3 - Three

“You are given the gift of the gods; you create your reality according to your beliefs; yours is the creative energy that makes your world; there are no limitations to the self except those you believe in.” -Seth

3 is synthesis because it is what happens when 1 and 2 come together. It is the offspring. 3 forms a triangle and thus symbolizes the holy trinity, body-mind-spirit connection and many other sacred concepts. 3 also relates to the tri-nature of man, one of which can be expressed by contemplating these distinct aspects of our being: the thinker, the thing being thought and the one observing this process. We can also think about the number 3 as relating to our 3 modes of consciousness - self-consciousness (male), sub-consciousness (female), and super-consciousness (spirit). Alchemically, 3 shows up in the form of Salt, Sulfur, and Mercury. In an Earthly sense, the number 3 is said to be expressive, dynamic, artistic, extroverted, and interested in community. The number 3 values freedom and expansion and will push beyond rules to find its own unique way.

Associations: A Triangle, The Three States of Consciousness, The Holy Trinity, Briah

Keywords: Creativity, Expression, Imagination, Artistry, Community, Expansion, Birth, Generation, Synthesis

Tarot Cards: The Empress, 3 of Pentacles, 3 of Swords, 3 of Wands, 3 of Cups

4 - Four

“Covering oneself, surrounding oneself with shapes and colors that correspond to a plan, mean that that plan is beginning to be realized.” -Joséphin Péladan

After creativity comes stability and structure, as represented by the sturdy and orderly square. It puts borders and frames around our ideas, while also protecting them and keeping them safe. This is why 4 is often seen as an authority figure or a leader. It is built strong, with a firm foundation, and a surety about its place in the world. The number 4 is representative of all that is solid, sturdy, and secure. It is a very Earthly number as it deals with barriers and form. Consider the shape of a square, the stability of 4 walls, the 4 cardinal directions, the 4 seasons etc. 4 represents order and formation. It is well-balanced, steady, and hard-working. The number 4 wouldn’t cut corners as it understands that all good things begin with a solid base. When the foundation is weak, crack will form. The number 4 is the planner and the organizer as it understands that the details support the whole.

Associations: The 4 Elements, The 4 Directions, A Square, The 4 Seasons, A Cross, Chesed

Keywords: Steadiness, Stability, Security, Authority, Organization, Foundation, Form, Measurement, Restriction, Limitation

Tarot: The Emperor, 4 of Pentacles, 4 of Swords, 4 of Wands, 4 of Cups

5 - Five

“What is discord at one level of your being is harmony at another.” -Alan Watts

If 4 creates structure, then 5 is what breaks it. 5 also represents man (4 fingers and a thumb), which in many ways cuts through evolution, marking a clear distinction between us and animals. It is a tricky point in the cycle and in humanity as it signifies a period of trial, marred by waves of change. 5 falls in the centre of the 1-9 number sequence and therefore, it speaks to flux and reformulation. The number 5 takes what has already been established through the previous sequence of numbers and then looks to readjust itself. This is the energy of growth and expansion (which can be necessary but also challenging). The number 5 also plays off the numbers preceding it, as 4 represents the 4 elements while 5 adds to this with the inclusion of Spirit. In other words, 5 symbolizes evolution because underneath the apparent volatile nature of it, lies the push to expand and grow. This can feel uncomfortable if we don’t understand the inherently positive nature of these things. If we can accept that change happens for us and not to us, then the energy of 5 can be embraced for what it is.

Associations: A Pentagram, The 5 senses, The 5 Elements (including spirit), Man (4 fingers and thumb), Geburah

Keywords: Configuration, Flux, Change, Freedom, Dynamism, Decisions, Reconciliation, Evolution, Expansion, Challenges

Tarot Cards: The Hierophant, 5 of Pentacles, 5 of Swords, 5 of Wands, 5 of Cups

6 - Six

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." -Mark Twain

The number 6 delivers us from turbulent waters and puts us in touch with the virtues needed to live a well intentioned and aligned life. The number 6 carries with it an energy of service. It represents the nature of giving, our love for ourselves and others, and our innate desire for harmony in all facets of our life. Matters of home and relationships factor into the number 6. It is a conscientious energy that sees the beauty all around it. In this way, the number 6 is a bit like the gardener of the bunch. It uses the resources available, including love and care, to grow something meaningful and pleasing to the senses. It can sniff out when its efforts are helping or hurting and seeks to adjust itself to bring things back into balance.

