Illuminated Tarot. I loved the art and I was vibing with it so she just bought it( at the time my family didn't know I was practicing). I did a few minutes of research and I thought that they must be the same-ish thing as tarot.
Oracle decks are more so for questions than answers, but from my deck, I've been able to get relatively good interpretations. I mean, that may just be because I've done tarot for a good 2 years now.
I had never heard of that deck, so I looked it up. It's a very interesting concept, and by its own design sort of puts it into oracle deck territory. But it also somewhat complicates your original question.
The Illuminated Tarot deck combines the Major arcana with the court cards, and adds the Fool to the mix. It's 53 cards for eliminating 21 of the Majors (all but the Fool), and transposing that symbolism onto the court cards of a regular playing deck. It also leaves out the Page/Princess cards.
The intent is so that the majors and court cards can be read as the person pleases. So, that will entirely depend on your own intuition in this case. I personally like having them separate, but that's up to you.
I have the exact same tarot pack. It ia totally normal and very good for me. It only contains 53 cards but be careful because the meanings of the carda explained in the book that comes with the pack is not really correct.
