Tarot Card of the Year 2022

One interesting way to use Tarot cards is to calculate which Major Arcana card represents a particular year. As you might guess, this involves adding the individual numbers of the year to arrive at a total that matches the number of a Major Arcana card.

For background, here are my thoughts about the card for 2021:

2 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 5 = THE HIEROPHANT

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

I typically see this card as representing organized religion and/or established entities, methods, and traditions. On one hand, as an American, I might see this as encouraging because it suggests that the “traditional” operation of government is going to prevail, in spite of efforts to create a government in which the Executive Branch has more power than any other.

At the same time, I can see The Hierophant as an indication that organized religion -- particularly the “conservative Christian right” – will continue to increase pressure and build power in order to try to bring society at large in line with their beliefs.

Wow. I do see all of this in what actually happened in 2021.Now let’s move on to 2022.

------------------------------------

Card for 2022

 2 + 0 + 2 + 2 = 6 = THE LOVERS

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

As anyone who has studied the Tarot will tell you, when The Lovers card appears, it may or may not be about a romantic relationship. Historically, there are other meanings. Some Lovers cards depict a man who appears to be trying to decide between two women (one of whom is usually young and beautiful, while the other is a “wifely sort,” whatever that means). That representation suggests that a choice needs to be made.

The Lovers can be about a partnership of any kind, not just romantic. However, it does suggest a sense of “yin-yang”  -- aka masculine/feminine, positive/negative, etc.  In The Lovers, we can see apparently opposing energies coming together to create a stronger, more powerful “whole.”

What energies might “come together” in 2022? Will we see more attempts at cooperation and compromise between “far right” and “far left” factions in politics? Might we see a more literal interpretation in which men and women are able to reach a common ground in some area(s)?

Overall, I think this card indicates a positive, helpful energy. Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Six: "balance, equilibration, symmetry, beauty; harmony of opposites, reciprocity; complementary activities, polarity, love." Let’s hope for that, shall we?

For commentary on The Lovers card from Tarot of the Cat People, click HERE.  

For commentary on The Lovers astrological associations from a variety of decks, click HERE. 

As for the number SIX, I presented a detailed discussion HERE.

Tarot Card of the Year: 2020 and 2021

One interesting way to use Tarot cards is to calculate which Major Arcana card represents a particular year. As you might guess, this involves adding the individual numbers of the year to arrive at a total that matches the number of a Major Arcana card.

Here are my calculations and thoughts for the years 2020 and 2021.

Card of the Year for 2020

2 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 4 = THE EMPEROR

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

To see versions of The Emperor from other decks, 

along with astrological associations, click HERE.

As an American, my first thought upon seeing this card was that it represents Donald Trump and the authoritarian type of government he seems to want for this country (with him as “the authority,” of course). He wants to be “The Emperor.” And that influence in both a personal sense and larger sense is going to continue to affect, infect, and infuse not only American life but life around the world.

Another way to look at this card for 2020 is to think of it as representing a struggle for control, which we are certainly seeing not only here but elsewhere in the world. Who will be “The Emperor”? Who will be in charge? Who will rule? An individual? A select group of people? The masses?

When we look at the number FOUR, we can see a variety of meanings. I explored the number FOUR in detail HERE.

Card of the Year for 2021

2 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 5 = THE HIEROPHANT

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

To see versions of The Hierophant from other decks, 

along with astrological associations, click HERE.

I typically see this card as representing organized religion and/or established entities, methods, and traditions. On one hand, as an American, I might see this as encouraging because it suggests that the “traditional” operation of government is going to prevail, in spite of efforts to create a government in which the Executive Branch has more power than any other.

At the same time, I can see The Hierophant as an indication that organized religion -- particularly the “conservative Christian right” – will continue to increase pressure and build power in order to try to bring society at large in line with their beliefs.

As for the number FIVE, I presented a detailed discussion HERE.


I feel these two cards definitely show areas of focus for 2020 and 2021.

Review: Tarot Beyond the Basics

R E V I E W

Tarot Beyond the Basics

Gain a Deeper Understanding of the Meanings Behind the Cards

by _Anthony Louis_

_Llewellyn_ (April 2014)

Trade Paperback | 9780738739441

408 pages | 8 x 9 x 1 IN

_About My Reviews_

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

First of all, you probably need to know that I have been a fan of Anthony Louis for a long time. Among my all-time favorites are his books Tarot Plain and Simple and Horary Astrology: Plain & Simple (both published by Llewellyn). However, that did not automatically make me love Tarot Beyond the Basics. The love affair began when I was barely into the book and could not resist immediately trying some of things Louis was showing me.

For example, “Using Tarot to Delineate the Ascendant” revealed to me that the Ten of Pentacles (Coins / Wealth) and Three of Pentacles (Coins / Works) are of major significance in understanding my life force and basic motivations (watch for a separate blog post on this!) The section on “Using the Tarot with a Horary Chart” motivated me to take a look at the Tarot implications of a horary chart I recently cast.

Even the appendices are fabulous. Appendix A -- “Keywords for the Suit Cards” -- offers so much more than the title suggests. It is followed by the equally fascinating and useful “Waite’s Original Conception of the Celtic Cross” (Appendix B) and “Elements, Timing, Pips, and Court Cards” (Appendix C).

The bibliography is outstanding. As a nonfiction author, I always try my best to give my readers a wealth of sources from which they can learn more about my subject. Louis does a fantastic job with this.

I imagine it goes without saying that if you are just getting started with Tarot or if you have decided you do not have any interest in incorporating astrology and/or numerology into your Tarot readings, this book is not a great choice for you. It is, however, the perfect book for someone like me – and I suspect there are quite a few of you out there!

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

“Take your tarot reading to a higher level. With an emphasis on tarot’s astrological influences and a number of detailed sample readings, Tarot Beyond the Basics shows the way to becoming an advanced practitioner. Here, Anthony Louis shares how-to instructions for working with reversals, number symbolism, intuition, the four elements, and the philosophical roots of tarot.

