What Do the Numbers Mean In Tarot? Your Complete Reference Guide To Tarot number meanings

It’s a relaxing Sunday afternoon, you pull out your tarot cards to see what you can expect for the week ahead. Something curious happens. You deal every three in the deck! Unsure of what it means you glance at your phone, and to your amazement it’s exactly 3:33pm. In these magical moments it can feel like the universe is winking directly at you.

Is it coincidence? Not with tarot. The numbered cards of tarot show a journey & the numbers that pop up in a reading are always significant. Even without breathtaking synchronicity, like the example above.

Minor Arcana – Four Suits – Ace to Ten – Snapshot Meanings

Below, you will discover exactly what each of the numbers mean in tarot. Including their connection to numerology & angel numbers, plus snapshot meanings for each of the minor arcana cards. We will begin by briefly discussing the four elements, so you have an idea of how their energy can influence meaning.

The first of the four suits is the Pentacles, which represent the earth element. Earth is the material world, and is connected to wealth, health and physical experience.

Cups represents water, the magical world of emotion, intuition, love and imagination. Of the four suits, this is the dreamiest, and deals with our wishes, and innermost desires.

The fire element is Wands. High energy and action focused, wands is about what we do in this world, and how we put our inspiration to use. Fire is incredibly creative.

Lastly, Swords depicting the air element. This is the mental realm, representing our thoughts and how we communicate them. You will find the most cards with negative connotations among this element, because like a sword, our mind has the power to wound us with worries, fear and negative thought spirals.

1 : Beginning Your Journey

Life begins with the number 1. In your tarot deck, 1 represents new beginnings, opportunities and movement. This is your chance to start a new path that will have a significant influence on your life. As we go through the number meanings in your tarot deck, you will see that the road ahead is fraught with fortune, and challenges. Your happiness depends on your ability to enjoy the journey.

If multiple 1s / Aces appear in a reading, embrace the spirit of adventure! One represents, freedom, new beginnings, and possibilities of all kinds.

Ace of Pentacles – A new path, Career, or Investment, Begining a life goal

Ace of Cups – New Love, Emotional Expression, The unlocking of Intuition, Soulmate

Ace of Wands – The Spark of Passion is ignited, New Projects & a Surge of Fresh Energy, New Job

Ace of Swords – Victory, A New Idea, Communication, Inspiration

2: Coming Together in Harmony

Leaving behind the independence of 1’s we enter two, the union of opposites. In numerology, 2 represents collaboration, cooperation and balance. In tarot, the number 2 means the enjoyment of peace, & harmony. 2 parts come together to make a whole, you experience union and the perfect merging of opposites.

As an angel number 2 is a sign of good luck! If you draw multiple twos in a tarot reading, partnership and choices are present themes. Are your choices, easy, or do you find yourself struggling to decide?

Two of Pentacles – Balancing resources, Juggling several areas of life, Either in perfect harmony or if reversed, Dropping the ball

Two of Cups – A Compatible Partnership, Beautiful Harmony in a Situation, Mutual Fulfillment, Romantic Bliss

Two of Wands – Planning and Decision-Making, Inspiration that feels Liberating,

Two of Swords – Choices, Indecisiveness, The Need to Make a Decision, or The Unwillingness to Decide

3: Crafting the Foundation

Number 3 is all about group dynamics. Groups of ideas or groups of people, what will happen when they all come together? The tarot cards numbered 3 explore the outcome.

In numerology, 3 is the number of communication and creative expression, and of course tarot does not ignore this. 3’s are where you build the foundation for your future life.

Three of Pentacles – Teamwork, Collaboration, A Solid foundation for Business or Money

Three of Cups – Community, Fun Times, Happy Outcome, Parties, Creativity, Play

Three of Wands – Expansion, Overseas, Exploration, Progress, Teamwork,

Three of Swords – Grief, Heartbreak, Sorrow, Heavy Crosses to Bear, Painful Emotional Release

4: Conserving Structure

In numerology 4 is the number of order, it asks you to take responsibility in your life. The number 4 is conservative, it holds on to what it knows. This comes with consequences.

When 4’s appear in your tarot reading, pay attention to what you’re committed to, is it serving you, or holding you back. The foundations you have created hold strong. What are you enjoying about this structure, what are you ready to evolve?

