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The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- Seven of Swords & The Animal Totem Tarot - 7 of Swords

Western Hermetic Qabalah, Tantric, Alchemical, Numerical, and Astrological Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons.

March 6, 2025

#tarotqabalahtraditionalmagickelitarot2strikingly.com

Above all things, know thyself!

Animal Totem Tarot-7 of Swords

Radiant: Rider-Waite-Smith-Tarot, Seven of Swords

The Rider-Waite-Smith 7 of Swords is more grounded and less overtly focused on Western Hermetic Magick than many modern esoteric Tarot decks, making it an excellent entry point for beginners. In this card, Waite depicts a thief slipping away from a military encampment, leaving behind several swords because they are too numerous to carry.

This imagery speaks to the futility of overburdening the mind—trying to seize and control every idea or strategy at once. The 7 of Swords advises us to work with what we can grasp in the moment, focusing on one concept or insight at a time rather than scattering our attention across every possibility. Repetitive overthinking or obsessing will not yield fresh understanding, only intellectual exhaustion.

Netzach and the 7s: The Struggle for Victory

In Hermetic Qabalah, the 7 of Swords resides in Netzach, the Sephirah of Victory, and is associated with the mutable and adaptive energy of Venus. Yet here, Venus finds itself filtered through the Airy intellect of Swords—a discordant combination. The Venusian longing for beauty, harmony, and emotional resonance clashes with the detached, analytical nature of Swords, resulting in a kind of cunning creativity: the mind trying to “cheat” its way into resolution by cleverness, avoidance, or manipulation.

Netzach is the realm of desire, instinct, and creative impulse—yet in the suit of Swords, those impulses are filtered through over-analysis and mental gymnastics. This is where the self may deceive itself, convincing the conscious mind that it can outthink the soul’s deeper knowing.

Moon in Aquarius: The Astrology of the Card

The 7 of Swords is also astrologically linked to the Moon in Aquarius. This combination amplifies the theme of detachment from emotional certainty. The Moon, which governs the tides of the subconscious, finds itself in the rational and future-focused sign of Aquarius, where feelings are observed rather than fully experienced. This can result in intellectual self-deception or analysis paralysis—always planning, rarely acting with trust in the heart.

Embrace the Uncertainty

The lesson here is not to deceive yourself into believing you have all the answers, nor to waste energy trying to control every variable. Like the thief in the image, you must accept that some swords—some certainties—must be left behind. We must begin without absolute surety, trusting in our ability to adapt along the way.

This theme dovetails perfectly with the foundational Hermetic axiom: "Above all things, know thyself." True Gnosis, as taught in Western Hermetic Qabalah, does not arise from mastering every fact, but from mastering the self—understanding how our mind tricks us, how desire and fear distort perception, and how clarity emerges when we surrender to the flow of experience rather than trying to outmaneuver it.

In this way, the 7 of Swords is a warning against self-betrayal but also a reminder that sometimes, strategy requires sacrifice. Leave behind what you cannot carry, and move forward with what truly matters.

Animal Totem Tarot-7 of Swords.

The Seven of Swords is often referred to as the Thief card; However, I think this is a bit short sighted. Like the ferret, who is of the weasel family, we all need to practice slinking in and out of tight places with a little sleight of hand. The lesson here is to do it when it benefits all concerned and causes no harm.

 

The Ferret is a fascinating and often overlooked power animal, and its symbolism brings a unique blend of cunning, curiosity, agility, and persistence. In the language of Western Hermeticism, we might see the Ferret as a creature aligned with Mercurial energy, the Air element, and the trickster current that bridges worlds—much like Hermes himself. Let’s break this down across its three spiritual roles: Power Animal, Totem Animal, and Spirit Guide.

Ferret as a Power Animal

(A power animal is an inner reservoir of strength, an energetic archetype you can actively invoke during times of need.)