Explaining astrology for tarot readers clearly and in a way that makes sense, Louis shows how to use the tarot to give powerful readings that change people’s lives. The “real” tarot exists in the mind of each reader and is interlaced with his or her stories and experiences. The abundance of knowledge presented in Tarot Beyond the Basics is sure to make your readings come alive with meaning and significance.”

THE AUTHOR

Anthony Louis (Connecticut) is a physician and psychiatrist. Astrology has been his avocation for more than 30 years. He has lectured internationally on horary astrology and has published numerous articles and books, including Tarot Plain and Simple and Horary Astrology: Plain & Simple (both published by Llewellyn). Articles posted on the Llewellyn web site: Astrology and Tarot, A Meditation and Pythagorean Numerology and Tarot.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE BOOK

“The cards themselves are simply pieces of cardboard decorated with evocative images, that stimulate the imagination. The ‘real’ tarot exists in the mind of each reader and is interlaced with his or her life history and repository of experiences, or better said, with the view of reality the reader has created from those experiences.”

“The origin of [the Celtic Cross spread] was neither Celtic nor particularly related to the cross that shares its name.”

“Most astrologers do not believe planets ‘cause’ events but rather that important correlations occur between changing planetary patterns and life events on Earth. Correlation is not causation.”

“Every so often a story appears in the media claiming that scientists have discovered a thirteenth sign, which is tantamount to saying that scientific research has recently discovered that thirteen items make a dozen. Poppycock!”

“Perhaps it is heresy, but I believe that the tarot does not always tell the truth.”

“Symbols can change in meaning over time. Their significance depends on the prevailing symbolic winds of the culture in which they appear.”

BASIC INFORMATION / APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY / ART

This quality trade paperback book has 408 pages and measures 8 x 9 x 1 inches. The glossy cover features images of Tarot cards from the Universal Tarot by Roberto De Angelis (Lo Scarabeo). Text is black on white paper. Interior illustrations are grayscale images from various decks. Charts and informational grids are printed in black text on light to dark gray. Layout is clean and clear with sufficient white space.

DETAILS / COMMENTS

Contents

• Introduction
• One: Reflections on the Celtic Cross
• Two: Astrology 101 for Tarot Readers
• Three: The Topsy-Turvy World of Tarot Reversals
• Four: The Role of Intuition in Divination
• Five: Number Symbolism and the Tarot
• Six: The Four Elements
• Seven: The Elemental Personalities of the Court Cards
• Eight: The Major Arcana
• Nine: The Anatomy of the Four Suits
• Epilogue
• Appendix A: Keywords for the Suit Cards
• Appendix B: Waite’s Original Conception of the Celtic Cross
• Appendix C: Elements, Timing, Pips, and Court Cards
• Bibliography

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

Take a Number: TEN!

I have been working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

Tarot Cards: The Wheel of Fortune, Tens of all suits

TENS

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case tells us that Ten "is the number of perfection and dominion. . . Qabalists call the number 10 the Kingdom." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

Gary Meister, CTM writes: "In Numerology, Ten is both after and before the number Nine. Nine ends the cycle - Ten wraps everything up and readies you to begin the new cycle. Ten is a combination of the powers of the number One (beginnings or action) and the unlimited potential of the Zero." As Meister describes it, with Ten we are, in effect, "staring over" -- yet we are doing so with more experience and knowledge than before. Therefore, our beginning/action is imbued with higher potential.

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad tells us: "Ten, which is the first compound number, is actually the rebirth of 1. Only this time, 1 is no longer standing alone, but is accompanied by a zero. To some, a zero means nothingness, but as a symbol of the world, it can also mean allness." Konraad refers to the numbers 10, 11, and 22 as "Special" numbers. He views Ten as "the bridge between the root and the compound numbers." He links Ten with the Wheel of Life in Tarot and the zodiac sign Capricorn (which rules the 10th house in Astrology). He notes, "As 1 is Self-Seeking, a 10 is Self-Aware."


In Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press), the number Ten is reduced to One for interpretation purposes.

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system, Subject Card 10 represents Achievement, with the Keyword Opportunity. Cook writes: "Just like the 10th House in Astrology and Card 10 Fortune's Wheel, the tenth and last subject card also corresponds to your desire and opportunities for achievement. 10s can also make us more aware of who we are, and how far we've come."

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Konraad links The Wheel of Fortune with the planet Jupiter (interesting, given that he links Tens in general with the sign Capricorn, ruled by Saturn). For divination purposes, Arcanum X represents "a turn in one's fortunes for the better." Reversed, the card can suggest "the beginning of an unhappy or unlucky period."

Universal Waite Tarot (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

For Javane and Bunker, "The number 10 begins a new cycle, a repetition of the 1. Rotation and cyclicity are the keywords for the Wheel of Fortune." Concerning astrological correspondences, they note: "When we work with the astrological correspondence of the double numbers, we take the number on the right and see it work through the number on the left. Here we have the God power 0, working through Mars, 1, to bring about new starts and a change in fortune. The Jupiter influence from key 10, the Wheel of Fortune, gives us the faith and optimism that our new beginning will ultimately bring generous rewards. . . in 10 we have the promise that the God power within us never ceases, but merely changes form, and that the new form still contains the life spark, Mars."

Anna Cook writes that the Personal Strength of Key Ten is Confidence, and the Personal Weakness is Imprudence. Her keywords for Fortune's Wheel are Karmic / Achievement.

My keywords for the Number Ten are transition, threshold, culmination, beginning, possible overabundance or excess.

