About Numerology
Index: Introduction | Core Numbers | Numbers 1 – 9 | Master Numbers | FAQ
Introduction: The Secret Vibrations of Numbers
The origin of numerology goes back thousands of years, with variations found in different cultures throughout the history of mankind. Although there are many people who dismiss it as a pseudo-science, numerology has been taught and studied by some of the world’s most respected mathematicians.
So what exactly is numerology? Like astrology, it is a metaphysical science. Most people say it is the universal language of numbers. The difference between numerology and astrology, however, is that numerology deals with how numbers influence objects and people in the universe, while astrology is the study of planets, the sun and the moon.
The numbers in numerology reflect certain aptitudes and character tendencies as an integral part of the cosmic plan. Each of us is born with a particular set of numbers that are uniquely ours. These numbers reveal our character, purpose, motivation, talents and abilities in this life. They unlock the door to our personality and help us improve the way we interact with another, our relationships, the lessons we need to learn and relearn, the opportunities we will encounter, and the challenges we may face for that day, that year and throughout our life.
The goal here is to help us find and fulfil our purpose in life, to help improve the quality of our existence in all aspects, and to strive to achieve balance and harmony with the world we live in.
So, do you have a lucky number? Do you sometimes notice the same number appearing in specific situations? If you do and you think it is just coincidence, know that there is no such thing as a coincidence. What you consider a coincidence can very easily be a synchronicity of higher dimensional realities and vibrations. Similar to sounds, colours, words, thoughts and all possible things in our universe, numbers also have specific vibrations, which influence us positively or negatively, allowing us to vibrate to our own specific frequency.
A Brief History of Numerology
The earliest history of numerology was recorded in Egypt and Babylon. Under the influence of the Hebrews, this is where the Chaldean system of numerology was developed. There is also evidence to suggest the use of numerology in ancient China, Rome, Japan and Greece. However, in modern times, the most common and often used numerology system is from the Greek philosopher, Pythagoras.
Born in Greece in 590 BC, Pythagoras is one of the best-known philosophers and mathematicians of his time and remains an important figure in mathematics. His Pythagorean Theorem, also known as Pythagoras’ theorem, is still being taught in schools today.
There is very little information on the early life of Pythagoras. However, he was known to be a magnetic, attractive and charismatic person. Plus, he was well respected and adored. It is believed that one of his achievements include winning prizes for his agility at the Olympic Games.
Pythagoras established a school in Crotona, Italy that was similar to that of a secret society. The school was called the Semi-circle. At the school, Pythagoras taught mathematics, astronomy and music. The society was open to both men and women, and it is said that his students had to adhere to a strict code of secrecy, including not putting any of his teachings in writing.
Pythagoras was primarily interested in the concepts or principles behind mathematics and not just focused on solving mathematical problems. In fact, he said: “The world is built upon the power of numbers”. This illustrates his belief that the entire universe could be expressed through numbers and he created a system for this, which was further expanded by other Greek philosophers.
Although Pythagoras did not invent numerology, his theories elevated it, which is why he is often credited for being the father of numerology.
The Basic Mathematical Principles of Numerology
Numerology is based on the idea that the world is built upon the power of numbers. Everything in the universe is made up of numbers and is affected by numbers. Numerology uses two important sets of numbers: the letters in your name (which are translated into numbers), and the numbers in your date of birth to get a reference of your true nature, your desires and your destiny.
The numbers in both your name and in your birth date are added to derive a single digit. This digit is then analyzed to reveal a meaning. By using your full name, the separate parts of your name and your birth date in various combinations, significant information can be revealed about your personality, character traits and your challenges in life.
Numerology is not difficult to understand as the calculations mainly involve addition. The method of addition used in numerology is called the ‘Fadic System’ or sometimes referred to as natural addition – reducing multiple-digit numbers to a single digit.
With this style of addition, you continue to add two digits until you arrive at a single number. In the example of number 23, rather than seeing the number 23 as twenty-three, it is seen as separate parts – a two (2) and a three (3). With natural addition, you add the two numbers to come up with a single digit:
23: 2 + 3 = 5
Another example using the number 15 (or broken into its individual digits, 1 and 5):
15: 1 + 5 = 6
For larger numbers, the same principles are applied. You can look at the example below for the year 1967 (or 1, 9, 6 and 7):
1967: 1 + 9 + 6 + 7 = 23
This example is a little more complex. Because your answer is a two-digit number, it means that it must be reduced further until you are left with a single digit number. So, you would take your answer of 23, and add the digits 2 and 3 to get the final digit. Look at the example below:
2 + 3 = 5
So the whole equation would look like:
1967: 1 + 9 + 6 + 7 = 23 –-> 2 + 3 = 5
The Types of Numerology
There is a variety of numerology systems available for study. The Chaldean, the Pythagorean (Western) and the Kabbalah are three of the most popular numerological systems in use today. Each of these systems calculates numbers differently and offers different interpretations of one’s life.