Key Characteristics and Powers:

  • Curiosity and Tenacity: Ferrets are relentless investigators. As a power animal, Ferret lends you the ability to uncover hidden truths, sniffing out what’s concealed, even in the darkest corners of the mind or spirit.
  • Stealth and Strategy: Ferrets are silent movers, able to slip through tight spaces and adapt to challenging environments. When called upon, Ferret gives you the power to move through obstacles with stealth, grace, and strategic thinking, especially when direct action is blocked.
  • Shadow Discovery: Ferret doesn’t fear the underworld or the unknown. As a power animal, it helps you navigate inner shadow work, facing what’s hidden in your subconscious with fearless curiosity.

When to Invoke Ferret:

  • When you need to uncover secrets—either within yourself or in a situation.
  • When you feel trapped in a labyrinth and need cunning and creative escape routes.
  • When working on psychic development—Ferret is a tunnel traveler, moving between visible and invisible worlds.

Ferret as a Totem Animal

(A totem animal is linked to your core spiritual identity—often seen as a lifelong archetype that reflects your soul’s natural gifts and challenges.)

Core Totem Attributes:

  • Seeker of Hidden Knowledge: People with Ferret as a totem are natural investigators, researchers, psychics, or mystics drawn to the occult and arcane. They are the ones who want to know how the gears behind reality turn.
  • Playful Trickster Energy: Ferret people have a mischievous streak. They are clever with words (a Mercury trait), able to charm and trick their way through life when needed. They see rules as puzzles to be solved, not walls to obey.
  • Shapeshifter Soul: Ferret teaches the art of adapting identities—it can be a predator, prey, shadow creature, or playful companion depending on what the moment requires. This grants those with Ferret totem a gift for social camouflage and for working between worlds—spiritual, intellectual, and mundane.
  • Burrowers into the Psyche: Ferret people tend to burrow into themselves and others, digging for core motivations, hidden fears, or forgotten memories. This makes them excellent therapists, magicians, or investigators of both the seen and unseen realms.

Life Lessons for Ferret Totem People:

  • Balancing curiosity with healthy boundaries (not every door needs to be opened).
  • Learning when to reveal and when to conceal—too much secrecy leads to isolation.
  • Mastering the art of playful cunning without becoming manipulative or deceptive.

Ferret as a Spiritual Guide

(A spirit guide is a conscious external presence, often appearing during specific times of life to teach, protect, or awaken.)

When Ferret Appears as a Guide:

  • When you are searching for truth—especially in confusing or deceitful situations.
  • When you are learning the value of humor and lightness in spiritual work (Ferret teaches that even the most serious seeker must know how to laugh in the underworld).
  • When you are on a shamanic journey into the subconscious, underworld, or otherworld realms.
  • When you need to outmaneuver a powerful opponent, whether in physical reality, magical warfare, or your own inner conflicts.

Teachings of Ferret the Guide:

  • Truth hides beneath appearances. Keep digging.
  • No space is truly closed to you—find the opening others miss.
  • Be light on your feet—rigidity is death to the explorer.
  • Laughter disarms fear—play is a weapon against darkness.
  • What you seek is often hidden in plain sight. Shift your angle and look again.

Elemental and Qabalistic Correspondences

(For the Hermetic practitioner who wants to integrate Ferret into ritual or pathworking.)

AspectCorrespondence
ElementAir (curiosity, intelligence, trickster energy) with Earth undercurrents (burrowing, grounded instincts)
PlanetMercury (cleverness, communication, psychopomp travel between worlds)
Qabalistic PathPath 17 (Zayin) on the Tree of Life—the Sword or Scalpel of Dissection, cutting through illusion. Alternatively, Ferret could serve as a famulus spirit on the Path between Yesod (unconscious) and Hod (conscious intellect), a psychopomp between dream and reason.
Tarot KeyThe Magus (master of words, deception, and passage between realms) paired with The Moon (hidden worlds, subconscious tunnels).

Ferret Medicine in Practice

(Practical ways to work with Ferret as ally.)

  • Meditation: Visualize yourself shapeshifting into a Ferret, running through tunnels that lead into your subconscious mind.
  • Divination: Ask Ferret to show you what is hidden when performing scrying, Tarot, or mirror work.
  • Physical Embodiment: Move like a Ferret—practice fluid, quick, and playful body movement when you feel stuck in thought.
  • Ritual Offering: Leave small shiny objects (ferrets love them) on your altar as a tribute to curiosity itself.

