Face Value in Cardology
Numbers are not simply to count, label, measure, or judge. Numbers have "value" and each playing card, including the Joker, has a number or "face value" too. These values are reflections of the underlying structure and complex systems that make up life itself. In Cardology, Face Value is part of an infinite fractal system that reveals the code of creation for our lives. Face Value plays an integral part of this secret and highly revered system of ancient knowledge made up of emblems, colors and numbers, containing the very structure of time, our thoughts, and our experiences in life from birth to death.
Jokers (Face Value: 0)
Creative, fun, multi-talented and can show us all how to lighten up. Jokers are nothing and everything, and anything in between. Jokers can be deceptive, immature, powerful, and/or highly spiritual. They are above it all; a law unto themselves, and should never be discarded.
Aces (Face Value: 1)
Aces represent the One (1) and the search for Self. Aces need time to themselves. While quite independent, at the same time, they need the presence of others to feel complete. The Ace is a symbol of desire, ambition, and a quest for self-expression and recognition. Positively applied, Aces can supply the motivation necessary for progress. Negatively, they can be symbols of greed.
Twos (Face Value: 2)
Symbolically, Twos frequently represent two or more people, cooperative efforts, or partnerships. In "The Mystic Test Book" author Olney Richmond wrote, “The twos indicate unions or joinings; bargains between two persons. Co-partnership and letters passing from person to person." Negatively expressed, Twos represent lack of cooperation and fear.
Threes (Face Value: 3)
Symbols of choice and decision, which more often than not become symbols of indecision. Olney Richmond wrote, “Threes indicate indecision, or a place where two ways open before one, as if the spot in the center was the person and the other spots the two ways leading in two directions.” Threes can also represent a bright, personable, expressive quality.
Fours (Face Value: 4)
Fours are usually considered to be a positive, practical, and constructive influence as they represent enclosure, completion and foundation. Like a square or a solid cube, they usually offer or seek out safety, security, stability, and protection. Fours can be very hard workers, be extremely controlling and domineering, and have a struggle-mentality.
Fives (Face Value: 5)
A symbol of change, moves and travel, frequently an indicator of uncertainty. Restlessness, dissatisfaction, variety, opportunity, escape and fluctuating experiences. Olney Richmond wrote that a Five "shows a change, as it represents a cross, X, in one’s path; the lines change in one’s life and a journey perhaps removes the person from the preceding monotony."
Sixes (Face Value: 6)
A calming, serene influence, often to the point of monotony; inertia. Also a karmic influence (law of cause and effect). You may be forefronted with past good and bad investments. What you sow, you may now reap. The sixes show a life, for a time, moving in straight lines, with nothing out of the usual routine. Olney Richmond wrote "The sixes show a life, for a time, moving in straight lines, with nothing out of the usual routine."
Sevens (Face Value: 7)
The most mystical of all numbers. Sevens are the center card of each suit. They often symbolize challenges in the nature of the suit with which they are identified. If met and overcome, Sevens can indicate a victory over one’s weaker self; a spiritual victory. Olney Richmond wrote about the Sevens, "...an obstacle comes in the way, trouble comes." Richmond also wrote, "The seven is a trouble, from one way only. Approach it from another direction and trouble disappears.
Eights (Face Value: 8)
Symbols of power, accomplishment, and the ability to overcome obstacles in health, work, relationships, etc. Usually a fortunate influence. Olney Richmond wrote, “The eights indicate power to overcome obstacles, spiritual advancement and numbers of persons, congregations or gatherings of people."
Nines (Face Value: 9)
Symbolic of completion and fulfillment. Actually all too often this number indicates disappointment and frustration. Olney Richmond wrote, "The geometrical form on the nines is a representation of a path with a disappointing obstacle in the center. Approach from either end and it bars your progress. You are disappointed and turn back." Self-discipline and perseverance are needed to obtain the accomplishment and fulfillment contained in this powerful number.
Tens (Face Value: 10)
The symbol of success, usually considered very fortunate. Richmond wrote, “The tens represent success, as if one stood in the open space between the spots, surrounded with success upon all sides.” Benefits may be minimized by a too casual attitude encouraged by this auspicious influence.
Jacks (Face Value: 11)
Creativity and young men are symbolized by the Jacks. A dynamic influence, but a challenge of maturity and responsibility. Most are willing to learn by experience or adventure or become a power through training the mind. Otherwise, they may become tramps and wanderers.
Queens (Face Value: 12)
Symbolic of women and mothers. Richmond wrote that queens denote "the female and love." Queens are co-rulers with the Kings, only their rulership is expressed in a more passive sense. Often in the position of authority, without the name or recognition. Sensitive power is indicated because they are the receptive, intuitive and cooperative aspect of royalty.
Kings (Face Value: 13)
Symbolic of leadership, responsibility and authority. Olney Richmond wrote, "the kings denote power and rule." Kings represent the ultimate potential of the quality represented in each suit. They may also represent older men, father, boss, often someone in authority.
Learn more about the Numbers, Odd and Even, and the Face Values of all the cards in our blog post, titled 'ODD and EVEN Face Values.'
Sources: "The Mystic Test Book Or the Magic of the Cards" by Olney Hawkins Richmond, Grand Master of the Order of the Magi and the Father of Cardology, “Sacred Symbols of the Ancients: The Mystical Significance of Our Fifty Two "Playing" Cards and Their Amazing Connection with Our Individual Birthdays ” by Edith L. Randall and Florence Evylinn Campbell MA, and “What’s Your Card?” by Arne Lein
