The usual method of traditional Numerology is to reduce birth dates down.
Add together the digits of the birth date until you arrive at a single digit from 1 to 9.
Or you arrive at a Master Number (usually either 11 or 22).
If you arrive at a Master Number then you stop reducing.
For example, add up the birth date 9 November 2015:
0+9+1+1+2+0+1+5 = 19;
1+9 = 10;
1+0 = 1
Now add up the birth date 5 February 1932:
0+5+0+2+1+9+3+2 = 22
This date does not get reduced any further. You have arrived at a Master Number.
One problem with this system of Master Numbers is unequal distribution.
In a fair world, it is reasonable to expect that we will eventually get a fair distribution of things.
In this system of Numerology there will always be an inequity.
There will never be as many 2 and 4 people as there are the other numbers.
Some of them do not reduce down below 11 and 22.
This is significant when comparing types of people.
Apart from this where does this idea - that you are travelling upon a path - come from?
My answer to this question is the Jewish Kabbalah.
In the Kabbalistic system 10 states of being are connected by 22 paths.
These 22 paths relate to an organised pattern of lessons and development.
It is not difficult to make the connections.
22 paths on the Tree of Life
22 paths in Numerology
22 cards of the Tarot Major Arcana
We have three systems - Numerology, Tarot and Kabbalah - all referencing the number 22.
All having a relationship with Life Paths of the soul.
Why does traditional Numerology only provide 9 general path numbers and 2 Master Numbers?
One reason is the the usual method of calculating a Life Path number.
By using the method of reduction shown above, means that everyone will have a number between 1 and 9.
Unless of course you stop at one level higher, like the 11 and 22.
If you stop at 14, for instance, then you will never get a base 5 number.
This is the same problem with 11 and 22.
The issue is that no one has ever thought about it enough to develop a means of properly and accurately calculating the Soul Path number.
So, here we have a system that has a possible 22 paths but it does not use all of these Path numbers.
Of these 22 available options traditional Numerology maybe uses the 0, the 1 to 9, the 11 and the 22.
There is no answer or explanation as to what happens with the 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. Some systems allocate these numbers to a personality number or some other type of descriptor.
You may get allocated two numbers, such as being told that your are a 22/4.
Then some people only get one number and some get two numbers.
Another problem with this system relates to the use of the number 22 as a Master number.
The 22 paths are labeled from 0 and finish at XXI (21).
There is no path or Tarot card with the number or label representing 22.
The 22nd path/card is given the label in Roman Numerals XXI or 21.
This means in the traditional system, if you are considered to be a master 22
then you are actually on the path labeled 21, the 22nd path.
This is the Tarot card titled "the World".
This thinking also may be applied to the Master 11.
The 11th Tarot Major Arcana card is the 10 of the Wheel of Fortune.
To be consistent.
If the Master 22 is the World card (21) then the Master 11 relates to the Wheel of Fortune (10).
Alternatively, if the Master 22 is something beyond the Tarot Major Arcana card system and is intended to relate to the number 22, then it could be said that the Master 22 relates to the full set of the 22 Tarot Major Arcana.
This would mean that the Master 11 relates to the Tarot card Strength or Justice.
This depends upon which system you reference.
Before Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Coleman put together the Rider Waite Tarot deck, the Tarot card labeled XI was always Strength.
Waite interchanged this card with Justice which was always previously labeled VIII.
The 0 (i.e. the zero) represents the Kabbalistic idea of nothingness.
The Kabbalah claims that everything came from the Absolute Limitless Light (Hebrew - Ain Soph Aur).
Otherwise referred to as nothingness.
When their God decided to create a new world, a void was created.
Into that void (space) life as we know it (everything) was created from nothing.
It followed the path of the Lightning Flash.
In this action the 10 Sephiroth (states of being) were created.
The Sephiroth represent the 10 numbers (0 to 9).
Connecting these 10 states of being are the 22 paths.
Each Path relates to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Each of the Hebrew letters was also identified with a number.
In this system, everything always starts with 0 (nothing).
But the Hebrews have no letter with the value 0.
In some old systems of Tarot, the 22nd card was the 0.
This is the Tarot card titled "the Fool".
This is because they did not understand what to do with the 0.
Mathematically and Kabbalisticly the 0 belongs at the very beginning.
This is where the members of the Order of the Golden Dawn placed the Fool card.
Some other old systems placed the 0 between the 20 (Judgment) and the 21 (The World).
Some systems see the two series of cards
single digit and double digit
as dual entities, like the front and back of a coin.
If you are a 1 (The Magician) then you may also display the attributes of an 11 (Strength).
Others add the 1 + 1 of the 11 and get 2.
This makes the relationship between Strength (11) and the High Priestess (2).
1 and 11 and possibly 21 may be related.
1 and 10 and even 19 may be related.
There may even be a relationship between 0, 10 and 20.
Like with most things, the human mind can make relationships.
Whether the associations are the correct relationships is the difficult question to answer.
I have no issue with the two series of cards having dual relationships.
I believe that there are two distinct sets of cards that make up the evolutionary series.
This development commences from the nothingness - the 0 known as the Fool.
It is nice that the 0 resembles an egg.
It is reasonable that all of the potential for life is held in this figure.
The 0 - the Fool - represents the concept of life before any development has commenced.
Everything that will develop as a living entity is held in that egg.
The first thing to emerge from the egg is identified as the 1 of the Magician
The Magician provides action, creativity and the illusion of life.
In all aspects of human development this is the beginning of the aggressive, demanding ego.
The Magician also magically provides an identity and individuality.
All things that manifest the singleness of the 1.
This is the first action of life and as such there is at this time no balance or brake on the developing ego.
