1 to 10 in Tarot: Numerology Secrets of the Minor Arcana

Learning the minor arcana can be quick and easy with a few little tricks. Numerology is my absolute favorite, drawing on shared meanings across the suits.

The minor arcana deals with everyday details in life, such as tensions at work, plans with friends or the frustrations of losing your keys. With 40 cards, they will likely make up most of the cards pulled in a spread. Thankfully, they are the easiest part of the deck to learn with these tips.

The cards one to ten reflect the journey of an idea through its stages of development. Here’s a brief summary of this journey before we dive into the individual numbers:

Themes	Number
The Big Idea or Spark	One or Ace
Building Foundations Through Action	Two
	Three
	Four
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience	Five
	Six
	Seven
Momentum and Completion	Eight
	Nine
	Ten

Odd Vs Even Energy in Numerology

Before we jump into the individual numbers, here’s an easy little cheat for learning tarot: look at whether the number is odd or even.

Odd Numbers in Tarot

In tarot numerology, dd numbers, starting with Ace (1) and continuing through 3, 5, 7, and 9, often represent action, individuality, and change.

They drive movement and new beginnings, signalling moments of transformation or bold decision-making.

However, the energy of odd numbers can feel unsettling, as it pushes us to step outside our comfort zones and face challenges head-on.

Even Numbers in Tarot

Even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 are linked to balance, stability, and connection. They emphasize harmony, patience, and creating solid foundations.

These numbers encourage periods of steady growth and reflection, reminding us to trust the process and appreciate structure.

But if things become stagnant or too predictable, even numbers may prompt us to reassess and make shifts for improvement.

Numerology of Aces

In tarot, Aces symbolize new beginnings and untapped potential. They represent the start of a journey filled with fresh possibilities waiting to unfold.

This energy carries a sense of excitement – like the butterflies you feel when something promising is on the horizon or when your mind is racing with ideas. It is something waiting to happen.

But it’s important to realize that inspiration alone isn’t enough. The message of the Aces is that action is required. They urge you to move beyond ideas and take steps to bring your dreams to life.

Aces remind you to act boldly, seize the chance before you, and trust yourself to turn ideas into reality.

In tarot, the number 1 is associated with the following cards:

Minor Arcana

1. Ace of Wands – New beginnings, creative inspiration, and taking action
2. Ace of Cups – Emotional renewal, love, and intuitive awakening
3. Ace of Swords – Mental clarity, new ideas, and decisive breakthroughs
4. Ace of Pentacles – Material opportunities, stability, and prosperity

Major Arcana

1. The Magician (Card I) – Manifestation, willpower, and harnessing potential
2. Wheel of Fortune (Card X) – Luck, cycles, and the ebb and flow of life
3. The Sun (Card XIX) – Joy, clarity, and success

Numerology of Twos

In numerology, the number two in tarot represents balance, partnership, and duality. It often points to the need for harmony in relationships, choices, or internal conflicts.

Two highlights the interplay between opposing forces – light and dark, active and passive, self and others – teaching us that unity emerges when differences work together. It suggests a time for cooperation, patience, and understanding, urging us to create and maintain connections with care.

This number also embodies sensitivity, encouraging intuition over aggressive action. Two reminds us to listen, observe, and find middle ground. While it doesn’t demand sweeping decisions, it promotes steady progress through collaboration and reflection.

It’s a number of trust, both in ourselves and in others, emphasizing that true strength comes from standing together rather than apart.

In tarot, the number 2 is associated with the following cards:

Minor Arcana

1. Two of Wands – Planning, decision-making, and considering opportunities
2. Two of Cups – Partnerships, harmony, and emotional bonds
3. Two of Swords – Indecision, balancing choices, and mental stalemates
4. Two of Pentacles – Juggling priorities, adaptability, and finding balance

Major Arcana

1. The High Priestess (Card II) – Intuition, mystery, and inner wisdom
2. Justice (Card XI) – Balance, fairness, and accountability
3. Judgment (Card XX) – Rebirth, awakening, and life review

Numerology of Threes

In numerology, the number three carries dynamic energy that reflects growth, creativity, and connection.

When applied to tarot, threes often signal a phase of expansion or collaboration. They represent the moment when an initial spark begins to take form, moving beyond pure potential into tangible development. This number frequently suggests teamwork, communication, and the blending of different elements to create something new.

