Tarot Numerology Explained
Numbers in tarot carry meaning that adds depth to readings. Understanding the numerology of the cards helps you see patterns across the suits and connect Minor Arcana cards to the bigger story of the Major Arcana. Each number brings its own energy, challenges, and lessons.
What is Tarot Numerology?
Tarot numerology links each card’s number to symbolic meaning. This meaning stays consistent across suits, giving you a foundation to interpret cards beyond their imagery. It also connects Minor Arcana numbers to Major Arcana cards with the same number, creating rich layers of meaning in readings.
Number One
Ones represent beginnings, potential, and self focus. They mark the seed of an idea or the first step on a path. In readings, they can show opportunities, initiative, or the need to take action before clarity fully forms. The Magician in the Major Arcana shares this number, symbolising willpower and manifestation.
Ones also carry a sense of independence and self determination. They can point to personal breakthroughs or the drive to start fresh. They ask you to recognise your own agency in shaping what comes next. Like the Magician, they encourage you to use your skills and resources to shape your reality.
Ace of Pentacles
Ace of Cups
Ace of Wands
Ace of Swords
Number Two
Twos speak to partnership, balance, and choice. They highlight moments of decision or connection, where cooperation or duality plays a role. In readings, they can reveal alliances, crossroads, or situations that require patience. The High Priestess connects to this number, embodying intuition and hidden knowledge.
Twos can also show the tension between two paths or perspectives. They invite compromise, harmony, and careful weighing of options before committing to a direction or relationship. Like the High Priestess, they suggest pausing to gather insight before acting.
Two of Pentacles
Two of Cups
Two of Wands
Two of Swords
Number Three
Threes carry the energy of growth, creativity, and expression. They often show progress after initial action, with ideas beginning to take shape in a tangible way. In readings, they can mark collaboration or celebration. The Empress holds this number, representing abundance, creativity, and nurturing.
Threes can also point to the need for open communication and creative problem solving. They remind you that expansion comes from interaction and shared vision, not isolation. Like the Empress, they encourage growth through connection and care.
Three of Pentacles
Three of Cups
Three of Wands
Three of Swords
Number Four
Fours symbolise stability, structure, and foundations. They can signal a time to consolidate gains, create order, or protect what has been built. In readings, they may show security, boundaries, or systems that keep life steady. The Emperor shares this number, embodying authority and structure.
Fours can also warn against rigidity or stagnation. They invite you to check whether stability is serving you or holding you back from needed change. Like the Emperor, they remind you to lead with purpose while staying open to adaptation.
Four of Pentacles
Four of Cups
Four of Wands
Four of Swords
Number Five
Fives bring challenge, change, and disruption. They shake the stability of the fours, often creating conflict or growth through discomfort. In readings, they can show loss, competition, or shifting priorities. The Hierophant is tied to this number, representing tradition and guidance.
Fives also remind you that turbulence is often temporary. They invite resilience and adaptability, showing that growth comes from engaging with difficulty rather than avoiding it. Like the Hierophant, they may call you to seek wisdom or reflect on your values during change.
Five of Pentacles
Five of Cups
Five of Wands
Five of Swords
Number Six
Sixes reflect harmony, support, and restoration. They often follow the lessons of the fives, bringing balance and healing. In readings, they can point to cooperation, generosity, or shared progress. The Lovers connect to this number, highlighting choice, union, and alignment.
Sixes also encourage gratitude and connection. They remind you to value relationships and acts of kindness, both given and received, as sources of strength and stability. Like the Lovers, they call for choices that align with your heart and values.
Six of Pentacles
Six of Cups
Six of Wands
Six of Swords
Number Seven
Sevens signal reflection, evaluation, and deeper understanding. They often appear when it is time to pause and assess before moving forward. In readings, they can show study, analysis, or spiritual exploration. The Chariot links to this number, representing determination and control.
Sevens also invite trust in your inner wisdom. They ask you to step back from distractions and focus on the long term vision rather than short term gains. Like the Chariot, they encourage discipline and focus to move forward with intention.
Seven of Pentacles
Seven of Cups
Seven of Wands
Seven of Swords
Number Eight
Eights carry themes of movement, mastery, and achievement. They often mark progress through sustained effort and skill. In readings, they can point to momentum, discipline, or the pursuit of goals. Strength is tied to this number, symbolising courage and inner power.
Eights also remind you to align effort with purpose. They encourage persistence but caution against overwork or losing sight of what matters most. Like Strength, they call for resilience and patience in pursuit of success.
Eight of Pentacles
Eight of Cups
Eight of Wands
Eight of Swords
Number Nine
Nines represent culmination, fulfilment, and preparation for closure. They often appear when something is nearing completion. In readings, they can show accomplishment, self sufficiency, or reflection on what has been learned. The Hermit holds this number, representing introspection and wisdom.
Nines also invite generosity and perspective. They ask you to consider the bigger picture and to prepare for the transitions that follow completion. Like the Hermit, they suggest turning inward to find clarity before stepping into the next chapter.
Nine of Pentacles
Nine of Cups
Nine of Wands
Nine of Swords
Number Ten
Tens mark completion, transition, and renewal. They carry both the fullness of achievement and the readiness for a new cycle. In readings, they can point to endings, milestones, or the results of long term effort. The Wheel of Fortune shares this number, symbolising cycles and change.
Tens also remind you that every ending holds the seed of a beginning. They invite you to release what has run its course and to welcome the next chapter. Like the Wheel of Fortune, they reflect the inevitability of change and the opportunity to embrace it..
Ten of Pentacles
Ten of Cups
Ten of Wands
Ten of Swords
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tarot numerology?
Tarot numerology is the practice of interpreting the symbolic meaning of numbers in tarot cards. It adds depth by revealing patterns across suits and linking Minor Arcana cards to Major Arcana cards with the same number. Understanding these connections can help you interpret readings with greater clarity, depth, and confidence.
Do numbers have the same meaning in every suit?
Yes. The core meaning of each number stays the same across suits, giving a consistent foundation to your interpretations. The suit’s element shapes how that meaning is expressed, adding nuance and emotional or practical context. This combination allows you to read with both symbolic depth and situational relevance.
How does numerology connect the Minor and Major Arcana?
Numerology links Minor Arcana cards to Major Arcana cards with the same number, creating a direct symbolic relationship. This can deepen readings by showing how everyday situations in the Minors echo the larger life themes in the Majors, helping you connect personal experiences to universal archetypes.
Can numerology make readings more accurate?
Yes. Recognising numerical patterns in a spread can reveal overarching themes and progressions that single cards may not show. This broader perspective adds clarity, strengthens connections between cards, and can make your interpretations more coherent and actionable for the person you are reading for.
Is it necessary to learn tarot numerology?
No, but it can be very helpful. Numerology offers another layer of insight and can make it easier to connect and remember card meanings, especially for the Minor Arcana. Even a basic understanding can make your readings richer and more intuitive over time.