It is unreasoned, unbridled power.
The 2 that follows the 1 is the balance to the 1.
There are now two equal things.
The High Priestess is the calming influence on the Magician.
She shows qualities of peace, understanding, acceptance and passivity and is conducive to harmony.
This is the first instance of the developing conscious self.
She mediates and controls the raging ego.
Without this the ego would be out of control - ever demanding.
Together, the marriage of the masculine and feminine forces creates a 3rd energy.
A beautiful child of nature that is in sync with the forces of nature and the earth.
This is the 3 of the Empress.
This is the first expression of the two dual energies of action and inaction.
The Empress represents expression, reason, intellectual ability and the basic development of the mind.
The 3 can display unrestricted creativity.
This is the nature child - nature within a physical body - that is unfamiliar with physical restriction.
She doesn't want to restrain the mind.
She just wants it to be allowed to run free.
The next entity is the 4 of the Emperor.
The Emperor restrains the natural desire for liberty and freedom
The tripod or 3-legged stool can pretty much find balance on any surface.
The 4 needs a solid practical surface to sit upon and find balance.
As such the Emperor brings rules and structure to the physical, material world.
He represents the built environment as opposed to the natural environment of the Empress.
Consider these forces in the development of a child.
We see the demanding ego of the new-born child.
This is balanced by the beautiful, peaceful aspect of the child's conscious self.
This develops into the delightful nature child, the free spirited, unbridled energy of the toddler.
In time the child needs to learn discipline - the rules and structure of the Emperor.
This also imparts a development of the guided will towards positive intent.
Practical action as opposed to the idea of the free-form, natural flow of nature.
The next stage for the developing ego requires the development of a set of values and principles.
This is like when the child leaves the sanctuary of the home and goes to school.
The Hierophant (5) is the teacher.
The soul now starts to learn how to balance the drive for freedom with the desire for discipline.
In the wider world outside the sanctuary of home the child starts to engage in relationships.
In addition to the immediate family relationships, the stage of the Lovers (6) includes social groups and close, intimate relationships.
Soon the will starts to develop, wanting your own way in the midst of life's many relationships.
The Chariot (7) relates to practical application of the will.
Controlling and manipulating the external, opposing forces.
The young child and the ego are developing into strong individuals.
Our relationships could all be very confrontational and conflicting.
We must temper the individual with a sense of fairness in the form of Justice (8).
The ego has now learned all of the developmental skills.
The outward, extroverted nature for the first time starts to consider his further development.
This is the 9 of the Hermit.
9's relate to completeness and finishing things.
The Hermit looks inwardly, reflecting upon his development so far.
He has travelled a long way since leaving the source.
He is intrigued with how he may balance the outward, egotistical nature.
He senses there is a depth to his nature.
Another dual aspect of self that balances and fulfils him.
He now resolves to find the other half.
The personal reflection and internal review of the Hermit leads to the process of the 10, the Wheel of Fortune. The Wheel spins and turns and measures the development so far.
Comparing the undeveloped potential of the Fool 0 with the developed ego of the Hermit 9.
The Wheel is the first review of the potential of the 0.
Four human functions have been developed.
intuition, reason, emotion and action
The four functions form pairs of balanced dualities.
Intuition and Action form one pair.
Reason and Emotion form the other pair.
In our development we tend to develop one of each of the pairs in detriment to the other.
If we develop our intuition then our application to personal action is depleted and vice versa.
Similarly, if we give way to our emotions and feelings more so than the reason and the mental processes then one will be stronger than the other.
In the symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune these four aspects are represented.
The Wheel turns and weighs.
The most developed function will be heaviest.
The least developed will be the lightest indicating it needs more attention.
This review provides the developmental focus of the next series of paths.
This involves the development of the internal, conscious self.
The return journey of the soul requires massive resources of internal strength.
A resolve to surrender the aggressive power that you have acquired.
Trading it for a passive assertive power instead.
Surrender yourself to the fact that you are not the greatest being and ego ever created on earth.
Be prepared to humble yourself and start learning all over again.
It is like going through childhood, prep and primary school.
You get to the top class of the school and then you go to high school.
Now you must start at the bottom grade again and work your back way up.
This is why the first lesson of the second series is Strength (11).
Where the Magician was the 1 of the first series, Strength is the 1 of the second series.
The Magician shows a male figure learning to manage, control and manipulate the four human functions on the table in front of him.
Strength shows a female figure controlling the figure of a lion.
The lion is an untamed animal and represents the wild, aggressive ego.
The female figure displays a gentle, passive person.
A conscious, aware entity controlling the raging ego.
The next card in the series is the 12 of the Hanged Man.
The Magician (1) and the High Priestess (2) formed a dual pair in the order of male/female, active/passive.
Now the cards of Strength (11) and the Hanged Man (12) form a dual dual-pair in the opposite order of female/male and active-passive/passive-active.
The Hanged Man is that angry, aggressive lion (the ego) that has been put under control.
He has to learn to repress the aggressive male instincts that he has learned for so long.
Replace them with a passive desire to engage in life.
Maintaining self control and not having to be controlled by others.
This is an internal struggle.
The High Priestess sat upright, serenely between two pillars, representing the opposing forces of life.
The Hanged Man hangs upside down strung from the branch of a tree.
His head is lowered into a hole in the ground where he spends his time forced to consider the earth.
He must come to terms with his situation and learn to stop struggling and be prepared to let go.
Only then will he be released from the tree and allowed his freedom.
This release is shown as Death (13).
Now perhaps we can understand the meaning of this Death card.
It represents a freedom, a release, from physical boundaries.
We must let go of our belief in the dominance and need for the physical, material aspects of life.
