Do you have a lucky number? Most people do. Maybe you notice it everywhere, or use it when buying a lottery ticket. Human beings have been ascribing meanings to numbers since time immemorial, drawn by their seemingly universal, immutable nature. The Babylonians assigned numbers to the stars and the planets, the ancient Egyptians venerated certain numbers above others, and Jewish mystic traditions focus on recurring numbers in the Old Testament.
This may seem like ancient history to you, but even today, numbers can guide significant aspects of your life. They can influence your career path, your likes and dislikes, compatibility in relationships, and the purpose of your time here on earth. They can even reveal the hidden meaning in your baby’s name. All these numbers are determined based on the millennia-old practice of numerology. What are the significant numbers in your life and what do they mean?
What is Numerology?
Numerology is the study of the mystical properties of, well, numbers. While the ancient Babylonians had their own form of numerology, what we know of modern numerology is derived from the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras. He made a number of mathematical discoveries that we still use today. Remember the Pythagorean theorem? Before you start getting flashbacks to middle school geometry class, you’ll be relieved to know that he also attributed properties to numbers, including shapes, characteristics, and energetic vibrations. His belief that ‘all is number’ has had a lasting impact on how we see the world, and testifies to how numerology can help us uncover our soul’s intended path.
The most important numbers in numerology are single digits from 1 to 9, as well as the master numbers 11 and 22. Numerologists can generate a detailed numerology report for individuals depending on information such as their birth name and birth date. Similar to an astrology chart, and a birth chart this report focuses on a few key numbers that help explain your personality, desires, life path and destiny, as well as recommending lucky days for certain endeavors.
You’re probably thinking, “Great, but how do I figure out what these numbers are?” Grab a pen and paper (or your phone’s calculator, if you’re truly math-phobic) and let’s calculate your Life Path or Personality number.
What is my Life Path Number?
Determining your personality number is a matter of simple arithmetic. All you need is to break you birth date down into single digits.
Let’s say you were born on October 20,1985, or 10/20/1985. Start by breaking down the month, day and year into single digits and adding those digits together, for example:
10 = 1 + 0 = 1
20 = 2 + 0 = 2
1985 = 1 + 9 + 8 + 5 = 23 =2 +3 = 5
As you may have noticed, since numerology works with single digits, if one of your sums comes out as a double-digit number, just add those two digits to get a single digit (unless the number is 11 or 22). Next, take each of these numbers and add them together to get your life path number. In this example, 1 + 2 + 5 = 8, means that your Life Path number is 8.
But what does that mean?
Uncovering The Meaning Behind Important Numbers
If you’re familiar with astrology, your Life Path number most closely resembles your Sun Sign. That is, your basic personality, your tendencies, and the path you should adhere to in life. Other numbers, such as Heart’s Desire, will relate to your moon sign, or inner reality, whereas Expression may relate to your rising sign, or the way you present yourself to the world. These numbers can be calculated according to the letters of your full name. But of course, while astrology and numerology work well in conjunction, being a 1 and an Aires, for example, are not entirely interchangeable.
Let’s explore what each number means:
1 – Natural born leaders, ones who value freedom and individuality, but can be lonely.
2 – The number of partnerships, twos value harmony and diplomacy, but sometimes forget their own needs.
3 – Threes are the life of the party and love variety and fun, but can have trouble settling down.
4 – Hard working and capable, fours are excellent organizers who crave stability.
5 – Explorers and free spirits, fives are always up for an adventure.
6 – Natural caretakers, sixes place enormous value on family relationships, but have trouble letting others care for them.
7 – Sevens are immensely curious, ruled by their heads rather than their hearts, and in the pursuit of knowledge they may have trouble balancing rationality with intuition.
8 – Similar to fours, eights are hardworking and love structure, though they are particularly ambitious and concerned with material success.
9 – Nines are true humanitarians, cultivating an appreciation for difference yet believing in the common future of humanity.
Master numbers – the Master numbers 11 and 22 are magnified versions of their sums 2 and 4, respectively. They will express the characteristics of these numbers but to a greater degree, for better or for worse.
Scratching The Surface
With your Life Path number calculated, you’ve just begun to explore the wide world of numerology. Knowing the significant numbers in your life can give helpful guidance in knowing yourself, timing important decisions, and even determining if a relationship is right for you. Be prepared for a bit of simple arithmetic and get ready to uncover your inner nature!
