The Magickal Pen

Last week’s post gave you some basic information about how to use Numerology for personal analysis. The next two posts will focus on the numbers O – 9 and their energies as esoteric tools. I’ve included some corresponding information about each number and its relevance to Astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. There are multiples layers of meaning in each of these systems and this series of articles is only meant to whet your appetite for deeper study.

A note about the planetary correspondences: Although you may find different attributions, those used here are those most commonly used in Numerology.

Zero – O

Cycles, void, the limitless ALL, womb of creation and the Gate of the Divine

The number O is the beginning and ending of all things. It is the energy of cycles and as such is the container of the great void from which life begins anew. We could think of the number O as being the Divine all or the Limitless All that stretches out in expanse. Looking at the shape and curve the number presents as an invitation to enter through the center point of its opening. The mystery is held in what may emerge from the “other side” as there is always the balance of receipt and release. Moving around the circumference offers the reminder of the cycles in all things, but each revolution is slightly different than what has transpired previously and each new offers the adventure of the unknown.

I think of the zero as holding the potential for whatever I may wish to manifest through the assistance of what is seen and the vast expanse of the unseen. The circumference offers the boundary of container, flexible and resilient in its continuity. And what is held within that boundary reaches into planes of existence that may only be experienced by calling them forth into the reality of the now.

Tarot: The Fool

Tarot Key O – The Fool is the first of the Major Arcana cards. His is the limitless starting point of creation and the limitless source of all life. The Fool moves forth trusting that all will be as it should and that there is no need to fear stepping into the unknown. The energy is that of ultimate faith and by the vision of this Faith all barriers are removed and the Divine flow steps into the potential of its own being.

One – 1

The singular “I”, the individual, the line of continuum, energy held and gathered back to itself

The number One (1) is the first product of what was a void of potential (O/zero). It is the singular point and the individual place of new beginnings and energetic growth. From the place of the One is the straight path from which at any point of that path divergence, split and detour can be taken. I think of one as being the singular “I”. This singular “I” is man/woman in his prime form and depending on the spiritual evolutionary state of that man/woman it is either Higher, Lower or combined Selves. This is the state of awareness of your own ‘beingness’ before embellishment or enhancement, relationship or possession, outward identifiers or things that would define you as something more than the prime nature of yourself. Additionally, because the number “one” is the starting place it is also the energy of action and taking steps towards the product of that action.

The planetary energy of the Sun is attributed to the number One. The Sun is the central and prominent cosmic body of our universe. It is life giver by virtue of its heat and the place of quickening or beginning for much of life on our planet. It is the electromagnetic force that if we venture too close we are blinded by the blinding light and heat that pervades. This is similarly the same principle of our own Divine state of being. In truth we are as bold and enblazened as the Sun itself, but as humans in physical form we fail to realize the brilliance of our inner state.

The goal is one of actualizing the self and ego to shine as brightly as the Sun in human form and draw to itself the boons of all that surrounds.

In looking at the shape and form of the number l, it is not difficult to visualize the concept of a singular point reaching downwards towards extension as the other point of origin reaches upwards towards expansion. Each point of origin blends seamlessly into a single line of continuous movement of return and release that holds within its structure the potential for movement in any direction and creation of something new. In the sphere of Kether it is exactly this nature that creates the continuum of ITSELF, expressed through the division of ITSELF.

Astrology: The House of Self (The Ascendant)- Personality and Ego

This is the astrological house that provides the energy that is the core of who you are and how you relate to the world. Our rising sign (always in the First House) is the true you; stripped naked and in all your glory and vulnerability. Its ruling sign is Aries which is the fire of new beginnings and the catalyst that offers enthusiastic curiosity to all of its endeavors. Aries is the one that desires attention and as the start of the Zodiacal Wheel brings the youth of invincible action to all it touches.