Chaldean Number System
The Chaldean Numerology system is probably the oldest known system of numerology. It has closer ties to astrology, having originated in Mesopotamia, which was also the birthplace of western astrology. It is also related to the Vedic system of India, as well as the Kabbalah. The basis of Chaldean Numerology is that each letter has a unique vibration and is assigned a number from 1 to 8 based on its energetic quality. The number 9 is kept separate from the other numbers — except when it appears as a sum of vibrations — because it is considered the most sacred number. In Chaldean Numerology, single digits reveal the outer nature of a person, while double digits describe inner qualities.
Pythagorean (Western) Number System
The Pythagorean Numerology system originates from the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who is best known for proving that the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides (a2 + b2 = c2).
According to legend, Pythagoras was the founder of numerology and practised it to divine the fates of individuals, predict the events of certain locations and used name changing as a means to alter destiny. In the Pythagorean system, numbers are assigned to letters in the Greek alphabet based on their position in the sequence. Pythagorean Numerology generally uses both the name and the date of birth, and then examines the relationships between them, much like the Chaldean method. The basic vibrations are 1 through 9, and the master vibrations are 11 and 22, which are never reduced to a single digit.
Kabbalah Numerology
The Kabbalah Numerology system originated from Hebrew mysticism and it analyses one’s name. This system has assigned twenty-two vibrations ranging from 1 to 400. As it only analyses the name and not the birth date, it is not widely used among numerologists.
Core Numbers
There are five Core Numbers that make up our numerology. These represent our foundational aspects and each number has its own impact on who we are today. They are calculated based on our birth name or date.
Life Path Number
Our Life Path Number highlights opportunities and challenges that are persistent or likely to occur again and again in our lives. This is calculated based on the numbers in our full date of birth.
Expression Number
Our Expression Number tells us about our natural strengths and weaknesses given to us at the time of our birth. Also called the Destiny Number, this number is the foundation on which our Life Path can flourish. Our Expression Number is calculated based on the numbers that correspond to the letters in our full name.
Personality Number
Our Personality Number indicates the first impression people are likely to have of us. It represents the parts of ourselves that we are most ready and willing to reveal, which establishes what types of people and events we are most likely to embrace. Our Personality Number is calculated based on the consonants in our name.
Heart’s Desire Number
Why do we do what we do? What do we really want in life? This number represents a primary motivation, desire or urge of attainment for the individual. It may explain the reasons behind the choices we make in all aspects of our life, from our career to our relationships. It is sometimes called a ‘Soul Urge’ Number. Our Heart’s Desire Number is calculated based on the vowels in our name.
Find Your Heart’s Desire Number
Birth Day Number
This is the number of the day on which we were born. This number influences who we are today as we were destined to be born on this specific day.
About Numbers 1 – 9
Single-digit Numbers
The foundation of the science of numerology is the single-digit numbers 1 to 9. Each number has its own characteristics, strengths, shortcomings, quirks and so on. These numbers affect us and to get a good understanding of how they affect us, we need to know each of these numbers’ positive and negative characteristics and uniqueness.
Number 1: The Brave Leader
- Positive Characteristics:
They are individualistic, independent, a leader and driven. Masculine, focused, an originator and a self-starter. They are also progressive, strong-willed, courageous, self-reliant and rebellious (in a constructive way). - Negative Characteristics:
Stubborn, selfish, weak and undisciplined, or can be withdrawn and alienated.
Number 2: The Knowlegable Peacemaker
- Positive Characteristics:
Sensitive, tactful, diplomatic and cooperative. They tend to be peacemakers and loving, studious and patient. They may express many musical or feminine qualities and they are also sensual and intuitive. - Negative Characteristics:
Can often be discontented and seen as spoiled or lazy. They can be careless, particularly with the truth. When criticised for their faults, they are usually oversensitive.
Number 3: The Fun-loving Artist
- Positive Characteristics:
Imaginative, self-expressive and artistic. They are joyful, optimistic, inspiring, talented, jovial, youthful, dynamic, fun-loving, happy and enjoy life to the fullest. - Negative Characteristics:
Intolerant, impatient and superficial. As fun and inspirational as they can be, they are often vain, extravagant and prone to complaining.
Number 4: The Reliable Pragmatist
- Positive Characteristics:
Disciplined, strong, stable, pragmatic, down-to-earth, reliable, dependable, hard-working, precise, methodical, conscientious, frugal, devoted, patriotic and trustworthy. - Negative Characteristics:
Due to their stability and pragmatism they tend to be rather boring. This may be seen through their lack of imagination, emotions and empathy. They may not bother or care too much about their appearance. Their social awkwardness may be interpreted as vulgarity, crudeness or jealousy.
