In the Ced Tradition, we have a different approach to Numbers, their qualities and identities, and how they work when put together. For old school Numerologists, this approach may be radical, perhaps even shocking. But let me present a different perspective, a Ced perspective. 

The very core of the Ced Tradition as a whole, is in how it works within a cosmos of Spirit. As Animists, we see everything as either a Spirit or the expression of a Spirit. As spell-crafters who create a Candle Spell or a Mojo Bag, Witch Bottle etc, everything we use as an ingredient brings a quality of Spirit into play: from the Spirit of a colour, to the spirit of the Day, to a specific herb, a name, a planetary symbol, a stone, an object, like a key for example. Like the Spirit of an emotion, Love, represented by a heart. Motion represented by spirals, inspiration represented by a lightning bolt, or a lightbulb. To an Animist, everything holds Spirit.

The important part of working with Spirits, is the principle of infection and influence one Spirit has upon another. This approach of deliberately manipulating the quality and expression of a Spirit so as to shift reality, is what is known as synergistic magic. This is a basic practice within all folklore magics around the world, as well as many Traditions of Witchcraft.  

In working with Spirits, beyond the identity and quality of a Spirit, it is also the impact of the relationships between distinct Spirits that is key. Take astrology for example: when we look at the qualities & identities expressed with the classic planets, as an established foundational magical reference of Spirit influences, we normally look at how one planetaryinfluence may affect another by how they relate to each other. The manner of the alignment is key to grasping the whole picture. We recognize the integrity of each planet as a distinct spirit. We do not combine planets into a singular other identity. So, if we recognize the quality, identity or spirit of each number as distinct, why don’t we preserve their identity or respect their integrity? In regular numerology, numbers are combined and reduced. For example, with the number 26, which is comprised of two specific identities or Spirits, 2 & 6, the usual approach would be to combine 2 & 6 and equate them as expressing the number 8. Are not 2, 6, and 8 specific Spirit identities, in the same manner as are Mercury, Saturn,and Venus?

The approach we hold in Ced is to respect the integrity of each specific spirit, each number present, and look at the influences also expressed when in relationship with other numbers. For those looking for historic validation of this approach: the closest I can come to is to say we work a form of the Decad Numeric system, depicted by the Tetractys, but drawn from a Neo – Pythagorean Platonic Solids approach. This approach sees all qualities in creation as Spirits, fundamentally expressed by the Decad: the 10 numeric qualities of zero thru nine. All other further expressions of reality are then expressed by multiples & conjunctions of these base 10 Numbers.

For a more in depth understanding of our system, as worked within the Ced Compass and Ced Tarot, there is a book that is presently in the works. But for today, let’s look at 2026.

With a compound sequence of Numbers, we look at the last Number in sequence as depicting the specific quality of Spirit in play, and the prior numbers depicting the Spirit of the context, and qualities of energy related to the context. So: with 2026, the present quality of Spirit would be 6. That number would be viewed within the context of the decade, which is a 2.  This decade is then viewed within the context of the century, which is a 0. And that century seen as within the context of the millennium, another 2.   For simplicity, we would read 2026 as 20 26. The number of the millennium and Century, once grasped, will not change within our lifetime, so the 3^rd and 4^th numbers, the decade and year, are the most important to pay attention to.

The number 2 is the Dyad number of duality. But energetically, I find viewing it as Division offers a better insight. The division of ONE into Two holds the spirit of Division, and the Desire to re-unite! As such, it expresses the energy of animating life-force. The Tides of Creation, the Soul of Life. Or as we like to view it, the principle of Draconic forces as ‘Opposites Attract’, where Chaos attracts Order and Order back to Chaos. We see this as the pendulum forces that animate life, and stir evolution within life. 

The Spirit quality of the millennium is one of division, incorporating the volatile desires of a reactionary reality, seeking out and being defined by what it opposes. I see this as a necessary journey for our species on its journey of Self Identity.  Where, in the last millennium, we came from the singular Tribal Identity, we are now moving towards liberating, dividing, the Individual Identity from the Unified Tribal Identity. We are at the beginning of this 2^nd Millennium, so we are still dealing with the transitional CrossroadsCentury of zero, as we emerge from the 1^st Millennium, where the Singular Tribal Identities ruled and warred with each other. 

So, let’s discuss Zero: the second number in our sequence, and the number of the century.  Zero is the number which holds no value, no direction, no expression, but rather holds the absence of expression or direction. It is basically what I would associate with the Crossroads. That place where we navigate a shift in direction, a change in the expression of Spirit. This is a key Liminal place from where all creation will be expressed. But the Crossroads is not the place to go to in search of direction, as all directions are equally present there. Rather, it is the place where choice and/or change is undertaken. It is a somewhat chaotic place of transition, where all directions become fluid and unbound. So the best approach to master the Crossroads, comes with our readiness and ability to make choices as we arrive at this transitionary place of power.