I hope you enjoy these quotations I found that include the number Ten:

“Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.”~ Jon Bon Jovi

“You can know ten things by learning one.” ~ Japanese Proverb

"Ten is a composite number, its proper divisors being 1, 2 and 5. Ten is the smallest noncototient, a number that cannot be expressed as the difference between any integer and the total number of coprimes below it." ~ Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"10 was the Pythagorean symbol of perfection or completeness. Humans have ten fingers and ten toes. 10 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4. This number symbolized unity arising from multiplicity." ~Encyclopedia Britannica Online

New Year’s Lessons in the Cards

Today I am delighted to post a New Year's reading by Helen Howell! Thank you, Helen, for sharing these lessons with us!

* ~ *

Helen Howell

Now I know we all like to do a New Year’s Reading, but I also like to work out my Current Year Card represented by the Tarot.  I find this is a great insight into the lessons of the forthcoming year that applies to me personally. You can if you wanted to, do this reading on your birthday but I like to do it New Year to New Year. 

Working out your year card is very easy. Take your birthdate and the current year and add them together like this: Day, Month, Year. For me, the numbers are: 7 + 3 + 2013 = 2023. Next I add  2+0+2+3, which equals 7. My card is The Chariot! 

This year then the lessons for me (and I say lessons, because when we stop to analyse the card we find more than one lesson within its story) are held within the Chariot Card. What does this actually mean for me?
   

The Rider Tarot Deck (U.S. Games)

When I look at the Chariot card I see movement, but not only movement. The charioteer needs confidence, a self assurance, if he is to control those two horses and take them in the direction he wants to go.  A lesson this year is for me to trust and believe in my abilities to take things in the direction of my choosing.

Also a big part of this lesson for this year is maintaining a balance between my thoughts and emotions so that one or the other does not pull me off course.  When we analyse the Chariot card we can see the Charioteer as representing our conscious self, and the horses representing different aspects  of our emotions or impulses.  The trick then to steering a steady course through the obstacles that life throws at me, or if you like, the challenges I have to meet, is to maintain a balance between those forces that oppose one another in order to make them work for me rather than against me.

The one thing that really jumps out at me here is that the drivers of these chariots appear to be in charge. The image shows us a man getting his horses to behave. There is exhibited in these images a certain amount of self assertiveness. Part of this lesson is to acknowledge one’s ego.  The ego is what helps drive you towards success, but this doesn’t mean you must let it take over, just that it plays a part in helping you achieve the success in projects you may undertake. 

Crystal Visions Tarot (U.S. Games)

Now this is a number 7 card and in numerology 7  represents self awareness, self expression and progression.  I can see how all of these fit in with the image of The Chariot. In order to progress forward in your life you need to develop a self awareness that also allows you to express yourself clearly.  The Chariot is a card of movement, but also a card of change - as it can take you from one place to another.  In the Tarot number sequence, 7 seems to indicate reflection, insight, wisdom, confidence and personal growth.  This all ties in nicely with the Chariot card, and the numerology meaning, as it is the balanced achieved through reflection, self awareness and confidence that gives us the insight to understand ourselves better and steer that steady course towards personal growth.

If I put all this information together I come up with at least three strong lessons to learn or continue working on for this year:

1: Maintain a degree of self confidence in my own abilities so that I keep moving onwards and upwards.

2: Don’t bury my ego, but instead acknowledge it and allow it in a controlled way to help me towards successful conclusions of my goals. Don’t be shy about expressing myself or promoting my own work.

3: Continue to learn to maintain a balance between my thoughts and my emotions so that they can work together rather than against each other. 

So you see working out and analysing your Year Card can be a very valuable tool in your own personal journey.  Why don’t you have a go!  Happy New Year to  you all! 

Helen

Talent and Career Potential Reading

from Numerology: Key to the Tarot by Sandor Konraad (Whitford Press)

On page 185 of Sandor Konraad's detailed and fascinating book Numerology: Key to the Tarot I came across a Talent and Career Potential spread that I just had to try.

I am doing this spread as a "retrospective" spread in a sense, because I'm pretty sure I already know where my talents lie and which careers I might be most suited for. My purpose in doing this reading is more to check my experience and understanding against the information the cards provide.

Layout

3....6....9

2....5....8

1....4....7

Each positional definition describes the career potential associated with its respective number.

(1) Writing, teaching, communications, innovative career
(2) The theatre, diplomacy service occupations
(3) The creative arts and sciences, particularly music, anything expressive or creative, including parenting
(4) Clerks, bookkeepers, psychotherapists, health-related vocations, detailed work of any kind
(5) Politics, guidance work, bartending, glamour jobs, work involving much travel or adventure, any job where there is tactile gratification
(6) Commerce, garden-variety jobs, selling, collecting, home management
(7) Religious, spiritual or occult calling; research, any profession involving food
(8) Law, banking, The Power Structure
(9) Humanitarian service, social work, people-oriented enterprises on a grand scale

------------------------------
Using the Mystic Dreamer Tarot (Llewellyn Publications; art by Heidi Darras), I drew the following cards:

(1) Writing, teaching, communications, innovative career

THREE OF CUPS
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-Three-of-Cups-45393792

My keywords for the number 3: creativity, synthesis, initial completion, expansion

In her book The Dreamer's Journal (Llewellyn Publications), Barbara Moore describes this card as "an all around good omen in financial, relationship, work, or spiritual concerns." I certainly agree with that interpretation in this case. From earliest childhood, I wanted to be a writer, and I have held many jobs where my writing was a major factor. I have written 10 books that have been published by mainstream publishers. I have also worked in Marketing and Communications. The joyous tone of the Three of Cups clearly represents the fact that I have always enjoyed using my writing talents in my work.

(2) The theatre, diplomacy service occupations

THE EMPRESS (Trump 3), reversed
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-The-Empress-43932019

My keywords for the number 3: creativity, synthesis, initial completion, expansion

My first reaction here is "uh oh, not a good career choice." An upside down Empress can suggest blocks or delays in the areas of creativity, synthesis, or expansion. I did enjoy acting in a few plays in school, but I never saw myself as having a career in that field. Diplomacy service doesn't sound attractive to me at all.

