Number

Pythagoras

Numerology and Tarot

0

A mystical symbol, not a number. Mathematically and philosophically Zero represents nothing and everything, the two infinite ends of the finite, neither of which is physically attainable.

God force; the force before entering into manifestation.

The Fool. In some decks the Fool is numbered 22—see below.

1

Monad

Root of all numbers, unity, principle of all things, indivisible

Gender: male and female (containing the odd and even)

Time: The present now

Positive Attributes: Essence; beyond all knowledge

Negative Attributes: chaos, confusion, obscurity, darkness; ambiguous

Mind of Man: Intellect (source of all ideas)

Divine spark, male principle; the number One represents ambition and courage; associated with the sun.

In Tarot: Aces/One—Action, ideas, beginnings; births; initiation, opening, gifts; potential, opportunity, starting point. Self, potential. Concentration of will; mindfulness. Intention, commencement, focus. The Magician – male principle; new beginnings and potential as suggested by the four suit symbols on his altar.

2

Duad

First increase; first change from unity; indefinite.

Gender: First female

Time: night and day as a twofold aspect

Positive attributes: power, summit, patience, harmony, root

Negative: strife, falsehood, ignorance, defeat

Differentiation; female principle. The number Two represents emotions and harmony; associated with the moon.

In Tarot: Personality, feelings; reflection; polarity, duality; opposites. Balance; subconscious. Passivity, choice, change. The focus is on the attempt to stay in the middle. The High Priestess - female principle.

Number

Pythagoras

Numerology and Tarot

3

Triad

First odd, first number to be called multitude; cause of plurality of numbers; allows power of monad to proceed into energy and extension

Gender: the first male number

Time: Past-Present-Future as a threefold measure of time

Positive Attributes: harmony, good counsel

Mind of Man: Intellect, intelligence, knowledge

Manifestation; holy trinity of wisdom, love and truth. The number Three represents creativity, joy and expansion; associated with the planet Jupiter.

In Tarot: Intuitions, affections, understanding, harmony, beauty. Manifestations, integration, combination. Fecundity, growth. Unfolding; co-operation, idealisation. The Empress.

4

Tetrad

First square number among even; second even number

Gender: Female in first extension; to open and shut the recesses of generation

Time: the four seasons

Positive Attributes: Fountain of natural effects; keybearer of nature

Mind of Man: the fourfold division of Man in terms of soul, body, desire

The Earth; four seasons, four elements; four holy creatures guarding the throne of god (human/air, eagle/water, lion/fire, bull/earth – see Tarot cards Wheel of Fortune, The World). Will, discipline, construction; associated with planet Uranus.

In Tarot: Grounding, stability, order. Completion, actualisation. Reason, consolidation. Focus inward on self; centering; assessment of needs. The material world; organisation, foundation, establishment. The Emperor.

5

Pentad

First number to combine odd and even; second odd number; privation of strife (as a number uniting 3 + 2)

Gender: Male (as odd); male and female (as 3 + 2)

Positive Attribute: Justice

Negative Attribute: Vengeance

Humanity. Freedom, mental dexterity, communication; fruitfulness and new learning. Associated with the planet Mercury.

In Tarot: Reaction. desire, challenge, change. Confusion, struggle, conflict. Breakdown, fate, guilt. Chaos, storm and stress. Meditation, conscience, temptation, tests. Disturbance, anger, loss – of temper, feelings, security or integrity. The Hierophant – authority, education, dogma, structure; potential for strife.

Numbers 6—10

Numbers 11—22