As you may appreciate the 13 of Death and the 3 of the Empress have a connection.
The 3 of the Empress is nature and freedom in physical, material form.
The 13 of Death raises your awareness beyond the physical, material world.
This is about being free and liberated despite your physical constraints.
When we experience the release and complete freedom of death our sense of boundaries is tested.
Temperance (14) is best described as "moderation in all things".
The boundaries are not set by an external force, such as in the 4 of the Emperor.
This is self-moderation.
The golden rule of life is to always seek the middle path.
The symbolism of Temperance shows a female form mixing, blending two containers of water (the emotional element).
She has one foot on the earth (the physical element) and one foot in the water.
She is involved and intimate with her emotions and controls the physical.
The 14 of Temperance also shares a relationship with the 5 of the Hierophant.
Through the process of reduction 14 = 1 + 4 = 5.
The 5 of the Hierophant represents values and principles.
This is about finding a balance between discipline and freedom.
Temperance must now take these lessons taught many incarnations before.
Demonstrate a philosophy of self-moderation.
We now move to the test of the Devil (15).
Isn't it fascinating that the 15 of the Devil has a direct connection with the 5 of the priest (The Hierophant).
The 15 also has a relationship with the 6 of the Lovers.
Through the reduction process 15 = 1 + 5 = 6.
We have found a resolve of Strength and built and tested that resolve as the Hanged Man.
We found complete freedom in Death.
We have developed our personal values and principles and learned Temperance.
The ultimate test is now faced in the temptation of the Devil.
Have you really raised yourself above the mundane in life?
Severed your connection to materiality and addictions?
The Devil will test you and find your weaknesses.
How good are you at managing life in this world when you seek to be a spiritual entity?
You will be tested.
Once you have weathered this storm and overcome the base temptations of the Devil, you will now encounter the chaos and annihilation of the Lightning Struck Tower (16).
Everything you thought was real, the beliefs that you held to be true, the relationships you held onto, these things can all be stripped from you in an instance.
If you are resisting change, refusing to progress your life in the way that it is intended to be, then watch out for the Lightning Struck Tower.
You will move on.
Preparation is now being undertaken for rebuilding.
Demolition is in progress.
It may seem unfair and unbearable.
Once the false beliefs and relationships are understood and seen for what they are, it will be seen as a blessing in disguise.
The 16 of the Lightning Struck Tower has a clear connection with the 6 of the Lovers.
One is about building strong relationships and the other is about breaking them down.
Through the process of reduction 16 = 1 + 6 = 7.
There is a relationship with the willpower of the Chariot.
This is about breaking your will so that you understand that it is God's will and not your will.
This is about learning that there is a higher authority greater than yourself.
Your purpose is to carry out the will of that higher authority as your own.
What comes after the humbling experience of the Lightning Struck Tower.
It is time to set your sight on higher things and rebuild in accord with the will of the higher authority.
The Star (17) is willpower raised to a higher level.
This is about re-establishing grand design.
The symbolism of the Star shows a female figure stripped bare.
The earth around her has also been razed and is now showing signs of regeneration.
She pours water, like Temperance, but she is not blending the waters.
One jug of water is poured upon the earth, nurturing it and re-invigorating the earth (the physical element).
The other jug is replenishing the pool from which she draws the water (the emotional element).
Unlike Temperance she kneels upon the earth and one foot rests upon the water, not in the water.
This indicates the control she has over the emotional aspect of life and respect for life.
The stars in the sky indicate that her mind is set upon higher, divine principles.
Not the mundane, practical, physical world.
The connection between the 17 and 7 has already been referred to.
This is the practical use of the mind to control and manipulate the opposing forces of life and bring them to a better outcome for all humankind.
The 17 through reduction has a relationship with the 8 of Justice; 17 = 1 + 7 = 8.
The 8 of Justice was about being fair and just in our relationships with others.
The Star is about setting things right with our god and making life fair and just for all humanity.
Stars shine in the night and give guidance and direction.
They may be less noticeable in strong moon light and cannot be see at all in sun light.
The influence of the Moon (18) may at times seem unfair, unreasonable and irrational.
There may be unresolved issues from the past that sit hidden beneath the surface.
Like rocks just beneath the surface of the water that can occasionally break the surface and snag and scuttle an unsuspecting traveller.
These issues need to be dealt with.
In moonlight things are harder to see and discern than in the brightness of day.
It is more difficult to fathom and understand because they loom in the dark like a nightmare and may just be the phantoms of our fears and imaginations.
What is real and what isn't?
The symbolism of the Moon card shows a gnarly crayfish climbing, emerging, from a pool of water (the emotions).
This pool also represents the abyss that separates humankind from their higher source and their god.
The abyss has been filled with the watery emotions of deep knowledge and understanding.
In the phase of the moon you have been immersed in that pool.
You may be not a pretty sight when you know, acknowledge and understand the dark shadow aspects of yourself.
You have to learn to accept yourself and others as you are and they are.
Everyone has imperfections and is on a journey.
You now make your way along the narrow path.
You must navigate this path.
Finding your way between the opposing forces of nature represented by the wild wolf and the domestic dog (both howling animals), in the dimness of moonlight.
The narrow path means there is not much room for error.
The higher paths in the journey and development of the soul are exacting and rigorous.
The demands are high and so are the rewards.
The 18 of the Moon has a connection with the 8 of Justice.
As stated above their does not seem to be much fairness in all of this.
The fairness and justice dispensed by the courts, dealing with the mundane issues of living does not come close to the understanding and compassion required to comprehend the fair treatment the soul receives in resolving the karmic effects of many lives.
What is fair and what is unfair may not be ours to perceive.