(3) The creative arts and sciences, particularly music, anything expressive or creative, including parenting

KNIGHT OF WANDS*, reversed
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/tarot-Knight-of-Wands-70897282

My keywords for the number 3: creativity, synthesis, initial completion, expansion

Interesting. Music has always been a major interest of mine. I play piano and guitar. In my younger days, I wrote a lot of songs and performed them in public. However, the reversed position of the Knight of Wands suggests to me that these would not be the best careers for the expression of my creativity.

Barbara Moore writes that this card reversed can represent someone who "always has to be center of attention." I confess that my interest in writing and performing music declined as I grew older and realized that nobody seemed to think I was "all that good." At least that was my perception based on the comments (or lack thereof). As far as parenting, I was extremely reluctant to become a parent, partly because I was concerned that I was too self-involved to do a good job! My (now adult) children seem to think I did okay...

* The Court Cards present a bit of a challenge from a numerology standpoint. The Mystic Dreamer deck follows the Rider-Waite-Smith model (as opposed to the Thoth model) for the Courts: Page, Knight, Queen, King. I confess that I use a very simplistic method for assigning numbers to the Courts.

• Page = 11 or 2 (1+1)
• Knight = 12 or 3 (1+2)
• Queen = 13 or 4 (1+3)
• King = 14 or 5 (1+4)

(4) Clerks, bookkeepers, psychotherapists, health-related vocations, detailed work of any kind

TWO OF CUPS, reversed
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-Two-of-Cups-44871980

My keywords for the number 2: relationships, harmony, unity, balancing polarities

The Two of Cups reversed suggests to me that the occupations listed above might not help me create balance, unity, or harmony in my life. Barbara Moore writes of this card reversed that it "can indicate a union or partnership that in theory or on paper should be amazing, but the reality is that there is just no emotional connection." The fact is, I am a detail-oriented person, which served me well in my jobs as a secretary for various employers. But that sort of work -- while fulfilling in the sense that I do it well and I know I do it well -- is not satisfying emotionally.

(5) Politics, guidance work, bartending, glamour jobs, work involving much travel or adventure, any job where there is tactile gratification

KING OF WANDS*, reversed
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-King-of-Wands-73186166

My keywords for the number 5: restlessness, adventurousness, flexibility

While the occupations listed above might have provided travel, adventure, or tactile gratification, the King of Wands reversed suggests to me that these careers might not have been a good choice for me. Barbara Moore notes that the King of Wands reversed can represent someone who is demanding, impatient, and tyrannical, perhaps with anger issues. This suggests to me that the occupations listed above would not be suitable for me, perhaps because I would desire or expect more attention and control than I would be given in those jobs.

* The Court Cards present a bit of a challenge from a numerology standpoint. The Mystic Dreamer deck follows the Rider-Waite-Smith model (as opposed to the Thoth model) for the Courts: Page, Knight, Queen, King. I confess that I use a very simplistic method for assigning numbers to the Courts.

• Page = 11 or 2 (1+1)
• Knight = 12 or 3 (1+2)
• Queen = 13 or 4 (1+3)
• King = 14 or 5 (1+4)

(6) Commerce, garden-variety jobs, selling, collecting, home management

FIVE OF WANDS
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-Five-of-Wands-47684542

My keywords for the number 5: restlessness, adventurousness, flexibility

A few keywords for this card from Barbara Moore: "combat, competition, strife." I don't know about "garden-variety jobs," but I have always had a strong aversion to selling. I absolutely hate being expected to convince people they want or need something they don't actually want or need. Unfortunately, being self-employed means that I am selling myself and my services, whether I like it or not. And it is stressful for me. I feel the competition keenly, and I am not comfortable with it.

(7) Religious, spiritual or occult calling; research, any profession involving food

TWO OF WANDS, reversed
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-Two-of-Wands-44730835

My keywords for the number 2: relationships, harmony, unity, balancing polarities

I'm not quite sure what to do with this. Having chosen to be a Tarot reader and astrologer, I clearly feel a "spiritual or occult calling." And I truly enjoy doing research. Barbara Moore writes that the Two of Wands reversed can indicate being "unable or unwilling to make a choice," or "being faced with two unappealing choices and feeling forced to pick the lesser of two evils." I'm going to have to give this one more thought.

(8) Law, banking, The Power Structure
FOUR OF PENTACLES

Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-Four-of-Pentacles-46767506

My keywords for the number 4: stability, security, hard work

I have worked in both banking and law -- in clerical or secretarial positions. In both jobs my bosses told me I should consider those professions (lawyer, banker) because I would do well in them. Too bad I had no desire to be a lawyer or banker! I do wonder if I had gone into one of those fields, if I would have become the miserly person depicted on this card, focused on controlling things and making money.

(9) Humanitarian service, social work, people-oriented enterprises on a grand scale

THREE OF PENTACLES
Link to picture of card: http://azurylipfe.deviantart.com/art/Tarot-Three-of-Pentacles-45550446

My keywords for the number 3: creativity, synthesis, initial completion, expansion

This card seems to indicate that the occupations listed above would suit me well, especially in terms of personal fulfillment and recognition. It is satisfying to feel that my work "helps people." I like using astrology and Tarot to help people deal with or address challenging situations in their lives. It's not quite the same thing as "social work" and maybe I don't operate on a "grand scale," but what I do certainly is "people-oriented."

Take a Number: NINE!

