Some people are naturally drawn to the magic in numbers and patterns. Others find numbers either mysterious or a bit of a threat, often depending on our experiences early in childhood when we were learning about mathematics either in school or in the broader world.

Some people are entranced by the symmetry to be found in numbers, and when we are shown how numbers, ratios, and patterns form the natural world and even our body shapes, most of us cannot help but be fascinated.

Numbers figure significantly in the folklore of most of the nations and cultures of the world. Think about how many nursery rhymes, fairytales, and myths make use of the number 3, for example. There are often three brothers in a fairy tale, three tasks for a hero to complete, three daughters or sons of the ruler or king, not forgetting the three little pigs or goldilocks and the three bears. 

On a more mundane level, but nevertheless, extremely important to us as human beings, basic numeracy is vital to our ability to function in the world. Being able to manage a financial budget can help avoid stress and misery in everyone’s lives.

What is Numerology?

Numerology is not simply the study of numbers. In metaphysical terms, numerology is the relationship between a number and its mystical nature. Numerology also encompasses the study of the numerical value of the alphabet. In a numerology reading, or session you may be looking at various applications to use for an individual, including what is often known as a number or numerology portrait.

The History of Numerology

To fully understand the significance and importance of sacred numbers, it is useful to look at the history of numerology and how it affects our personalities. The “portrait” referred to above may well consist of discovering your birthday number, your life path number, your mood or attitude number, the significance of the numbers associated with your name, your soul’s number, and your personal power number.

Numerological ideas have been around for centuries, reflecting the fascination humans find in discovering connections and patterns in all things. Some of the earliest records of numerology appeared in ancient Egypt and Babylon. We know that the Egyptians were brilliant engineers, which is reflected in the archeological discoveries still being unearthed in the famous Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids. References to numbers’ spiritual and metaphysical powers also appear in ancient texts from China, Rome, Japan, and Greece.

Most people have heard of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher. It is his idea of assigning numerical values to letters that are used in modern numerology. Pythagoras is widely held to be the founder and Father of modern numerology, and his fascination with numbers is well-documented. In fact, he traveled to Egypt to study Chaldean numerology for twenty-two years. He believed that the world was built on the power of numbers and that anything and everything can eventually be translated into numerical form, usually reduced to a single digit.

Using Numerology to Improve Your Life

Numerology, and calculating your personal numbers can provide you with a useful guide and tool to help manifest the things you want in your life. It can also validate your decisions based on intuition, bring a sense of order, optimism, and hope into your emotional life and provide you with the means to plan your next moves as you move towards your goals.

The most common reason people turn to numerology for inspiration and comfort is to learn about their love lives. You may be in a relationship and would like to know just how compatible you both are in terms of love numbers. You may be single and ready to begin a new relationship with someone you have only met, or you may still be searching for that special person to spend your life with.

You can visit a numerology expert, or request an online reading, or you can start to discover the magic of numbers by yourself. In the area of love, numerology can bring insights into your personality as well as the dominant traits of your partner.

To calculate your love number, add up all of the numbers in your birthday and reduce it to a single unit. For example, if your birthday is 28 August 1957, your calculation would look like this:

2+8+1+9+5+7 = 32

3+2 = 5

Your love number is, therefore, 5. With this in mind, you can learn more about yourself and what type of partner is best suited to you.

Of course, some people are attracted to like-minded people, while others tend to believe that “opposites attract,” so a lot of your searching will be influenced by the kind of partnership you are looking for.

Like-Minded Numbers

Numbers 1, 5, and 7 are cerebral, intellectual, mind numbers. These kinds of people are always thinking, analyzing, and processing.

Numbers 2, 4, and 8 are considered to be financial numbers. These people often work in finance, are aware of all things pertaining to money, and tend to be interested in security in both their material and emotional lives.

Numbers 3, 6, and 9 are creative types. They are often teachers, artists, and counselors. They can be quite disorganized in their daily lives, or they seem so to others, but they also have grand visions and generous hearts. 