This Totem animal philosophy ties directly into the foundational Hermetic axiom: "Above all things, know thyself." True Gnosis, in both the Western Hermetic Qabalah and the broader Mysteries, begins not with perfect knowledge of the external world, but with the ever-deepening exploration of one’s own mind, motives, and shadows.

In the Gnostic Gospels of Didymos Judas Thomas, Jesus is quoted as saying, "If those who lead say to you, 'see, the kingdom is in the sky.' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, you will then become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons [suns] of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty, and it is you who is that poverty." (The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas---The Nag Hammadi Library--)

The word Suns in brackets is of my own insertion because the original word is interpretable as Sun/Son, both having similar meanings in Semitic language and Qabalah, the fact that many Monks who interpreted the Gospels from the original Greek, were misogynistic, required them to use the word "Son" or suffer the wrath of the Patriarch. However, it doesn't hide the truth you are a Solar Self/ Soul/Sun.

Being that we are all androgynous and/or Hermaphrodites due to a left male side and right female side of our brains, each of us are to advance our personality to Tiphareth (beauty), the Son/Sun of the Solar logos, which is number 6 on the Tree of Life. Hence, the "son" is not a gender but both genders as One. Souls are a divine Hermaphroditus, and invent separate gender

Let’s open this up and weave Hermaphroditus into the deeper current of Hermetic Qabalah, the 7 of Swords, and the soul’s essential androgyny. Here’s a Hermetic elucidation for you:

The Androgynous Soul: The Mystery of Hermaphroditus

In the Western Hermetic tradition, the soul—the true essence of Self—is inherently androgynous, embodying both masculine and feminine polarities simultaneously. This is not a modern social concept of gender, but a metaphysical principle rooted in the Alchemical Rebis, the Divine Hermaphrodite, and ultimately the archetype of Hermaphroditus.

Hermaphroditus, the child of Hermes and Aphrodite, is not simply a being of mixed genders, but a living symbol of the unification of opposites. The rational intellect of Hermes (Mercury) and the sensual, emotive power of Aphrodite (Venus) coalesce into a single unified force—a soul that transcends polarity, capable of acting and receiving, asserting and intuiting, thinking and feeling in balanced interplay.

Qabalistic Reflection: Tiphareth and Netzach

In Qabalah, this androgyny is reflected in the harmonized heart-center of Tiphareth, where the solar self-shines as a radiant point of balance between the upper and lower worlds, between Chokmah (the Supernal Father) and Binah (the Supernal Mother). Yet, it also echoes in Netzach, the sphere of Venus, where desire and creativity arise—not from rigid gender roles—but from the friction and dance of complementary forces within us.

The 7 of Swords, residing in Netzach, touches on this indirectly: it warns against identifying too strongly with the thinking mind (Hermes) or with the unchecked desires of the sensual body (Aphrodite). The thief in the image is caught between worlds—unable to take all the swords (all the answers), forced to choose only what is essential. This is the soul’s dilemma—how do we unify the opposites within us, rather than continually stealing from one side to feed the other?

Hermaphroditus and the Alchemical Marriage

The work of the Magus—and indeed, the goal of The Great Work—is the Hieros Gamos, the sacred marriage within. To become Hermaphroditic at the level of Soul means the reconciliation of Sun and Moon, Active and Passive, Electric and Magnetic, Intellect and Intuition. In alchemy, this is the conjunction of Sulfur and Mercury, Fire and Water, Spirit and Soul.

True Gnosis arises when the soul remembers its own androgyny—not leaning solely into the solar projection of will (the Yang force) nor collapsing into the lunar pull of receptivity (the Yin force), but holding both simultaneously. This is the inner balance that allows the soul to become a clear mirror of the Divine.

