Learn Tarot – The Numbers (Revisited)
In a previous article we listed the basic number associations of the minor arcana.
To keep things simple we used the traditional RWS associations as reference. It’s important to note that this is not the only system in use and it can be useful to cross reference the RWS and Tarot De Marseilles in order to gain further insight. Additionally, the associated card from the major arcana is also worthy of study in reference to the minors.
Below you can find a table of these references:-
| Number/Degree | Modern Tarot | Tarot de Marseilles | Arcanum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic quality or potential in the suit, awakening, new beginnings and opportunities | Basic quality or potential in the suit, awakening, new beginnings and opportunities | The Magician |
| 2 | Union, balance, decision | Gestation | The High Priestess |
| 3 | An early success | Explosive action (Sprouting) | The Empress |
| 4 | Building foundations, stability | Building foundations, stability (Roots) | The Emperor |
| 5 | Conflict, loss | Transition (Branches) | The Heirophant/Pope |
| 6 | Communication, learning to work with people | Beauty, enjoyment, blossoming (Flowers) | The Lovers |
| 7 | Learning, inner (spiritual?) reflection | Action (Fruit) | The Chariot |
| 8 | Action, creation, movement | Maturity (Ripe) | Justice |
| 9 | Success, or the final struggle before success | End of a cycle (Fruit Falls) | The Hermit |
| 10 | Completion, success (moving on to new beginnings) | Completion, success, moving to new beginnings (Seed enters earth) | Wheel of Fortune |
| Page | Exploration, study | Exploration, study | n/a |
| Knight | Action, responsibility | Action, responsibility | n/a |
| Queen | Deep expression of the suit, creativity | Deep expression of the suit, creativity | n/a |
| King | Power and success but with social responsibility | Power and success but with social responsibility | n/a |
When drawing multiple cards from the minor arcana one may also wish to follow the traditional approach in numerology of reducing multiple numbers to 1 (or 2) digits and referencing the major arcana in this way (up to the limit of 22, reducing further as required). This can be an interesting exercise for the reader but should be noted is not a standard tarot practice.
You can jump back into the main stream here: Learn Tarot – Putting The Pieces Together
Steve is a British esotericist and pagan musician with a profound affinity for the natural world, particularly the serene and mystic woodlands of his homeland. Steve’s particular passion lies within the realms of tarot, where he delves into the underlying systems and symbols that weave the rich narrative tapestry of this ancient divinatory tool. His life’s work embodies a blend of music, magic, and the deep reverence for nature, making him a distinct voice within the esoteric community.