Tarot: The Magician

Tarot Key I – The Magician is the conduit of wielding the flow of universal energy from the ephemeral realms of the Divine and the manifest foundations of the Physical world. We see within the Magician the ability and knowledge to effectively create drawing from the universal laws that govern the magickal and the mundane. There is composure and assuredness in this power, yet the realization that he as well is subject to the transformative energies he is choosing to be vessel for. This is a state of control that has been finely honed and exacted with just the precise amount of force and form to produce the product of power and magick. The Magician is the interface that we hold within that contains all that is needed to produce new life and new form of Being. But, its energy may only be accessed when the all of the tools (parts of self) are acquired and mastered.

Qabalah: Kether – Crown

Kether stands as the First Sphere on the Tree of Life. Within the energy of the number 1 is not only the place of singularity, but also a foundation from which the potential to replicate and create in its own diffuse image is contained. It is the beginning and also the point of completion and there is choice to be made regarding that status. It may stay inert and alone or may choose to seek out, diversify and through the ending of its singular nature move towards polarity and duality.

It is from the springboard of the number ONE that TWO and the inherent energy of relationship and comparison is formed.

Two – 2
Collaborative effort- moving beyond the “I” to “we”- duality and polarity that results

The number Two (2)  is the keynote of collaborative effort that feeds polarity and divisiveness. We have moved from a place of the singular “I” to a yearning and urge to interact, divide and expand in the creation of another that is similar, yet different. In this dance of relationship, the opportunity to develop kindness, concern, harmony and balance is fostered. There is now something more than just beginnings and the urge towards action. There is now something to be acted upon and with. Under the influence of the number Two there is a push towards release from indecisiveness and the consideration of the influence and affect to be had by not making a choice.

The planetary energy of the Moon is attributed to the number Two. The Moon presents its energies in a manner of ebb and flow. The emotions (Lunar), if in collaboration with the strength of clarity of thought (The Sun), are powerful points from which all manner of manifestation and creativity are brought forth. The coolness and dark cover of night Moon offers counterpoint and contrast to the heat and light of the Sun.

Astrology: The House of Possessions/Finances

This is the astrological house that provides your place of manifest anchor and stability based on what you have secured for yourself of worldly goods. These things acquired create the building blocks that will become the space of home as they shore up towards the Fourth house of family. This energy is expressed through its ruling astrological Sign of Taurus. Taurus is the protector and procreator that holds its earthy energy as home base to be filled with all that a physical life positively provides.

Tarot: The High Priestess

Tarot Key II -The High Priestess sits in the Temple of the Moon and takes on the triune form of catalytic energy and transformation. She sits in the space of action as the Middle Pillar incarnate as synthesized balance of male and female, force and form. Her knowledge of the mysteries is honed in the waters of deep intuitive knowledge and her persona is that of the cycle of the moon. The High Priestess serves as reminder of the need for spiritual devotion and discipline as guardian of the great mysteries of life itself. In her feminine form she represents the power to sustain newly quickened life and stands as the ultimate gate of passage towards return to the source of creation.

Qabalah: Chokmah – Wisdom

Chokmah is the Second Sphere on the Tree of Life. Within the energy of Chokmah lies the desire for co-creative effort. This is movement from a singular place to one of experiencing the energy of another. It can also be thought of in terms of sacrificing parts of oneself to make another and making space and container to hold that other thing while retaining that part which created it. It is awareness that there is something beyond yourself and the yearning and striving for creating another to act and be acted upon.

Two merge to become one and from that sacred union of contraction and expansion the Three of creative form is birthed.

Three – 3

The point of trinity or third that is created from the friction and combined effort of the two

Within the energy of the number Three (3) is the structure of harmony and the triune nature that forms the three-sided triangle of fire, action and will. Additionally, each component offers a different perspective or dynamic to contribute to that outpour. Three faces, each in support of the other yet one in the same and emanating from the One. Each of these energies works collaboratively with one another in the creative effort of new growth. We find multiple references to the Trinity in spiritual practice. These are but a few:

Maiden, Mother Crone
Youth, Father, Sage
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Father, Son,Holy Ghost

The planetary energy of the number three is Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System and it is this expansive quality that is necessary in seeking a third from the union of the two. Jupiter’s force is one of an over-reaching quality that extends itself far and wide with the intent of covering as much ground as possible. This is done with the intent of sorting through the multiple options presented until finding the one that will be most productive. Considering the energy of Jupiter as it lends its force to any creative endeavor there is great potential for moving beyond what was initially thought possible and creating something entirely new carried forward by the intent fueled at its place of origins.

