The study of numbers and meaning
Numerology is the practice of finding meaning in numbers, especially those taken from a birth date and a name. The idea is that each digit from 1 to 9 carries a quality, and that the numbers in your life can describe tendencies, strengths and cycles. It does not use the sky or the planets. It uses arithmetic.
Numerology is a belief system and a tool for reflection. Scientific studies have not found that numbers from your name or birth date predict personality or events. Many people still use it the way others use journaling prompts, as a structured way to think about themselves.
A short history
The Greek thinker Pythagoras, who lived about 2,500 years ago, is often named as the father of numerology because he and his followers saw numbers as the basis of order in nature, music and the cosmos. The link between letters and numbers, though, comes from later traditions. The Chaldean system came from ancient Babylon and was passed down through Hebrew and Greek practice. The modern Pythagorean system was shaped in the early twentieth century, when writers in the United States set out the letter chart most people use today. The two systems give different results, as explained on the page on Pythagorean vs Chaldean numerology.
The core numbers
A numerology profile is built from a few key numbers, each worked out by reducing digits to a single figure, with 11, 22 and 33 kept as master numbers.
Life Path number. Taken from the full birth date. It is the main number and describes the direction of life and its lessons.
Destiny number. Taken from all the letters of the full birth name. It describes talents and the goals you are likely to move toward.
Soul Urge number. Taken from the vowels of the name. It describes inner motivation and what you want at heart.
Personality number. Taken from the consonants of the name. It describes the impression you make on others.
Birthday number. The day of the month on which you were born. It adds a specific talent to the Life Path.
Personal Year number. Taken from your birth day and month plus the current year. It changes yearly and shows the theme of a nine year cycle.
The meaning of the digits
Each digit has a basic meaning that is combined in different ways.
1 stands for beginnings, independence and leadership. 2 is partnership, balance and sensitivity. 3 is creativity, speech and joy. 4 is order, work and foundation. 5 is change, freedom and curiosity. 6 is care, home and responsibility. 7 is thought, study and inner life. 8 is power, resources and achievement. 9 is completion, compassion and a wide view.
The master numbers add intensity. 11 is intuition and inspiration. 22 is large scale building. 33 is devoted teaching and service.
How a reading works
A reading starts with the date of birth and the full name given at birth. The numerologist calculates the core numbers, then reads each one on its own and then in combination. A person with a Life Path 4 and a Destiny 3, for example, might be described as practical in method and creative in goals, with a tension to work through between structure and play. Readings may also cover cycles, such as the nine year pattern, in which each year carries a different theme from a new beginning in year 1 to a completion in year 9.
Numbers in the home and in names
Some numerologists also read the number of a house, a street or a business name. The method is the same, adding the digits and reducing them, and the meaning is taken from the resulting digit. This is a loose and playful extension. It is most often used when naming a new business or choosing a home address.
The Lo Shu Grid
The Lo Shu Grid is a three by three square from Chinese tradition. Numerologists place the digits of a birth date in the grid and read which numbers are present and which are missing. It gives a second view of strengths and gaps that complements the core numbers.
Using numerology well
Numerology is most useful as a reflection tool. Read your numbers, notice which descriptions fit and which do not, and ask why. Avoid using it to make major decisions, such as choosing a partner, quitting a job or investing money. Be careful of anyone who claims to predict the future with certainty or who asks for large payments for a number reading.
Numerology and astrology
Both are symbolic systems that link patterns to character. Astrology starts from the sky and uses a natal chart with planets, signs and houses. Numerology starts from numbers and uses simple arithmetic. They can be read side by side, and many people like to compare the two descriptions of themselves.