You must always break down a number to its simplest component or one number. Numerology goes from number 1 - 9. With the above example, you would take 1 + 9 + 7 + 1 = 18; also break down that number by adding the 1 + 8 = 9. Actually, your Karmic Lesson numbers will be 9 and 18 or The Hermit and Moon cards.
Then we correlate these numbers to the Major Arcana cards which are numbered from 0 - 22. However, because 0 is not a number, we put this card at the end of the deck, or now it becomes number 22. This is only one component of numerology, which is like an astrological chart - it has many parts to it and together it makes up your personality, likes, dislikes, etc.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
Once you find your core number (top line), use the total column (numbers below it) for your Karmic Lessons. Numbers 1 through 4 have three Karmic Lessons; all other numbers only have two.
Here is a brief description of each Major Arcana card from a Karmic Lessons point of view.
I. THE MAGICIAN - Balance your feminine and masculine sides. Don't let others take advantage of your kindness. You should rest more, learn how to say no more and focus on all the areas of your life that need more grounding, centering, focus or priority. If you use your intelligence above all else, you will have total triumph in all area of life, including love life (relationships), career, finances and resolution of all of your conflicts.
II. THE HIGH PRIESTESS - Therapist, heal thyself. It suggests that you must stop letting family and friends keep draining your energy. You should take all of the good advice you give them and realize that you can't help everyone in the world. Stop being so compassionate, caring, empathetic, sympathetic and sensitive and start building up your self-esteem, rest, and do whatever it is you want for a change.
III. THE EMPRESS - This is the Pregnancy or Mother card. It is someone who is the epitome of Motherhood, or in other words, taking care of everything and protecting her children, family and friends from all harm. Her balance of feminine and masculine energies seems to be accomplished as is indicated by her garment; however, there is also a lot of spirituality around her as well as negativity behind her, which she will always have to deal with.
IV. THE EMPEROR - This very dominant and aggressive male is someone who cannot change their mind, would not listen to others, even though they are more educated in a particular discipline or subject. He is someone who needs to lighten up a little bit and listens to others' points of view. The emperor always feels as if he is right and has the means to back up any information, thought or action he wants to.
V. THE HIEROPHANT - Many balance issues are before you. This is someone who must balance his or her life in regard to people and with making decisions or finding a path to follow. This is a spiritual person who must live here in reality and deal with earthly concerns for this lifetime.
VI. THE LOVERS - Compromising on important issues will help save the relationship. This person needs to continuously compromise in order to keep things peaceful and in harmony. It is up to them whether or not they want to hide their own feelings and continuously please their significant other. Standing up for yourself at times is not wrong when you feel strongly about it.
VII. THE CHARIOT - Your going nowhere fast! You are stuck in confusion, indecision, worry, fear, doubt and need to deal with home life issues. You want to go, have fun, and not handle responsibility however; something is always holding you back. Your indecision is debilitating in that you want to do something, but are too indecisive to make the move to further your thought.
VIII. STRENGTH - Stop playing with a wild animal. It would be important for you to start looking towards the future, and forget the past. You may be too naïve, innocent or trusting and people will always try to take advantage of you. Even though you feel grounded and trust the people around you, be aware that things can instantly change and you will be shocked at the unsuspected results.
IX. THE HERMIT - Take some of your own good advice. You have a tendency towards spirituality and enlightenment; however, you want to shine your light of knowledge on the world. You continuously are guiding and helping others with your words of wisdom and insight. It is important for you to take the wonderful advice you give to others and use some of it on yourself. Even though you enjoy teaching and helping others, why not help yourself.
X. THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Strive for your dreams. This particular card suggests that you have many ambitions and dreams; however, you must be able to take several steps in order to attain your goals. The steps include (1) gaining more knowledge, (2) being more persistent and tolerant, (3) calling upon your inner strength and courage and lastly, (4) taking a risk that is appropriate to your situation and you. If you do these steps, you will attain all that you want.
XI. JUSTICE - Be ready to defend yourself. You should always be ready to defend yourself with justice and honor, however, there will be times when you must be strong and defend yourself however you feel appropriate. Be firm, do not waiver from your convictions and stick with your ideals and ethics no matter what arises.