Number 5: The Adventurous Socialite
- Positive Characteristics:
Energetic, adventurous, daring and freedom-loving. They have a tendency to be versatile, flexible, adaptable, curious, social, sensual, quick-thinking, witty, courageous and worldly. - Negative Characteristics:
They can be unstable, chaotic, self-indulgent, irresponsible or careless. They should be aware of the consequences of indulging in vices such as drug abuse and unhealthy sexual inclinations.
Number 6: The Compassionate Teacher
- Positive Characteristics:
Responsible, loving, self-sacrificing, protective, sympathetic and compassionate. They are loyal, maternal, domestic, fair and idealistic healers or teachers. - Negative Characteristics:
Their inherent protectiveness may make them appear anxious, worrisome, suspicious, paranoid, emotionally unstable, cynical or jealous. They tend to lean towards the conventional.
Number 7: The Gracious Spiritualist
- Positive Characteristics:
Not only is 7 a lucky number, the 7 is also said to be spiritual, intelligent, analytical, focused, introspective, studious, intuitive, knowledgeable, contemplative, serious, persevering, refined, gracious and shows a lot of inner wisdom. - Negative Characteristics:
They may be aloof, distant, sarcastic, socially awkward, melancholic, cowardly and even back-stabbers.
Number 8: The Capable Realist
- Positive Characteristics:
They tend to be authoritative and business-minded leaders. They value control and tend to be powerful. They are also balanced, materially detached, successful and realistic. They end up in management positions, are efficient, capable, street-smart and good judges of character. - Negative Characteristics:
Their dark side is that they may be bullies, cruel, insensitive, violent or greedy. At their nastiest, they may become intolerant religious zealots.
Number 9: The Selfless Humanitarian
- Positive Characteristics:
Helpful, compassionate, aristocratic, sophisticated, charitable, generous, humanitarian, romantic, cooperative, creative, self-sufficient, proud and self-sacrificing. - Negative Characteristics:
They tend to become egocentric, arrogant, self-pitying, sentimental, discontented, fickle, cold or mentally unstable.
About Master Numbers
There are three powerful Master Numbers – 11, 22 and 33 – and these numbers may emerge throughout your numerological chart. These Master Numbers are the most intuitive and influential of all numbers.
They possess more potential than other numbers and therefore, require our attention as they may hint at struggles as well as blessings. They give us an insight into obstacles and can be the most powerful and fruitful numbers of all. We require a lot of effort, patience and maturity to integrate their elements into our personality.
Master Number 11
Number 11 symbolizes intuition and represents illumination. It taps into our subconscious mind and our intuition.
The Number 11 stands for anxiety, tension and timidity. As the Number 11 has the qualities of the Number 2 (1 + 1 = 2), the positive qualities of Number 2 such as charisma and inspiration will balance out the negativities of Number 11.
The Number 11 has a need to focus on a precise and particular goal. Therefore, a Number 11 needs a particular project in order to not feel fearful and stressed without concrete goals. This energy is highly powerful but it may also end up in extreme self-sabotage when the energy is not directed properly.
Master Number 22
The Master Number 22 is another powerful number and often referred to as the ‘Master Builder’. This person is an achiever, someone who can make dreams into reality. The Number 22 indicates a huge probability for success. It also has the grounding of scientific approach associated with the Number 4 (2 + 2 = 4).
With the Number 22, goals and dreams can be brought down to ground level, manifesting into something solid. The Number 22 is an impressive thinker with strong self-confidence and leadership qualities although not everyone with 22 in their chart is practical.
With the 22 in our chart, we may need to take charge and fulfil our potential. It is time to get ready to serve the world in an efficient and realistic way.
Master Number 33
The most highly energised of the Master Numbers, Number 33 is also known as the ‘Master Teacher’, who is able to reach an entirely new level of achievements.
Often, a Number 33 possesses a high level of intelligence and knowledge. However, they do not take this for granted and often have their facts checked before engaging in any important actions.
At their full potential, a Number 33 is selfless and often champions various humanitarian causes with great passion. Although rare, a fully developed Number 33 feels a deep need and responsibility to shoulder the pain and sufferings of others and to make the world a better place.
A Number 33 is significant only if it is one of your Core Numbers.
Numerology FAQ
1. What is numerology?
Numerology is the science of numbers whereby patterns of the universe are broken down into numbers. From here, we can discover information about every single individual as well as the world.