Astrology: The House of Self- Expression/Presentation

This is the astrological house that defines what you possess and what manner of expression it takes. You have moved from the singular identification of the Self (1st House) and began the process of acquisition of items that create the outer persona of who you perceive yourself to be. Now, arriving at the Third House you have the appropriate external objects that can be the methods you use to communicate who you are. The ruling astrological sign is that of Gemini; the master communicator.

Tarot: The Empress

Tarot Key III – The Empress is the Mother of all life. She sits in quiet repose and strength in the verdant landscape of her own domain. She is the sexual energy that is ripe being both pregnant in her fertility and exquisite in the afterglow of promised union. The Empress offers the vision of what will become and will bear fruit from her union with the masculine polarity and the manifest and spiritual fruits this union will yield. She is the promise of continued life and expression of that life in all of the elemental worlds over which she reigns supreme.

Qabalah: Binah – Understanding

Binah is the Third Sphere on the Tree of Life. Within the energy of Binah we find the Mother and Divine Creatrix; who contains within herself the archetypal womb through which all life is has potential to be made manifest. It is the nature of the male to provide the seed of life, but it is the feminine principle that gives it life, provides the space for gestation and ultimately releases the manifest form into existence or being. It is that feminine principle that holds the primal form within the womb that is both void and full. The vessel that holds nothing also provides the space and potential for it to be filled.

And, the Three needed a structure of foundation and stability from which to grow and seed its harmonious wisdom.

Four – 4

Opening the point of support to a place of foundation, equanimity and force in a balanced state

The number Four (4) represents structure and is the basis of foundation, solidity of form and function and endurance or permanence. Four indicates change (as in the four seasons), versatility (as in the four elements) and a nice solid equi-sided base upon which to build from those changes a versatile nature of enduring qualities. This is the energy that can endure as pressure is put upon it internally and externally.

The planetary energy of Uranus is the planet associated with the number Four. Prior to inclusion of the 3 outer planets, the Sun served double duty for the numbers 1 and 4. Its quality is that of pure energy and catalytic stream that pulses life into everything it encounters. This energy serves to bring to light the varied ways that structure may be created as it draws to itself magnetically (similar to the energy of the Sun) everything that will bolster a structure that will support in a stimulating way.

Astrology: The House of Family

The Fourth House is concerned with those you call family. These are your biological family as well as those who you may consider to be your family of nurturance. This is the energy of the home life and those who are supportive. The ruling astrological sign is that of Cancer. Cancer is the quintessential representation of desire for a loving and supportive home. Its natural energy is one of comfort and creation of a home that is both sanctuary and place of caring community. When we are blessed with this type of support it becomes the foundation that enables us to reach out to others from a place of understanding and love.

Tarot: The Emperor

Tarot Key IV – The Emperor sits as merciful authority and king needing nothing but his own Divine wisdom to guide his actions. This energy gives insight into the discipline required to sit as master of one’s own destiny. All actions taken are reflected back to the Emperor and his final authority determines the force and quality of what that final seed of potential will become as it is transformed by merciful action.

Qabalah: Chesed- Mercy

Chesed is the Fourth Sphere. Within its energy is the ability to see thee bigger picture and make informed judgment based upon that vision. This is the action of Mercy when it relies upon a broader perspective from which to draw its conclusions.
Everything depends upon this precarious balance of equi-lateral view that hangs on the tip of the blade that will determine its final outcome. The essence of the fourth sphere of Chesed is one of achieving a state of balance through compassion, mercy and right action.

The Four pushes and strains expanding and seeking the sweet product of change as the orderly disruption breaks through as Five………

Tipping Point:
Don’t forget to write these numbers down in your journal. Formulate your own conclusions based upon what you know so far. Remember to intuit your way through these numbers. You will refer back to them.

In the next post:
5 – 9: The Esoteric Meanings of the Numbers