Associations: A 6 Pointed Star, A Hexagon, Tipharet

Keywords: Love, Service, Responsibility, Conscientiousness, Home, Beauty, Harmony, Symmetry, Equity

Tarot Cards: The Lovers, 6 of Pentacles, 6 of Swords, 6 of Wands, 6 of Cups

7 - Seven

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” -C.G. Jung

On the 7th day, God rested, and this is the essence of 7. The number 7 doesn’t force answers, it waits for them to be revealed. This can be done by contemplation, reflection, or meditation. There is a lot to say about the number 7 as its significance is implied through many spiritual systems. The number 7 is quiet, still, unassuming and relaxed. There is an intimate connection to divinity inherent in this number. Through whatever means appeals to it, the number 7 seeks to understand itself, because it knows this is the path toward expanded consciousness. The number 7 connects us with our higher self and the divine will, helping us to plot our way forward by going within. The number 7 can also put our values to the test as it seeks to put us in touch with our deepest truth - going beyond conventional wisdom, modern approach or self-gratifications.

Associations: A Heptagon, The 7 Chakras, The 7 Ancient Planets, The 7 Musical Notes, The 7 Steps on Jacob’s Ladder, The 7 Seals, The 7 Alchemical Steps, 7 Days of Creation, 7 Colours of the Rainbow, Netzah

Keywords: Inspiration, Spirituality, Introspection, Meditation, Truth, Consciousness, Rest, Peace

Tarot: The Chariot, 7 of Pentacles, 7 of Swords, 7 of Wands, 7 of Cups

8 - Eight

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” -Swami Vivekananda

The number 8 is the only other number in this sequence (other than 0) that can be drawn in a never-ending motion. This represents the cyclic, rhythmic and infinite energy of the number 8. The number 8 knows that what goes around comes around, but that isn’t meant to be interpreted in a threatening way. It simply means that you reap what you sow, what you put in you get out, and with all actions there is an equal response on some level. The number 8 also symbolizes vibration, movement, and vitality. If we understand the nature and the laws of ourselves and the world, then we can work with it rather than assume we are at its mercy. In this way, the number 8 is driven and knows its power; It knows that it will get out what it puts in and therefore, chooses to use its energy wisely.

Associations: An Octagon, Infinity, Caduceus, Hod

Keywords: Power, Energy, Life-Force, Success, Effort, Cause & Effect, Law, Reciprocation

Tarot Cards: Strength (or Justice), 8 of Pentacles, 8 of Swords, 8 of Wands, 8 of Cups

9 - Nine

“We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” -Joseph Campbell

The number 9 acts as a consolidator. It takes everything it has so far acquired and much like in alchemy, seeks to refine itself further by eliminating what is no longer necessary and keeping only what is. The number 9 takes a selfless approach, understanding what is good for itself is good for the whole. The number 9 values simplicity and humanitarianism in its efforts to continually evolve itself. 9 is a lighthouse, shining its wisdom for all to see, while never forcing anyone or anything along the way.

Associations: An Enneagon, Yesod

Keywords: Consolidation, Refinement, Completion, Reflection, Release, Acceptance, Wisdom, Humanitarianism

Tarot Cards: The Hermit, 9 of Pentacles, 9 of Swords, 9 of Wands, 9 of Cups

10 - Ten

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” - Richard Bach

10 represents the end of one cycle while in the midst of a new one beginning. It is like the first step on the next set of stairs, one octave higher than the set before. It includes the numbers 1 and 0 which symbolize the individual willpower reaching into the void to begin again. It further emphasizes the cyclic and rhythmic nature of numbers, tarot, and our lives.

Associations: A Decagon, 10 spheres on the Tree of Life, The 10 Commandments, Value of Yod, Malkuth

Keywords: Endings, Beginnings, Cycles, Rhythm, Karma

Tarot Cards: The Wheel of Fortune, 10 of Pentacles, 10 of Swords, 10 of Wands, 10 of Cups