AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve been using a combination of Pythagorean and Qabalistic number theory with the minor (or “pip”) cards over the entire span of my five-decade tarot journey, but more recently I came across a new model (which is not all that different from my old one) in playing-card divination. I thought it would be useful to present them for comparison.

Here are the lists of meanings I’m currently using. The quotes in the second list are from an old cartomantic poem, “The Devil’s Picture Book: A Cartomantic Mnemonic.” My reference for it is Roger Horne’s book Cartomancy in Folk Witchcraft. I’ve added the standard numerological progression for completeness but I don’t apply its spiritual and psychological overtones in my own action-and-event-oriented divination.

Between the three, a precise picture of numerical significance can be obtained while remaining within a common metaphysical paradigm. I find that this type of esoteric numerology (which is worlds away from the “lucky number” variety) works best with the Thoth tarot and other Golden-Dawn-based decks. It is useful with the Tarot de Marseille and playing cards but does not align well with the “canned narrative vignettes” of the Waite-Smith tarot (which, to be honest, is my least favorite deck).

Occult Number Progression:

Aces: An anticipated beginning.
Twos: A period of give-and-take.
Threes: A period of growth and progress
Fours: A period of consolidation.
Fives: A period of challenge and upset.
Sixes: A period of harmony restored.
Sevens: A period of renewed initiative and testing.
Eights: A period of adjustment and reaction/overreaction.
Nines: A period of re-centering and reconciliation.
Tens: A period of rest and relative inactivity.

Cartomantic Number Progression:

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”)

Numerological Progression (adapted from Numerology and the Divine Triangle):

Aces = Beginnings; the Start of an Activity
Twos = Balance and Duality; Reconciliation of Opposites
Threes = Expansion and Creativity
Fours = Stability and Discipline; Law and Order
Fives = Change and Adventure; Freedom of Movement
Sixes = Harmony and Fairness
Sevens = Spiritual Awakening; Perfected Thinking
Eights = Power and Abundance
Nines = Completion and Compassion
Tens = End of a Cycle and Preparation for a New One