Numbers and Elements in Tarot
When you work with the tarot, over time you become aware that the energies of the cards are deeply imbued with esoteric symbolism and rich with references to the elements, astrology, kabbalah and numerology. The elements and numerology in particular are very useful ways to learn the meanings of the cards in the minor suits and today I’m going to focus on their use.
In metaphysics we use the study of numerology to explore energies in our world. Dr. Juno Jordan was a prominent numerologist in the mid twentieth century. In the forward for one of her books, “The Romance in Your Name”, she quotes the Romans: “Nomen est omen”, or “name is destiny”. In reference to the ability of numbers to symbolize a circumstances or condition, she says they are “signposts to guide and protect”.
Max Tegmark, a cosmologist, proposes the mathematical universe hypothesis. “Our external physical reality is a mathematical structure. That is, the physical universe is not merely described by mathematics, but is mathematics (specifically, a mathematical structure).” In other words, Tegmark is proposing that numbers are reality.
Whatever your beliefs, once you become familiar with the numerological energy behind numbers it’s much easier to grasp the meaning of the numbered cards in the suits of the minor arcana in a way that is very flexible. Today I will focus on the number “one”. Here are some keywords for the numerology of one.
The Number One
Creation, independence, initiation, leadership, innovative, beginnings, inventive, original
Now, let’s look at the number one in the tarot minor arcana – all of the tarot aces. I have always loved how they are pictured in the classic Rider Waite Smith deck. In each case, a hand seems to be thrusting directly out of the sky like the hand of God, wielding an emblem of the respective suit; one large pentacle, sword, cup, or wand. Let’s take a closer look at the keywords for one of them and see how they resonate with the numerological meaning.
Ace of Wands
New beginnings, creativity, originality
Sound familiar? The suit of wands corresponds with the element of fire, so you will find associations such as energy, drive, passion, and self-motivation. Combining the numerology and the elemental correspondence, an ace of wands could be anything from new beginnings in a passionate affair to the creative, self-starting energy of entrepreneurship depending on context. See how that works?
Now you try it! Let’s look at pentacles. Given that pentacles are tangible, material, physical manifestations, how would you define an Ace of Pentacles? If you guessed anything along the lines of a new job offer, starting a health regimen, or even planting a garden, you’re on the right track!
If you are interested in this topic, I suggest that you google ‘numerology’ and find a book you like to learn more. I teach about this topic as it relates to tarot frequently in my tarot workshops. I would also recommend a book by my friend and numerology mentor, Michele Landers, “The Tao of Numbers”. Once you get a sense of the numerology, start pulling some cards to see how they are depicted in the tarot. Have fun!
