Numerology is intricately woven into Tarot. As a reader, I take numbers into account for timing, motion, and indications of growth. In this post, we’ll examine my use of numerology in Tarot readings.
Numerology Basics
These are the very basics of numerology – it is a fascinating field, well worth studying on its own, and I use just these basics.
First, pay attention to the card’s number. The suits are numbered 1-10 and the Major Arcana cards are 0-21. We want to work with a single-digit number, so if we have a multiple-digit number we just add the two numbers together to get a single number. So, the World card is 21, 2+1 = 3. Death is number 13 and 1+3 = 4.
The number ten is an interesting one. It is made up of 1 and 0. Added together we, of course, get 1, but I like to see this card as 0 because it represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new.
In the same way, the Fool is number 0 in the Major Arcana and can be seen as both the beginning and the end. Some decks like the Triple Goddess Tarot include two Fool cards to symbolize its dual role.
We now have a single-digit number, what does it mean?
Numerology Keywords
| 1 | Potential, new beginning, inspiration |
| 2 | Partnership, balance, choice, planning |
| 3 | Growth, goals, creativity, groups |
| 4 | Stability, foundation, structure, manifestation |
| 5 | Instability, change, conflict, challenge |
| 6 | Harmony, communication, problem-solving, adjustment |
| 7 | Reflection, assessment, spirituality, discovery, knowledge |
| 8 | Movement, quick change, regeneration, attainment, action |
| 9 | Fruition, attain fulfillment, near completion |
| 0 | Completion, end of cycle, regeneration, metamorphosis |
These numerology keywords give a quick idea of what the card is “about”. If we look at the twos in each of the suits, we can see how these keywords relate. The Two of Cups is about a new partnership, the Two of Pentacles about planning and balance, the Two of Swords is about choices, and the Two of Wands is planning and choice.
Modern Witch Tarot
Modern Witch Tarot
Modern Witch Tarot
Modern Witch Tarot
Timing and Motion
Where I really use numerology is in looking at the cards together. Are we seeing motion forward? Or backwards? What timing are we looking at?
In this spread there is backward movement, ending with a suggestion that the client takes some time to reflect. Starting at the Eight of Pentacles, we have the Strength as an 8 as well, but the Two moves backward, and the page, while a court card, is a card of beginnings that I take as a backward movement as well. The Hanged One is number 12 (1+2=3), so it might indicate forward movement again, but also might indicate a period of time. This is where intuition comes in. For this reading, I saw a period of stasis and retreat lasting about three months.
This use of numerology in the reading adds depth to reading the actual cards in their positions. I use it to get a feel for the spread and what is going on.
The next reading you get, take a look at the numbers of the cards whether your reader points them out or not. You might find some additional information that increases your understanding.
What Clients are Saying about Sophrosyne Tarot
I was advised to ask open-ended questions instead of predictive questions which I thought was helpful because I never would have known if it weren’t for the reader. The reader provided the reading along with some advice too so the entire reading was very thorough and explained in an understandable manner.
Everything said was accurate and helpful for me to identify my flaws in order to grow as a person. I have learned a lot about tarot and what it does to help me.
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