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Lesson 4 / 10
What the numbers mean
The numbers 1 to 10 in the Minor Arcana trace a line from beginning to completion. Suit plus number gets you most of the meaning.
Two of Cups
Five of Wands
Ten of Pentacles1–4: start to stability
1 is a seed and opportunity, 2 a choice or connection, 3 growth and collaboration, 4 stability (or stagnation).
5–7: tests and adjustment
5 is conflict or loss, 6 recovery and flow, 7 assessment, persistence or illusion.
8–10: momentum to completion
8 is action and focus, 9 nearly there, 10 the end of a cycle — fulfilment, or a burden.
Key points
- 1 begins, 5 tests, 10 completes
- Suit × number ≈ meaning
- e.g. Cups (feeling) + 2 (connection) = hearts in tune
Try this
Without reading the explanation, work out the Three of Swords from suit + number, then check the card page.
These lessons treat tarot as a tool for reflection and storytelling, not prediction.