Tarot Symbolism 101: Understanding Numerology in the Cards

Before we get into individual meanings for each tarot card in future blogs, I want to spend a little time on tarot symbolism.

Every tarot card is more than its name and traditional meaning. Each image is built from layers of symbolism, including colors, numbers, animals, clothing, weather, objects, and landscapes. See the full list below. Once you learn to read these details, you stop memorizing definitions and start seeing the story each card is telling.

This post kicks off a series on tarot symbolism. Below is a quick look at the types of symbols we will cover, followed by a deep dive into the first one: numerology.

Types of Tarot Symbolism

• Numerology – the meaning of numbers and numerical cycles
• Colors – how color influences the mood of a card
• Direction and body language – what a figure’s gaze or posture reveals
• Clouds and weather – the atmosphere surrounding a situation
• Animals – instinctive and spiritual meanings
• Plants and flowers – symbolism found in nature
• The four elements – Fire, Water, Air, and Earth
• Celestial symbols – the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets
• Clothing – what robes, crowns, and armor reveal
• Objects – keys, swords, cups, and other meaningful items
• Landscapes and buildings – mountains, towers, bridges, and paths
• Repeated symbols – patterns that strengthen a message

First Up: Numerology

Numerology looks at how numbers shape the meaning of a card. The number tells you where a situation sits in its natural cycle: just beginning, developing, stable, being challenged, or wrapping up. The suit tells you which area of life that energy is showing up in.

• Wands – passion, creativity, and action
• Cups – emotions, relationships, and intuition
• Swords – thoughts, communication, and conflict
• Pentacles – money, work, and physical security

Numerology Chart

Number	Core Energy	General Meaning
0	Potential	Freedom, possibility, and stepping into the unknown
1	Beginning	Initiative, opportunity, and new starts
2	Balance	Partnership, choices, and patience
3	Growth	Creativity, communication, and expansion
4	Stability	Structure, security, and strong foundations
5	Change	Conflict, disruption, and necessary adjustment
6	Harmony	Healing, support, and restored balance
7	Assessment	Reflection, strategy, and discernment
8	Power	Momentum, discipline, and mastery
9	Culmination	Wisdom, resilience, and near completion
10	Completion	Fulfillment, closure, and renewal

Quick Examples

The Two of Cups and the Two of Swords both carry the balancing energy of Two, but the suit changes the story. The Two of Cups often points to connection, partnership, or mutual attraction, while the Two of Swords often points to a difficult choice or feeling stuck between two options. Same number, same underlying theme of balance, but a very different experience depending on the suit.

The same pattern shows up with the Five of Cups and the Five of Pentacles. Both carry the disruptive energy of Five, but they show up in different areas of life. The Five of Cups often points to grief or disappointment, while the Five of Pentacles often points to money, job loss, or feeling left out. The number sets the theme, and the suit shows you where that theme is playing out.

How to Use This When You Read

Next time a numbered card shows up in a reading, ask a few quick questions:

• What does this number generally represent?
• What area of life does the suit point to?
• Is this number repeated elsewhere in the spread?

Numerology is meant to add depth to a reading, not replace the card’s traditional meaning. Keep the question, the position in the spread, and your own intuition in the mix too.

Coming Up Next

Numerology is just one layer of tarot’s symbolic language. In the next blog, we will work through colors, before continuing on to the rest of the series: direction and body language, clouds and weather, animals, plants and flowers, the four elements, celestial symbols, clothing, objects, landscapes and buildings, and repeated symbols.

Have you used tarot symbolism in your readings? If so, what are your thoughts?

Tarot readings are intended for adults age 18 and older and are provided for entertainment and personal reflection. Tarot should not replace professional medical, legal, mental health, or financial advice.© 2026 Kim’s Esoteric Tarot Journals. All rights reserved.