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

Tarot Cards: The Hermit, Nines of all suits

NINES

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Nine: "completion, attainment, fulfilment, the goal of endeavor, the end of a cycle of activity. . . yet. . . completion is not absolute cessation. The end of one cycle is the beginning of another." Case adds that "In Qabalah, 9 is called Basis or Foundation, and corresponds to the mode of consciousness named Pure or Clear Intelligence, because the completion of any process is the pure, clear, unadulterated expression of the intention or idea which initiated that process." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (U.S. Games)

Gary Meister, CTM offers the key phrase "End Of A Cycle Of Life" for the number Nine. He writes: "Numerologically, life is lived in a series of cycles consisting of nine levels. . . They are actually a series of cyclical spirals. When we complete one cycle, we are a little higher than we started -- usually. . . In a reading, Nine indicates the completion of a cycle in the area of life suggested by the Element involved. As an example, the Nine of Swords could indicate that one is completing a cycle of learning."

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad gives the Keywords "emotionally charged, humanitarian, universal" for the number Nine. He writes: "In the beginning the 1 entered the world stage as an individual concerned only with self and ego. The 9 has now grown in wisdom and is concerned with all of humanity."

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "9 is selflessness and compassion. . . Keywords: love, compassion, patience, universality, tolerance, selfless service, endings."

The web site Numberquest.com provides the following key words for the number Nine: "Humanitarian, compassionate, romantic, selfless, generous, philanthropic, loving, wisdom, idealist, artistic, spiritual healer, all allowing, other worldly, blending."

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system, Subject Card 9 represents understanding. She notes: "Understanding refers to your willingness to expand your horizons. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. . . Like the 9th House in Astrology and Card 9 the Hermit, the ninth subject card also tests or rewards your beliefs, values and understanding. . . They can assist you in tying up whatever loose ends could be impeding your progress as well as any you've been avoiding." (Tarot Dynamics Unleashed / Kima Global Publishers)


THE HERMIT

Konraad views The Hermit as: "The 'Wilderness Card' -- a time of searching or spiritual renewal. A person who is fearful and cautious." Reversed, the card can suggest "Rashness. Lack of control."

For Javane and Bunker, Key 9 is "a symbol of ageless wisdom, standing on the mountain of attainment. . . He has achieved mastery."

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (U.S. Games)

Anna Cook writes that the Personal Strength of Key Nine is Logic; the Personal Weakness is Irrationality. Her keywords for The Hermit are Karmic / Understanding.

My keywords for the Number Nine are basis for completion, endings, preparation (for new cycle), growth through experience, perfection, integration, and fruition.

I hope you enjoy these quotations I found that include the number Nine:

“There are nine requisites for contented living: HEALTH enough to make work a pleasure; WEALTH enough to support your needs; STRENGTH enough to battle with difficulties and forsake them; GRACE enough to confess your sins and overcome them; PATIENCE enough to toil until some good is accomplished; CHARITY enough to see some good in your neighbor; LOVE enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others; FAITH enough to make real the things of God; HOPE enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), German Playwright, Poet, Novelist and Dramatist

“Except during the nine months before he draws his first breath no man manages his affairs as well as a tree does.” ~ George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Irish literary Critic, Playwright and Essayist; 1925 Nobel Prize for Literature

“The cat has nine lives: three for playing, three for straying, three for staying.” ~ Proverb

“There are nine orders of angels, to wit, angels, archangels, virtues, powers, principalities, dominations, thrones, cherubim, and seraphim.” ~ Billy Graham (1918-), American evangelist

Take a Number: Eight!

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

Tarot Cards: Strength or Justice, Eights of all suits

EIGHTS

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Eight: "rhythm, alternate cycles of involution and evolution, vibration, flux and reflux, and the like." Case adds that "It represents also the fact that opposite forms of expression (that is, all pairs of opposites) are effects of a single Cause" and that Eight is "pre-eminently the number of magic and of Hermetic Science." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

Rider Tarot

Gary Meister, CTM offers the key phrase "Success Through Hard Work" for the number Eight. He writes: In esoteric numerology, the Number Eight is a higher octave of the number Four (2 X 4 = 8).  Where four represents a solid foundation through reason and practical thinking and planning, Eight represents the successful culmination of this planning."

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot  (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad gives the Keywords "ambitious, successful, self-destructive" for the number Eight.

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle  by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "8 will assume power, for it now has achieved control and responsibility in its chosen field. Recognition and financial rewards are bestowed, and expansion and growth in the business world take place. Under 8, karma is king. . ." Keywords: power, responsibility, financial rewards, good judgment, recognition."

The web site Numberquest.com provides the following key words for the number Eight: "achievement, abundance, executive, strength, self-disciplined, power, success, authority, psychology, entrepreneur, intensity, supervisor, provider, grandeur, material manifestor."

Rider Tarot

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system: "[Subject Card] Eight is a card for future renovation. 'Renovation' refers to opportunities and situations that have, or could potentially change your life." Anna Cook also notes, "Like the 8th House in Astrology, our 8s can often provide clues concerning the stability of our future, with anyone or anything that is important to us." (Tarot Dynamics Unleashed / Kima Global Publishers)

Because both STRENGTH and JUSTICE have been called Trump 8 (depending on what system is used in a deck), discussing how the Number Eight relates to both is somewhat complicated.

Konraad, who links Justice with Eight, writes that "The balance held in the left hand of Justice is the lesson of Arcanum VIII. . . The fact that Justice wields a sword in her right hand suggests that the lesson will be a painful one." As for the Minor Arcana Eights, Konraad views them as representing Imbalance in the area of life represented by the suit.

Rider Tarot

For Javane and Bunker, Key 8 is Strength. In this card, the life force is directed through suggestion. They write, "The woman is the subconscious mind controlling body functions and directing the amounts of vital force that the body receives. She also receives and acts upon suggestions from the conscious mind."

Anna Cook also associates Strength with the number Eight, noting that the Personal Strength of this Key is Fortitude and the Personal Weakness is Fear. Her keywords for Strength are Karmic / Renovation.

My keywords for the Number Eight are ambition, achievement, power, magic, and diligence.

