Numerology: History, Origins, & More (2024)

Numerology: History, Origins, & More (1)

Numbers hold value, both numerical and spiritual. Numerology, in its simplest terms, is the relationship between a number and its mystical nature on both an individual and worldly level. Numerology is also the study of the numerical value of the alphabet.

History of Numerology

While the actual word numerology wasn't recorded in English until 1907, numerological ideas have been around for centuries. Some of the earliest records of numerology appeared in ancient Egypt and Babylon along with China, Rome, Japan, and Greece. However, it was the Greek philosopher Pythagoras who became the father of numerology.

Pythagoras was hailed in his day for being a brilliant philosopher and mathematician. While much of Pythagoras' life is shrouded in mystery, his fascination with numbers is well-documented; the passion led him to travel to Egypt to study Chaldean numerology for twenty-two years. Pythagoras believed that the world was built on the power of numbers and that everything and anything could be translated to numerical form, usually in single digits. The idea of assigning letters numerical values is known as the Pythagorean Number System and is used in modern numerology.

The significances of numbers can also be seen in religion: 666 is associated with the beast, 888 is said to represent Jesus, and then there's the Holy Trinity. Hanukkah lasts for eight nights. In Tarot, each card is numbered, and those numbers have unique meanings. In Chinese tradition, the number four is associated with bad luck.

We still use this system of numerology in an attempt to discover the hidden meanings of the world some even use it to play the stock market. However, most employ numerology similarly to astrology for self-discovery and prediction.

What is a Numerology Portrait?

Similar to an astrological natal chart, a numerology portrait is your personalized guide to life. It reveals your strengths, weaknesses, and who you could become. Think of it as a mystic cheat-sheet. Unlike a natal chart, which uses the exact time, place, and day of birth to accurately calculate your portrait, numerology skews a bit more simple. A numerology portrait—also known as numerology chart—consists of only six numbers: three numbers calculated from your actual date of birth (your birth number, life path number, and attitude number), and three numbers pulled from the letters of your name (your soul's urge, personality number, and power number).

While each of these numbers and positions has special meanings, the most important number in your portrait will be your life path number. To calculate your life path number, add every single number of your birthday—day, month, and year of birth—into a single digit. This number is important because it describes the path you must take in order to find fulfillment in life. It describes who you are at your core, and who you might become if you live your full potential—similar to your sun sign in astrology.

There are six important numbers in your numerology portrait or numerology chart. They are your:

  1. SOUL'S URGE Inner desires, what makes your soul happy.
  2. PERSONALITY NUMBER The aspects of your character that you show to others.
  3. POWER NUMBER The strengths of your character.
  4. BIRTHDAY NUMBER How others see you at first glance.
  5. LIFE PATH NUMBER The path you must take in life; your identity and the core of who you are.
  6. ATTITUDE NUMBER Attitude toward life.

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As an example, let's say we wanted to do the numerology chart of Frida Kahlo by using her name and birthday:

Frida Kahlo

7/6/1907

  1. SOUL'S URGE

    To get her soul's urge, we would add up all the vowels of her name (read more about we turn letters into numbers in name numerology). Iaao would equal to 9+1+1+6=17, 1+7=8. Frida's soul number is 8.

  2. PERSONALITY NUMBER

    To get her personality number, we would add up all the consonants in her name. Frdkhl would equal 6+9+4+2+8+3=32, 3+2=5. Frida's personality number is 5.

  3. POWER NUMBER

    To get her power number, we would add her soul urge and personality number. 8+5=13, 1+3=4. Frida's power number is 4.

  4. BIRTHDAY NUMBER

    To get her birthday number, we would look at the day Frida was born, July 6, so Frida's birthday number would be 6.

  5. PATH NUMBER

    To get her life path number, we would add her whole birthday up. July 6, 1907 would be 7+6+1+9+0+7=30, 3+0=3, Frida's life path number is 3.

  6. ATTITUDE NUMBER

    To get her attitude number, we would add up her birthday month and day. Frida was born on July 6, 7+6=13, 1+3=4. Frida's attitude number is 4.

Overall, Frida Kahlo's numerology portrait is: 85463/4.

So, What Kind of Math Am I Doing?

