Numerology: The Oldest System of Number Chateaus

Numerology is a belief in the mystical significance of numbers and they give events, people or their life path distinctive importance. This is an ancient system, present in ancient cultures throughout history and usually classified as a divination or an occult science. It is based on the understanding that numbers are not just empty tokens squeezed onto paper, and that they have meanings, as well as vibrations. Whether in the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece or modern day spiritual practice, numerology has long been a topic of interest—providing insight into everything from personal fate to cosmic ties.

Where numerology originated and how it evolved

Numerology has ancient roots which go all the way back more than 5 millennia. This has occurred in various forms, in many cultures, including Babylonian and Egyptian medicine as well as Chinese and Indian traditions. Yet, the most famous and powerful system of numerology is that of Pythagorean numerology named after the Greek philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE).

Pythagoras, a mathematician and philosopher credited with connecting numbers to the spiritual essence of the universe. He felt that numbers were the very essences of everything, embodying the universal truths and cosmic harmony. The well-known theorem of Pythagoras that the hypotenuse square is equal to the sum of the squares of the catheti in a right-angle triangle, reflects his more general conviction in numerical metaphysics.

The ancient Egyptians had a numerology related to the cosmic order and dreamed interpretation, in which numbers were considered to be symbols of divine energies. In a similar vein, the Babylonians also had an advanced system of practicing numerology because they believed that some numbers could affect events on earth and in doing so predict future outcomes. The Chaldeans were another great early power in Mesopotamia and they also have a numerology system that is still used by practitioners of the art today.

During the Middle Ages, numerology entered the realm of the occult and was often associated with astrology, alchemy and Kabbalah. Kabbalistic numerology, the mystical form of Kabbalah in Judaism, originated by assigning numerical values to letters of the Hebrew alphabet and using those numbers to interpret secret spiritual meanings in such religious texts as the Torah.

Numerology has had its ups and downs throughout the ages, yet in the present still reigns supreme among the New Ages and other spiritualities.

Core Concepts of Numerology

Now at its simplest, numerology is all about the fact that numbers have certain vibrations or energies and once you know what these are — you can learn a lot. A standard numerological profile could base itself on a persons, birthdate, name or similar and reveal things such as the person character traits, his destiny and what it was to be like for him in different stages of life.

Life Path Number

Perhaps the most popular number used in numerology; the Life Path Number is calculated using an individual birthdate. This number is believed to show who a person really is, what their life purpose is in this incarnation and any challenges faced. Numerologists obtain the Life Path Number by reducing to a single digit (or Master Numbers, which are 11, 22 or 33) all digits of a person birthdate. For example:

Birthdate: July 10, 1992

Example equation: 7 (month) + 1 + 0 (day) + 1 + 9 + 9 + 2 (year)=29

Then add 2 + 9 = 11, a Master Number.

Note that each Life Path Number has its own traits and tendencies associated with it. For example:

Life Path 1 – The Leader — independent, ambitious and innovative.

Life Path 2: The Diplomat — Peaceful, empathic and Harmony-loving

Life Path 3: The Communicator – Artistic, expressive and social.

Life path 4: The Builder–The Builder Energies are practical, disciplined and methodical.

Life Path 5: The Adventurer – Second-vibed flexible, with a taste for travel and fun.

Path of Life 6: The Sex – Dependable, domestic and household

The Seeker — Introspective, spiritual and analytical Life Path 7

Life Path 8: The Powerhouse–Driven, purposeful and materialistic

Life Path 9: The Humanitarian – Giving, idealistic and selfless.

Destiny Number

The Destiny Number (or the Expression Number) is determined by a person's entire birth name, and indicates one's overall purpose in their lifetime. Simply assign a number from 1 to 9 for each letter of the alphabet (A = 1, B = 2, C = 3 and so on) and then sum together the numbers corresponding to the letters in a person's name to uncover their Destiny Number. The figure, according to uraniascience.com, represents the person’s skills and talents as well as lessons he or she needs to learn in one lifetime.

Soul Urge Number

Also known as the Heart’s Desire Number, the Soul Urge Number comes from the vowels in a person full birth name. This symbolizes one's true self, aspiration, and intention. Soul Urge Number reveals how a person lives and what he wants most deeply, as well as the spiritual side of his character.

Personality Number

The Personality Number — which is interpreted from consonants in a person’s name, and the belief is that this represents how a person appears to other people alone — reflects how we are seen by others. It can provide some clues about how a person comes across to the world, which may be quite different from their true inner self as indicated by the Soul Urge Number.

Master Numbers in Numerology

There are only three Master Numbers in numerology — 11, 22, and 33. They are considered very important and believed to contain more spiritual energy or power. Those who have a Master Number in their chart are said to come with a sense of purpose, more challenging life lessons and extraordinary potential for achievement.

Master Number 11: The Illuminator – Ideas, inspired, and knowing.

Master Builder—Practical, visionary, ambitious and grounded, able to build for long term material and spiritual success.

Master Number 33: The Master Teacher (Compassionate, nurturing, spiritually advanced)

Individuals with Master Numbers are given a big responsibility and they will bare greater challenges in their life but they can also achieve much more too.

Applications of Numerology

Numerology can be used for many areas of life such as:

Self-understanding and personal development: The life path number or Soul Urge Number can offer profound insights into individual spirituality, strengths, weaknesses, and more.

Relationship Compatibility: Numerologists can examine the numerological compatibility between two people by comparing their Life Path Numbers to determine how well they get along in a relationship, as well as identifying strengths and areas of challenge.

Career and Success: Numerology can identify career paths that are in alignment with natural capabilities and life purpose.

Decision Making: A few individuals use numerology to settle on fortunate numbers, find auspicious dates for major life occasions, or in any event, giving their kid any name having ideal numerological worth.

Criticism and Skepticism

Although popular in some spiritual and metaphysical communities, numerology is often derided as a pseudo-science by skeptics. Critics counter that these interpretations of numbers are too subjective and not scientific. They also argue that numerology can be construed as a self-fulfilling prophecy, since people may concentrate on parts of numerology that are correct and ignore aspects of it which are not. In spite of this criticism, numerology remains a personal exploration for many people globally.

Arguably one of the most enthralling aspects of numerology is the lens through which we can view how numbers, points, places and experiences impact our lives.; a framework within which practitioners can noodle with their fate or calling or find meaning in who they are because they have access to all forms of information. Used as either personal insights or guidance from a higher being, numerology continues its age-old legacy in the hearts of those attempting to find more meaning and connectivity in their existence within this universe. Even if lacking the empirical support of modern science, numbers do retain symbolic power — a feature that is likely simultaneously both alluring and disconcerting to mere mortals.