Guest Author - Fiona Blackwolf

Numbers can play an important part in magical workings and rituals. They are also a part of many of the tools and images that Wiccans and other Pagans use regularly. For example, the tarot, for instance, uses the numbers on the cards to add a layer of meaning to the images. The number three is a symbol of the goddess in her triple aspect (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). Four is the number of the elements, and the pentacle is five points.

So, how can we use the magic of numbers in our practice?

Numbers can actually intensify your magic. By choosing numbers that correspond with your intent in an emotional or metaphorical way, you can add strength to your intent. For example, if you were doing a ritual to honor the Goddess you may choose to use multiples of three. You could sing a chant three times, use 3 candles on your altar to represent each of her aspects, put 3 ingredients into a charm or incense, or use the Empress card (numbered III.) as a focal point on your altar.

Here is a listing of some of the numbers and their correspondences to help you get started:

1. One is the number of beginnings, of raw potential, identity and independence. It is the number of solitude and self-reliance.

2. Two is a number of finding balance, compromise, compassion, companionship and duality.

3. Three is a number of joy, growth, creativity and the Goddess in her triple aspect. It is often used in multiples.

4. Four is foundation, security and stability, the elements/directions, and control.

5. Five is the number of challenges, passion, conflict and experience. It can sometimes be destructive. It is also the number of the elements including spirit.

6. Six is the number of balance, harmony, remembrance, and sharing. It is the second common default number.

7. Seven is a number for turning inward, spirituality, meditation and sacredness. It is also the third of the numbers that can is commonly used as a default to simply add power to a working or ritual.

8. Eight (being the double of 4 and the cube of 2) is about strength and stability, health and inner strength. It is also a number for good will and prosperity.

9. Nine is another powerful number and is also the main default number. Because 9 is 3 x 3, it is a powerful number for the Goddess. It is also the number of accomplishment, sacredness and releasing energy into the universe.

Often the single digit number may not be enough, like if you are making incense, 3 drops of oil may not give you the desired scent, however by using a multiple of that number (i.e. 15), you can increase the scent and enhance the power of the number 3.

For more information on layering and using numbers in your magic, check out the additional links next to this article, and please feel free to stop by the forum with any questions!