Unless we raise our understanding and awareness to higher levels of consciousness.
The 18 of the Moon relates to the 9 of the Hermit through the process of reduction; 18 = 1 + 8 = 9.
The Hermit chose to shine his light in the dimness of knowledge.
Seeking further understanding, not really being aware of the immenseness of the inner journey he was about to undertake.
After much internal wrangling, introspection, reflection and growth.
The ego of the Hermit is now coming out of the inner realms of the Moon.
Prepared to now return to the bright sunlight.
At the time the Hermit, was not aware that his lantern was a mere shard of light and no comparison to the full light of the sun.
Yet without the light of that lantern he would not have found his way.
The Sun (19) like the 9 is the end, the completion of things.
The naked child, nothing left to hide, allows the horse (life) to go where it will.
He just bounces along not even holding on.
The journey of this sun child is most likely more difficult than most.
Souls on this path are not treading lightly and yet it may seem they are just rollicking and frolicking along.
Although it may seem like it, this is not a walk in the park.
All of the lessons from the Magician to the Moon can now be asked of this soul.
The challenge of this life is to respond with balance and equanimity.
There are two aspects of our self.
Like the masculine and feminine of the Magician and the High Priestess.
The Moon and the Sun are required to unite in balance and harmony and fulfill the individuation of the soul.
The ego and the conscious self will both be tested.
If either is found to be too strong or too weak, the cracks will show.
The flaws in the personality will be exposed in the bright light of day.
The responsibility of the soul on this path is immense.
It it must not be seen or show itself as being onerous and a burden.
The sun must laugh and shine for the benefit and entertainment of others.
Despite whatever is going on in their life.
The 19 has a relationship with the 1 of the Magician through the process of reduction; 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1.
This is the alpha and the omega - the beginning and the end.
The 1 starts things.
The 19 ends things.
Everything is complete.
The Magician holds a wand up to the sky and draws power, inspiration and wisdom from above and dispenses it as his own.
The child that is the sun is the complete power, inspiration and wisdom but takes none of it as his own, knowing he basks only in the warm glow and light of the higher authority.
He is the complete conduit and does not need a wand.
Now what is left to be done?
A full reconciliation and judgment of the success or otherwise of the developed potential.
What was the 0 of the Fool is now completed.
Judgment (20) is the final judgment that precedes the rebirth of the soul.
This is the instance that people talk about when they have had a near-death experience.
Their entire life has flashed before their eyes in review.
The 20 has a relationship with the 0 and the 10. All three are instances of 0.
The 0 is the beginning.
The 10 is the mid-cycle review and adjustment.
The 20 is the final review.
In the reduction process you can see the connection these two processes.
The 1 of the Magician and the 2 of the High Priestess.
10 = 1 + 0 = 1
20 = 2 + 0 = 2
Together they form a balanced duality.
The final state of being is that of the World (21).
This is the completeness of the 1 and the 2.
Coming together in the fullness and unity of the two dual aspects in individuation.
The World is everything as opposed to the Fool's nothing.
At anytime that we look at ourselves in review, we look at the whole package.
This is what is meant by taking a holistic view.
The complete thing is no greater than the individual parts.
The outcome of the combined, united energy of the individual bits is greater than the energy and power of any individual piece.
There is a connection between the 1, 11 and 21.
They are all instances of 1.
The 1 and the 11 are the dual opposites that make up the unity of the single entity that is the world.
The Magician 1 is the first manifestation of 1 (the embryonic ego) that emerges from the potential of the 0 of the Fool.
The 11 of Strength is the 1st repetition of 1.
The 21 of the World is the 2nd repetition of 1.
The entity in the World card dances shimmers and moves in a constant state of fluid motion.
We are continually growing and improving.
At any given time that we look at ourselves, this is us.
This completes my evolutionary journey through the Tarot Major Arcana and the 22 paths of life.
Notice that as we start in the first series of single digit paths the explanations are more simple and as we progress into the double digit paths the explanations are more complex.
This in itself shows the more complicated nature of the second series.
The Magician (1) and Strength (11) are both 1 at the beginning of a series.
It is necessary to show them as separate entities and separate paths that the soul journeys upon.
They are both independent of each other.
Each is necessary in its own way to the development of the soul.
The paths are intimately connected and associations may be made in various ways.
Everything is connected and there is a reason for everything.
This does not take away from the fact that there are two paths.
The outward path emanating from the source consisting of the Tarot cards 1 to 9 and representing the development of the ego.
The inward path returning to the source consisting of the Tarot cards 11 to 19, representing the development of the conscious self.
These are the 18 paths that the soul incarnates upon in this life and I refer to them as the experiential paths.
The paths relating to the four Major Arcana Tarot cards of:
0 the Fool
10 the Wheel of Fortune
20 Judgment
21 the World
do not relate to life paths that we travel upon.
They relate to transition states similar to what the Buddhist's refer to as Bardo states.
The Fool (0) is the traveller on the journey.
The embryo holding all of the undeveloped potential of life.
The World (21) is the ever-fluctuating image of developed potential at any given time.
Compare the state of the World with the Fool at any time to determine progress and fulfillment of potential.
This comparison may be made at any time but there are two significant stages of review.
One at the half way point in the form of the 10 of the Wheel of Fortune.
One at the end of the complete process in the form of the 20 of Judgment.
I don’t think it is right that nearly half of the path numbers are just not used.
My system of Tarot, Numerology and Kabbalah is a complete system.
The full range of 22 cards, numbers and paths provides a developmental process that applies to universal life.
So, how do you do a calculation to fairly and accurately determine the Soul path?
How do you mathematically determine if a soul is on a 1 path or an 11 path?
