Last Updated on July 15, 2022 by Wishbonix
The Meaning of the Numbers in Numerology
Numerology has meandered through an extremely long history, kicking off its journey in the cradle of civilization. With early life in Mesopotamia lived by the cycles of the moon, stars, and other numerical patterns found in nature, numbers gradually became correlated with certain attributes. This resulted in a system of numerical study that many have used for centuries to better understand the relationship between themselves and their place in the grand scheme of existence.
Numerology rests on the tenet that numbers vibrate certain traits or qualities, and an accurate profile of a person’s character, motivations, talents, and path in life can be constructed from their name and birthdate. This requires applying numerical values to letters, which are then (like the birthdate) added together and reduced to a single digit.
These days, the Pythagorean System (developed by the great mathematician Pythagoras) is the most commonly practiced form of numerology. This system assigns the numbers 1-9 to letters in the following way:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
| J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R |
| S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
There are many forms of numerology, yet single digits are commonly ascribed with the following expressions:
1 – Individualism
2 – Duality
3 – Expression
4 – Practicality
5 – Adventure
6 – Emotion
7 – Thought
8 – Authority
9 – Completion
By using different methods of calculation, there are five single digits that emerge from a name and birthdate that are then used to make up a numerology chart. The life path number, attitude number, soul urge number, expression number, and destiny number make up the backbone of a numerology chart. While numerology does not predict random, unforeseen events, it can show what to expect by highlighting how and why certain numerical vibrations work together the way they do.
Calculating Life Path Numbers
In numerology, the life path number is considered the most important number of all. It not only shows the theme of what a person is here to do, but it also denotes inherent traits, abilities, and what avenues will make for the most rewarding life. The clarity that comes from understanding a life path number and the expressions around it can promote a stronger feeling of security and the confidence to make life what it needs to be.
The life path number is calculated from the full birthdate, which is added together and reduced to a single digit.
For example, a birthdate of August 14, 1972 would be calculated as:
8/14/1972
8 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 2 = 32 / 3 + 2 = 5
The life path number is 5.
The Meaning of Numbers in Numerology
Once a life path number is calculated, it can be compared to those of friends, relatives, and romantic partners to gauge the level of compatibility. In some cases, a birthdate will add up to the number 11, 22, or 33. These numbers are referred to as Master Numbers and denote a higher capacity for learning. Master Numbers 11, 22, and 33 carry the magnified traits of the 2, 4, and 6.
Life Path Number 1
The number 1 comes first in numerology, and, unsurprisingly, many of the characteristics expressed in this life path have to do with leading the way in some capacity. There is a tendency for those with a 1 vibration to gravitate to opportunities and professions that allow them to work independently or bring innovative ideas into reality. If they do not own their own business, then they are likely in some position of management. The self-motivated 1 revels in taking on hard or challenging tasks and is always willing to put in the massive effort to be the absolute best at what they do.
The person with the 1 vibration also has the tendency to be their own worst enemy. There is an inner critic in the 1 that is always driving them to do and be more. They often have a hard time giving themselves a break for the smallest of missteps. The 1 can also struggle with asking for help and may even become so independent they inadvertently isolate themselves, making their life very lonely. The high level of mental energy in the 1 vibration makes it important for them to include regular physical activity such as jogging, yoga, or even dancing to keep their health balanced.
Life Path Number 2
The number 2 is a number of duality, and the vibration of this life path has much to do with establishing balance and harmony. The 2 vibration is extremely sensitive to the needs of others and is often in (or put in) a position of mediation or counseling. There is an enlightened energy to the 2. This makes others feel comfortable talking to them about their deepest feelings. The areas of family, friendship, love, parenting, and marriage are all easy subjects for those in this life path because they enjoy being supportive and affectionate. The 2 is extremely loyal and genuinely enjoys seeing others succeed.
The hardest thing in the world for a 2 is dealing with conflict. They dislike it so much they will do nearly anything to avoid it. If they are not careful, they can become too compliant and end up being a doormat in relationships or at work. Love is extremely important to the 2 vibration. They dislike being alone and become overanxious if they feel ignored. The life path of the 2 comes into balance once they learn to set boundaries and settle in the fact that they do not need to solve everything for everyone all of the time.