Four of Pentacles – Security, Holding on tightly, Hoarding, Saving Money, Control

Four of Cups – Apathy, Not Wanting to Accept What’s Being Offered, Meditation, Boredom

Four of Wands – Celebration of Life’s Moments, Family, Home, Moderate Success

Four of Swords – Rest, Recovery, Solitude, Time to Heal, Contemplation

5: Facing Your Failures

At 5, you hit rock bottom, or so it seems. In tarot, 5 is the ‘all is lost moment’ halfway between the aces and 10. Drawing a number 5 tarot card represents challenges, crisis, conflict and potentially loss. In order to turn things around, you must pause and reflect. You need to discover your meaningful reason to move forward.

In numerology, 5 is a number of change, and experimentation. In order to thrive, it must flow and adapt to life. Accept the emotions that come up and allow them to help you find meaning and direction. It’s okay to fall, or struggle here, it’s a natural part of the cycle of life.

Five of Pentacles – Loss, Financial Lack, Poverty, Illness, Insecurity, Isolation

Five of Cups – Disappointment, Emotional Upset, Focusing on the Negatives & Letting it Get You Down remember while this card suggests a difficult emotional time, the figure on the five of cups is staring at what is lost, while two cups remain upright and full – suggesting there is still some positive left

Five of Wands – Conflict & Competition, Upright this Card Suggests a Public Victory, Reversed, a Loss

Five of Swords – Defeat, Disagreements, Failure, Someone Wanting to Win at All Costs

6: Receiving Rewards

The storm clouds of the 5’s clear and the sun shines again as you reach the 6’s. So what does the number 6 mean in tarot? Solutions, alignment, and sometimes even success. 6 is the number of support in numerology, representing the embodiment of the heart and healing. Often to heal is simply to experience the opposite.

Good fortune, luck and positive events are finally yours!

Six of Pentacles – Generous Giving, Charity, Sharing of Resources, Assistance, Receiving

Six of Cups – Nostalgia, Childlike Innocence, Good Memories, Innocence, Joy, A Trusted Person

Six of Wands – Success, Recognition, A Raise or Promotion, Moment of Glory, Confidence

Six of Swords – Moving on, Transition, Progress, Going Towards Peace, A New Home or Travel

7: Reflecting on Your Path

7 is a deeply mystical number, considered the number of the sage in numerology. When 7’s appear in your tarot reading, it’s a sign to reflect. Approach the matter at hand with wisdom, and become as aware as possible.

Careful introspection, assessment and reevaluation will lead to the best outcomes for your life and future. Often this requires a moment of solitude, to deeply understand what’s a benefitting you and what’s harming you on your path.

Seven of Pentacles – Perseverance, Investment, Cultivation, Slow Growth, Long Term Goals, Reaping What is Sown,

Seven of Cups – Choices, Illusions, Distractions, Temptation, Opportunities, Imagination

Seven of Wands – Defense, Standing Your Ground, Boundaries, Challenge, Principles

Seven of Swords – Deception, Getting Away With Something, Sneaky Behaviour, Strategy

8: Making Power Moves

A symbol of luck in Chinese culture, 8 is a power number, that indicates growth, achievement and change. Drawing multiple 8’s in a tarot reading is a positive sign indeed. As an angel number, 8 represents abundance and shows good fortune entering into your life.

Personal Power, Transformation, and Movement are important themes of the number 8 in tarot.

Eight of Pentacles – Mastery of Your Craft, Apprenticeship, Skill Development, Perfectionism

Eight of Cups – Perfect Clarity, Walking Away, Escapism, Withdrawal, Abandonment,

Eight of Wands – Speed, Action, Communication, Hustle, Swift Change, Movement

Eight of Swords – Feeling Stuck, Self Imprisonment, Holding Back, Powerlessness, Feels Impossible to Change

9: Pausing The Cycle

9’s represent a feeling of plateau. While you might be experiencing prosperity, or a feeling of completeness, fate still has more in store for you. This is a pause in the action, where you may be enjoying what you have, or anxiously waiting for something to come.