When not approached as place or state of transition, the spirit of Zero, like the Crossroads, becomes a Spirit trap, where non-commitment to any direction means no possibility of forward motion in any direction. Once entrapped at the Crossroads, the ability to correct course or find redemptionbecomes challenging. This entrapped state of Crossroads, metaphorically the state of bound non-commitment, is what we understand as Purgatory. And this Zero century, the first in the new millennium of division, becomes an expression of the Purgatory of being neither of Heaven or Spirit, nor of corporeal Earth. Self-identifying neither fully as IndividualIdentity, nor of Tribal Identity. But caught in the Crossroadsof the Division of both. 

The Tarot Card that holds this Number of 0 in the context of 2, or 20, is the Judgement card. Originally, this card was a depiction of Gabriel blowing his Trumpet on Judgement Day:where those in Purgatory, the Crossroads hung within the divide between Heaven and Earth, would be released. This realm of Purgatory was often represented by the Sea, as is depicted on many Judgement cards.  There is an old saying;‘that upon Judgement Day, the sea shall surrender its dead’.  This is a metaphor for the opening of the gates of Purgatory. So, the challenge of this transitional century, the Crossroads between the last and future millennia, rests upon us to make a choice and commit.  

Now to the second two Numbers, the 26. The first number is a context of the Decade.  Again: this is the Number Two, the Number of Division and Attraction. The last Number in the sequence is the annual Year Number that changes with each Year. Last Year, 20 25, we were dealing with the YearNumber of 5, which is the Number of Quintessence or the heart, within the Division issue. Now with 20 26, we are facing the Year quality of Six, within the challenging contextof the Division, Two. Within the Tarot Trump cards, the single numeric digit 6 is attributed to the Love card. Six is the number of communion, marriage or reconciliation. But Six, like Love, is a force of nature and fights against restraint. Sometimes this numeric quality of Six fuels destruction of that which binds it. Without liberty, a true communion ofSpirit is not possible. The Tower card, assigned to the number 16, is the perfect example of the Six bound within the context of the singular authority of Self, serving Self alone!  The Tower is an excellent example of the concept of the Spirit’s desire for the communion marriage of Heaven and Earth, Spirit and the Mundane – but having turned upon itself, in search for the Mastery of Self over all else. It becomes bound, in denial of change and openness to anything outside of the singular Self-identity. The Tower, as a Six-based card, is finally the pursuit of a communion, bound and limited byone’s own Ego and the fruit of one’s own Ego.

To visualise six points geometrically, think of two intersecting triangles. This is what is called the Seal of Solomon, or the Star of David. Each Triangle represents a cohesive complete realm of Spirit, often represented as a Trinity. One distinct Trinity realm of Spirit, the Triangle of the Divine, intersecting with an opposing Triangular Realm of Spirit, that of Humanity. These two intersecting triangles, as a six-pointed star, represent the communion of two separate Spirit Realms of reality. As they are comprised of two triangles, they already incorporate that sense of Two in Division, desiring to unite. But the integrity and liberty of each part is vital for choice to be made and a true communion to be possible.  If either trinity identity is entrapped in any way, then an explosion is neededto reach a Liberty where communion can be found. The challenge of this transitional century, the Crossroads between the last and future millennia, rests upon us to make a choice and commit.  

Choice and Liberty are vital keys to the power of this number. If restrained, imprisoned, then it can be quite explosive. Six,the Number of Love, is no sweet demure idea. It is the power of Creation, and can defy all bounds of established reality with potentially dangerous consequences. 

The number Six Trump Card, Love, a potent card of Desire, was in the older decks depicted by one Woman and two Men, or One Man and two Women. The message here is that one choice represented a good choice made by the head, verses one made by the heart that may not be as good but was true to one’s feelings. This having to make a choice, in a place where to make no choice empowers purgatory and may entrap you, is what we face this coming year!  A challenging year where if we embrace the power to find communion between our differences, we may find resolution. But powerful forces, emotions, will be in play, and in a battle between the Head and the Heart, things will not be easy.

2026, as a Numeric year of potential communion between two distinct entities, is the challenge of the year. For a real communion to be possible, a surrendering of self to the reconciliation is required. This is not to surrender one’s identity or position, for either party. It is a willingness to seek some common solution where we can come together without losing who we are. With powerful emotions in play, it won’t be easy.  Perhaps understanding the lessons of Six, that we have learned when dealing with passions of a turbulent Love, or the pain of the Tower, could be kept in mind.