Add together the digits of the birth date until you arrive at a single digit from 1 to 9.
Or you arrive at a Master Number (usually either 11 or 22).
If you arrive at a Master Number then you stop reducing.
For example, add up the birth date 9 November 2015:
0+9+1+1+2+0+1+5 = 19;
1+9 = 10;
1+0 = 1
Now add up the birth date 5 February 1932:
0+5+0+2+1+9+3+2 = 22
This date does not get reduced any further. You have arrived at a Master Number.
One problem with this system of Master Numbers is unequal distribution.
In a fair world, it is reasonable to expect that we will eventually get a fair distribution of things.
In this system of Numerology there will always be an inequity.
There will never be as many 2 and 4 people as there are the other numbers.
Some of them do not reduce down below 11 and 22.
This is significant when comparing types of people.
Apart from this where does this idea - that you are travelling upon a path - come from?
My answer to this question is the Jewish Kabbalah.
In the Kabbalistic system 10 states of being are connected by 22 paths.
These 22 paths relate to an organised pattern of lessons and development.
It is not difficult to make the connections.
22 paths on the Tree of Life
22 paths in Numerology
22 cards of the Tarot Major Arcana
We have three systems - Numerology, Tarot and Kabbalah - all referencing the number 22.
All having a relationship with Life Paths of the soul.
Why does traditional Numerology only provide 9 general path numbers and 2 Master Numbers?
One reason is the the usual method of calculating a Life Path number.
By using the method of reduction shown above, means that everyone will have a number between 1 and 9.
Unless of course you stop at one level higher, like the 11 and 22.
If you stop at 14, for instance, then you will never get a base 5 number.
This is the same problem with 11 and 22.
The issue is that no one has ever thought about it enough to develop a means of properly and accurately calculating the Soul Path number.
So, here we have a system that has a possible 22 paths but it does not use all of these Path numbers.
Of these 22 available options traditional Numerology maybe uses the 0, the 1 to 9, the 11 and the 22.
There is no answer or explanation as to what happens with the 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. Some systems allocate these numbers to a personality number or some other type of descriptor.
You may get allocated two numbers, such as being told that your are a 22/4.
Then some people only get one number and some get two numbers.
Another problem with this system relates to the use of the number 22 as a Master number.
The 22 paths are labeled from 0 and finish at XXI (21).
There is no path or Tarot card with the number or label representing 22.
The 22nd path/card is given the label in Roman Numerals XXI or 21.
This means in the traditional system, if you are considered to be a master 22
then you are actually on the path labeled 21, the 22nd path.
This is the Tarot card titled "the World".
This thinking also may be applied to the Master 11.
The 11th Tarot Major Arcana card is the 10 of the Wheel of Fortune.
To be consistent.
If the Master 22 is the World card (21) then the Master 11 relates to the Wheel of Fortune (10).
Alternatively, if the Master 22 is something beyond the Tarot Major Arcana card system and is intended to relate to the number 22, then it could be said that the Master 22 relates to the full set of the 22 Tarot Major Arcana.
This would mean that the Master 11 relates to the Tarot card Strength or Justice.
This depends upon which system you reference.
Before Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Coleman put together the Rider Waite Tarot deck, the Tarot card labeled XI was always Strength.
Waite interchanged this card with Justice which was always previously labeled VIII.
The 0 (i.e. the zero) represents the Kabbalistic idea of nothingness.
The Kabbalah claims that everything came from the Absolute Limitless Light (Hebrew - Ain Soph Aur).
Otherwise referred to as nothingness.
When their God decided to create a new world, a void was created.
Into that void (space) life as we know it (everything) was created from nothing.
It followed the path of the Lightning Flash.
In this action the 10 Sephiroth (states of being) were created.
The Sephiroth represent the 10 numbers (0 to 9).
Connecting these 10 states of being are the 22 paths.
Each Path relates to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Each of the Hebrew letters was also identified with a number.
In this system, everything always starts with 0 (nothing).
But the Hebrews have no letter with the value 0.
In some old systems of Tarot, the 22nd card was the 0.
This is the Tarot card titled "the Fool".
This is because they did not understand what to do with the 0.
Mathematically and Kabbalisticly the 0 belongs at the very beginning.
This is where the members of the Order of the Golden Dawn placed the Fool card.
Some other old systems placed the 0 between the 20 (Judgment) and the 21 (The World).
Some systems see the two series of cards
single digit and double digit
as dual entities, like the front and back of a coin.
If you are a 1 (The Magician) then you may also display the attributes of an 11 (Strength).
Others add the 1 + 1 of the 11 and get 2.
This makes the relationship between Strength (11) and the High Priestess (2).
1 and 11 and possibly 21 may be related.
1 and 10 and even 19 may be related.
There may even be a relationship between 0, 10 and 20.
Like with most things, the human mind can make relationships.
Whether the associations are the correct relationships is the difficult question to answer.
I have no issue with the two series of cards having dual relationships.
I believe that there are two distinct sets of cards that make up the evolutionary series.
This development commences from the nothingness - the 0 known as the Fool.
It is nice that the 0 resembles an egg.
It is reasonable that all of the potential for life is held in this figure.
The 0 - the Fool - represents the concept of life before any development has commenced.
Everything that will develop as a living entity is held in that egg.
The first thing to emerge from the egg is identified as the 1 of the Magician
The Magician provides action, creativity and the illusion of life.
In all aspects of human development this is the beginning of the aggressive, demanding ego.
The Magician also magically provides an identity and individuality.
All things that manifest the singleness of the 1.
This is the first action of life and as such there is at this time no balance or brake on the developing ego.