Threes can point to progress fueled by inspiration and shared effort, urging individuals to recognize the strength found in unity and collective action. At the same time, the energy of three emphasizes balance, as combining forces can sometimes lead to challenges if harmony isn’t maintained.

Whether expressing the start of a creative project, the growth of relationships, or the forging of new ideas, threes hold the promise of possibility but require focus to channel their momentum effectively.

In tarot, the number 3 appears in the following cards:

Minor Arcana

1. Three of Wands – Expansion, foresight, and laying the groundwork for future success
2. Three of Cups – Celebration, friendship, and emotional connection
3. Three of Swords – Heartbreak, sorrow, and emotional release
4. Three of Pentacles – Collaboration, teamwork, and skillful effort

Major Arcana

1. The Empress (Card III) – Nurturing, creativity, and abundance
2. The Hanged Man (Card XII) – Surrender, letting go, and new perspectives
3. The World (Card XXI) – Completion, fulfillment, and cosmic unity

Numerology of Fours

The number Four in the tarot represents stability, structure, and foundation. It’s a grounded energy that often signals the need to create secure footing before moving forward.

In the suits, Fours highlights practical steps in life – like building a home, establishing emotional boundaries, or finding mental clarity.

This energy can sometimes feel restrictive, as comfort zones may limit growth or exploration. However, it reminds us that stability is necessary before progress.

Whether it’s the measured calm of the Four of Swords or the contained energy of the Four of Pentacles, Fours point to consolidation and preparation for what’s next.

In tarot, the number 4 appears in the following cards:

Minor Arcana

1. Four of Wands – Celebration, stability, and foundational achievements
2. Four of Cups – Contemplation, emotional stagnation, and reevaluating opportunities
3. Four of Swords – Rest, recovery, and mental respite
4. Four of Pentacles – Security, control, and holding on tightly

Major Arcana

1. The Emperor (Card IV) – Authority, structure, and establishing order
2. Death (Card XIII) – Transformation, endings, and new beginnings

Numerology of Fives

In tarot, the number five often signals challenge, conflict, or disruption. It represents a period of growth through struggle, pushing you to adapt to new situations or perspectives.

Unlike fours, which embody stability, fives bring instability that prompts movement and change. This energy can feel chaotic but carries the potential for transformation.

Each suit reflects this differently – cups may explore emotional shifts, while swords point to mental or verbal conflicts. Though unsettling, fives remind us that challenges often lead to progress.

In tarot, the number 5 appears in the following cards:

Minor Arcana

1. Five of Wands – Conflict, competition, and clashing perspectives
2. Five of Cups – Loss, disappointment, and emotional focus on the past
3. Five of Swords – Tension, betrayal, and hollow victories
4. Five of Pentacles – Hardship, scarcity, and feelings of abandonment

Major Arcana

1. The Hierophant (Card V) – Tradition, spiritual guidance, and structured belief systems
2. Temperance (Card XIV) – Harmony, balance, and moderation

Numerology of Sixes

In tarot, the number six represents harmony, balance, and connection. It’s often tied to themes of responsibility, love, and community.

Sixes reminds us to seek equilibrium after challenges, whether by mending relationships, addressing obligations, or finding peace within. They highlight cooperation and the importance of giving and receiving support.

Often, sixes point to moments where progress comes through mutual understanding or shared effort, reflecting that success often thrives on unity, not isolation.

In tarot, the number 6 appears in the following cards:

Minor Arcana

1. Six of Wands – Recognition, confidence, and victory
2. Six of Cups – Nostalgia, childhood, and emotional harmony
3. Six of Swords – Transition, healing, and moving forward
4. Six of Pentacles – Generosity, balance, and giving/receiving

Major Arcana

1. The Lovers (Card VI) – Choices, relationships, and alignment
2. The Devil (Card XV) – Temptation, addiction, and materialism

Numerology of Sevens

The number seven in the tarot often represents introspection, analysis, and spiritual exploration. It invites deeper understanding and internal growth, urging you to question the truth and seek clarity within yourself.

It often suggests a pause or moment to assess progress and consider adjustments. Sevens can challenge you to trust your intuition while navigating uncertainty, fostering resilience and wisdom.

