Traditionally there are 56 minor arcana cards -- the Ace through Ten, plus the four Helper Cards. Esoterically, 56 was known as the god number, the masculine energy, the active energy, the force of the creation principal.
The 56 is the vibration of the natal number of the Celtic sun god, who was known as the son of Tara, the Earth Mother; his aura shot-out 14 feet in all directions from his head (the rays went out into the four directions evenly balanced).
When the fourteen minor cards of each Element suit (Ace through Ten and the Helper Cards) are laid out in each of the cardinal directions -- east, south, west and north -- we see the design of the Celtic Cross, which represents the energy vibration of the number 56. Thus, the number of the solar god becomes grounded into the earth plain.
The design of the minor arcana, the lesser secrets, the 56 vibration, the male number, then becomes representative of the phallic or the fertilization gods, activating the masculine principle of the life force here in physical world of action, and within the conscious mind.
It is important to take into consideration that each card in each suit represents a particular aspect of human consciousness or experience. In each of the Element suits, the Ones contain many of the same properties; the Twos are similar, as are the Threes, and so on, through to the Tens.
When the 56 concept of energy vibration is applied to the Element Suits it is represented through the numerological vibration of each card's number first and foremost, and secondly, through each card's astrological affiliation.
The science of numerology is based on harmonious vibration. The understanding of numerology is to find the inner harmony, which will enable each of us to vibrate at an equal pace with the vibration of our planet Earth.
The world travels at a rapid rate. Scientists have noted that the vibration of the earth increases at the rate of one hour a week, which means our inner vibration, will also continually shift.
The vibrations that govern the universe affect us all for we are all a part of it. As a part of the whole we are affected by every change in the universal rate of vibration -- and the rate changes every time there appears a different number in year, month or day, or in the case of Tarot, with every card.
The universal vibration is like a stage set for a play. We may read the whole play but we memorize only the lines in our own role. Numerology helps us to work with these natural vibrations rather than against them.
When the science of numerology is applied to the tarot cards, the number, which governs the card, gives deeper insight into the hidden meaning of the card, and can thus be used as an additional correspondence -- an important action for our role in the play.
The following is an easy reference for the basic constructive value of the numbers One through Nine.
One: Creation, originality, independence, courage, progress, ambition, positiveness, will power, leadership, pioneering, activity, force, raw energy.
Two: Love, service, gentleness, harmony, adaptability, charm, diplomacy, friendliness, rhythm, music, receptivity, cooperation, consideration for others, will, purpose, initial understanding.
Three: Artistic expression, joy of living, freedom from worry, optimism, inspiration, talent, imagination, good taste, sociability, friendliness, kindness, conception, beginning manifestation.
Four: Practicality, service, patience, exactitude, organization, application, devotion, patriotism, conservatism, pragmatism, dignity, economy, trust, worthiness, endurance, loyalty, production, mastery.
Five: Freedom, progress, versatility, understanding, variety, adaptability, mental curiosity, life experience, cleverness, non-attachment, sociability, change, discord, travel, adventure, companionability, surrender, release.
Six: Love, harmony, home, responsibility, adjustment, musical talent, sympathy, understanding, domesticity, guardianship, stability, poise, protection, healing, firmness, balance, idealism, conscientiousness, justice, burden-fearing, service to All, solution, exaltation, seeing.
Seven: Mental analysis, technicality, introspection, peace, poise, scientific research, spirituality, faith, trust, stoicism, refinement, wisdom, silence, “theories and fundamentals,” feeling, deepening, mystery.
Eight: Power, authority, success, material freedom, judgment, discrimination, executive ability, organization, leadership, management, practicality, thoroughness, dependability, self-reliance, control, the power to succeed, repose, consideration, retreat, ripening.
Nine: Universal love, sisterhood, brotherhood, charity, compassion, the Higher Law, artistic genius, selfless service, philanthropy, humanitarianism, magnetism, sympathy, understanding, romance, generosity, breadth of viewpoint, understanding before or beyond words, strengthening.
Each number's "key words" can be applied to the meaning of a tarot card, when the number of the card seems to stand out prominently to you, which would then have a significant interpretation in the spread.
The application of numerology to the Element suits can be taken a step further by applying the concept of mathematical or geometrical symbols, which tell the story of how numbers evolve, as well as adding the expression of the energy movement behind numerology.
Books You Might Enjoy:
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot
Aleister Crowley - The World Of Tarot
Aleister Crowley - The Zodiac And The Tarot
