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Playing Cards and Numerology – The Nines
The nines in cartomancy with playing cards are associated with the idea of wishes and hopes.
The Nine of Hearts is, as in many other systems, the wish card. It represents realization, fulfillment, sincerity of heart and, in general, things going as we wish them to go. It’s a positive card in most instances, as it has the power to alleviate the negative import of other cards that precede it.
The Nine of Clubs represents distance. It is a neutral card that represents things of long duration, long waits and delays, matters slowing down. It can also relate to physical distance. Generally, it shows the separation between what what we want and us. It’s the long road ahead.
If the Nine of Clubs is the road, the Nine of Diamonds is making progress on that road, and advancement in general. It is an extremely positive card, showing improvement, recognition, increase, fame, even. It represents other people’s views and expectations concerning the querent, if he has a good name or not, etc. By itself, it shows a good name. It is symbolic of career.
The Nine of Spades is notoriously the worst card in the deck, and some call it the wish denied card. If the Nine of Hearts shows things going as we wish them to go, the Nine of Spades mean things going against our wish. As a further consequence, it signifies things happening that we don’t want to happen, and against which we are relatively powerless.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Eights
The eights in cartomancy with playing cards represent people, consciousness/conscience and the concept of time. They show how we relate to other people and how we interact with them. In studying other systems of cartomancy, I’ve been struck by how similar my approach to the Eights is to the hedgewytchery system. Look it up for a comparison. I also find them quite similar to the eights of the Sibilla.
The Eight of Hearts is the card of cheerfulness. It represents optimism, satisfaction, good outcomes and the gathering of people to celebrate, public holidays, etc. It represents things done with a positive intent in mind, positive thinking in general, honesty, choosing the high road. It is also a flirtatious card and it is connected with watery places, possibly because in Italy people tend to turn flirtatious during the summer months while tanning on the beach (this card is somewhat similar to the Hope card in the Vera Sibilla). Broadly, it symbolizes peace. It is connected with relatives and with people taking an interest in the querent, as well as to the clergy.
The Eight of Clubs is representative of working people, the “common folk”, although more specifically it relates to the peasantry, and by extension it signifies work. There are other cards that can signify employment (Three, Seven, Eight of Diamonds, for instance) but in the case of the Eight of Clubs, work is seen as how people who don’t have the luxury of wasting the day sitting on their hands or soapboxing on Twitter spend their time. The card is connected to the fields and to the countryside. It is also the card of things done according to a plan or knowing full well what their consequences are, for better or worse.
The Eight of Diamonds is the card of business. It’s all things that bring in money or we invest money in. Because this card signifies where money comes from and where it is headed (compare to the Eight of Diamonds in the Sibilla), and because for most people money comes from working, this is another possible work card. It represents financial markets, banks and the bourgeoisie, as well as the city as an environment (usually not the querent’s city, though). The card represents investments, savings, transactions etc. depending on where it falls. It shows concerns with money and can imply aridity or ulterior motives, or, more neutrally, thinking about yourself and about your “business”.
The Eight of Spades is the card of tears. It represents the falling through of plans and the shattering of hopes and desperation in general. But this is also a card of negative thoughts, and of things done with the intent to hurt. Ill-will and malice are indicated. It can represent difficulties with other people, interpersonal trouble. It also has a connection with groups of spade-like people, such as armies, juries, medical teams, adjudicating boards, committees and all those situations where there are people who have the querent by the balls (in war it would represent a siege). The card is connected to isolated places in general.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Sevens
In cartomancy with playing cards, the sevens in general represent the idea of achievement.
The Seven of Hearts has the general meaning of surprise. This is because the suit of Hearts does not contemplate the notion of effort, so anything that happens happens either thanks to other people or thanks to positive circumstances. This card signals positive turns of events, fortunate breakthroughs and good luck. It is also connected with the idea of talent, because if we have a talent for something, achieving great results in it is easy.
The Seven of Clubs is less fortunate. It is a card of problems, things that stand in the way of achievement and that need to be worked through. It is not a tragic card. Sometimes it limits the amount of success shown by the other cards, while at other times it signifies that the sailing will be less than smooth. Either way, the problems shown by this card are solvable (which doesn’t automatically mean they will be solved). Supported by positive cards, the Seven of Clubs becomes a card of hard-won achievement. It can signal the conclusion of an agreement or that of a practical project.
The Seven of Diamonds is the card of money and financial achievement, and of achievement in general. It is a simple card most of the times. Unlike the Seven of Hearts, here effort is implied. By extension, this card is positive for recognition and winning prizes, and allegorically it is connected to harvesting.
