Numerologists believe that numbers are connected to specific concepts and events – even through alphabet. For example 1 is about new beginnings, 2 is about duality and balance, while 10 is about completion and transformation. Therefore, with Numerology we are trying to connect the meaning of a number to real-life events – we are trying to explain what is the importance of numbers in people’s lives – we are trying to get to the root of a number. But how are Numerology and Tarot connected? As a matter of fact, they go together just like a hand and a glove. Have you ever noticed the Roman numerals on Decks that rely on Rider Waite? Of course you have! And did it ever happen to you that the cards you pulled were in sequential in ascending order or even more sequential in descending order? Yep, the cards are sending a message.
Let’s start with the very basics. Tarot cards are divided into Minor Arcana and Major Arcana. In Major Arcana the cards are marked with numbers from 0-21 and Minor Arcana is divided into 4 suits (Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles) and each of these suits has 14 cards. These cards range from 1 (Aces) to 10s, with accompanying Pages (11 = 2 because 1 + 1 = 2 ), Knights (12 = 3), Queens (13 = 4) and Kings (14 = 5). To keep it super simple, you can break any number into a single digit number, for example 35 is broken into 3 + 5 which gives 8. But as you advance in Tarot, you can also learn the meanings of higher numbers (up to 22) so you can cover the entire Major Arcana, because this will only elevate your readings. However, for now we have decided to keep it simple and limit this knowledge to single digits with one important exception – number 10, a number of completion. Therefore, if you can learn what the numbers from 1 to 10 mean, you have a great start to incorporate numerology in your Tarot readings.
Number 1 is About New Energy and Beginnings
Aces represent number One and as such the fundamental energies and qualities attributed to their suits. They can mark beginnings and endings; surrounding cards tell us which of these applies. Above all, Aces are a clear sign that big, important and decisive changes will soon occur.
Aces are associated with the numerological meaning of the number one. They indicate strength, initiative, new beginnings and thorough changes. The singular is a masculine, active number that represents events and actions rather than thoughts and feelings. Similarly, Aces tend to predict real events and actions rather than describing a flow of thought and emotional experience. Their energy is realized in the emergent world of forms, although it is often accompanied by a corresponding increase in personal vitality and creativity. Sometimes they herald sudden, violent changes that occur in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, but the ultimate purpose of these upheavals is for a person to overcome obstacles and free himself from the pressures that prevent him from achieving his goals. Tradition attributes to each Ace a number of material terms, such as a ring, a letter, and the like. The meaning of these terms becomes clear when we realize that they symbolize the deeper contents of the cards. For example, the overflowing energy of the Ace of Wands is symbolized by gifts and money, while the Ace of Cups can predict a love letter or a phone call from a loved one. But we must know that these appearances are only a material expression of the deeper content of the cards, which is always very important with Aces.
Number 2 is About Balance and Connection
The number two, traditionally associated with the moon, is a symbol of duality. It represents light and darkness, masculinity and femininity, positive and negative and all other opposites. These are in eternal balance, as neither pole can exist without the other. Closely related to the number Two of unity and synthesis are moderation, rhythm and time. But the natural polarity expressed by the deuce can also indicate strife and imbalance; in order to restore balance, we must be understanding, flexible and considerate. This number generally represents partnerships and actions that lead to a balance of power, and the specific area of its expression is determined by the suit of the card.
Number 3 is About Creativity and Communication
The multifaceted number Three is an active, masculine number associated with Mercury, the planet of communication. It is a moving and creative number, representing fertility and growth. Events and people related to the Three are changing, so nothing has been decided yet. Energy, spring and the prospect of birth and new beginnings, as well as lucky coincidences and business ventures, are associated with the triplet. The negative expression of this number is immaturity, irresponsibility and inability to create anything worthwhile and lasting. All creative endeavors are fueled in the fountain of restless forces of the Three, while its close connection with communication means that information and knowledge are indispensable for progress.
