What is Numerology?
People have long believed that numbers hold the secrets of creation. Numerology is the study of numbers and the way they connect with our lives. Over time, numerologists have refined their methods, but today the nine single numbers from 1 to 9 remain at the heart of numerology. Each number has its own meaning, and every person is linked with one or more of these numbers.
Numerology is sometimes criticised for going against reason, but its supporters see it differently. They treat numbers as symbols: each number has its own vibration and its own influence on a person. You are born on a certain day and given a certain name, and numerology uses the numbers hidden in these to describe who you are and the path your life is likely to take.
Numerology has been used since ancient times to understand human destiny. It sees each person as a small model of the universe. Ancient astrologers believed that everything in the world is connected with the nine planets, and that each planet vibrates to one number: the Sun to number 1, the Moon to number 2, and so on.
Your character can be read from three main numbers. Your Birth number (also called the fate or psychic number) is the sum of the digits of the day you were born. Your Destiny number (also called the Life Path number) is the sum of all the digits of your full date of birth. Your Name number is the sum of the number values of the letters in your name, because every letter of the alphabet vibrates to a particular number.
You cannot change your birth date, so your Birth and Destiny numbers are fixed. Numerologists believe that if you use a name, or other numbers, that vibrate in harmony with them, you can live more in tune with the path nature has planned for you.
In science, the word “numerology” is also used informally, and a little dismissively, for theories that seem to be built on number patterns rather than on evidence. In traditional numerology, however, the name number is believed to influence much of what happens in a person's life.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of numbers and their link with letters, and many people say they have benefited from adjusting the spelling of their names.
Zero became popular in Europe around the 11th century, when the Hindu-Arabic number system was adopted. As this system spread, several methods grew up for giving number values to the letters of the alphabet. One of the oldest of these, from the Hebrew tradition, is known as gematria.
Numerology finds the numbers linked with your date of birth and your name. They give insight into your character, strengths and weaknesses, natural talents, motivations and life purpose. You can also use numerology to plan important dates in your life. It is interesting, and it is fun!
The Meaning of Numbers 1 to 9
In Indian (Vedic) numerology, each number is ruled by one of the nine planets. Here is a quick guide to what each number stands for:
| Number | Planet | Key qualities | Watch out for |
|---|
| 1 | Sun | Leadership, confidence, independence, new beginnings | Pride, being bossy |
| 2 | Moon | Kindness, cooperation, intuition, partnership | Mood swings, oversensitivity |
| 3 | Jupiter | Wisdom, creativity, optimism, good communication | Scattered energy, overspending |
| 4 | Rahu | Hard work, discipline, practical thinking, reform | Stubbornness, sudden ups and downs |
| 5 | Mercury | Quick mind, travel, business sense, love of freedom | Restlessness, impatience |
| 6 | Venus | Love, beauty, family, responsibility, art | Love of luxury, worrying too much |
| 7 | Ketu | Deep thinking, spirituality, research, intuition | Isolation, secrecy |
| 8 | Saturn | Patience, ambition, justice, lasting success | Delays, pessimism |
| 9 | Mars | Courage, energy, generosity, service | Anger, rushing into conflict |
Numbers 11, 22 and 33 are called master numbers. They are not reduced in the usual way, because they carry extra intensity and potential.
How to Calculate Your Core Numbers
1. Birth number (from your birth day)
Add the digits of the day of the month you were born and reduce the total to one digit. If you were born on the 21st, your Birth number is 2 + 1 = 3. This number shows your basic nature and how others see you. More about this number
2. Destiny / Life Path number (from your full date of birth)
Add every digit of your full date of birth. For 21 June 1995: 2 + 1 + 0 + 6 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 5 = 33, and 3 + 3 = 6. This is the most important number in numerology; it shows your life purpose and the lessons you are here to learn. More about the Life Path number
3. Name number (from the letters of your name)
Give each letter its number value, add them up and reduce the total. Using the Chaldean system below, the name RAVI is R (2) + A (1) + V (6) + I (1) = 10, and 1 + 0 = 1. Your name number shows how you express yourself and how the world responds to you. More about the Destiny/Name number
Tip: use the name you are most commonly known by, spelled the way you usually write it. A nickname used every day has its own influence too.
Letter Values: Chaldean and Pythagorean Systems
There are two popular ways to turn letters into numbers. The Chaldean system is the older one and is widely used in India. It uses the numbers 1 to 8 only, because 9 is treated as sacred. The Pythagorean system, common in the West, simply numbers the alphabet in order from 1 to 9.
| Number | Chaldean letters | Pythagorean letters |
|---|
| 1 | A, I, J, Q, Y | A, J, S |
| 2 | B, K, R | B, K, T |
| 3 | C, G, L, S | C, L, U |
| 4 | D, M, T | D, M, V |
| 5 | E, H, N, X | E, N, W |
| 6 | U, V, W | F, O, X |
| 7 | O, Z | G, P, Y |
| 8 | F, P | H, Q, Z |
| 9 | — | I, R |
The two systems can give different results for the same name, so always say which system you are using when you compare numbers.
Other Important Numbers
- Soul Urge number — the sum of the vowels in your name. It shows what your heart truly wants.
- Personal Year number — your birth day and month added to the current year. It shows the theme of the year ahead, such as new starts (1), patience (2) or completion (9).
- Karmic Debt numbers — 13, 14, 16 and 19 appearing before the final reduction. They point to lessons carried over from the past.
- Angel numbers — repeating numbers such as 111, 444 or 777 that many people notice as signs or reminders.
How Numerology Can Help You
Numerology and Astrology
Numerology and astrology work well together. Astrology studies the positions of the planets at your birth, while numerology studies the numbers in your birth date and name. In Indian numerology the two are directly linked, because each number is ruled by a planet. For example, if your Birth number is 8, Saturn is important for you, and an astrologer would also look at Saturn's position in your horoscope. Using both gives a fuller picture than either one alone.
Simple Ways to Use Numerology Every Day
- Plan important dates — choose dates that add up to your Birth or Destiny number, or to a number friendly with it, for interviews, launches or signing agreements.
- Choose numbers with care — house numbers, car numbers and mobile numbers that add up to a friendly number are believed to bring smoother results.
- Know your strong years — check your Personal Year number to know when to start new things and when to rest and finish old work.
- Understand people better — knowing the numbers of family members, partners and colleagues helps you see why they think and act the way they do.
Common Questions
Which number is the most important in numerology?
The Destiny (Life Path) number, calculated from your full date of birth, is usually treated as the most important, because it describes your life purpose. The Birth number and Name number add detail to it.
Can changing the spelling of my name change my life?
Many people adjust the spelling of their name so that its number is in harmony with their birth numbers. Numerologists believe this can make life smoother, but it works best together with your own effort and good decisions.
Should I use the Chaldean or the Pythagorean system?
Both are valid. The Chaldean system is older and more popular in India, while the Pythagorean system is common in the West. Choose one and use it consistently.
Is there an unlucky number?
No number is bad by itself. Every number has strengths and challenges. What matters most is whether a number is friendly with your own Birth and Destiny numbers.
Do I need my birth time for numerology?
No. Numerology only needs your full date of birth and your name. Your birth time and place are needed for an astrology horoscope.
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