Life Path Number 3
The energy of the 3 life path vibrates facets of expression and communication. In fact, it is a life path commonly found throughout the entertainment world, politics, and sales-related professions. The 3 operates on the expectation to be out enjoying the thrills of life and likes to be part of anything that gets them noticed. A keen eye in the 3 gives them a gift for fashion, interior decorating, photography, and other types of art. They make captivating writers, orators, singers, and dancers. The 3 has an energy that makes them naturally entertaining, even when they aren’t trying to be.
Sometimes, the need for excitement is so strong in the 3 they become destructive if they don’t have a way to properly channel their energy. They’ll create a drama-filled life that becomes so emotionally draining for everyone around them; they end up alone. Since they also prefer to have fun first, it’s not uncommon for 3’s to find themselves in hot water for simple things like not paying the rent or bills on time. Unless something substantial happens, those with a 3 life path generally find their balance later in life when maturity and experience give them the ability to be more conscious of their actions.
Life Path Number 4
The life path of the 4 vibrates with aspects of learning and education, as well as logic and routine. Those in this life path seem like human computers, taking in data on a constant basis and processing it in their heads. Naturally, this makes them very good at breaking down complex ideas and putting them into practical use. Creating a feeling of security is utterly essential for the 4. As a result, they prefer sticking to a routine and are always on top of their finances. They have a great appreciation for the simplicity of nature and often enjoy spending time in the outdoors.
Sometimes, a 4 can get so rooted in custom that any modicum of change sends them into a tailspin. Other times, they will get lost contemplating a marathon of ideas, leaving the people around them feeling neglected. With their penchant for logic and reason, the 4 has to be careful not to put a damper on romantic relationships. They simply have a hard time noticing when they are coming off as cold and unfeeling. To keep themselves grounded, it is recommended that those with a 4 life path take time to clear their mind by regularly jotting down their thoughts in a blog or journal.
Life Path Number 5
The life path of the 5 is built on free will, celebration, exploration, and travel. Whereas others comfortably live life by the schedule, the 5 life path feels trapped trying to stick to one. They prefer variety and actually operate much better when they are allowed to “play it by ear” and go with the flow. Because they are inherently adaptable, they always land on their feet. If there is a new place or concept to be explored, the 5 will already be in the thick of it. They like to experience life and are drawn to innovative, rare, and risky things.
The energy of the 5 life path can get backed up and go haywire if there is not enough going on to keep them busy. Their love, home, and professional life become filled with calamity, and they may find it hard to dump playing the role of the victim. There is also a risk of overindulgence for the 5. Whether it is drugs, food, sex, overspending, or anything else, their bent for excess can land them in serious trouble. To keep the aspects of this life path in the positive, a 5 must consciously steer clear of unhealthy outlets for their energy.
Life Path Number 6
It is the inherent energies of the 6 life path that constantly drives them to provide care and nurturing to those around them. The aspects of compassion, domesticity, healing, and matters of the heart emanate from this vibration, making them exceptional guardians and caretakers. It doesn’t matter if it’s in their personal or professional life; everything is done from a standpoint of kindhearted support. They make great marriage partners, and home and family is everything to the 6. Their homes are always magnificently decorated. Their affinity for beauty and putting things together to create a visually stunning environment is outstanding.
A 6 life path often gets too wrapped up in taking care of everyone else, and, more often than not, this leads to feeling overwhelmed and taken advantage of. There is also a tendency to operate on the assumption that because they’ve been so helpful, they have the right to expect constant, outright exaltation from those around them. However, what they perceive as “helpfulness” is just bulldozing everyone out of the way and taking over. A stable 6 life path rests on learning to set firm boundaries for themselves and others when it comes to giving their time and effort.
