Numbers and the Tarot
For thousands of years, numbers have been given special significance, above and beyond a way to measure or order things.
The number 7 is considered a lucky number while the number 13 has always had an unlucky, dark aura about it.
Here are some tips to help you with numbers regarding the tarot:
Odd numbers, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, are masculine and they are considered to be active numbers. Even numbers, 2, 4, 6, 8, are feminine and considered to be receptive or passive numbers.
If an extraordinary amount of any particular number shows up in a spread,
it compounds that characteristic. For example, let's say you have three or four Aces in a spread. There will be many new beginnings.
As in Numerology, to find the basic numerical value of a two digit card, add the numbers together until you reduce it down to one digit. Example: the number 15. (1+5=6) If you look at The Lovers (6) and The Devil (15) they are both reduced to a basic numerical value of 6.
Let's take a look at each of the individual numbers and their characteristics.
Zero
The number zero, represents unbounded space, and is called the number of God. Beginning and ending, Alpha and Omega, limitless, infinite, unity. Cards represented by this number: The Fool.
One
The number one signifies new beginnings and represents the ego. The number one, signifies action, ambition and agression. Independence, motivation, singleness of purpose, positivity, will. Cards represented by the number one are; The Magician, The Wheel of Fortune, The Sun, and The Aces of the Minor Arcana.
Two
The number two signifies duality. It shows both sides of things, good and evil, dark and light, etc. Two's signify balance as well as contrast and represents the unconscious mind. Balance, contrast, opposites, partnership, communication, choice. Cards represented by this number are: The High Priestess, Judgement, Justice, and the 2's in the Minor Arcana.
Three
The number three signifies adaptabilty and completion. It combines talent and creativity and is the result of the combination of the first two numbers. It represents the completion of a cycle. Time, creativity, versatility, advancement. Cards represented by this number: The Empress, The Hanged Man, The World, and the 3's in the Minor Arcana.
Four
The number four signifies steadiness and endurance. It is a solid number, depicted by the four seasons of the year, the four points on a compass, the four basic elements of earth, air, water, fire and earth. It builds a foundation. Stability, endurance, practicality, achievement. Cards represented by this number: The Emperor, Death and the 4's in the Minor Arcana.
Five
The five is the first of the spiritual numbers. If you add up the four original elemints and spirit, you get the number 5. It signifies adventure, experience and uncertainty, sometimes conflict. It also depicts expansion. Motion, erratic, adventure, passion, expansion, travel, unpredictability. Cards represented by this number: The Hierophant, Temperance and the 5's in the Minor Arcana.
Six
The number six signifies harmony, dependability, and service. It is associated with beauty, marriage and labor. It is said to be the "perfect" number. Sincerity, protection, dependability, growth, nurturing. Cards represented by this number: The Lovers, The Devil, and the 6's in the Minor Arcana.
Seven
The number seven depicts study and knowledge of the unknown. Seven combines the perfect 6 with the unity of the number 1. Perfection, imagination, awareness, understanding, healing. Cards represented by this number: The Chariot, The Tower, and the 7's in the Minor Arcana.
Eight
The number eight signifies balance and material success. Opportunity, observation, intention, abundance, repetition, infinity. Cards represented by this number: Strength, The Star and the 8's in the Minor Arcana.
Nine
The number nine, signifies universal achievement. It is the last of the single digit numbers and is considered highly spiritual. It represents wisdom and knowledge. Vision, invention, influence, intellectual power, attainment. Cards represented by this number: The Hermit, The Moon, and the 9's of the Minor Arcana.
Ten
The number ten is the first of the 2-digit numbers and is the culmination of that all the other numbers build up to. In this regard, it can be an exaggeration of the suit it represents. It represents great changes and endings. Cards represented by this number: The Wheel of Fortune and the 10's of the Minor Arcana.{jcomments on}
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