I hope you enjoy these quotations I found that include the number Eight:

"It's a shame that the only thing a man can do for eight hours a day is work. He can't eat for eight hours; he can't drink for eight hours; he can't make love for eight hours. The only thing a man can do for eight hours is work." ~ William Faulkner (American Novelist, 1897-1962)

"Right now the thing that I have learned the most is to be grateful that I have finally gotten to a point where I am being paid to make films, after eight years." ~ Jim McKay (American Journalist)

"It took me about eight years to put together the program that I have been living for twenty years." ~  Marilu Henner (American Actress)

"I've been at Liverpool for eight years, and the time has come for us to start achieving." ~ Jamie Redknapp (English Athlete)

"Eight years involved with the nuclear industry have taught me that when nothing can possibly go wrong and every avenue has been covered, then is the time to buy a house on the next continent." ~ Terry Prachett (English Author)

Take a Number: Seven!

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

Tarot Cards: The Chariot, Sevens of all suits

SEVENS

I am currently reading a mystery novel by David Skibbins called The Hanged Man (Thomas Dunn Books, an imprint of St. Martin's Press). It's one of a series of books Skibbins wrote, each featuring a specific Major Arcana card. In this particular book, he prefaces groups of chapters with comments about numbers, staring with zero. For Seven, he writes: "The final results of the Great Plan of Creation are far from manifestation. We've got a long way to go. But we get little victories on the path to complete enlightenment. These small triumphs remind us that our struggles are not meaningless but just stepping-stones on the journey. Seven reminds us to celebrate winning the small battles and then get back into the fight."

I like that description. I can see how it applies to the 7 of Pentacles, where a man pauses to appraise what he has accomplished so far, and in the 7 of Swords, where a man carries away five swords, leaving two behind. In a sense, you could say that his task is "incomplete."

The man on the 7 of Wands seems to have the upper hand against his opponents -- but this could easily be a "small battle" that he will need to win as part of a larger "war." On the 7 of Cups, the option that the figure chooses is going to affect how the rest of his journey progresses. On The Chariot (Trump 7) the charioteer guides his vehicle away from a city. He is clearly "on his way" somewhere else, but has not yet arrived.

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (U.S. Games Systems)

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Seven: "rest, safety, security, victory. . . temporary cessation." Case also writes, "This number stands for the logical consequence of the ideas symbolized by the numbers preceding it in the series." He points out that the Hebrew name for 7 is Occult Intelligence. (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company) Like Skibbins, Case emphasizes the cumulative effect of efforts.

Gary Meister, CTM offers the key word "Success" and the key phrase "Learning From One=s Mistakes" for the number Seven. He writes: "[Seven] is considered, from antiquity, to be a sacred number. . . Seven indicates that we have learned from whatever mistakes we have made." He adds that the element lined with a particular Seven card will describe the area of life in which we have learned (or have an opportunity to learn) from our mistakes.

Somewhat in contrast to the above, we have those who focus on Seven as a number of mystery, mysticism, and philosophy."

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad gives the Keywords "introspective, secretive, spiritually attuned" for the number Seven.

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "Seven seeks answers. It tries to establish a philosophy by which to live and attempts to penetrate the mystery behind its existence . . . Because solitude is necessary for analysis, the 7 feels the need to spend time alone, away from the crowds, in touch with nature. . . 7 ushers into the cycle a physical completion without apparent effort. . . " Key words for Seven: "quiet, introspective, intuitive, analytical inspirational, reclusive, philosophical, mystical."

The web site Numberquest.com provides the following key words for the number Seven: "Philosopher, sage, wisdom seeker, reserved, inventor, stoic, contemplative, aloof, deep-thinker, introspective, spiritual, faith, esoteric, exotic, unusual, hidden, seeking perfection, ethereal, other worldly, enigma."

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system: "Subject Card Seven corresponds to our relationships." This is in keeping with the Seventh House (house of one-to-one relationships and partnerships) in Astrology. Cook writes: "Sevens are all about the constructive or self-defeating manner in which you handle (or allow yourself to be handled) in your personal and professional relationships."

THE CHARIOT (Trump 7)

Konraad writes, "[The Fool as The Charioteer]. . . is in full control of his chariot of personality." The black and white sphinx-like creatures suggest a conflict between id and ego impulses now resolved by The Charioteer. The prospect of solitude does not disturb The Charioteer because "he has acquired inner strength and harmony." The Divinatory Meaning provided by Konraad for The Chariot upright is Victory. Reversed: Dark victory. Defeat.

Concerning The Chariot (Card 7), Anna Cook writes that when this card appears: "Your attitude, moods and views, now have a stronger influence upon other people than you may realize. . . Your 'synergy' is about to be tested or rewarded. One or more of your relationships are about to enter a new phase that could open your eyes or broaden your horizons, if you're paying attention!" Cook's key words for The Chariot are "Karmic / Relationships."

According to Javane and Bunker: "The Chariot represents receptivity to the will of the one Source. . . Symbolically, The Charioteer is the soul, directing the chariot, the body."

MINOR ARCANA SEVENS

For Sandor Konraad, in the Minor Arcana, 7 is a number of CHANGE. With Pentacles (Coins), this is likely to represent a change in business or career, "usually for the better" or a business trip. The 7 of Wands suggests a change "concerning a student, teacher, or writer". The 7 of Cups: "Change in residence. A home visit to or from lover, friend, or relative." Konraad views the 7 of Swords as a "Warning card" that indicates that "the person may be on the edge of a breakdown." It can also be seen as a warning against accident.

We have quite a few interpretations to consider here. At this point in time, my key words for the number Seven: mysticism, evolving/extending, pulling back/pushing ahead, solitude/contemplation, complexity, and wisdom gained from experience.

I hope you enjoy these quotations I found that include the number Seven:

“All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion and desire.” ~ Aristotle (Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scientist and Physician, 384 BC-322 BC)

"One man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." ~ William Shakespeare (English dramatist, 1564-1616)

"The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be awakened from sleep." ~ Chanakya (Indian Politician, 350 BC-275 BC)

"In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people." ~ Wilma Mankiller (Cherokee Statesman, 1945 -)

Take a Number: Six!

