Tarot Numerology: The Secret Language of Numbers

Introduction: The Universe is Written in Numbers

Galileo said, "The book of nature is written in the language of mathematics." Tarot is the same. Tarot images have changed over time, but the Numbers have not. Many readers focus only on pictures (images), but true masters penetrate the core of cards with just the combination of numbers and elements.

Core Concept: Journey from 1 to 10

Minor Arcana (Ace ~ 10) show the process of an event starting, completing, and declining.

1 (Ace): Seed, Beginning, Pure Energy

• Point. Gift from God.
• Formless potential.
• Ex: Ace of Wands (Start of passion), Ace of Cups (New emotion of love).

2: Balance, Opposition, Choice

• Line. You and I. Duality.
• Ex: 2 of Swords (Crossroads), 2 of Cups (Union of two).

3: Creation, Growth, First Result

• Plane. 1 meets 2 to birth 3 (Triangle).
• Ex: 3 of Empress (Fertility), 3 of Cups (Celebration).

4: Stability, Order, Fixation

• Solid. Square. Solid structure.
• Too stable becomes stifling.
• Ex: 4 of Emperor (Control), 4 of Pentacles (Possessiveness).

5: Change, Instability, Trial

• Human breaking the stability of 4 (Pentagon).
• Crisis and conflict. Pain for growth.
• Ex: 5 of Pentacles (Poverty), 5 of Swords (Defeat).

6: Harmony, Recovery, Help

• Two triangles (Star of David). Perfect balance.
• Rest after trial (5).
• Ex: 6 of Cups (Nostalgia), 6 of Wands (Victory).

7: Challenge, Inner Conflict, Mystery

• Not satisfied with victory (6). Questioning for higher ground.
• Ex: 7 of Cups (Delusion vs Vision), 7 of Swords (Strategy vs Deceit).

8: Strength, Regeneration, Repetition

• Infinity (∞) symbol. Re-establishment of order.
• Ex: 8 of Strength (Endurance), 8 of Pentacles (Craftsmanship).

9: Climax, Solitude, Fullness

• Last single digit. Reaching the end.
• Ex: 9 of Hermit (Wisdom), 9 of Cups (Wish fulfillment).

10: Completion, Excess, Start of New Cycle

• 1+0=1. End and restart.
• So full it overflows.
• Ex: 10 of Wands (Overwork), 10 of Cups (Perfect family), 10 of Swords (End of pain).

Deep Dive: Tarot Reading Tips

Pay attention to Repetition of Numbers in a spread.

• Many 5s? → "Situation is very unstable and changing."
• Many 4s? → "You are resisting change and trying to keep stability."
• Many Aces? → "New energy is coming in."

Conclusion: Numbers Don't Lie

Images are open to subjective interpretation, but numbers are objective. When Tarot cards don't read well, look at the numbers. "3 (Growth) + Cups (Emotion) = Growing Emotion" "5 (Trial) + Pentacles (Money) = Trial due to money"

Numerology is the Bone of Tarot reading. Only with strong bones can you add the flesh of intuition.

References:

• Ruth A. Drayer, Numerology, The Power in Numbers
• Mary K. Greer, Tarot for Your Self