What Is Numerology? The Complete Guide (2022)


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What is numerology? 

Everything on earth carries an energetic vibration, including humans, animals, colors, food, and plants. Numerology is centered around the belief that numbers contain energetic vibrations too. 

And in numerology, there is a connection between numbers and certain traits, situations, and fate. In effect, numerology is the language of numbers that has been in use for thousands of years.

Numerologists believe that ensuring you are on the correct vibrational level will bring about greater contentment and harmony in your life. Ultimately, numerology could be considered a spiritual tool that can help you live a better life with deeper spiritual connection. 

It can provide greater insight into who you are and guidance when making decisions or interacting with people. Numerology can also help you understand yourself better and how and why you connect with some people and not with others.


Understanding the basics

There are five main numbers in numerology, known as the core numbers. These numbers are called the life path, personality, soul urge, expression, and birthday numbers, and they each provide insight into a certain aspect of ourselves. 

Recurring numbers are also important in numerology because they indicate that you are being sent a message from the Divine via the numbers. In numerology, there is no coincidence, everything that happens is part of the Universe’s master plan.

It can be used as a tool to understand the past, make sense of the present, and guide your future decisions in a similar way to how the zodiac signs are interpreted.

Here’s an example of how you’d determine your life path number if your birthday is 29 August, 1978:

  • The day, 29 is 2 + 9 = 11 
  • August, the 8th month = 8
  • The year, 1978, is 1 + 9 + 7 + 8 = 25; 2 + 5 = 7

You then add up the day, month, and year (11 + 8 + 7), which equals 26, which then further reduces to 8 (6+2). So this person’s life path number would be 8 and he/she would analyze the qualities associated with the number 8 to gain a greater understanding of life.

What is numerology

The history of numerology

Although we don’t know the exact dates that numerology began to arise, we do know that it dates back thousands of years. There is written evidence of numerology that was discovered in Egypt and Babylon, and there have been recordings of numerology use from Rome to China. 

Most people acknowledge Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, as the founder of numerology as we use it today. He believed that numbers were intricately connected to daily life and although he analyzed numbers geometrically and mathematically, he also assigned metaphysical, nonnumerical aspects to numbers. 

Then, in the 1800s, a woman known as L. Balliet released books that attributed energetic vibrations to numbers, which is considered the point that numerology moved into the Western world. Her system fused Pythagoras’ theories with a more modern understanding of numbers. 

She is also known to have founded the master number system, which doesn’t reduce certain numbers, such as master numbers 11 and 22. Over time, the properties associated with the numbers have evolved due to various cultural and spiritual practices.


The different types of numerology

Although numerology has evolved into what we know as “modern numerology” today, which is based on Pythagorean numerology, there are a few different types of numerology that were, and still are, used. 

Gematria is a mystical, Kabbalistic practice used in Judaism to understand the scriptures. It assigns letters with numerical values, which are then interpreted according to numerology. 

In other words, gematria converts words into numbers. Each Hebrew letter is given a numeric value which is then used to unpack scripture. It was a tool used to gain a more in-depth understanding of all scriptures, including the Bible, Torah, and other holy works. 

A method known as Kabbalah numerology fuses both Pythagorean and Gematria practices. It offers much more in-depth readings and insight because it has 400 life path combinations. This form of numerology uses your name to decipher your unique traits.

Chaldean numerology goes even further back in history than Pythagorean numerology. It was said to be created by a tribe called the Chaldeans from Mesopotamia. It was a very complicated system that was based on eight numbers and vowels.

Lastly, there is Pythagorean numerology, which is the most like numerology as we know it today. In this system, each letter in the alphabet has an associated numerical value, which all stem from the numbers 1 to 9. 


Life path numbers

A life path number holds the key to your inner strengths and weaknesses as well as your natural talents. It’s considered the most important number when it comes to the core numbers because it also provides insight into your soul’s purpose on earth. 

Different life path numbers are associated with various characteristics and energy.

If you have a number 1 life-path number, it usually means that you have a successful career. You are also most likely a leader and others are drawn to your natural charm. You can be over-controlling and critical at times. 

If you have a number 2 life path number, you tend to be an empathic person who deeply cares for others. You are a highly creative individual and you are usually the peacemaker in your circles. Because you are a highly sensitive person, you often allow other people’s negative energy to affect you, which can be detrimental. 

If you have a number 3 life path number, you love to be at the heart of everything. You’re a highly social individual with loads of energy, and your life is full and vibrant. Your excitable nature means that you sometimes struggle to commit. 