 

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

My key words for the number Six: reconciliation, integration, reciprocity, communication, resolution of tensions, social responsibilities

Tarot Cards: The Lovers, Sixes of all suits

SIXES

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Six: "balance, equilibration, symmetry, beauty; harmony of opposites, reciprocity; complementary activities, polarity, love." Case also writes, "[Six] is named Intelligence of Mediating Influence, or Intelligence of the Separated Emanations." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad gives the Keywords "Affectionate, Stable, Conservative" for the number Six.

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "Six is conscientious; it desires to bring harmony, truth, justice and a sense of balance into its environment. Love and compassion are uppermost in its mind." Key words for Six: "family and social responsibility, service, love, compassion, counseling, healing, creativity."

Gary Meister, CTM offers the key words "Peace, Harmony" for the number Six. He writes: "Numbers were considered sacred in the distant past. . . Six held a special place as it is considered a 'perfect number.' The sum of its divisors, other than itself, add up to itself. Esoterically, this was considered to be a very harmonious interaction. So, six is a number of peace and harmony." He adds that Six suggests a period of emotional rest -- the crises have passed; things are back under control.

The web site Numberquest.com provides the following key words for the number Six: "Harmony, beauty, nurturing, love, marriage, family, responsibility, understanding, sympathy, healing, empathic, perfectionist, order, duty, comfort, service."

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system (based in large part on Javane and Bunker): "Subject Card Six represents your level of commitment."

THE LOVERS (Trump 6): Konraad writes, "In Arcanum VI of the Tarot, a man must choose between two women, an older and a younger one. In the case of 6, the younger one could be said to represent adventure in the form of a creative calling and the older one, security in an established company or job in commerce."

Concerning The Lovers (Card 6), Cook writes: "Card Six means an opportunity to repair whatever needs to be repaired or clarified in the hope that matters will run more efficiently and harmoniously." Cook's key word for The Lovers is "Harmony."

According to Javane and Bunker: "The Lovers is an obvious reference to partnership and marriage, the union of opposite but complementary components. The keyword is discrimination. When we discriminate we set apart and separate in order to see the innate differences between two categories. In this manner, we can tell the true from the false."

In astrology, the Sixth House is known as the House of Work, Service, and Health. It is ruled by the zodiac sign Virgo, known as a discriminating, logical, analytical, and critical sign.

It is clear to me that Six does suggest peace and harmony, but often this is coming after a time of conflict and disturbance. I especially like Anna Cook's comment about Six representing "level of commitment."




I hope you enjoy these quotations I found that include the number Six:

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
~ Lewis Carroll

"The natural term of the affection of the human animal for its offspring is six years."
~ George Bernard Shaw

You can only fall in love six times in your life. Choose wisely.
~ Doug Coupland

"I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who."
~ Rudyard Kipling

Take a Number: Five!

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

My key words for the number Five: struggle, instability, flexibility, opportunity for change

Tarot Cards: The Hierophant, Fives of all suits

FIVES

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Five: "mediation... adaptation, means, agency, activity, process, and the like." Case also writes, "5, then, is the number of versatility, because it shows the changing aspects of the One Law. . ." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad writes that Five is "the number of the senses and thus the number of humanity. . . It is the number of the adventurer, the explorer, the merry rover. On the negative side, 5s can be restless and leave behind them a pile of unfinished projects and broken love affairs in their endless quest for fresh adventures." I think the idea of five as the number of the senses sometimes gets lost in our attempts to interpret the number five. I'm going to try to keep it in mind.

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "Five is freedom, change and adventure. Curiosity and constant activity produce a resourceful, adaptable and versatile entity always read to take a chance." Key words for Five: "versatility, resourcefulness, adaptability, change, activity, travel, adventure, promotion, speculation."

Gary Meister, CTM offers the key words "Changes, Sometimes Crises" for the number Five. He writes: "In every life, indeed in the life of every creation of any kind, change is inevitable.  Five is the number of change.  The Universe changes as a matter of course and keeps itself balanced through it all."

The web site Numberquest.com provides a much longer string of key words for the number Five: "Adventure, change, freedom, exploration, variety, sensuality, unattached, curious, experienced, periodicity, knowledge seeker, knowledge teacher, traveler, imagination, child-like, playful."

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system (based in large part on Javane and Bunker): "Subject Card Five denotes conflict."

THE HIEROPHANT (Trump 5)

Konraad writes, "The Hierophant is concerned with spiritual matters, and because 5 is a number of change, there will often be spiritual change. And while there may be changes also in the material realm, it is the inner changes that will be most important."

Concerning The Hierophant (Card 5), Cook writes: "Card five means conflict between what you feel, what you know and what you want." To this I can only say, Wow. That is the perfect description for this card, based on my personal experience anyway!

According to Javane and Bunker: "The Hierophant represents our inner teacher, our inner hearing, our intuition."

In astrology, the Fifth House is known as the House of Creativity, Procreation, Recreation, and Pleasure. It is ruled by the zodiac sign Leo, known as a creative, exuberant, egocentric sign.

Most of the above seems consistent and makes sense to me, although some of the references are clear to me than others. Five is at the center of the range from 1 to 10, which suggests a pivot point or "halfway" point that offers opportunity for change or adjustment.

Personally, I don't view The Hierophant as a "flexible" character. I see him as a representative of belief systems, conformity, societal "norms," and tradition. The way you're *supposed* to do things. All of that *feels* inflexible to me and, of course, it can be. However, it doesn't have to be. The Hierophant has been described as a vehicle for religious knowledge. What do vehicles do? They move. They transport. They take us from one place to another, and not always on the same road. It depends on who's driving.