Whether in the context of challenges, victory, or spiritual pursuit, this number pushes you to connect with the unseen layers of your journey.

In Tarot, the number 7 is associated with the following cards:

Minor Arcana

• Seven of Wands – Standing your ground, perseverance, and protecting your energy
• Seven of Cups – Illusions, choices, and the need for clarity
• Seven of Swords – Deception, strategy, and thinking carefully
• Seven of Pentacles – Patience, long-term planning, and assessing progress

Major Arcana

• The Chariot (Card VII) – Determination, balance, and overcoming obstacles
• The Tower (Card XVI) – Sudden upheaval, revelation, and change

Numerology of Eights

The number eight in the tarot represents balance, power, and accomplishment. It often signals a period of taking control and creating stability, whether in personal goals, relationships, or inner growth.

Eights also suggest progress through discipline and persistence, reminding us that success comes with responsibility. Cards like Strength or the Eight of Pentacles highlight themes of patience and dedication, encouraging steady effort rather than impulsive action.

This number ties closely to the idea of transformation through hard work and focus. It’s a call to channel energy into building something lasting and meaningful.

In Tarot, the number 8 is associated with the following cards:

Minor Arcana

• Eight of Wands – Momentum, rapid action, and swift movement
• Eight of Cups – Leaving behind what no longer serves you, seeking emotional fulfillment
• Eight of Swords – Feeling trapped, mental restrictions, and the need to free yourself
• Eight of Pentacles – Hard work, mastery, and dedication

Major Arcana

• Strength (Card VIII) – Courage, inner power, and perseverance
• The Star (Card XVII) – Hope, inspiration, and divine guidance

Numerology of Nines

The number nine in the tarot often signals completion, fulfillment, or endings. It represents the final steps in a cycle, where lessons are learned and growth is realized.

This isn’t about abrupt closure but rather a natural conclusion, paving the way for new beginnings. Symbolically, nine reflects introspection and wisdom gained through experience.

Whether in The Hermit or the Suit cards, it asks for self-awareness and acceptance of what’s come full circle.

In Tarot, the number 9 is associated with the following cards:

Minor Arcana

• Nine of Wands – Resilience, perseverance, and setting boundaries
• Nine of Cups – Wishes fulfilled, emotional satisfaction, and contentment
• Nine of Swords – Anxiety, stress, and fear over situations
• Nine of Pentacles – Abundance, self-sufficiency, and enjoying the fruits of your labor

Major Arcana

• The Hermit (Card IX) – Solitude, introspection, and seeking inner wisdom
• The Moon (Card XVIII) – Illusions, subconscious, and intuition

Numerology of Tens

The number ten signals completion in tarot, but it’s not the final stop. It marks a turning point, where one cycle ends and a new one begins.

Tens embody the fulfillment of earlier efforts, often bringing lessons or responsibilities that come with reaching the peak.

Whether it’s the stability of the Ten of Pentacles or the burden of the Ten of Wands, the tens remind us that endings lead to fresh starts and further growth. They ask, “What’s next?”

In Tarot, the number 10 is associated with the following cards:

Minor Arcana

• Ten of Wands – Burden, stress, and the need to let go of responsibilities
• Ten of Cups – Emotional fulfillment, happiness, and harmony in relationships
• Ten of Swords – Endings, painful realizations, and hitting rock bottom
• Ten of Pentacles – Prosperity, family legacy, and financial security

Major Arcana

• Wheel of Fortune (Card X) – Luck, cycles, and the ebb and flow of life

What’s Next?

Learning the minor arcana using numerology is one of my favorite methods. Using this approach, you can always look for the number if you pick up a card in the minor arcana and aren’t sure of its meaning.

Is it odd (energy that’s moving and unsure) or even (stable and steady progress)?

Is the energy or situation new or developed? Remember that:

• Aces – the idea that sparks things off
• Two, Three, Four – setting plans into action and building foundations
• Five, Six, Seven – challenges, learning lessons, working through the difficult parts
• Eight, Nine, Ten – results, whether good (happiness, finances, stability) or bad (anxiety, overworked and overwhelmed)

This can give you a good starting point to gather information quickly on your card while you delve into the pictorial meaning.

To help solidify these ideas further, jump into the individual suit’s journey:

• The Wands Suit
• The Cups Suit
• The Swords Suit
• The Pentacles Suit