Gendered Masks and the Veil of Incarnation

While incarnate, the soul wears the mask of gender—male, female, or otherwise. But these are temporary masks, practical tools for the work of life. The deeper Hermetic understanding is that the True Self, the Daemon or Holy Guardian Angel, is genderless because it is whole. The fragmented self—the ego—clings to one pole or the other, seeking identity in either Mars-like assertion or Venusian reception. But the soul in its wisdom knows: We are both. We are neither. We are beyond.

This is why "Know Thyself" is such a powerful axiom in the Western Mysteries. To know oneself is not to know one's preferences, labels, or social identity—but to know the androgynous soul beneath, who was once whole in the Divine Mind before separation into form.

Practical Contemplation: The Mirror Ritual

If you want to work with Hermaphroditus directly, I’d suggest this simple but profound working:

  • Sit before a mirror, ideally after some invocation of your Higher Self (in Thothian terms, the AUGOEIDES).
  • Gaze into your own eyes until your sense of gender, identity, and persona begins to blur.
  • Call upon Hermaphroditus, child of Hermes and Aphrodite, and ask to see your soul beyond gender.
  • Be open to what appears—not just visually, but in intuitive knowing.
  • Afterward, journal or scribe your impressions.

For Ritual of the Divine Hermaphrodite: Invocation of Hermaphroditus, go to above website and click on blog page.

Six is the number of the Sun and is the Christ/Buddha state of conscious energy; the highest state of awake consciousness that we can reach in a physical body and 7 is the number of Venus, the light bearer. More research into the old papyri that was dug up in Nag Hammadi Egypt, will reveal even more Gnostic gems for the inquiring mind.

The Divine Hermaphroditus/Androgynous soul is one of the most profound and esoteric passages from the Gospel of Thomas, and it directly intersects with the Hermetic, alchemical, and Qabalistic understanding of Union of Opposites — particularly the androgynous nature of the Perfected Soul.

(Saying 22 in most translations):

“When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner like the outer, and the outer like the inner, and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male and the female will not be female…then you will enter the kingdom.”

Elucidation Through Hermetic and Qabalistic Lens

This is not simply mystical poetry — it’s a direct reference to the alchemical Great Work, the unification of opposites within the microcosm of the self. In Hermeticism, Gnosticism, and Western Qabalah, we are taught that the fallen state is a state of separation: inner from outer, higher from lower, male from female. This separation is a consequence of incarnation into the world of duality (Malkuth, Assiah, the realm of form). To “enter the kingdom” — which, in Gnostic terms, is often synonymous with reuniting with the Pleroma (Fullness) — one must re-integrate these sundered aspects.

Making “Eyes” into “I”

This phrase plays with word and symbol. The eyes are two — dualistic perception, separated vision, seeing “self” and “other,” “this” and “that.” To make the eyes into I is to collapse duality into unity — to no longer see through fragmented perception, but instead to know oneself as a single unified being. It is to gaze with the Eye of Spirit (what Qabalah would call Ayin ha-Ra’ah or the “Single Eye”) rather than the divided sight of ego.f generating your own light and receiving your own wisdom.

This corresponds directly with the Middle Pillar of the Tree of Life, which integrates opposites into the central axis, bringing vision into the unified clarity of Da'ath, the hidden sephirah, the throat of divine gnosis.

Making “She” into “He”

This goes even deeper into the androgyne mystery. In the beginning, the Adam Khadmon, the Primordial Human, was androgynous — both male and female. This is the Hermetic Rebis or the alchemical “Two-in-One.” When incarnation split the Primordial into gendered, polarized forms (the Fall into Malkuth), the spiritual task became to reunite the inner feminine (Shekinah) with the inner masculine (Ruach or Logos).

This is the mystical marriage within, the Hieros Gamos, in which your internal polarity is reconciled — regardless of your outer, incarnate gender. When the “she” (internal receptive soul) and the “he” (internal active spirit) become One Being, you enter the kingdom — because you have become like the Undivided Aeon, returning to the pre-incarnate wholeness of the divine.