I hope you enjoy these quotations I found that include the number Five:

Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of an insane mind.
~ Terry Pratchett

The main facts in human life are five: birth, food, sleep, love and death.
~ E. M. Forster

Time is everything; five minutes make the difference between victory and defeat. ~ Horatio Nelson

God made man merely to hear some praise of what he'd done on those Five Days. ~ Christopher Morley

Take a Number: Four!

Numerology and Tarot

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

My key words for the number Four: stability, security, hard work, stagnation

Tarot Cards: The Emperor, Fours of all suits

FOURS

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Four: "order, measurement, classification, recording, tabulation, and so on." Case goes on to write that "Qabalists make 4 the number of memory" and that "Beneficence ('good-givingness') is also assigned to 4." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad writes that in divination, Four can represent achievement, marriage, and excessive concern with material things. In the Minor Arcana, Four is the number of Attainment.

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "Four is stability, a 4-square consciousness, the symbol of law, system, and order. It is firmness, security, stability and conservatism. . . 4 is nature and relates to the earth." Key words for Four: "form, work, order, practicality, construction, stability, endurance, discipline."

 Gary Meister, CTM offers the key words "Reason, Practicality" for the number Four. He writes: "On a universal level, the creative process can be more or less automatic in its early stages. The beginning thought (#1) gives birth to a cooperation between your individual spirit and the Universal Spirit and creation is begun (#3). But without reason, without turning the creation into something practical (#4) the first three steps just keep happening, over and over, and never become a fully realized reality."

The web site Numberquest.com provides a longer string of key words for the number Four: "Practical, orderly, patient, logical, hard-working, loyal, builder, steadfast, frugal, responsible, earthy, planner, materially creative, green thumb, even tempered."

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system (based in large part on Javane and Bunker): "Subject Card Four stands for incentive and security."

THE EMPEROR (Trump 4)

Concerning The Emperor (Card 4), Cook writes: "The Emperor intensifies your need to discover the truth in all matters . . . You're going to be a little more self-assertive and direct. Control." She notes that Card 4 means "a control issue, at work, home or both may bring your emotions closer to the surface, or cause you to be more protective about matters that impact your sense of belonging and security."

According to Javane and Bunker: "[The Emperor], ruling our conscious existence, represents reason, which is a function of the conscious mind. The Emperor therefore rules over and sets in order the reasoning, conscious elements of the material world. He supervises and controls through his ability to discern the truth in any given situation. It is his wisdom in handling affairs systematically that has placed him upon the throne."

In astrology, the Fourth House is known as the House of Home and Family. Ruled by the zodiac sign Cancer, known as a sensitive, self-protective sign. The house where Cancer appears on our birth chart indicates the area of life where we search for security.

Here are a few quotations about the number Four that I find especially relevant:

"Home is any four walls that enclose the right person."

~ Helen Rowland, Writer (1875-1950)

"Medicine rests upon four pillars - philosophy, astronomy, alchemy, and ethics."

~ Paracelsus, Scientist (1493-1541)

"I think getting beyond the four edges of an opportunity or challenge 

is one of the basic skills you need in business."

~ Thomas Kinkade, Artist (1958-     )

"The four cornerstones of character on which the structure of this nation was built are: Initiative, Imagination, Individuality and Independence."

~ Eddie Rickenbacker, American Aviator (1890-1973)

Take a Number: Three!

Numerology & Tarot

I am working my way through the numbers, comparing the ways in which I have used them in Tarot readings with observations and comments from numerologists and occultists. I welcome your comments and observations about this fascinating subject!

My key words for the number Three: creativity, synthesis, initial completion, expansion

Tarot Cards: The Empress, Threes of all suits

3 of Wands
Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

THREES

Writing about the occult meaning of numbers, Paul Foster Case gives the following keywords for Three: "multiplication, development, growth, unfoldment, therefore expression." (The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company)

In his book Numerology: Key to the Tarot (Whitford Press), Sandor Konraad writes: "Three is a number of self-expression, creativity and sharing."

Quoting from Numerology and The Divine Triangle by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker (Whitford Press): "Three combines the qualities of 1 and 2. . . carrying the qualities of manifestation and self-expression. . . If any of the numbers could be called happy-go-lucky, it would be the effervescent 3." Key words for Three: "expansive, sociable, dramatic, communicative, diversified, creative."

Gary Meister, CTM offers the key words "creativity, expansion" for the number Three. He writes: "[Number Three] is the creation itself; the expansion of the original idea into concrete form.  . . Three means either use your creativity or expand upon what you have been doing."

The web site Numberquest.com provides a much longer string of key words for the number Three: "Trinity, Union of Divine plus Human, Manifestation, Positive, Negative and Neutral, Expression, Subconscious Mind/Imagination, Creative, Optimistic, Enthusiasm, Expressive, Charming, Humor, Fun, Attractive, Friendly."

In Anna Burroughs Cook's Tarot Dynamics system: "Subject Card Three is for thinking and networking."

Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

THE EMPRESS (Trump 3)

Concerning The Empress (Card 3), Cook writes: "The Empress can help smooth or improve your communications and develop new or better connections."

According to Javane and Bunker: "The Empress is also an aspect of the subconscious mind. While the High Priestess, number 2, is memory, in number 3 we find the subconscious response to that memory which produces growth through the imagination. . . The conscious mind, key 1, cannot produce; the subconscious mind, key 2, cannot reason; it takes a combination of 1 and 2 to produce manifestation, or key 3."

3 of Cups
Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The number Three is sacred to many spiritual paths. One of my favorite possessions is a pamphlet called Druidic Triads by W. Faraday (Sure Fire Press), organized by subject. For example, one entry under the heading "Of the Rewards of Virtue" reads: "Three things which the humble will gain: plenty, joy, and the love of their neighbours."

Here's a quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin: "There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self."

For an interesting list of quotations and sayings related to the number Three, click HERE.




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Deck:  The Rider Tarot Deck, also known as the Waite, Rider Waite, and Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck, designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite. Published by US Games Systems, Inc.