Life Path Number 7
The life path of the 7 is a cerebral number, strongly vibrating aspects of intellect and exploring intangible concepts, understanding, and deep introspection. Their inquiring minds have them delving into an array of subjects. The 7 is more than happy to spend time sifting and sorting through many layers of complex philosophical topics. Because they are thinkers, time alone is essential to their wellbeing. Their investigative nature gives them a great appreciation for travel, and they also enjoy being out in tranquil, natural settings. There is an intuitive air to the 7, and when they have something to say, people listen.
There are times when a 7 will spend so much time in their heads; their people skills suffer. They may become overly cynical of anyone’s beliefs but their own, making it hard for them to maintain friendships or accept and give love. Things become even more difficult when the 7 would rather work— something they love to do— than interact with people. If they are not careful, their acerbic tongue will cost them everything personally and professionally. The life path of the 7 is most stable when a base of faith is balanced with regularly exploring existence outside of the mind.
Life Path Number 8
The 8 life path revolves around aspects and experiences having to do with careers, finance, leadership, success, and power. The drive to achieve goals is remarkably strong, and there are many wealthy individuals within this life path. However, the number 8 is a number of balance, and it is not unheard of for 8’s to take on faith-based careers. Ambition, courage, organization, and the ability to bring ideas into reality are strong. If a project or concept falls through, the 8 will be right back up on the horse to try again. They have the type of discipline that others envy.
An 8 will focus on work or their career to the point of letting their home and/or romantic life suffer. It’s not really on purpose— it’s simply hard for them to “turn it off” sometimes. Since they have a strong energy that occasionally tips them into aggression, insomnia or chronic restlessness, regular physical exercise is an absolute must for this vibration. Most 8’s will experience a fall from grace (or multiple falls) because of their unwillingness to listen or take advice. For the 8 life path to be truly successful, a balance must be struck between all the aspects of their material and spiritual sides.
Life Path Number 9
As the last single-digit number in numerology, the life path of the 9 expresses aspects of completion, accomplishment, and the higher self. Those in this vibration tend to attract all kinds of people and situations to them because, in essence, they are the sum of all the numerical vibrations. Since they are often concerned for the world and all who live in it, 9’s are usually involved (or at least interested) in social causes. The 9 is a giving soul, and they like to take care of others. Having a family and being good parents is important to them.
The sensitive 9 must be careful to not stretch themselves too thin. This often happens when they worry more about everyone else and fail to let those around them know when they need a break. They are so good at holding things together; it can be hard to tell when they are struggling. Yet, once a 9 feels disregarded, they become sullen and passive-aggressive and will shut the world out as punishment. They must learn to voice their needs. The 9 life path achieves equilibrium once they are in the habit of being as good to themselves as they are to others.
The Different Types of Numerology Systems
There are two main systems, the Hebrew number code, and the Pythagoras number code.
Pythagoras calculation system
The Pythagoras calculation system uses the numbers 1 – 9 and assigns the numbers to the letters of the alphabet without changing the normal order: 1 = a, 2 = b, 3 = c and so on.
The Pythagoras conversion system used today by modern numerologists also uses the numbers and letters of the alphabet in the normal order. It goes back to the number system of the Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, who lived in the 6th century BC.
He is considered the founder of geometry and was best known for his formula for right-angled triangles. Pythagoras was the first to recognize that the entire universe was built on the basis of numbers. But he also deals with the deeper meaning of numbers.
According to him, the universe, with all its matter, consists of vibrating energy, the properties of which can be explained with the help of numbers. From this, he derived the thesis that knowing the numbers that make up the vibrating energy of certain things, places or facts also reveals their properties.
In his view, the vibration of the universe at birth affects both character formation and fate. He developed a system with nine typological levels in which he could classify every person. Pythagoras thus laid the foundation for the number mysticism that we still know today.
All occult and mathematical calculations are based on the nine basic numbers or single-digit numbers. If you calculate the cross sums of all numbers over 9, you get a constant repetition of the nine basic numbers if you reduce every compound number to the basic number.
The 10 gives the basic number 1, since 1 + 0 = 1, the 11 gives 2 (1 + 1 = 2).
