In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust explains how to connect tarot and numerology. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
You've likely heard about pulling a daily tarot card, or having your cards read. But did you know that you can connect your tarot practice with numerology? Finding the major arcana tarot card that speaks to our hearts through numerology can help us tap into our own emotional responses, destiny, and purpose in life, as well as guide us down the path we should travel on. Basically, connecting numerology and tarot can amp up your practice in a really profound way.
Tarot reader and entertainment editor Elena Nicolaou of Kefi Tarot says, “Tarot is fundamentally a tool for self exploration. Tarot, since it’s so open-ended, can also be studied in tandem with astrology and numerology. Each zodiac sign is associated with a card, as is each life path number."
Nicolaou recommends finding which tarot card is connected to your “life path” number. “[Ask] yourself if its meaning resonates with you,” she says. "Does it pull to you? If so, why? If not, why? What lessons does this card have to offer?”
Psychic medium Sarah Potter further explains, “numbers are intrinsically a part of each tarot card’s meaning and offer a deeper perspective on the patterns and timing of how one’s current situation is unfolding." Basically, numerology can help you dig deeper into what tarot cards actually mean for your life. So, if you're interested in using numerology in your tarot practice, read on:
How to find your life path number:
Add up the numbers from your birthday. Example: If you were born on September 12, 2003 (9/12/2003) you would use this mathematical formula:
9 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 3 = 17
The 17th card in the tarot deck, The Star, would then be your first card. Since it’s a double digit, you are able to add the two together (1 + 7 = 8) to find your secondary card, which is card #8, Strength.
If one of your life path numbers doesn't align with a tarot card (there are 21 major arcana cards), it’s not a make it or break it factor. It means that your life path number truly aligns with the one card that does match. However, if you are represented by two cards, then you would combine their meanings.
To read your cards if we're using the above birth date, you’d look at card 17 first and then read the significance of card 8 second, as a clarifier. The Star represents someone who is spiritually aware, and Strength depicts someone who’s brave. Combined together, these cards show a person who goes after what they want — as long as it aligns with their personal values or broadens their perspectives. Potter believes that “bringing these two ideas together, this card ultimately holds the reminder that you can make anything happen.”
Which tarot card aligns with your life path number:
Once you've found your life path number, here's what your corresponding card means.
0: The Fool
You’re a free spirit who has an innocent streak and open heart. You're one who is always up for adventure and fun.
1: The Magician
You have the ability to manifest anything you put your mind to, as long as you fully believe in your abilities and dreams.
2: The High Priestess
Your intuition is always on fire, which is why you should listen to your inner voice and trust your gut feelings.
3: The Empress
You have a divine connection with nature and creation. This card represents romance, positive emotions, and sensuality, too.
4: The Emperor
You require boundaries, structure, and control in your life in order to thrive and to be successful in work or school.
5: The Hierophant
You have a strong spiritual and moral foundation that urges you to embrace or conform to traditions and ethics.
6: The Lovers
Partnerships and harmony are important elements to your life. You also have a keen mind that sees both sides of a situation.
7: The Chariot
Once you pick a goal to lean into, you’ll pursue it with gusto and focus. Focus and willpower are your strengths.
8: Strength
You’re the one calling the shots in your life — as well as in the life of others. You are brave, daring, compassionate, and strong.
9: The Hermit
You’re a truth seeker who uses their analytical skills, inner self, and mind to find the light in the dark.
10: Wheel of Fortune
Throughout life’s ups and downs, you know that connecting with your body, mind, spirit, and heart helps you receive fated events.
11: Justice
Accountability, fairness, transparency, and honesty are crucial attributes that you base decisions on and live by.
12: The Hanged Man
You give a lot to others. Make sure that you’re getting the same amount of energy and TLC in return to not feel like a martyr.
13: Death
You’re a transformative person. Embrace personal growth and change as you evolve into the person you've always wanted to be.
14: Temperance
On your quest to find meaning in life, you’ll find your truest self that will teach you patience and wisdom.
15: The Devil
As long as you break through the constraints that hold you back, you’ll be able to seek and gain the autonomy you desire.
16: The Tower
Sudden changes can push you out of your comfort zone, serving to liberate you and bring immense knowledge to you.
17: The Star
Not only are you in tune with the vibrations of the universe, but you have a deep connection with your inner spirit.
18: The Moon
There are some things that you hold close to your heart. Releasing them and owning your fears will keep you grounded.
19: The Sun
You always look at matters from the sunny side of the street and let your confidence shine bright.
20: The Last Judgment
It’s time to rise up and embrace the spiritual awakening you’re undergoing in this lifetime to connect with yourself.
21: The World
You are moving from one cycle to the next, which allows you to spread your wings and soar. Don’t let anything stand in your way!
How to magically use your life path tarot card:
After you find your numerological tarot card, you can work with it in many ways. Here are a few magical tips that are useful:
Fernie Salinas of Golden Mirror Fortunes advises to “find an image of the tarot card that you love and either print it or take it out of a deck that you don’t want to use and place it somewhere important in your room. Next to it, on a piece of paper, write some mantras and key words that would be helpful for you to remember and meditate on daily. For example, if your card happens to be the Chariot, you might write they key words of ‘Ambition, Drive, Success.’” If you don’t have access to a printer, you can take a screenshot and use it as the wallpaper or screensaver of your phone, computer, or tablet.
Salinas adds, “you can also meditate on questions or affirmations that are inspired by your card, and so you might write ‘What can I do today to drive towards my goals?’ or ‘My life is going in the right direction, and I’m in control of the journey.’ By having your Tarot card be an integral part of your day, you’re allowing the Universe to speak to you in a clear, loud voice!”
Another way to use the cards is to connect with the day of the month that the number represents. If your life path number is 9 and the Major Arcana card that represents you is The Hermit, you might want to do an activity that embraces the significance of that energy — like spending time reflecting or having DT alone — on the 9th of every month.
Enhance your life with this knowledge. Use it to understand the journey you’re on and how to attain your goals. Nicolaou advises to “look at the archetype of the major arcana card you get. If you are The Hermit, what value do you find in silence and being alone? If you are the Lovers, what is It that you feel you have to give — and what do you get through relationships? What is the ‘mission’ of this card’s archetype and how does its expression align with your own mission — even if yours is still unvocalized/unacknowledged.” Put these thoughts to good use by journaling your discoveries and advancements that have been made through understanding yourself on a deeper level through tarot and numerology.