Life path number 4 is associated with hard work, reliability, and predictability. If you have a 4 as your life path number, you most likely have very high moral standards and you are a dependable friend and colleague. On the flip side, number 4s can be quite closed-minded and rigid.

If you have life path number 5 you are more of a cerebral person and usually in an intellectual field/education. Your EQ (emotional intelligence) is phenomenal and you communicate well. You delight in the small things in life and can sometimes be over-indulgent and superficial. 

If your life path number is6, you have a wonderful curiosity and joie de vivre. You are most likely in law or activism and, often, 6s are motivational speakers. Sometimes, you can become so wrapped up in serving others that you forget about yourself.

Those with life path number 7 are highly imaginative individuals. If this is you, you are content spending time alone and living in your own creative world. You can sometimes be shy and overly introverted and struggle to kick back and relax. 

Life path number 8s are super self-sufficient and financially aware. They like to work hard and tend to become independent at a very early age. Sometimes, they can become obsessed with work and completely lose touch with the people in their lives and with their spirituality.

If you have life path number 9, you know what you like, and you don’t like to compromise your standards. You are always seeking out the ideal, which may inhibit you from fully living in the present moment. 

life path numbers


What is numerology? Soul urge numbers

Your soul urge number is sometimes also called your heart’s desire number, which, in essence, provides clues into your inner truth or core beliefs. 

To determine your soul urge number, you need to look at the value of the vowels in your full birth name. This number can provide great insight into who you really are and how you honestly feel. 

Your soul urge number connects you to the Divine source and reminds you of why you came to earth in the first place. So let’s take a closer look at the different meanings of the soul urge numbers.

Soul urge number 1 is associated with wanting to be a leader. Within, you are very independent and you believe in your capability. You are also confident and decisive which is what contributes to your inherent leadership abilities. 

Sometimes, this passionate drive you have can be overwhelming to some people and they may not understand where it comes from. If people resist your attempts to lead, it may result in conflict; however, you have the strength to overcome these types of setbacks.

If you have soul urge number 2 you are a highly sensitive person who is deeply in touch with your emotions, as well as others’ emotions. This can sometimes lead to you becoming swamped by other people’s trials and tribulations, and their energy. It’s important for you to protect your energy field because if you don’t, you will become easily drained. 

Sometimes people accuse you of being too sensitive, but remember, this is in fact your greatest asset, so you should wear your sensitivity proudly. This gift has the potential to lead you to deep connections with others and with spirit – trust it.

People with soul urge number 3 are usually creatives – poets, actors, artists, entertainers, sculptors, etc. You have a vibrant energy that naturally draws others to you. 

Your creativity is a gateway to your spirituality and your connection with Source. Through your art, you are able to get to the depths of who you are. Often, you can get lost in the moment and distracted from the realities of life, so you may find it challenging to focus when you need to get more practical things done.

If you have soul urge number 4, you tend to be a person who gets much gratification from achieving your goals. You thrive in ordered, stable environments and can become completely overwhelmed by a sudden change of plans or chaotic environments. 

You are very disciplined and loyal and people often turn to you when they need support. Because you so love order and routine, you can sometimes stifle the more spontaneous people in your life.

If number 5 is your soul urge number, you have an insatiable zest for life that is contagious. This charisma naturally endears you to others and provides so many opportunities. 

You love to explore and are very adventurous. You most likely have a fear of getting too close to people, and this is what holds you back from forming deep connections. You are fearful that commitment will be dull and stifling to your spirit. Facing this fear will help you find your true purpose in life. 

Soul urge number 6 means you are a caring person who looks after others. You are fuelled by being of service to those close to you, and you need to be needed. Your soul purpose is centered around creating harmony in the world. 

You may find it difficult to reveal your true feelings out of fear that people will think you’re not “good,” and also because you base your worth on how you make others feel. If this gets out of control, you can lose your sense of self. People with this number are usually in careers that involve healing of some sort. 

Soul urge number 7s are truth seekers. You analyze everything deeply and your curious nature means that you never stop seeking and learning. You are on a soul mission to develop yourself in all ways – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually and until you do you won’t rest. 

This number is definitely the deepest out of all the soul urge numbers. You sometimes struggle to communicate your thoughts and you appreciate partners and friends who allow you freedom and independence. 

People with soul urge number 8 tend to gravitate towards accumulating material wealth. Your purpose is associated with gaining power within the physical world and, subsequently, you have a deep desire for success in all forms. 

What can be difficult is achieving this purpose while simultaneously maintaining sight of the bigger picture. It’s very easy to lose sight of what is real when you’re living in this world.