It is unreasoned, unbridled power.
The 2 that follows the 1 is the balance to the 1.
There are now two equal things.
The High Priestess is the calming influence on the Magician.
She shows qualities of peace, understanding, acceptance and passivity and is conducive to harmony.
This is the first instance of the developing conscious self.
She mediates and controls the raging ego.
Without this the ego would be out of control - ever demanding.
Together, the marriage of the masculine and feminine forces creates a 3rd energy.
A beautiful child of nature that is in sync with the forces of nature and the earth.
This is the 3 of the Empress.
This is the first expression of the two dual energies of action and inaction.
The Empress represents expression, reason, intellectual ability and the basic development of the mind.
The 3 can display unrestricted creativity.
This is the nature child - nature within a physical body - that is unfamiliar with physical restriction.
She doesn't want to restrain the mind.
She just wants it to be allowed to run free.
The next entity is the 4 of the Emperor.
The Emperor restrains the natural desire for liberty and freedom
The tripod or 3-legged stool can pretty much find balance on any surface.
The 4 needs a solid practical surface to sit upon and find balance.
As such the Emperor brings rules and structure to the physical, material world.
He represents the built environment as opposed to the natural environment of the Empress.
Consider these forces in the development of a child.
We see the demanding ego of the new-born child.
This is balanced by the beautiful, peaceful aspect of the child's conscious self.
This develops into the delightful nature child, the free spirited, unbridled energy of the toddler.
In time the child needs to learn discipline - the rules and structure of the Emperor.
This also imparts a development of the guided will towards positive intent.
Practical action as opposed to the idea of the free-form, natural flow of nature.
The next stage for the developing ego requires the development of a set of values and principles.
This is like when the child leaves the sanctuary of the home and goes to school.
The Hierophant (5) is the teacher.
The soul now starts to learn how to balance the drive for freedom with the desire for discipline.
In the wider world outside the sanctuary of home the child starts to engage in relationships.
In addition to the immediate family relationships, the stage of the Lovers (6) includes social groups and close, intimate relationships.
Soon the will starts to develop, wanting your own way in the midst of life's many relationships.
The Chariot (7) relates to practical application of the will.
Controlling and manipulating the external, opposing forces.
The young child and the ego are developing into strong individuals.
Our relationships could all be very confrontational and conflicting.
We must temper the individual with a sense of fairness in the form of Justice (8).
The ego has now learned all of the developmental skills.
The outward, extroverted nature for the first time starts to consider his further development.
This is the 9 of the Hermit.
9's relate to completeness and finishing things.
The Hermit looks inwardly, reflecting upon his development so far.
He has travelled a long way since leaving the source.
He is intrigued with how he may balance the outward, egotistical nature.
He senses there is a depth to his nature.
Another dual aspect of self that balances and fulfils him.
He now resolves to find the other half.
The personal reflection and internal review of the Hermit leads to the process of the 10, the Wheel of Fortune. The Wheel spins and turns and measures the development so far.
Comparing the undeveloped potential of the Fool 0 with the developed ego of the Hermit 9.
The Wheel is the first review of the potential of the 0.
Four human functions have been developed.
intuition, reason, emotion and action
The four functions form pairs of balanced dualities.
Intuition and Action form one pair.
Reason and Emotion form the other pair.
In our development we tend to develop one of each of the pairs in detriment to the other.
If we develop our intuition then our application to personal action is depleted and vice versa.
Similarly, if we give way to our emotions and feelings more so than the reason and the mental processes then one will be stronger than the other.
In the symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune these four aspects are represented.
The Wheel turns and weighs.
The most developed function will be heaviest.
The least developed will be the lightest indicating it needs more attention.
This review provides the developmental focus of the next series of paths.
This involves the development of the internal, conscious self.
The return journey of the soul requires massive resources of internal strength.
A resolve to surrender the aggressive power that you have acquired.
Trading it for a passive assertive power instead.
Surrender yourself to the fact that you are not the greatest being and ego ever created on earth.
Be prepared to humble yourself and start learning all over again.
It is like going through childhood, prep and primary school.
You get to the top class of the school and then you go to high school.
Now you must start at the bottom grade again and work your back way up.
This is why the first lesson of the second series is Strength (11).
Where the Magician was the 1 of the first series, Strength is the 1 of the second series.
The Magician shows a male figure learning to manage, control and manipulate the four human functions on the table in front of him.
Strength shows a female figure controlling the figure of a lion.
The lion is an untamed animal and represents the wild, aggressive ego.
The female figure displays a gentle, passive person.
A conscious, aware entity controlling the raging ego.
The next card in the series is the 12 of the Hanged Man.
The Magician (1) and the High Priestess (2) formed a dual pair in the order of male/female, active/passive.
Now the cards of Strength (11) and the Hanged Man (12) form a dual dual-pair in the opposite order of female/male and active-passive/passive-active.
The Hanged Man is that angry, aggressive lion (the ego) that has been put under control.
He has to learn to repress the aggressive male instincts that he has learned for so long.
Replace them with a passive desire to engage in life.
Maintaining self control and not having to be controlled by others.
This is an internal struggle.
The High Priestess sat upright, serenely between two pillars, representing the opposing forces of life.
The Hanged Man hangs upside down strung from the branch of a tree.
His head is lowered into a hole in the ground where he spends his time forced to consider the earth.
He must come to terms with his situation and learn to stop struggling and be prepared to let go.
Only then will he be released from the tree and allowed his freedom.
This release is shown as Death (13).
Now perhaps we can understand the meaning of this Death card.
It represents a freedom, a release, from physical boundaries.
We must let go of our belief in the dominance and need for the physical, material aspects of life.