Life Path Numbers

Use your birthday again to calculate your life path number, but this time reduce each component to a single number before adding together. In our example

2 +8 =10

0 +8 = 8

1+9+5+7 = 22

Reduce the double digits first

1+0 =1

0+8 = 8

2+2 = 4

Add all of these together = 13. 1+3 = 4

So our life path number is 4.

Destiny Number

Calculating your destiny number is a little more complicated, but all it takes is patience. This number relies on Pythagoras’ idea that all letters can be assigned a numerical value, as follows:

1 = A, J, S

2 = B, K, T

3 = C, L, U

4 = D, M, V

5 = E, N, W

6 = F, O, X

7 = G, P, Y

8 = H, Q, Z

9 = I, R

To calculate your Destiny number, write out your name in full, and assign each letter a numerical value. Then follow the formula for reducing the entire sum to a single digit.

Now that you have your three most important numbers, it is time to look at what each of the numbers, from 1 – 9 actually mean.

Number 1

This number signifies action, moving forward, and independence. One can be independent and make good leaders. On the other hand, they can also be a little bossy or overbearing. Although number one is the first, and symbolizes the most important in many hierarchies, always remember that one can also be lonely and even the most independent of ones need the support and love of friends and family.

Number 2

Twos are usually gentle, peaceful souls who enjoy being in love and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the relationship harmonious. They make excellent listeners and are often drawn to like-minded people. They are often business-minded and prize security in all things above all else.

Number 3

Threes are exciting! They love to show off and make excellent actors. They are outgoing and friendly, creative, and inspirational. A relationship with three never gets boring as they are always looking for ways to have fun.

Number 4

Fours are well-grounded folk who have a very pragmatic outlook on life. They are hardworking, dependable, and responsible. Often focused on building logical, solid foundations for growth. Fours need to be reminded that solidity can sometimes slide into rigidity and that rules should be used to enhance rather than inhibit our quality of life.

Number 5 

Fives are adventurous types and are always looking for new experiences and exciting outcomes. They tend to get bored easily and look for variety in their relationships and their daily lives. On the other hand, fives can become restless and impatient and need to be aware that life comes with both professional and interpersonal. Fives can often miss the opportunities to be found in their back yard.

Number 6

Sixes are very romantic and love the trappings of romance in all forms, from roses to love songs and chocolate-covered cherries. They form strong attachments to their love partners and are very family orientated. They tend to make good carers and have a very nurturing attitude to everything, including the environment and animals as well as fellow humans. Sixes would do well to remember that not everything needs to be protected and parented. Their attitude can sometimes turn into smothering energy that inhibits others’ growth, and sixes are best to accept that everyone must follow their own unique path.

Number 7

Sevens are often quiet and contemplative. They enjoy learning and researching and need to be challenged mentally. They are often very intuitive and often find their niche in mysticism and psychic pursuits. It is sometimes necessary to bring a number seven literally “down to earth” so that they remember to look after their physical world as well as their spiritual well-being.

Number 8

The dominant trait of number eight is strength, in all areas of life. This means that they may seek out partners who do not need much in the way of nurture and support. They may treat relationships like business deals and might need to be reminded that not everyone is totally committed to material success. A good way to channel the talents and strengths of eight is to encourage them to use their success for the wider community’s good.

Number 9

The leading quality for nines, both in themselves and others, is honesty. They take their responsibilities towards others very seriously and sometimes take on others’ problems. They are protective of those close to them and can often be found working for humanitarian causes. Nines often have a high level of self-awareness and an interest in spirituality that seems to come from a place of ancient knowledge. Nines see the whole picture effortlessly and can therefore become impatient with younger, newer souls who have yet to learn life and soul lessons.

Numbers Elsewhere

As you can see, numerology has many applications and is quite a broad topic to digest! Angel numbers, numbers, and the Law of Attraction, the Master Numbers and numbers connected with your astrological sign are all areas that bear further investigation.

Once you have satisfied yourself that you know your own numbers, and that they can provide useful insights into your behavior and your life, you might want to expand your questioning into these areas too.