What is Numerology
Numerology is the ancient study of the mysticism of numbers. In numerology, each number has a specific "vibration", allowing it to resonate with certain properties. Learning these properties and understanding how they relate to each other and to other things, helps tremendously with the study of Tarot, Astrology and with Witchcraft and Magic.
In numerology, there are a wide variety of components, and the study can get quite complex. What I have written up below is a primer to give you an overview. If you like it, there are MANY great books on the topic. This is just an ice breaker!
How to Find "Your Numbers"
There are two main numbers people refer to when discussing personal Numerology: the Birth Number and the Name Number. They are each important for different reasons, but lets look at how they are calculated.
The Birth Number
This one is relatively easy, because it simply adds each digit of your birth date, then breaks it down to one number between 1 and 9 (it could be 11, but I'll explain that below).
So let's say you were born on June 6, 1973...June is the 6th month, so the first number is a 6. The day is the 6th, so the second number is 6. The year is dealt with as 4 separate numbers. The result is: 6 + 6 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 32
Two-digit numbers are further broke down to make a number from 1-9. So thirty-two is broken into into its smaller components: 3 + 2 = 5
For this person, their Birth Number is 5.The number 11 is not broken down further. The number 11 in numerology and in mysticism is unique. I don't have the room to try and deal with the reasons here, but know that if you reach 11, that is your birth number.
The Name Number
This one is pretty easy too, but requires a little tool to make life simpler.
Numerology Table
To use the table above, you find the letter you wish to know the value of, then look at the column header for the number.Now we need to know your name. This isn't your name as it appears on your birth certificate, it is your name as you "carry it into the world". This is how you sign your name. How your name is printed on your checks and debit/credit cards. Your name as you present it. If you use your middle initial or middle name, then you include it. If you do not use it in writing or on any printed documents, you do not include it.
Let's say your name is Mary Ann Smith. And let's assume you use the Ann and it is printed on your checks, credit/debit cards, etc.Mary = 4 + 1 + 9 + 7 = 21 We break 21 down as we did above: 2 + 1 = 3Ann = 1 + 5 + 5 = 11 We do not break the number 11 down.
Smith = 1 + 4 + 9 + 2 + 8 = 24 We break down 24 to 2 + 4 = 6
Now, add up the whole thing: 3 + 11 + 6 = 20 We break down 20 as 2 + 0= 2.Pretty easy, right? Cool. Now we know that our friend Mary Ann Smith (let's say this is all her numbers) has a Birth Number of 5, and a Name Number of 2. So what does that mean?
The Meanings of Numbers
Before I get into the meanings of numbers, I'd like to caution you not to ascribe "negative" meanings to any given number. We often find that a given number has an aspect we don't like or find attractive to us. That doesn't mean there isn't value in that number and in fact a potentially important lesson to be had in that number, for you.
Example: I have never liked 5's. The number 5 in Tarot is often associated with "challenges", and in particular, the 5 of pentacles, associated with money and fortune, can indicate extreme financial hardship. I have always avoided 5's in any name (businesses, pet names, street addresses), and have been superstitious about them.
There are multiple sides to every number though, and in this case the number 5 also often represents travel (which I love), freedom and myriad other things. The moral of this little story time? While I still feel a twinge of superstition about 5's, and I avoid them when dealing with finances or business, I now try to honor them when they occur in my life and try to study what lesson may be presenting itself when they appear.
The following table is adapted from information in the book Psychic Tarot, by Craig Junjulas. I use this book a lot and have found it a fantastic resource! The link above is an Amazon affiliate link. If you use this link to buy the book, this site will receive a very small commission.
These are only a very few of the meanings and interpretations for numbers. This can start a lifetime study.
Number Meanings
1 Beginnings, starting something new, the first, self, the ego, willpower, dynamism, pioneering, leadership, self-sufficient
2 Pairs, romance, couples, partnership, opposition, conflict, choices, compromise, needs companionship.
3 Trinity, joining 2 Opposing forces created a third entity, children, creativity, planning, detail oriented, orderly growth, expansion, artistic talent and intuition.
4 Solidity, solid foundations, security, the material, building on foundations, tangible accomplishments, down-to-earth, practical, hard working, patience.
5 Freedom, independence, travel, the mind, intellect, adaptability, science, struggles, strife, challenges, impatient, changeable, easily discouraged.
6 Love, self-sacrifice, loyalty, balance, cooperation, contentment, responsibilities, duties, obligation.
7 Success, completion of tasks, mastery of tasks, triumph, insight, wisdom, spiritual attainment
8 Authority, strength, will, discipline, fortitude, money, intensity
9 Completion, endings, accomplishment, reaching goals, higher consciousness, altruism, humanitarianism, compassion and the search for truth.
11 Intuition, ability to receive from a higher source, mysticism
What is Numerology Used For
OK, now we know our Birth Number and our Name Number. Let's go back and look at our friend Mary Ann Smith. She completed this exercise and found that her Birth Number was a 5 and her Name Number was a 2. What does that mean for her?A couple of quick observations:
- Mary Ann's Name Number of 2 indicates that her life here on this plane is very much about partnerships, friendships, marriage(s), romance(s) and/or possibly career choices related to partnering. As Mary Ann goes along in life, if she is finding this challenge doesn't meet her needs, there are ways she can adjust her name number. I'll show you that below.
- Mary Ann's Birth Number is a 5. This can present in many different ways, including a lifetime filled with travel. While it is possible that Marry Ann will have challenges (we all do), it is also possible that she will live a life of freedom from concerns about material success.
The Birth Number is the Birth Number. There isn't any way to change the day you were born. It is possible to learn from the lessons inherent in that number and work to ensure that you are open to the messages the Universe presents to you specific to your Birth Number.
The Name Number, you can alter.The first and most obvious way is to change your name. Unless you hate your name for some reason, I don't advocate that!If you figure out your Name Number, and you don't like it, or you have a business name you want to open, and you think its not good for financial success, before you get too upset, understand it may be easy to fix it. Adding (or removing) your middle initial to your name as it appears on your checks, debit/credit cards can have a big impact if it changes from a 5 to say a 6, 7 or even a 3 or a 9. So with your Name Number, you can absolutely decide whether the numerology of that name works for you. If you decide it doesn't, you can adjust it. And it doesn't require that you change what people call you - just that you adjust printed materials the next time you order them to add or remove an initial, for example.
Other Ways you can Use Numerology
- Tarot readings - understanding numerology helps greatly with interpreting the cards and can deepen your study of Tarot and enrich it.
- Picking names - Once you know name numerology, you can choose names for projects, business initiatives, and even children, to encourage certain traits and qualities
- Planning special dates - when you have a big day like a wedding or a launch of a project, look at the numerology of the date! This is the simplest way to give little boosts to activities. It's also a good idea to look at Astrology, but that is another discussion!
I hope this is useful information. I have studied numerology for many, many years and have found it to greatly enrich my practice and my life!
Bright blessings
Alison