The Upper Like the Lower, the Inner Like the Outer

This is classic Hermetic Correspondence — As Above, So Below. To see the Kingdom (or the Supernal realms) fully, you must first see it reflected within yourself. Heaven and Earth must become a continuous mirror, with no separation between the human and the divine. In practical mysticism, this means your spiritual life and your worldly life become one seamless expression — no division between “sacred” and “profane.”

This is what Crowley also emphasized in The Book of the Law“Every man and every woman is a star.” You do not reach the divine by rejecting the flesh, but by transmuting it — seeing body, mind, spirit, and world as a continuous emanation of the One Light.

Entering the Kingdom

This entire passage in Thomas is a direct roadmap for initiation — the initiate must:

  1. Unify inner and outer — no mask, no pretense, total integrity.
  2. Unify higher and lower — recognize that your human desires and divine aspirations are not enemies; they are poles of a single force.
  3. Unify male and female within — realize your soul is not male or female, but both. To know oneself fully is to reclaim both poles — your inner Adam and your inner Eve, your inner Hermes and Aphrodite.

When you have done these things, you become a True Image of the Divine — and that is the true “Kingdom.” You are the Kingdom because you have embodied the pattern of the One within yourself.

Tying It Back to Hermaphroditus

Hermaphroditus is the embodied form of this teaching. As the child of Hermes (Logos, Reason, Solar Intellect) and Aphrodite (Eros, Desire, Lunar Sensitivity), Hermaphroditus reconciles Spirit and Soul, Thought and Feeling, Active and Passive, Male and Female into a single, integrated being.

To invoke Hermaphroditus is to call upon this inner unification directly. It is to enact what Thomas’s Jesus describes — to become the One within the Two, which is the gateway into Gnosis and the Kingdom.

Final Insight: The Alchemical Androgyne is the Resurrected Self

In Hermetic Alchemy, after the Putrefaction (breaking apart the self into its elements) comes the Conjunction — the birth of the Rebis, the perfect androgyne. This Rebis is the soul resurrected — just as Thomas’ Jesus (the Gnostic Christ) is not simply risen from the tomb, but risen as a fully unified being, transcending gender, death, and all polarity.

This is why Gnosis and the Great Work are the same journey — both are the path from fragmentation (duality, exile, division) into Wholeness. To “enter the kingdom” is to fully remember yourself — to know you are Hermaphroditic in Soul, capable of generating your own light and receiving your own wisdom.

The Western Hermetic Mysteries and Hermetic Qabalah assigned to the 7 of Swords card the Moon in the house of Aquarius.

In astrology, the Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the subconscious. When the Moon is in the house of Aquarius, it brings unique characteristics to the individual's emotional expression.

Aquarius is an air sign associated with innovation, humanitarianism, and unconventional thinking. When the Moon is placed in the house of Aquarius, it can influence the following characteristics:

  1. Intellectual Emotions: Individuals with the Moon in Aquarius may approach emotions with an intellectual and rational mindset. They tend to analyze their feelings and may not be as driven by emotional impulses as some other signs.

  2. Independence: Aquarius is known for its independent nature, and this trait can be reflected in emotional matters. People with the Moon in Aquarius may value their emotional independence and appreciate personal space in relationships.

  3. Humanitarian Concerns: The Moon in Aquarius may foster a sense of concern for humanity and social causes. These individuals may be emotionally driven to contribute to societal well-being and may be involved in activities that promote positive change.

  4. Unconventional Expression: Emotions are expressed in a unique and often unconventional manner. The individual may not conform to traditional emotional expectations and may appreciate non-traditional forms of self-expression.

  5. Open-mindedness: Aquarius is an open-minded sign, and the Moon in this house can bring a willingness to explore and understand different perspectives. Emotionally, individuals may be accepting of diversity and open to new ideas.

  6. Detached Emotionally: There can be a sense of emotional detachment or objectivity. While they may care deeply about others and societal issues, they might not let emotions cloud their judgment, preferring to approach situations with a level-headed mindset.

  7. Friendship Focus: Friendships may play a significant role in their emotional life. They may find emotional support and connection through a broad network of friends who share common interests and values.

