Tarot and Numerology—Interpreting the meaning of numbers in your Tarot cards

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Every card in a Tarot deck has an numerological association. These numbers are based on the principles of numerology and represent a material and spiritual evolutionary process that begins with the number 1 and ends with the number 9.

For the Pip Cards in the Minor Arcana (i.e. those cards from Ace to 10 in each of the four Suits), this is relatively straight-forward. Aces are associated with 1, and then each card is numbered 2 to 10. For the tens, you can either treat it as a 10 or as a 1 (1+0). Court Cards do not typically have a numerological association.

In the Major Arcana, you may need to add the single digits together to create the appropriate numerological association. For example, the Wheel of Fortune is labelled 10. To find its associations you would add 1+0=1. Its association is therefore 1.

Using Numerology in Tarot

Numerology can be used to interpret a single card or an entire reading. Most traditional Tarot card interpretations already take into account the numerological association. For example, the Ace of Wands is about new beginnings and determination, while the Ten of Swords is about an ending. For a complete Tarot reading, numerology can be used to detect certain themes by interpreting how many of each number appear in the reading. For example, the presence of three 4’s in a reading indicates fruition or the manifestation of an idea along with a foundation where things can grow.

The Meanings of Numbers in Tarot

One

New beginnings, opportunity, potential, drive, ideas, inspiration and aspiration. One deals with that which is about to take form. Many ones in a reading indicates that a situation is about to begin or is in the early stages of development.

Two

Balance, duality, a crossroad or choice, partnership, assimilation, sharing, receptivity, diplomacy, gentle persuasion, application, agreement and insight. Many twos in a reading indicates a waiting period where there will be partial success but more will be revealed later. It can also indicate a reconciliation or reunion.

Three

Initial achievement of goals, growth, creativity, abundance, expression, communication and friendships. The number 3 is the cementing factor of 1 and 2 and goes through to 4 to bring about that which is desired and envisioned. Multiple 3s in a reading indicate group activities or situations involving more than one person. They can also indicate delay but with the promise of future success.

Four

Structure, foundation, stability, stagnation, manifestation, practical application, formation, concentration, organisation and planning. It is the result of a well-built foundation and proper application. It is what comes as a result of desire and imagination (i.e. the energy of 1, 2 and 3). Many 4s in a reading indicate fruition or the manifestation of an idea along with a foundation where things can grow.

Five

Instability, conflict, loss, opportunity for change, new cycle, change, expansion and recreation. In a reading, many 5s indicate change, challenge and fluctuation. They also indicate material prosperity but spiritual poverty if not properly balanced.

Six

Communication, problem-solving, cooperation, balance, relaxation, adjustment, harmony, compassion, social consciousness, domesticity, love, care, comfort and concern. Many 6s in a reading indicate adjustments in thoughts, attitudes or conditions. They also represent the ability to transcend difficulties.

Seven

Reflection, assessment, motives, spirituality, wisdom, perfect order, observation, investigation, meditation, discovery and knowledge. Seven represents faith – faith in the things that can’t be seen, but nevertheless exist. It is about knowing the ultimate truths, and it is through experience that understanding develops and faith in the unknown is attained. In a reading, many 7s indicate a period of introspection or solitude.

Eight

Movement, action, change, rebirth, regeneration, re-evaluation, capability, spiritual fortitude, success, recognition, accomplishment and attainment. Eight is associated with power that springs from within and enables one to accomplish that which one sets out to do. Many 8s indicate a positive change of mind or status.

Nine

Fruition, attainment, bringing things to a conclusion, completion, fulfilment, selflessness, magnetism, idealism and giver of wisdom or inspiration. Many 9s in a reading mean that situations or events are nearing completion or have just been completed and another plateau awaits.

Ten

Completion, end of a cycle and renewal. 10 can also become 1 (1+0 = 1) and therefore the tens represent the same things as the Aces but on a higher level. Many 10s in a reading can indicate endings which will soon transform into new beginnings.

Tags: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, Numerology, Tarot Card Meanings

This entry was posted on Friday, March 26th, 2010 at 12:55 pm and is filed under Learning the Tarot - Tarot Basics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.