Number

Pythagoras

Numerology and Tarot

6

Hexad

First perfect number

Gender: Female (as even)

Time: Regeneration (which occurs after 6 x 6 x 6 years)

Positive attributes: harmony, perfection of parts, benevolence, peace, principle

Mind of man: Truth; only number adapted to the soul of Man

Beauty; creation and perfection. The number Six represents love, wisdom and responsibility; associated with the planet Venus.

In Tarot: Exuberance ; a peak experience of some kind. Expressive and expansive; the elements at their practical best (Crowley). Contemplation, reconciliation, reciprocation. Co-operation, sharing; choice; advancement. The Lovers – responsibility.

7

Heptad

Only number in decad that did not arise from any union and does not unite with anything

Gender: Male (as odd)

Time: The lunar cycle as four sets of seven days

Positive Attribute: Veneration

Mind of Man: Dream (vision)

Perfect order. The number Seven is the highest mystical and sacred number; it represents life, higher learning, spirituality and contemplation; associated with the planet Neptune. Male magic (based on anatomy—7 orifices)

In Tarot: The maturing process; inner work; self-reflection. Struggle, caution, limitation. Discipline, restraint. Movement, new direction, correction of imbalance, changing patterns. Mastery, rest, self-expression, independent action. Awakening. preparation, foresight. The Chariot.

8

Ogdoad

First cube number among even; first cube of energy

Gender: Female (as fourth even number)

Time: One third of a day; the day divided into 8 + 8 + 8 hours; the eighth day as rejuvenation ar regeneration of the cycle of seven days

Strength; divine law, authority, materialism; associated with the planet Saturn. The figure of Eight is a symbol of spiralling motion of the creative forces, also representing karmic justice ‘as above, so below’. Female magic (based on anatomy—8 orifices)

In Tarot: Re-evaluation prioritising, use of energy. Valuing, inspiration, evolution. Balance, cause and effect; movement.

In the RWS tradition: Justice.

In the Marseille tradition: Strength.

Number

Pythagoras

Numerology and Tarot

9

Ennead

First square number among odd numbers; the number which flows around the other numbers within the decad like the ocean around the earth; the first triangular number (3 x 3)

Gender: doubly masculine (as odd and as the first odd square)

Time: the nine months of gestation

Positive Atrributes: concord, freedom from strife

Completeness; end of a cycle; the beginning and the end. The number Nine represents unconditional service and action. Associated with the planet Mars.

In Tarot: Luck, fate. Capability, integration, experience. Solitude, gestation, pure intellect. conclusion. Fulfilment, attainment of goal, self-reliance, self-awareness. The Hermit.

10

Decad

Contains in itself both even and odd

Gender: containing both male and female

Positive Attributes: strength (ruling over all other numbers), faith, necessity

Mind of Man: Memory (as mental calculation)

Perfection through completeness; return to unity, accomplishment of purpose. Transformation.

In Tarot: Regeneration, release, responsibility. Consolidation; sum total of all work done from the beginning. Warnings, ends and beginnings, cycles. Results, Karma; reward and punishment. Concerned with the well-being of others, recommitment or new direction, giving meaning or purpose to your experiences. The Wheel of Fortune.

Numbers 11—22