It's important to note that the overall astrological profile, including the positions of other planets and aspects, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's personality and emotional tendencies.

The lower Sephiroth of the Qabalistic Tree of Life (4-5-6-7-8) are forming the square that is all worlds of liquid light "mind dreams", worlds of illusions and manifestation brought on by assumptions of the I AM (God/Goddess). Often called the "upper Astral", this is where ideas become measured "dreams" before they become coagulated light and manifested.

All is Mind and therefore, all images are imagined. Here we are Psyche's/Celestial energy dreaming we are manifesting as forms of the I AM's experiment in Self-Awareness and/or a "Me". This is explained throughout the 78 cards of the Tarot. Each of us dreams we are human, when overall, we are spiral energy and/or Spirit "dreaming" we are physical forms. Above all things, know thyself!

In Qabalistic numerology called gematria, the number 7 holds significant meanings and associations across various traditions, particularly in Jewish mysticism and Kabbalistic/Qabalistic teachings. Here are some key interpretations and associations:

  1. Spiritual Perfection and Completion: The number seven is often seen as representing spiritual perfection and completion. This is rooted in the biblical creation narrative, where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, making the seventh day (Shabbat) holy.

  2. Divine Order and Law: Seven symbolizes divine order and law. This is evident in the seven-branched Menorah, which is a symbol of light, wisdom, and divine guidance in the Jewish tradition.

  3. Connection to the Divine: Seven represents the connection between the divine and the earthly. In Kabbalah/Qabalah, the seventh sephira on the Tree of Life is Netzach (Victory), which is associated with endurance and eternity.

  4. Completion in Cycles: Seven often signifies the completion of cycles. This can be seen in various religious and mystical contexts, such as the seven days of the week, the seven-year agricultural cycle in the Torah (Shmita), and the seven heavens in Jewish cosmology.

  5. Mystical and Hidden Knowledge: Seven is also linked to mystical and hidden knowledge. This can be seen in the seven levels of Torah interpretation (Pardes) and the seven layers of spiritual realms or consciousness in mystical traditions.

  6. Protection and Blessings: In Jewish tradition, seven is considered a number of protection and blessings. For example, the seven blessings recited at a Jewish wedding (Sheva Brachot) and the seven circuits made around the groom by the bride (Hakafot) symbolize divine blessings and protection.

These associations show how the number seven is deeply embedded in the symbolic and mystical frameworks of gematria and other esoteric traditions.

In numerology, the number 7 is often associated with a range of characteristics that emphasize introspection, spirituality, and wisdom. Here are some of the key attributes assigned to the number 7:

  1. Spirituality and Mysticism: The number 7 is often considered the number of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Individuals associated with this number are thought to have a strong connection to the spiritual realm and a deep interest in metaphysical matters.

  2. Introspection and Inner Wisdom: People influenced by the number 7 are typically introspective and seek inner wisdom. They are known for their ability to reflect deeply on life and often pursue knowledge and truth.

  3. Analytical and Intellectual: The number 7 is linked to analytical thinking and intellectual pursuits. Those with this number often excel in fields that require critical thinking, research, and analysis.

  4. Solitude and Independence: Individuals associated with the number 7 often value solitude and independence. They may prefer spending time alone to recharge and engage in solitary activities that allow them to explore their thoughts and ideas.

  5. Intuition and Insight: The number 7 is connected to strong intuition and insightful thinking. People influenced by this number often possess an innate ability to understand complex situations and see beyond the surface.

  6. Mystery and Secretive Nature: There is often an aura of mystery around those associated with the number 7. They may keep their thoughts and feelings private and can be enigmatic to others.

  7. Perfection and Idealism: The number 7 is also linked to a sense of perfection and idealism. Individuals influenced by this number may strive for a perfect understanding of the world and seek to improve themselves and their surroundings.

  8. Philosophical and Theoretical: People with a strong connection to the number 7 often have a philosophical outlook on life. They enjoy exploring theoretical concepts and pondering the deeper meanings of existence.

  9. Reserved and Thoughtful: The number 7 is associated with a reserved and thoughtful demeanor. Those influenced by this number may be more introverted and prefer thoughtful conversation over small talk.

