AUTHOR’S NOTE: Here is an experiment in tweaking Pythagorean and Hermetic numerology for use in playing-card divination. It is based on my decades of practice with esoteric number theory. The parenthetical quotes are from a poem (The Devil’s Picture Book: A Cartomantic Mnemonic) at the beginning of Roger Horne’s Cartomancy in Folk Witchcraft.

Ace = Making a point; taking a stand; preparing to begin
(“Ace to start the journey”)

Two = Initiating a move; deciding between cooperation and resistance
(“Two to make a pair”)

Three = Diversifying one’s approach to embrace opportunity or confront challenge
(“Three, a sapling growing”)

Four = Entrenching or “digging in;” setting boundaries
(“Four, a stable chair”)

Five = Breaking out; cutting ties; necessary change
(“Five to throw the carriage”)

Six = Reaping what was sown; the way of harmony or complacency
(“Six to gather grain”)

Seven = Redirection of effort; an uphill battle forcing one’s hand; striving against odds
(“Seven spelling wickedness”)

Eight = Regaining composure and traction; steering a course
(“Eight to take the reins”)

Nine = Perfection of effort; achieving one’s goals or choosing to transcend them
(“Nine, a cornucopia”)

Ten = Crowning one’s accomplishments; solidifying one’s position; coming to closure
(“Ten, completion’s crown”)

Postscript: Another Milestone

Yesterday I reached 2,700 divination-related posts on this blog, which I’ve now been running for 8.5 years. Each day it’s a little harder to come up with fresh – or at least minimally redundant – material. Working my way into playing-card reading should give my commentary a new lease on life.