The Number Three

"it appears that whole numbers are individuals, and that they possess properties which cannot be explained on the assumption that they are multiple units. The idea that numbers were invented for counting is obviously untenable, since they are not only pre-existent to judgement but possess properties which are discovered only in the course of the centuries, and presumably possess a number of others which will be brought to life by the future developments in mathematics."
Carl Jung

In numerology, the number three implies creation, following from the idea that humans require a man and woman (2) to reproduce. So three can represent, in a simple sense, a family unit. Three points move one dimensionally from a line to a plane. From three points we may also produce a triangulation, or a convenient point of reference in observation.

In Tarot readings, three cards comprise a useful spread, upon which all other spreads are usually founded. When reading cards in a three card spread, attention is paid to the motion in which information seems to be traveling, whether it be from left to right, right to left, out from the center card, toward the center from either end card, or several other fragmented or interrupted variations. In a well-understood reading, the information is almost always comprised of relationships between at least two of the three cards.

As C.G. Jung noted in the above quote, numbers themselves should be understood as often holding a deeper significance than simple measuring units, for they often hold important symbolic meaning to the observer, especially during a dream, instance of inspiration, or any other time in which the observer would typically feel as though there may be significance attached to a number. In a card reading, the numbering of the particular card should be noted, whether belonging to the minor or major arcana, this is where at good base of numerology knowledge comes in handy. Since most divination systems, like language, rely on an understanding of common symbols, it would actually behoove one to become familiar with as many basic ideas in what is commonly referred to as "the occult" as well as popular world religions, and notice the common denominators such as numbers and shapes which provide a kind of shorthand in communicating and receiving information between people of varying backgrounds and ideologies. For instance, three, to a Christian, may bring to mind the Trinity. To a Buddhist it can refer to the "three worlds" or "realms", being: The Desire Realm, The Form Realm, and The Formless Realm. Or it may represent "Three Bodies" or Trikaya. In Zen, it can refer to the three pillars of teaching, practice, and enlightenment. Three pillars also figure prominently into Qabala, dividing the ten sephiroth of the Tree of Life into "male", "female", and "neutral" aspects. And on and on.

You may note that the above examples of religious study may be divided into three different categories: Occidental (Christian), Oriental (Buddhism and Zen), and a sort of western adaptation of a traditionally eastern discipline (Qabala). Though, to be fair, Zen is more of a philosophy than a religion.

In the next post, I'll focus in on the number three as expressed specifically in the Tarot.

J.M.