The Seven of Spades is a card of misfortune. It shows obstacles that are difficult to solve, against which the querent has little power. More broadly, the card has to do with all negative unforeseen circumstances that either prevent us from achieving what we want or strongly limit us. With positive cards it shows that success won’t be complete, while with negative cards it’s a sign of utter capitulation.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Sixes
The way I read playing cards, sixes are the difficult number. In general, six brings out the worst in the cards. I’ve noticed that this is a trend in Italian systems of cartomancy (althouth not in Kapherus’ system).
The Six of Hearts is the only positive card of the bunch, as it signifies the solution of trouble, adjustment and the return to happiness, health, etc. It shows peace, improvement and relax. Only when hemmed in by nasty cards it turns foul and it brings tears (which the card graphically reminds me of) and the impossibility of a solution.
The Six of Clubs is a very static card. It signifies tiredness and a situation with all work and no play and no enthusiasm. It is symbolic of subordinate work and, more broadly, it implies the inability to definitely put a problem behind you, as it keeps showing up. With positive cards, it shows the ability to reach your goal, but usually without a great sense of realization.
The Six of Diamonds is also a meh card. It is connected with insecurity, worries, confusion and indecision, especially but not exclusively of a financial nature. It shows all those situations where you can’t stop thinking about something and being tormented by it. However, with positive cards it can signify a situation that is sorted out by being resourceful, planning and making an informed decision.
The Six of Spades is a card of illness, as it figuratively depicts the wards of a hospital. It is one of those cards that is very difficult to put a positive spin on. The illness can be literal or figurative, when it symbolizes a situation of suffering and upset, or even one that is noxious or damaged. In itself, it negates reconciliations and the possibility of returning to the past, though of course the following cards may alleviate it.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Fives
In cartomancy with playing cards, fives have an affinity with the idea of change, just as fours are related to stability.
The Five of Hearts shows positive change coming our way without effort. It is a card of evolution, good opportunities, gifts, offers (it is somewhat similar to the Three) and in general it shows that the querent thrives. Its general meaning is that of abundance and flourishing, freedom and being in a positive environment.
The Five of Clubs also signifies change, but change that is enacted by the querent. It implies effort, even physical effort. Nothing is free in the realm of Clubs, and therefore the card implies combativeness and even competition and the need to fight for what you want. While the Five of Hearts shows abundance, this card has an inherent sense of scarcity to it and the need to make the best of your chances.
The Five of Diamonds is the card that I thought exemplifies this number best, because in my system it just means change in a neutral sense. Generally it’s a positive card and it can bring some dynamic energy to a static spread. Of course it is also connected to the movement of money, information and energy, all of which are themes of the suit of Diamonds.
The Five of Spades is a bad card. The main meaning is that of prison, but of course it needs to be interpreted figuratively most of the times. It signifies the inability to move or to act, and it is symbolic of all things that keep us fenced in (like the pip in the middle) and chained, unable to change, be it guilt or an addiction. In general it signifies lack of opportunities, scarcity, dejection, the need for great sacrifice or, if followed by negative cards, a definite turn for the worse.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Fours
In most systems of cartomancy with playing cards, the fours are cards of stability. However, a further connotation that I think attaches to them is that of pact or agreement between parts. Possibly this is due to the four pips resembling the legs of a table where people sit to talk.
The Four of Hearts is the card of reunions, gatherings and positive social occasions. It is also a symbol of agreements that come easy or are easily restored (Hearts): harmony and affinity all play into the meaning of the card. Because of the emotional connotation of the suit, the card can signify sex.
The Four of Clubs represents talks, and it is mainly the conversation card. However, it is not splendid. Because of the neutral nature of the suit of Clubs, which implies struggle and the need for action, the Four can go either way: toward agreement or toward breakup. It implies a degree of difference that needs to be reconciled, which is why talks are necessary. It’s not a bad card, but it is open-ended.
The Four of Diamonds is the card of formal agreements. It represents all things to do with papers, documents, offices, etc. Because the suit is more material than that of Hearts, the agreement can be interpreted as a transaction, and therefore the card represents buying and selling, and, by extension, all objects. In general, it signifies economic activity and has an affinity with the more material side of life.
The Four of Spades takes the basic theme of the number and runs it into the ground. The card represents loneliness and isolation. It shows the inability to get along or reach a positive conclusion. It shows complete disharmony and the impossibility of proceeding in a given direction, thus implying blockage. With other negative cards it means failure and trouble that cannot be overcome.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Threes
The threes or treys share their low value with the twos. Once again, we are dealing with small cards. They are, however, stronger than the twos, and tend to form strong or noteworthy combinations when the fall with the two of the same suit.
All threes are connected with the idea of interaction, mediation and that of “getting” or receiving.
The Three of Hearts is the Gift card. This can be a real gift, or it can signify anything that we receive easily and for nothing. Allegorically, it signifies solution, the overcoming of small obstacles, positive development and happiness. It also means positive interactions, small gatherings, good mediation between parts and the positive influence of a third party.