If you have soul urge number 9 you are an extremely generous person who is focussed on giving back to the community. You are intellectually gifted and these high-level abilities allow you to have a unique outlook on life. Your purpose on earth is to enhance the world for the greater good and you are profoundly conscious of the interconnectedness of life.

Sometimes, your selflessness can be detrimental because you can get so wrapped up in serving others that you completely forget about loving and serving yourself. Remember, you have to put on your own oxygen mask first. If you do this, you will have the potential to transform the world. 

Soul urge numbers


What is numerology? Birthday number

Your birthday number is important because it vibrates with a unique energy. Numerologists believe that there is no such thing as a coincidence and, therefore, the date you were born on is crucial because it ultimately determines your fate in life. 

Your birthday number is taken from the exact day you were born.

Your birthday number provides an outline of your temperament and character traits that you were born with. It also offers unique clues about your natural talents and Divine-given gifts. 

What is numerology? Personality number

The personality number is all about others’ perception of you and how you engage with the world. This number provides greater insight into your personality traits, right down to how you dress and talk. Your personality number reveals how you wish to be seen or how others see you, rather than how you see yourself. 

It is calculated by adding up the consonants in your full birth name. Be aware that when using numerology to determine your core numbers, you need to use your full name that you were given when you were born. You can’t use your married name or your nickname.

Your personality number is an excellent tool to offer you insight into how you are perceived by the world and, as a result, it allows you to develop and improve yourself.

What is numerology? Expression number

Your expression number is considered your destiny/fate number. This number carries the energy of your innermost desires and gifts. Sometimes we are born with gifts that we subconsciously choose not to manifest in this lifetime. This number can give you insight into what those gifts are. 

To determine what your expression number is, you need to convert your whole name, including your middle names, into numbers. 

Your expression number’s purpose is to remind you of your inner strength and to urge you to draw on that strength when challenges arise. It works in conjunction with your life path number to guide you in the right direction.


The master numbers

Master numbers are repeated numbers that are not reduced to a single digit and are considered to possess powerful energy. The master numbers in numerology are 11, 22, and 33. 

When master numbers appear they convey special messages because they have a deeper meaning than the other numbers, especially because they consist of the numbers 1, 2, and 3, which make up the triangle of enlightenment. In the triangle of enlightenment, the 11 represents vision, the 22 merges that vision with action, and the 33 is a symbol of guidance. 

The other numbers that repeat digits, such as 77, 66, etc., are known as power numbers, and while they are significant, they do not possess the same energetic power as the master numbers. 

When the master numbers appear in your numerology chart or via messages from your angels, they are often accompanied by an unsettling feeling that something needs to be done. This is the Universe’s way of urging you into taking action and changing your life for the better, regardless of how scary it may seem. 

Master number 11

Master number 11 represents the duality of life. It vibrates with the energy of both fear and faith, success and destruction. It’s altogether a number of great potential, as long as one’s fear is suppressed. Number 11 is also associated with psychic abilities, and it shows up when it’s time to enter a period of healing, whether it’s related to healing the self or others. 

This powerful number brings about intuitive gifts, spiritual enlightenment, and greater awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things. 

Master number 22

Master number 22 is known as the master builder number because it’s associated with turning your dreams into reality. It indicates a major turning point and when it shows up in your chart, it’s a powerful sign of success on the horizon. 

The energy associated with master number 22 is hard work and fulfilling one’s desires. This number has the power to transform your life with its industrious energy. 

Master number 33

Master number 33 is known as the “teacher” number because when it arrives in your life it means you are entering a new phase of learning and knowledge. It holds the most potential of all the master numbers to transform humanity because it’s concerned with service to others rather than focusing on the self alone. 

When number 33 comes into play, expect sincerity and devotion to become crucial aspects of your life and expect a period of great spiritual expansion. 


Conclusion

Numerology is a powerful tool that can transform your life for the better. 

Of course, as human beings, we have free will and, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you do and don’t accept into your life. But accepting Divine guidance and drawing on the support and insight that numerology provides can make a huge difference to your overall well-being and happiness.

Sometimes, we are so weighed down by our own opinions and beliefs that we fail to see the truth of a situation or identify what is no longer serving us in our lives. Numerology can open your eyes to things unseen and transform your life in magical ways. You simply need to be open and willing to accept these changes. 

You will be surprised at what transpires once you open your mind and your heart to the metaphysical, mystical elements of life.

Lisa is the founder of mindfulness and justice. She has practiced and studied numerology for the past 8 years and has now started to share her passion and knowledge.

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