As you may appreciate the 13 of Death and the 3 of the Empress have a connection.
The 3 of the Empress is nature and freedom in physical, material form.
The 13 of Death raises your awareness beyond the physical, material world.
This is about being free and liberated despite your physical constraints.
When we experience the release and complete freedom of death our sense of boundaries is tested.
Temperance (14) is best described as "moderation in all things".
The boundaries are not set by an external force, such as in the 4 of the Emperor.
This is self-moderation.
The golden rule of life is to always seek the middle path.
The symbolism of Temperance shows a female form mixing, blending two containers of water (the emotional element).
She has one foot on the earth (the physical element) and one foot in the water.
She is involved and intimate with her emotions and controls the physical.
The 14 of Temperance also shares a relationship with the 5 of the Hierophant.
Through the process of reduction 14 = 1 + 4 = 5.
The 5 of the Hierophant represents values and principles.
This is about finding a balance between discipline and freedom.
Temperance must now take these lessons taught many incarnations before.
Demonstrate a philosophy of self-moderation.
We now move to the test of the Devil (15).
Isn't it fascinating that the 15 of the Devil has a direct connection with the 5 of the priest (The Hierophant).
The 15 also has a relationship with the 6 of the Lovers.
Through the reduction process 15 = 1 + 5 = 6.
We have found a resolve of Strength and built and tested that resolve as the Hanged Man.
We found complete freedom in Death.
We have developed our personal values and principles and learned Temperance.
The ultimate test is now faced in the temptation of the Devil.
Have you really raised yourself above the mundane in life?
Severed your connection to materiality and addictions?
The Devil will test you and find your weaknesses.
How good are you at managing life in this world when you seek to be a spiritual entity?
You will be tested.
Once you have weathered this storm and overcome the base temptations of the Devil, you will now encounter the chaos and annihilation of the Lightning Struck Tower (16).
Everything you thought was real, the beliefs that you held to be true, the relationships you held onto, these things can all be stripped from you in an instance.
If you are resisting change, refusing to progress your life in the way that it is intended to be, then watch out for the Lightning Struck Tower.
You will move on.
Preparation is now being undertaken for rebuilding.
Demolition is in progress.
It may seem unfair and unbearable.
Once the false beliefs and relationships are understood and seen for what they are, it will be seen as a blessing in disguise.
The 16 of the Lightning Struck Tower has a clear connection with the 6 of the Lovers.
One is about building strong relationships and the other is about breaking them down.
Through the process of reduction 16 = 1 + 6 = 7.
There is a relationship with the willpower of the Chariot.
This is about breaking your will so that you understand that it is God's will and not your will.
This is about learning that there is a higher authority greater than yourself.
Your purpose is to carry out the will of that higher authority as your own.
What comes after the humbling experience of the Lightning Struck Tower.
It is time to set your sight on higher things and rebuild in accord with the will of the higher authority.
The Star (17) is willpower raised to a higher level.
This is about re-establishing grand design.
The symbolism of the Star shows a female figure stripped bare.
The earth around her has also been razed and is now showing signs of regeneration.
She pours water, like Temperance, but she is not blending the waters.
One jug of water is poured upon the earth, nurturing it and re-invigorating the earth (the physical element).
The other jug is replenishing the pool from which she draws the water (the emotional element).
Unlike Temperance she kneels upon the earth and one foot rests upon the water, not in the water.
This indicates the control she has over the emotional aspect of life and respect for life.
The stars in the sky indicate that her mind is set upon higher, divine principles.
Not the mundane, practical, physical world.
The connection between the 17 and 7 has already been referred to.
This is the practical use of the mind to control and manipulate the opposing forces of life and bring them to a better outcome for all humankind.
The 17 through reduction has a relationship with the 8 of Justice; 17 = 1 + 7 = 8.
The 8 of Justice was about being fair and just in our relationships with others.
The Star is about setting things right with our god and making life fair and just for all humanity.
Stars shine in the night and give guidance and direction.
They may be less noticeable in strong moon light and cannot be see at all in sun light.
The influence of the Moon (18) may at times seem unfair, unreasonable and irrational.
There may be unresolved issues from the past that sit hidden beneath the surface.
Like rocks just beneath the surface of the water that can occasionally break the surface and snag and scuttle an unsuspecting traveller.
These issues need to be dealt with.
In moonlight things are harder to see and discern than in the brightness of day.
It is more difficult to fathom and understand because they loom in the dark like a nightmare and may just be the phantoms of our fears and imaginations.
What is real and what isn't?
The symbolism of the Moon card shows a gnarly crayfish climbing, emerging, from a pool of water (the emotions).
This pool also represents the abyss that separates humankind from their higher source and their god.
The abyss has been filled with the watery emotions of deep knowledge and understanding.
In the phase of the moon you have been immersed in that pool.
You may be not a pretty sight when you know, acknowledge and understand the dark shadow aspects of yourself.
You have to learn to accept yourself and others as you are and they are.
Everyone has imperfections and is on a journey.
You now make your way along the narrow path.
You must navigate this path.
Finding your way between the opposing forces of nature represented by the wild wolf and the domestic dog (both howling animals), in the dimness of moonlight.
The narrow path means there is not much room for error.
The higher paths in the journey and development of the soul are exacting and rigorous.
The demands are high and so are the rewards.
The 18 of the Moon has a connection with the 8 of Justice.
As stated above their does not seem to be much fairness in all of this.
The fairness and justice dispensed by the courts, dealing with the mundane issues of living does not come close to the understanding and compassion required to comprehend the fair treatment the soul receives in resolving the karmic effects of many lives.
What is fair and what is unfair may not be ours to perceive.