Overall, the number 7 in numerology is seen as a symbol of depth, wisdom, and a quest for higher understanding. It encourages individuals to look within, seek knowledge, and connect with their spiritual self.

If you are interested in finding your numerology numbers here is a quick outline.

In numerology, a person's "number" is typically derived from their birth date or their full name. Each method has its own significance and provides different insights into a person's character and life path. Here’s how these numbers are calculated:

1. Life Path Number (Birth Date)

The Life Path Number is the most commonly referenced number in numerology. It is derived from the birth date and represents the core essence of an individual's life and purpose.

Calculation:

  1. Write down the full birth date (day, month, year).
  2. Reduce each component (day, month, year) to a single digit or master number (11, 22, 33) by adding the digits together.
  3. Add the resulting single digits or master numbers together.
  4. If the final sum is not a single digit or a master number, reduce it by adding the digits together again.

Example:

  • Birth date: July 4, 1984

    • Month: July is the 7th month (7)
    • Day: 4 (4)
    • Year: 1984 → 1 + 9 + 8 + 4 = 22 (master number, so it is not reduced further)
  • Add the reduced numbers together: 7 + 4 + 22 = 33 (another master number, so it is not reduced further)

  • In this example, the Life Path Number is 33.

2. Destiny Number (Full Name)

The Destiny Number, also known as the Expression Number, is derived from the full birth name (as it appears on the birth certificate). It represents a person's natural talents, abilities, and the challenges they may face.

Calculation:

  1. Assign each letter of the name a numerical value according to its position in the alphabet (A=1, B=2, C=3, ..., Z=26).
  2. Reduce each name component (first name, middle name, last name) to a single digit or master number by adding the letter values together.
  3. Add the resulting numbers together.
  4. If the final sum is not a single digit or a master number, reduce it by adding the digits together again.

Example:

  • Name: John Doe

    • J (1) + O (6) + H (8) + N (5) = 20 → 2 + 0 = 2
    • D (4) + O (6) + E (5) = 15 → 1 + 5 = 6
  • Add the reduced numbers together: 2 + 6 = 8

  • In this example, the Destiny Number is 8.

3. Other Important Numbers

There are additional numbers in numerology, such as the Soul Urge Number (derived from the vowels in the full name), Personality Number (derived from the consonants in the full name), and Maturity Number (a combination of the Life Path Number and Destiny Number). Each provides further insight into different aspects of a person’s personality and life.

Summary

  • Life Path Number: Derived from the birth date; represents life purpose and path.
  • Destiny Number: Derived from the full birth name; represents natural talents and potential.
  • Soul Urge Number: Derived from the vowels in the full name; represents inner desires.
  • Personality Number: Derived from the consonants in the full name; represents outward behavior and traits.
  • Maturity Number: Combination of the Life Path and Destiny numbers; represents overall life development.

These calculations form the foundation of numerological analysis, offering insights into a person's life purpose, potential, and personality traits.

When the 7 of Swords, is thrown during a reading, the querent:

  • Is or shall, experiencing 7 weeks or 7 months of futile effort because of the characteristics of, self-doubt, such as, being untrustworthy, due to vacillation.
  • Is experiencing unstable effort in all that is attempted. 
  • There is also the prospect of journeying overland, with mixed results. 
  • Partial success is suggested, because of yielding when victory is at hand. Such a yielding is brought on by the self-defeating thoughts of self-doubt which tend to "drain strength" because of internal conflict. 
  • There is an inclination to lose when on the point of gaining through not continuing effort.
  • There is also suggested: a love of abundance, a fascination with display (where the wrapping is more important than the gift), compliments given, ease of affronts and insolence's with need to detect and spy on others. 
  •  Inclinations to betray confidences, not always intentional, but subject to vacillation, causing unreliability. The strength of which all depends on the dignity of the accompanying cards.
  •  

If reversed or ill dignified by the surrounding cards, it implies:

  • Deceitfulness.
  • Intrigues. 
  • Insincerity.

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