Numbers (part II)

Last time we saw just the combination of odd and even numbers. This time we will see the numbers themselves. Just to remind you, that’s usually how i do it – not an universal recipe. If it works for you, fine, but feel free to adapt it if you disagree with anything.

One – The self. The point, the root of all things. What’s undividable and infinite. Latent energies, potentials within oneself, ambitions. A seed, new beginnings, the start of a new cycle. Leadership, individual thoughts and actions. Also means fear of using these latent energies, of manifesting them in the world.

Two - Self and the otherness. The line that conects two points. First contact beyond yourself. Cooperation, partnership. Rivalry that incentives you to try your best. Receptivity. Opposites, duality – man and woman. Need to make a decision. Also means division, enemity, one against the other. The calm before the storm.

Three - Manifestation. The triangle. The triad of every religion; one manifesting in three forms. Decision, growth, expansion. Movement, result from a choice. Creativity. Also means worry, uncertainty, oscillation.

Four - Foundation. The square. The four directions, the four elements that make the world, the four winds. Organization, structure, order. Laying the bases for future success. Self-discipline. Being protected by a barrier (four walls). Also means rigidity, restriction, the boredom of the status quo, avarice. Something that appears in order but is actually disorganized inside. Not thinking out of the box.

Five - Crossroads. The pentagram. Rupture with the status quo, usually painful. Using free will. Opportunities, challenges, conflicts. Diversifying, looking for new ways. Also means unquietness, confusion, impulsive actions. Rebelling but losing the fight. Dealing with said loss.

Six - Harmony. The hexagram. Perfection, balance. The six directions of the universe. Moment of peace, eye of the hurricane. Transitions from past to future. Settling. Also means complacency, shunning conflicts for fear of challenges, rupture and disorder.

Seven – The perfect number. The triangle and the square. The seven days needed to create earth; the seven gates Innana needed to pass before reaching the underworld. Retreat, introspection, awareness. Inner powers; deciding how to use/control them. Urge and relief in one. Wisdom. Also means using your inner powers carelessly, not having the patience needed to deal with the obstacles. Rushing, lacking of control.

Eight - Fortification. Two squares or the lemniscate, symbol of the infinite. Accomplishments, rewards, support. The external world, the material world. The conseqüences of how you used your inner powers; reaping what you sow. Having the energy/conditions to achieve you goals. Also means excessive materialism; lacking of the conditions needed to advance. Failure; negative conseqüences from improper use of inner powers.

Nine – Final challenge. Three triangles. Fulfillment, completion, moving to a new stage. Altruism, compassion. Reaching and crossing the last barrier. Seeing the big picture. Also means extremes, excesses, vices. Not feeling ready to confront the last challenge.

Ten – The assembly/union point. The tetractys. The symbol of earth and heaven. Transcendence. The fate. The end of a cycle. Too much.

I know some of the meanings may seem confusing…i tried to fit here most of keywords and key-ideas i had about each number, and also what i have studied about each in books and in the web. I think it’s very interesting (and important!) to see what the numbers mean in different beliefs, cultures, subjects…you’ll find that many times the meanings match!

As you work with numerology in cartomancy, you’ll find out all the possibilities contained in a single number…all the different nuances. A single list, such as this one, cannot express this all.

Sources: The Playing Card Oracles source book, by Ana Cortez; Dan Pelletier’s (Umbrae) numerology ; my own [Mari's] notebook .