The Three of Clubs represents the binding of people together by common interests that they pursue together. It can signify a small group of people, like all threes, and a union, a contract, a marriage etc. More broadly the card means doing things together. It is also the card of intermediation in a neutral sense. As for “getting”, nothing is free in the world of Clubs, so the card indicates enterprise and getting progressively nearer to your goals, heaping those small steps of the Two on top of each other to get where you want. In general, it signifies situations slowly taking root.
The Three of Diamonds is a small money card. It shows the receiving of money or of profitable offers. It can indicate things appreciating in value, but generally the card is restricted to material affairs. Symbolizing the reception of money, it can indicate a job, but usually part-time. Like the Three of Hearts, it shows positive interactions, but more transactional in nature.
The Three of Spades is the card of Intrigue, but the title is rather dramatic. Unless the cards point specifically to third party interference (which is how this card interprets the idea of interaction and mediation) it can signify other more plausible things. One of the classical meanings is that of “loss”, which is the opposite of getting something. Alternatively, it can point to the receiving of something bad. Broadly, the card symbolizes bumps on the road between you and what you want, but not huge bumps, unless the following cards are horrible. Think intrigue in the sense of complication or tangled affair that needs to be sorted out.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Twos
The Twos or Deuces in the playing card deck are often considered of low value, the reason being that they are the smallest number beside the Aces, which however have great symbolic value, and even great value in many games. In general, when taken alone, the Twos do not have tremendous power in changing the course of a reading, but of course they gain it by connecting to other cards.
All Twos are connected to the idea of movement in some form or another.
The Two of Hearts was taught to me as the card of the “Door Knockers”. Just as the Ace is the home, the Two is what is coming to the home. Broadly speaking, it shows things happening in a short timeframe. The general idea is that of imminent arrival. Being the card of arrival and visits, it signifies the shortening of distances and a principle of reconciliation when appropriate (but other cards must be present). Having a connection with expectation, it can show the arrival of a child if with other cards (note how this card is similar to the Three of Hearts in the Vera Sibilla).
The Two of Clubs does not signal arrival, where the querent is passively waiting for something. It shows the taking of steps. Literally, this is the card of walking and of moving, usually a short distance, visiting instead of being visited. It shows going out (as befits the Club suit) and being active in a matter. Figuratively, it can signify the idea of putting things into motion and getting your ducks in a row.
The Two of Diamonds heralds letters. It is the card of messages and all that is written: invitations, post, emails, etc. Nowadays, though, the card covers telephone calls as well. Figuratively, the card is connected with the movement of ideas, the elaboration of the thoughts and with all that has to do with evolving your perspective. It’s movement, but of the mind.
The Two of Spades is the opposite of the Two of Hearts. It’s the card of anger and of all those feelings that create fractures and distance. It can signify a separation and movement away from something or someone. Broadly, the card means annoyances and small difficulties that frustrate the querent, obnoxious things coming your way. If drowned in a sea of positive cards, the Two of Spades simply heralds delays and small difficulties. It is not a tragic card. It does show frustrations and differences of opinion.
Playing Cards and Numerology – The Aces
One word of caution: back when I was taught to read playing cards, I was simply given their meanings. Just like for the Sibilla, there were no number meanings. The numerology was something I came up with to make sense of the meanings, remember them better and further expand upon them. You are free to come up with different associations, or even to disregard numerology entirely.
Aces in playing cards are connected to beginnings, obviously, but also to how and where things begin based on the associations of the suit.
In the suit of Hearts, the Ace is famously the House card. This is because our emotional sphere begins at home. The walls of the house protect us from what is outside. Thus, the Ace of Hearts represents the idea of inside. The house is the core of our individuality, where our roots are (it can also signify our origins, and the idea of origins, source, spring, well in general). It is also connected with positive beginnings or the beginning of positive things.
In the suit of Clubs, beginnings are interpreted differently. Here things begin objectively, they take root concretely out there in the world and not just inside of us, hence the Ace of Clubs’ connection with outside buildings and the idea of “outside” in general. More broadly, the Ace of Clubs is a card of production, commitment, activity, vigor and willpower. It also signifies signing papers, which is how documents become objectively valid.
In the suit of Diamonds, the beginning is seen in more absolute terms. This is the card of things starting out, of new things and, because the suit is connected to information and impulses, to news. It is also the card of all things that are first or of the highest value, such as diamonds, jewels, gold, a capital city, the sun, etc. The card can herald changes of phase, usually positive, and it is great for starting new ventures.
The suit of Spades is negative, so the beginning turns into an ending. Thus, this is almost universally the Death card. It heralds change, but painful change, change which is seen as the ending of something rather than the beginning of something else. It’s connected to all things that confine us. On a broader level it can even signify a country’s borders because that’s where the country ends. It is the card of cuts and knives. Broadly, this is the card of bad things beginning or of bad beginnings. It is also connected to all things that are last or of least value, and to where things end or end up.
