The mysticism of numbers has ancient origins appearing in the East as “I Ching” and in the West as “Numerology”. The Tarot is extensively connected to the development of numerical mysticism in the West and many of the meanings attributed to the cards derive from this source. In all occult philosophies, numbers do not simply represent quantities, but ideas with deeper meanings and interpretations. Each number has its own character and attributes. The ancient Greeks placed great importance on the significance of numbers. Pythagoras, the famous Greek thinker and philosopher, believed that nature and reality can ultimately be expressed in numerical terms. The Hebrews applied number values to letters of their alphabet, which enabled them to calculate the numerical value of words, and the early Christians and Gnostics followed suit. However, in strict occult tradition, the system of ascertaining the numerical value of words works only when a word is spelled in its original Hebrew or Greek. (The English alphabet does not agree closely enough with the Hebrew and Greek ones to be effective). “Numerology”, the reduction of names, words, and birth dates to their base numerical values, has become a popular modern form of this ancient practice. In the Tarot each number has a meaning, and all cards associated with that number, have an interpretation connected to that meaning. Each card is itself numbered, and the numbers are further expressed in the drawings that appear on the cards (eg. Birds, flowers, fruits, animals etc.), that appear in pairs, triplets, and various other combinations. Essential Meanings of numbers in the Tarot cards: Zero Only one card in the Tarot (the Fool), carries the number 0. It indicates pure potential and possibilities. Ones. Ones point to beginnings and new opportunities, and hold promise and optimism. Gifts, creation and willpower are also associated with this number. Twos The number of duality and opposites. Two also represents balance and relationships. Love, harmony, co-operation and choice are also indicated by the twos. Threes Threes indicate growth and expansion, multiplicity and forward movement. With the exception of Swords they also represents synthesis, abundance, imagination, joy and artistic expression. Fours Solidity, stability and consolidation, are seen in the number four . Structure, organization, discipline, and order, are also represented by the fours. Fives Often represented by a pentacle (5 pointed star), fives are symbols of power and mind over matter. They represent struggle and freedom, progress, change, courage and versatility. They can also represent change, instability, and the necessity to adapt to unpleasant changes. Sixes Sixes represent assistance, idealism, perfection, and a change for the better, with greater harmony, balance, health and equilibrium. Sevens Almost universally a sacred number, seven denotes wisdom, insight, inner work, and new awareness leading to change and growth of spirit. Eights Eights represent regeneration and improved health. They also denote control, power and mastery over a situation through self reliance autonomy and organization. Justice and material progress are also indicated by this number.. Nines Completion and fulfillment and attainment on a physical, mental, and spiritual level is also represented by the nines. Tens Perfection and transformation, lead to new beginnings are shown in the tens. Lessons have been learned and a new cycle can now start. Note: All numbers above nine can be reduced to a single number by adding the digits together. (eg. 24 = 2+4 = 6 ). These single digit meanings are then used in the interpretations. Number symbolism is of primary importance in deriving meaning from both sections (Arcanas) of the Tarot. In the case of the Minor Arcana the symbolism of the number together with the Suit sign determines the fundamental meaning of the card, and images add further depth to the interpretations and meanings. It is interesting to note that our modern playing cards emerged from the suit cards of the Minor Arcana, and are numbered similarly.