Address: 2239 Mirabeau Ave New Orleans, LA 70122 Description: What type of deck does my tarot card reader use? A tarot reading centers around a deck of cards with specific drawings and symbols, somewhat similar to the popular 52-card playing deck that is used in cartomancy. The most common deck for tarot readings in modern times contains 78 cards, of which 22 are called major arcana and 56 are called minor arcana. A tarot reader uses the cards to uncover patterns, energies, and trends that can help interpret your present situation and predict future occurrences.