For centuries, mystic arts like tarot and numerology have fascinated those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their lives. Though different in practice, tarot and numerology both aim to reveal hidden truths and guidance by assigning meaning to symbols. When used together, tarot cards and numerology can offer an enriched perspective into your past, present, and future.

A Brief History of Tarot and Numerology

Tarot originated in 15th century Europe for card games before evolving into a divination tool. The tarot deck has 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards representing life’s journey while the Minor Arcana has 56 cards in four suits. When laid in spreads, the cards’ imagery and meanings weave a symbolic narrative.

Numerology has roots in ancient cultures like Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. It draws meaning from numbers and number combinations. Your birthdate, full name, and other significant numbers are analyzed to reveal personality traits and cycles of your life. Numerology sees numbers as vibrational frequencies that can unlock the secrets of the universe and yourself when decoded.

Though tarot and numerology developed independently, combining them can provide a richer divinatory experience.

Connecting Tarot and Numerology

There are a few key ways tarot and numerology intersect and complement each other.

Numerical Card Meanings

In tarot, each card is assigned a number from 1 to 22 for the Major Arcana or ace to 10 for the Minor Arcana. The numbers already attached to tarot carry significance.

Zero represents limitless potential. The Fool marked as 0 begins his journey full of innocence and possibility.

One reflects new beginnings and individuality. The Magician, numbered 1, taps into his power to manifest.

Ten signals completion, an ending of one cycle and start of another. The Wheel of Fortune’s 10 speaks to the ups and downs of life’s journey.

When combined with numerology, the numbered cards take on additional nuanced meaning based on numerology values. For example, the number 9 is linked to humanitarianism and compassion. The Hermit as card 9, embodies wisdom compassionately shared for others’ enlightenment.

Calculating Card Numbers

In Numerology each letter has a numerical value. You can calculate a card’s numerology value by adding together the values of its title.

The Empress breaks down as:
E=5
M=4
P=7
R=9
E=5
S=1
S=1
= 32
Reduced to 3 + 2 = 5

The Empress resonates with the numerology meaning of 5 representing self-expression, adventure, and living life to the fullest. The Empress depicts a colorful abundant figure embodying the joyful fertility of the number 5.

You can enhance your tarot interpretation by calculating and considering each card’s numerological value.

Birth Cards

Your birth cards are found by reducing your birthdate to a single digit number or two-digit master number. Then you can identify the tarot cards matching your birth card numbers that represent your personality and life path.

If your birthdate reduces to the number 16, The Tower as card 16 would be one of your birth cards. The Tower shows upheaval but ultimately liberation, which may frequently characterize your major life transformations.

Finding tarot cards linked to your numerology birth cards can offer deep personal insight when they appear in a reading.

Cycles and Patterns

Numerology unveils the unique cycles and patterns of your life according to your numbers. Specific numbers will emerge again and again throughout your journey.

Recognizing number sequences can help interpret tarot readings. Seeing cards matching your personal numbers is a signal the reading relates to you directly. Or a string of the same number appearing may indicate a significant pattern unfolding.

Combined with tarot, numerology provides context to better grasp your past, present, and destiny.

Sample Tarot Reading Incorporating Numerology

Here is an example tarot reading for a fictional Sara interpreted through a numerology perspective:

• Sara’s birthday is 5/21/1983
• Her birth number is 5
• Her personality cards are the Hierophant (5) and The Hermit (9)

Sara decides to do a three card tarot spread asking:

1. What should I focus on now?
2. What is blocking me?
3. What will bring me clarity?

Sara draws:

1. Wheel of Fortune (10)
2. Five of Cups (5)
3. The Hermit (9)

Analysis:

• Wheel of Fortune shows up first speaking to cycles and changes happening in Sara’s destiny. Her primary birth number 5 shows this directly relates to Sara’s life path.
• The Five of Cups reflects Sara may be stuck focusing on loss rather than seeing the gains ahead. This Minor Arcana 5 card connects to Sara’s numerology profile.
• Finally The Hermit mirrors Sara’s secondary birth card. Shining the wise Hermit’s lantern of objectivity on her situation will help Sara find insight. Meditation and solitude will reveal what’s needed for the next phase of her 5 lifepath.

Numerology adds a deeper dimension to the tarot reading. The matching numbers confirm the message is for Sara while showing areas for inner reflection and growth.

Bringing Tarot and Numerology Together

Some simple ways to incorporate numerology into tarot include:

• Calculate your birthdate numbers and identity associated tarot cards. Observe when these appear in readings.
• Note any repeating numbers or number patterns in readings.
• Consider the meanings of both the tarot card imagery and matched numerology number.
• If a card seems confusing, look to its numerological value for clarification or additional meaning.
• Use number combinations like your Life Path and Destiny numbers to guide questions asked of the cards.
• Create numerology-based tarot spreads like a three card past/present/future reading using your Life Path, Destiny and Soul Urge numbers.

Combining tarot and numerology provides a 360 degree view into your deepest self. Tarot provides a symbolic portal while numerology reveals the patterns and purpose. Use these mystical arts together to unlock your highest potential.

FAQ

What is the connection between tarot and numerology?

Both tarot and numerology aim to unveil hidden truths about one’s life. In tarot, the 78 cards are each assigned numbers full of meaning that align with numerology values. Numerology and tarot intersect by assigning additional significance to cards based on their numbers, identifying tarot birth cards, and revealing life patterns through numerology cycles.

How does numerology complement tarot readings?

Numerology adds depth to tarot interpretation. Matching numbers between tarot cards drawn and your numerology profile affirms the reading is especially relevant for you. Recognizing number patterns can also clarify the cards’ message or identify areas for focus. Numerology may also explain seemingly confusing cards through their numerological meanings.

What information do you need to combine tarot and numerology?

To fully integrate numerology, you’ll need your complete birthdate which can then be reduced to identify your Life Path, Destiny, Soul Urge and other numbers. You’ll also want to know the basic numerology meanings for numbers 1-9 along with Master Numbers 11, 22 and 33. Finally, knowledge of both the tarot imagery and linked numerology meaning for each card is key.

How do you calculate the numerology value of tarot cards?

You find a tarot card’s numerology value by adding together the numbers for each letter in its title, then reducing to a single digit or master number. For example, the Emperor breaks down as:

E=5
M=4
P=7
E=5
R=9
O=6
R=9

5 + 4 + 7 + 5 + 9 + 6 + 9 = 45
Reduced: 4 + 5 = 9

So 9 is the Emperor’s numerology number and adds additional meaning.

What is a good way to start integrating tarot and numerology?

Begin by calculating your own numerology numbers and identifying associated tarot cards as your birth cards. Then, keep these birth cards in mind when they appear in spreads for greater personal insight. You can also start paying attention to any repeating numbers or number patterns in readings to see what they might reveal about your tarot message. Over time you’ll internalize the numerical symbolism along with tarot imagery.