2. What answers can we expect to find in numerology?
In numerology, you can expect to find out about your personal character as well as your life as a whole. It can help to predict certain aspects of your life and future. Your numerology cycles also indicate opportunities and challenges, joy and pain that may appear throughout different periods of your life. These will give you a guide of what is in store for you, and with that, you may be able to handle situations better.
3. So is numerology all about math?
Numerology is a science that involves simple mathematics. However, it is not about the numbers themselves but more about the personalities of each number, and how each number relates to a particular aspect of our life depending on where and if they appear in our personal numerology.
4. Is numerology based solely on our date of birth?
Our personal numerology is primarily based on two aspects: our date of birth and our full birth name. However, it also takes into account the name we use today. Some numbers and cycles in our numerology are based on our birth date while others come from the letters of our name that was given at birth. In numerology, it is believed that the name we were given at birth is the perfect name for us — the name we were destined to have.
5. What does my name have to do with numerology?
Our name plays an important role in revealing our personal numerology calculations. The name we use today affects the persona we present to the world. Questions such as if one should change one’s name after marriage or divorce, or whether the spelling of our name affects our fortune in life can all be answered through numerology.
6. What’s my Life Path Number?
Our Life Path number is the most important number in our entire numerological calculation. It is calculated based on our unique birth date. Our Life Path number will be with us throughout our life and it greatly influences our personality, as well as the opportunities and challenges we will face.
7. What’s the difference between a Life Path, Expression, Heart’s Desire numbers, and other numbers?
Our personal numerology is full of numbers that influence all facets of our personality and different phases of our life. Our Life Path, Expression, Heart’s Desire and other numbers combine to make up the complete picture of our life. Each individual number represents a different, specific part of us and our lives.
8. Can numerology determine romantic compatibility?
Yes it can. Our personal Life Path number will reveal our lifestyle, thoughts, communication patterns and more. The compatibility is judged based on comparing the different styles of each Life Path number and it can conclude which numbers complement and work well together and which numbers should be avoided.
9. What does it mean when I see the same number everywhere I look?
Numbers that appear over and over again in our life are usually numerology’s way of guiding us towards information we may be missing, lessons in life we have yet to learn, or a problem we may not be aware of. It is a cosmic heads up, forcing us to pay attention to the real issues at hand.
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Thank you so much for this article. This article is mainly about numerology which is related to the idea that the world is built upon the power of numbers. Actually, the numbers in both our name and in our birth date are added to derive a single digit.
There is a variety of numerology systems available to study such as the Chaldean, the Pythagorean (Western) and the Kabbalah are three of the most popular numerological systems in use today. Thank you.
An excellent and good ready of numerology message was given. Quite impressive to know the two numerology concept which is based on names that are converted to numbers and the numbers in your date of birth. It’s all basically simple mathematic calculation by adding numbers. The power of numbers that rules an individual in the life path and lesson to be learn along the way.
What I learn here, was the hidden message from the universe that helps an individual to be more aware and to discover the vibration and the powers of numbers. Numerology actually helping us to indicate opportunities and challenges that we face through out of life. Each and every numbers plays an important roles that directly connected in our daily life.
The most amazing about numerology which I discovered not only numbers but also karma effect. Very interesting knowledge thus it is unsurprising that the Karmic Debt Numbers in numerology references action that we have performed in the past, even in previous lifetimes. Very knowledgeable, got to know the master number and all types of numerology that are practiced in this modern world .
Wow, it is pretty amazingly accurate although general in nature. The strength and weaknesses matches quite to me and now I am aware of what to watch out for. It is surprising that given each individual is supposedly different, we can be nailed down into 9 categories of characteristics. Guess we are not as different as we thought we were after all! Now that my interest is piqued, I do wonder at the greatness of the person who discovered this. Such a great mathematician. I had heard before the Chinese Qi Wei Tou Su when applied correctly can calculate right up the very second of your life. It had helped a police Chief Officer solved a crime when there was no lead to be found. Absolutely amazing. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this simple way of learning about ourselves that we may use to improve on ourselves.
Maths! The perfect language – which helped Ancient Greek Eratosthenes to calculate the circumference of the earth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eratosthenes
we all know about Pythagoras
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagoras
every single cultural, artistic, scientific advancement is only possible with maths
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics
Wow! thanks for the very interesting take on numerology. Lots of background information to help us understand.
I take it with a piece of salt, though, as I think we should not be too taken up with our positive traits and neglect the negative traits that e have to work. Then again, on the other hand, we shouldn’t dwell on the negative to the point of being obsessive about it.
Nice to know the positive, work on the negative, and I guess, we’ll do fine. But, it’s fun to read about the positive traits and gloat for a few seconds.
be careful not to take it all too literally – that would reduce it all to a primitive superstition