Nine of Pentacles – Personal Success, Luxury, Material World Comforts, Culmination, Abundance

Nine of Cups – Satisfaction, Indulgence, Contentment, Wish Fulfillment,

Nine of Wands – Test of Faith, Resilience, Resolve, Strong Support System, Taking A Long Time

Nine of Swords – Worry, Restlessness, Insomnia, Fear, Guilty Conscience, Blocked Emotions,

10: Reaching The Inevitable End

10s are the completion of a cycle, something in your life has come full circle. If you draw multiple 10s in a tarot reading, this means you are stepping in to a new beginning. Did the wheel of destiny spin in your favour, or are you left picking up the pieces of what was broken.

To accept what happened on your journey, and walk away with a sense of peace, find meaning in the hardships and the joys, alike.

Ten of Pentacles – Wealth, Inheritance, Amazing Opportunities, Long Term Success, Establishing Family

Ten of Cups – Fairy Tale Endings, Belonging, Happiness, Alignment, Marriage, Family, Artistry, Peaceful Life

Ten of Wands – Overwork, Burden, Extra Responsibility, Massive Undertakings, Sacrifice, Pulling The Weight For Others,

Ten of Swords – Painful Endings, Burnout, Loss, Giving Up, Betrayal, Deep Wounds, Rock Bottom

10 Wheel of Fortune | Tarot of Empowerment

An deeply important card in any reading is the wheel of fortune. Carrying the energy of number 10, the wheel of fortune represents fate and the power of the universe. This card has the power to turn your world completely upside down and in a reading can represent winning or losing, depending on context and position.

Beginnings, endings and anything in between, this card is deeply connected to the idea of fate and some things being bound to happen, whether you like it or not. The wheel of fortune empowers you to make the most out of what happens to you, it asks you to adapt to ever changing circumstances with optimism.

After all earth is a wild a ride, and seemingly bad luck can be exactly what you need to begin aligning with your heart’s desires.

Advice from the Wheel of Fortune

“What goes around comes around” the advice of the wheel of fortune is to consider the consequences of your actions. When you’re putting good energy into what you want, the people around you and the universe at large, you can expect lucky opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.

When the wheel of fortune seems to be turning against you, consider what you’ve been taking for granted or taking advantage of. What bad karma do you need to clear, apologize for, or correct? Beginning to approach the world more positively will yield positive results.

Understand the Meaning of Court Cards

The final set of cards in the minor arcana are of course the cards of the court. With no ties to numerology, these cards still contain themes that can benefit your reading. The meaning of each is briefly explained below for your knowledge.

Pages – Symbolic of new stages of life. Pages appear in a reading when you are on the cusp of a new perspective (swords), new inspiration / idea (wands), new feelings / romance (water), or new job (pentacles). They carry a youtuhful and excitable energy and are considered messengers that come to you with an invitation.

Knights – Dedicated to keeping their journey going, knights are action oriented cards full of energy. Their personality can indicate extremes, and in their attempt to get what they want, they can make mistakes. When you draw a knight card (or multiple) ask yourself is this representing a helpful or harmful approach?

Queens – Queens represent feminine leadership in tarot, exerting their influence in subtle ways. Their fortune reminds you to use what you have, to care for, nuture, or advise those around you. The queen has a deep understanding of herself, others and the world.

Kings – Kings are symbolic of the total mastery of the element of their respective suits. They are stable, confident and highly capable energies. They are the masculine leadership in tarot, commanding providers who have achieved great success in their life. When Kings show up in a tarot reading the universe is signally that you’re on top of your game.

Other Cards 11-21

The numbers 11-21 are used in the other cards of the major arcana. While they each contain a spiritual meaning with connections to numerology and angel numbers, it’s best to understand the unique archetypes each card represents, individually. To learn more about the major arcana cards check out this in depth article.

The Fool and the Magic of Number Zero

The fool comes before all the wonderful new beginnings of the number 1. The fool is 0 and Zero is where the real fun begins. Will his path be filled with fortune and bravery or will the wheel of fate turn against him, filling his life with woe.

The fool has no plan, and he goes forward even when others warn not to. This card represents the massive leap of faith you must take to begin any journey. Infinite possibilites are available at the number zero, as it is where all the numbers spring forth from.

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