XII. HANGED MAN - Look at things from a different perspective. This is a very lucky person who is knowledgeable and intelligent, but may see things from only his point of view. Spirituality and materialism may be at war with each other in your life and it is your job to balance them and see things from different perspectives.
XIII. DEATH - Be ready for endings and new beginnings. You may have to learn that all endings and all new beginnings are for a purpose. They are to help you accept change and to learn that all things are not permanent in this lifetime. Be prepared for anything and just go with the flow.
XIV. TEMPERANCE - You are causing your own emotional problems. You must take an emotional risk, stop procrastinating and deal with issues that are difficult to face. You must stop being so naïve and vulnerable and be more protective of yourself, your heart and your emotions. Stop being so overwhelmed with choices and decisions. If you prioritize your life, it will be easier for you to handle one thing at a time.
XV. THE DEVIL - You are allowing yourself to be chained to a negative person or situation. You may continuously get yourself involved in negative or abusive relationships. You must be strong and make a positive decision about your future and all who are affected by your indecision, fear and confusion. This type of situation will never get better, so you must be strong to leave and never accept this behavior ever again.
XVI. THE TOWER - Upheaval pushes you into positive change. You may need to learn how to accept upheavals and traumatic change in this lifetime. You tend to get into a rut or are very secure in a relationship, career or situation. These changes will keep pushing you on the right path until you are able to embrace the unexpected, knowing that it is always for your good.
XVII. THE STAR - Stop being so vulnerable and use your intelligence to push you in the right direction. Do not let others tell you what you must do or believe. Use your intelligence to set your priorities in this lifetime, handle each one separately and get on to your next adventure. Taking emotional risks and handling procrastination issues is also an important lesson. Be strong, stop making your own emotional difficulties by using the intelligence and logical mind God gave you.
XVIII. THE MOON - Stop being concerned with what could happen and deal with reality. You are causing too many of your emotional upheavals and are afraid of facing reality and dealing with issues. Sometimes fanciful and very creative, you could use these "see what I want to see and hear what I want to hear" tendencies for artwork and writing to express that deep creativity and expression. Face the truth, know the truth, and don't be discouraged by your fears and doubts since once you take control of your life, all the blessings from God, double the love, happiness, prosperity and joy, and all the wonderful opportunities before you will be yours.
XIX. THE SUN - New beginnings and ventures on the way to a new life. You must learn to leave negativity behind and always concentrate on the more positive journey ahead of you. There will be continuous new beginnings in this lifetime and you should greet them with optimism and the knowledge that you are to go through many experiences this time around. Vitality, energy, positive thinking and spiritual growth are your potentials and more than likely you will live up to these ideals.
XX. JUDGMENT - You get what you deserve. This particular card advises that you will be paid back for all the positive or negative energy or deeds you have committed. If you have been a good, caring, empathetic, sympathetic, sensitive and loving person, you will be getting all the rewards that you deserve. However, if you have been a stingy, nasty, sarcastic, rude, unfeeling or insensitive individual, you might want to consider changing so that "what you deserve" will be more positive than what is really coming to you. Practice the golden rule.
XXI. THE WORLD - All the prosperity and abundance is yours for the taking. Many hopes and dreams are envisioned in this lifetime for a fruitful conclusion to all of your planning and hard work. Working on spiritual matters helps you understand what needs to be done to get to your goals. Like the Wheel of Fortune, you must (1) gain more knowledge, (2) be persistent and tolerant, (3) call upon your inner strength and courage and finally, (4) take a risk that you feel is appropriate to you. If you do these things, not only will you get everything you want, but you will also gain prosperity and abundance.
XXII. THE FOOL - Embarking on a new life direction, but which one will you take? Be prepared for new journeys, new directions and beginnings. The individual must be prepared for the consequences of his actions. Think things through. Don't leave something familiar just because you are bored with your life or the people in it. You must either take a leap of faith that what you are doing is your proper course of action or you may be blinded by greed, new adventure, change or the unknown and may have your head up in the clouds. You may not see the cliff ahead of you and fall of it. Once you have fallen, it may be very difficult to get back on your feet.