Quick Answer
Clue: “Set of fortunetelling cards”
Answer: TAROT
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 2-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Set of fortunetelling cards” is answered with TAROT, the standard 5-letter term for a deck used in many fortune-telling traditions.
Why TAROT Is the Right NYT Answer
- Crossword databases and helper sites agree that TAROT is the 5-letter solution for this clue in the January 29, 2026 NYT Mini.
- Dictionary and reference entries explicitly define “tarot” as any of a set of cards used for fortune-telling, matching the clue’s wording almost verbatim.
- Other card-based divination systems exist (like cartomancy with regular playing cards), but TAROT is the only common 5-letter term that fits both the clue and the slot.
What TAROT Means in Plain English
- Tarot refers to a specific deck of usually 78 illustrated cards, traditionally divided into Major and Minor Arcana, used today mainly for spiritual guidance and fortune-telling.
- Historically, tarot cards were also used for card games, but in modern pop culture they are closely associated with readings about life, choices, and possible futures.
- In everyday speech, people say “a tarot deck” or “tarot cards” when talking about this set of fortunetelling cards.
Crossword-Specific Help for TAROT
- In the grid, TAROT appears as T A R O T; with crossings you might first see T_R_T or TA_OT, which makes TAROT a quick fill once you see “fortunetelling.”
- Crossword archives show TAROT used again and again for clues like “Fortuneteller’s deck,” “Cards for a reader,” “Occult deck,” and “Set of fortunetelling cards.”
- Because TAROT is short, vowel-rich, and very familiar, it’s a classic piece of light occult “crosswordese” solvers are expected to recognize.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- For 5-letter clues such as “Fortuneteller’s deck,” “Cards for a psychic,” “Mystical deck,” or “Occult cards,” TAROT should be your first thought.
- Watch for words like “Arcana,” “spread,” or “Major/Minor” in clues; these are strongly associated with tarot readings.
If crossings give T_ROT or _AROT in a context involving fortune-telling or mysticism, TAROT is almost certainly right.
More NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 29, 2026
| Clue | Answer | |
| 1A | Employees, collectively | View Answer |
| 6A | The “L” of TTYL | View Answer |
| 7A | Slowly lessen, as political support | View Answer |
| 8A | Dunkin’ offering | View Answer |
| 9A | Tricky things to navigate with a stroller | View Answer |
| 1D | Toys that go on the decline in winter? | View Answer |
| 2D | Set of fortunetelling cards | View Answer |
| 3D | Make amends | View Answer |
| 4D | Out of patience | View Answer |
| 5D | Guitar bars | View Answer |