The 999 gives the 9 (9 + 9 + 9 = 27 = 2 + 7 = 9).
The 56789 gives the 8 (5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 8) etc.
This single-digit basic number, which can easily be calculated as a cross-sum from any natural number represented in numbers, symbolizes the secret quality (meaning) of each number. These nine basic numbers also provide information about the correspondence in human life and fate. However, there is no consensus among numerologists, that is, no agreement as to which numerical value corresponds to the individual letters.
The Hebrew calculation system
The Hebrew conversion table is based on an ancient system, already attributed to the Chaldean people (1st millennium BC). The number 9 is missing from the Hebrew conversion table.
There is no 9 in the Hebrew system because the Hebrew letters, which also mean the numbers 9, 90, and 900, have no equivalent in the modern alphabet. Famous representatives of the Hebrew numerical code were the astrologer Michel Nostradamus (* 1503 – † 1566), the Irish numerologist Louis Hamon, also known under the name Cheiro (* 1866 – † 1936), and the Silesian occultist Herbert Reichstein (* 1892 – † 1944) ).
Names and Numbers
“Everything that exists exists in “space and time “. This irrefutable principle also applies to numerology. Space (place) and time dissolved in the highest category, result in number and measure. This is the real secret of numerology. Numbers can have a material function that goes beyond their mathematical meaning. The abbreviation for number and measure concept, however, is the name that distinguishes one thing or an individual from another.
The name can determine a person’s fate, as can the position of the planets at the time of their birth. However, the interpretation of the relationships between planetary constellations and earthly processes is a matter for astrology. Just as with the help of astrology, both the character and the fate of a person can be calculated, so numerology can, based on ancient experience, trace every name back to a numerical concept and, like in astrology, reinterpret its character and fate.
Numerology is an empirical science based on traditional laws of experience. However, no one knows today why, for example, the letter a = 1, b = 2, c = 3. Unfortunately, this occult knowledge from the early days of numerology has been lost. However, the laws of numerology that have survived from ancient times and have remained the same for all conversion systems have been preserved.
The Laws of Numerology
- All two-digit numbers minus their checksum can be divided by 9.
- Calculations that result in a two-digit number must be reduced to a single-digit number by forming checksums.
- Fate tendencies of the name bearer can be derived from the first name and last name of a person.
- The first name and surname and the date of birth of a person tend to identify callings, life tests, and life crises.
- Of several first names, only the one that appears as the first name in the official birth certificate is numerologically relevant. The exact spelling must be observed.
- Nicknames or abbreviations are not taken into account in numerology.
- All other first names are also disregarded.
- Double names such as Mary-Kate are to be converted together, as long as the person is called by that name.
Other Number Divination Methods
With the help of dates or names, digits are calculated that provide information about characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses or about talents and abilities. In addition, the esoteric number symbolism can support us in making the right decisions, changing our perspective on life or finding the right job – in other words, influencing our existence in a positive way. For this purpose, various digits are calculated based on dates and names, each with a specific focus. Based on our Life Path Number, for example, we gain basic knowledge about ourselves. Based on our Birth Number, we learn more about the meaning of life. That means qualities, talents, and skills that we bring with us at the time of our birth. The Soul Number reveals traits of your deeper self.
- Life Path Numbers
- Destiny Number – Life Lessons
- Your Soul Number – Your Deeper Self
- Your Personality Number – Facets of Your Personality
Psychics and Numerology
Some psychics use their own alphabetic system that matches letters with certain numbers. The letters can be the letters of your full name or other significant letters that are then given a numerical value. An end result is a number, that will direct the psychic reading or will define a person’s lucky number. For example, you could add up the numbers of your full name as defined by a grid that matches the number with the letter, and then you can get a whole number, which is your lucky number. The numbers of letters in a person’s full name are also sometimes used to guide a psychic reading or to find a person’s lucky number.
Besides your name and your birth date, numerologists often use the name of your lover, your address, and other important dates in your life, such as the dates of your children’s birthdays, your wedding date, etc. All of these numbers are said to have direct significance in areas of your life and can be used to predict the future.