Number 4 is About Foundations, Basis and Limitations
The stable, formative number Four is traditionally associated with the earth. This connection is symbolically described by the four seasons, the elements, the winds, the directions of the sky and the archangels. The vibration of the Four can be traced wherever logic, reason and common sense prevail. It is connected to all kinds of foundations, which allow for a slow, careful construction process. The highest expressions of this number are methodical work, routine and the power that certainty gives. Expressed negatively, number Four means limitations, lack of vision and an uncreative attitude towards life. Its essence is a structure without which no idea could be realized in the material world.
Number 5 is About Changes and Movement
The number Five is another unstable card, and as such it indicates change, energy, movement and freedom. It is associated with social gatherings, restless pursuits, attraction and travel. Fives always herald new things, but their direct expression can be positive or negative. The mortification comes to an end, the need for radical change prompts new activities, opportunities for travel arise, whether in body or spirit. The contradictory nature of the Five has given rise to many devils over the centuries. The ancient Romans, for example, used it for talismans that protected them from the forces of evil, while the five-pointed star is still considered a magical symbol today.
Number 6 is About Choice and Composure
The number Six, traditionally associated with the goddess of love Venus and the sun, is basically an emotional number. We associate it with all aspects of domestic life – with children, nature, domestic animals and family – and with the need for preservation, whether it is actual feeding or emotional fulfillment. Home life brings responsibilities; we have to work hard to maintain balance and sobriety, we have to constantly make new decisions. The most important thing about Sixes is that they are the cards of choice. They remind us that every issue has two sides, and they advise us not to be lazy, because inaction and indecision are special types of evil.
Number 7 is About Secrets and Challenges
The number Seven is the third unstable number in the numerological sequence. Like the Three and the Five, the Seven predicts change and movement. At the same time, this is the number of mystery and magic; it is connected with inner dimensions, with the invisible, with the world of dreams. If you find a Seven among the selected cards, meditation, quiet thinking and rumination would help you, as its direct expression can be quite misleading. Sevens are associated with exploration, discovery and observation, but they also rule secrets and changeable fortunes. The number seven is above all the number of luck and fate, so it is a kind of fateful cards that promise us enlightenment through trials and challenges.
Number 8: Power and Karma
The number Eight is traditionally associated with the planet Saturn and represents structure, achievement, strength and karma. Saturn is considered the planet of limitations, closures and transitions. This meaning also pervades the Eights, which reflect the violent, penetrating power of the material world. Since number Eight is a doubled Four, it expresses the importance of solid foundations that a person must lay if he wants to achieve anything worthwhile and lasting in life. Its connection with karma is based on the message of the well-known saying: We reap what we sow. We could also say: Good or bad, everything comes back to us. Eight teaches us that everything in life has a price and that every action has its reaction.
Number 9: Happiness and Spirituality
As the last whole number in the numerological sequence, the Nine represents perfection and inspiration. It represents spiritual love, bright goals, vitality and beauty, as well as art, knowledge and philanthropy. In ancient Greece, these qualities were attributed to nine muses-goddesses who governed art and philosophy. Nine is reputed to be a lucky number, and such meaning pervades all its Suits, except for the Sword, which represents the unpredictable, dark purposes of the goddesses of fate. But even here, luck is on the side of the brave. Nine is the number of triumph, its essence lies in the passionate search for truth.
Number 10: Transformation and Completion
Tens are related to aces because they correspond to ones in numerology. Like Aces, Tens show that we are on the threshold of something new, but unlike Aces, they predict consolidation and strengthening. All the beginnings associated with this number are a continuation of the previous, already completed chapter, so they mean finishing work, healing and relaxation. The proverb that describes the negative expression of this number is: “The darkest hour is always before dawn.” But Ten is also the number of destiny and as such symbolizes important, key life stages. Tens represent turning points and reflect the cycle of life: they are completions that herald change.