Unless we raise our understanding and awareness to higher levels of consciousness.
The 18 of the Moon relates to the 9 of the Hermit through the process of reduction; 18 = 1 + 8 = 9.
The Hermit chose to shine his light in the dimness of knowledge.
Seeking further understanding, not really being aware of the immenseness of the inner journey he was about to undertake.
After much internal wrangling, introspection, reflection and growth.
The ego of the Hermit is now coming out of the inner realms of the Moon.
Prepared to now return to the bright sunlight.
At the time the Hermit, was not aware that his lantern was a mere shard of light and no comparison to the full light of the sun.
Yet without the light of that lantern he would not have found his way.
The Sun (19) like the 9 is the end, the completion of things.
The naked child, nothing left to hide, allows the horse (life) to go where it will.
He just bounces along not even holding on.
The journey of this sun child is most likely more difficult than most.
Souls on this path are not treading lightly and yet it may seem they are just rollicking and frolicking along.
Although it may seem like it, this is not a walk in the park.
All of the lessons from the Magician to the Moon can now be asked of this soul.
The challenge of this life is to respond with balance and equanimity.
There are two aspects of our self.
Like the masculine and feminine of the Magician and the High Priestess.
The Moon and the Sun are required to unite in balance and harmony and fulfill the individuation of the soul.
The ego and the conscious self will both be tested.
If either is found to be too strong or too weak, the cracks will show.
The flaws in the personality will be exposed in the bright light of day.
The responsibility of the soul on this path is immense.
It it must not be seen or show itself as being onerous and a burden.
The sun must laugh and shine for the benefit and entertainment of others.
Despite whatever is going on in their life.
The 19 has a relationship with the 1 of the Magician through the process of reduction; 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1.
This is the alpha and the omega - the beginning and the end.
The 1 starts things.
The 19 ends things.
Everything is complete.
The Magician holds a wand up to the sky and draws power, inspiration and wisdom from above and dispenses it as his own.
The child that is the sun is the complete power, inspiration and wisdom but takes none of it as his own, knowing he basks only in the warm glow and light of the higher authority.
He is the complete conduit and does not need a wand.
Now what is left to be done?
A full reconciliation and judgment of the success or otherwise of the developed potential.
What was the 0 of the Fool is now completed.
Judgment (20) is the final judgment that precedes the rebirth of the soul.
This is the instance that people talk about when they have had a near-death experience.
Their entire life has flashed before their eyes in review.
The 20 has a relationship with the 0 and the 10. All three are instances of 0.
The 0 is the beginning.
The 10 is the mid-cycle review and adjustment.
The 20 is the final review.
In the reduction process you can see the connection these two processes.
The 1 of the Magician and the 2 of the High Priestess.
10 = 1 + 0 = 1
20 = 2 + 0 = 2
Together they form a balanced duality.
The final state of being is that of the World (21).
This is the completeness of the 1 and the 2.
Coming together in the fullness and unity of the two dual aspects in individuation.
The World is everything as opposed to the Fool's nothing.
At anytime that we look at ourselves in review, we look at the whole package.
This is what is meant by taking a holistic view.
The complete thing is no greater than the individual parts.
The outcome of the combined, united energy of the individual bits is greater than the energy and power of any individual piece.
There is a connection between the 1, 11 and 21.
They are all instances of 1.
The 1 and the 11 are the dual opposites that make up the unity of the single entity that is the world.
The Magician 1 is the first manifestation of 1 (the embryonic ego) that emerges from the potential of the 0 of the Fool.
The 11 of Strength is the 1st repetition of 1.
The 21 of the World is the 2nd repetition of 1.
The entity in the World card dances shimmers and moves in a constant state of fluid motion.
We are continually growing and improving.
At any given time that we look at ourselves, this is us.
This completes my evolutionary journey through the Tarot Major Arcana and the 22 paths of life.
Notice that as we start in the first series of single digit paths the explanations are more simple and as we progress into the double digit paths the explanations are more complex.
This in itself shows the more complicated nature of the second series.
The Magician (1) and Strength (11) are both 1 at the beginning of a series.
It is necessary to show them as separate entities and separate paths that the soul journeys upon.
They are both independent of each other.
Each is necessary in its own way to the development of the soul.
The paths are intimately connected and associations may be made in various ways.
Everything is connected and there is a reason for everything.
This does not take away from the fact that there are two paths.
The outward path emanating from the source consisting of the Tarot cards 1 to 9 and representing the development of the ego.
The inward path returning to the source consisting of the Tarot cards 11 to 19, representing the development of the conscious self.
These are the 18 paths that the soul incarnates upon in this life and I refer to them as the experiential paths.
The paths relating to the four Major Arcana Tarot cards of:
0 the Fool
10 the Wheel of Fortune
20 Judgment
21 the World
do not relate to life paths that we travel upon.
They relate to transition states similar to what the Buddhist's refer to as Bardo states.
The Fool (0) is the traveller on the journey.
The embryo holding all of the undeveloped potential of life.
The World (21) is the ever-fluctuating image of developed potential at any given time.
Compare the state of the World with the Fool at any time to determine progress and fulfillment of potential.
This comparison may be made at any time but there are two significant stages of review.
One at the half way point in the form of the 10 of the Wheel of Fortune.
One at the end of the complete process in the form of the 20 of Judgment.
I don’t think it is right that nearly half of the path numbers are just not used.
My system of Tarot, Numerology and Kabbalah is a complete system.
The full range of 22 cards, numbers and paths provides a developmental process that applies to universal life.
So, how do you do a calculation to fairly and accurately determine the Soul path?
How do you mathematically determine if a soul is on a 1 path or an 11 path?