Despite all this talk of numbers and Pythagoras, numerology is fairly simple. In fact, all of the math required can be done on a calculator—or even using your fingers. Modern numerology uses natural, or fadic, addition to calculate numbers; this means that all values will be added until a single number is reached. For example, if the numbers of your birth date add up to 36, the next step is to add 3 and 6 together, for a total of 9. That would be your number.

Here is a quick guide of the energies associated with your core numbers one through nine:

  1. Leadership, innovation, independence.
  2. Sensitivity, cooperation, balance.
  3. Sharm, optimism, self-expression.
  4. Organization, honesty, hard work.
  5. Adventure, change, freedom.
  6. Responsibility, harmony, the "parent" figure.
  7. Learning, observation, introverted.
  8. Success, authority, strength.
  9. Idealism, compassion, healing.

There are also master numbers—11, 22, 33—that show up in life path numbers, but we'll get to those later. If you come across a master number in any position that is not the life path number, reduce it down to a single number—but keep in mind you that you'll feel a powerful vibration of that number in whatever position it's in.

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Numerology: History, Origins, & More (2024)

FAQs

Where did numerology originate? ›

“We can trace western numerology back to Pythagoras (570–490 BCE), Chaldean numerology back to the Chaldeans and Babylonians (2300-900BCE), and Indian numerology back to some of the oldest Vedas (1500–1200 BCE),” says Wilder. It is, however, commonly thought that Pythagoras developed a more cohesive system.

Which is the most accurate numerology? ›

After thousands of readings for people, I was convinced by their overwhelming positive feedback that Vedic Numerology and Astrology are incredibly accurate at helping understand themselves and their life circ*mstances. They are also efficient tools for changing your life for the better.

Who invented the numerology? ›

Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, is often credited with modern numerology, as he developed theories that took numbers to a new level. But it was Dr. Julian Stenton who coined the term 'Numerology' and brought it to the forefront in the modern era.

Is numerology scientifically proven? ›

Scientific theories are sometimes labeled "numerology" if their primary inspiration appears to be a set of patterns rather than scientific observations. This colloquial use of the term is quite common within the scientific community and it is mostly used to dismiss a theory as questionable science.

Does the Bible speak about numerology? ›

The Bible does contain significant numerical symbolism, often seen as divine or symbolic representations rather than traditional numerology. Numbers like 7, 12, and 40 carry symbolic meaning throughout biblical narratives.

What religion does numerology come from? ›

From Hinduism to Christianity, the veneration of numbers is a common theme in religions, and specific numbers seem to hold deeper meaning. But because it's not an exact science, numerology is a field of study in which spiritual knowledge often gets muddled with myth and half-baked truths—much to Siegel's chagrin.

Which number is more powerful in numerology? ›

The most powerful number of all, 22 is often found in the charts of people who are doers, leaders, and visionary builders. These are individuals who are capable of turning wild dreams into solid accomplishments – blessed with the intuition of the number 11 but possessing a more disciplined approach to action.

Which number is the luckiest in numerology? ›

Lucky numbers are 1, 3, 5 and 7. Unlucky numbers are 8 (8, 17, 26), 6 (6, 15, 24), 4 (4, 13, 22) and 9 (9, 18, 27). Days which are consider unlucky are Saturday, Friday, and Tuesday.

Who are No 1 people in numerology? ›

Numerology Number 1. Numerology Number 1 is ruled by planet Sun, making people with this life path number very powerful, hardworking, and self-dependent. They are also natural leaders who have good controlling abilities and are very creative. However, they can be egoistic, dominating, and stubborn at times.

What is the number for Jesus? ›

In some Christian numerology, the number 888 represents Jesus, or sometimes more specifically Christ the Redeemer. This representation may be justified either through gematria, by counting the letter values of the Greek transliteration of Jesus' name, or as an opposing value to 666, the number of the beast.

Who is the master of numerology? ›

The digits 11, 22, and 33 are the master numbers. They're called master numbers because scientists feel they're more powerful than other numbers because they're paired together. Anyone with a master number is more likely to have heightened intuition, potential, or intelligence.

Who is the father of all numbers? ›

An Indian mathematician Aryabhatta is the father of the number system.

Is numerology a form of divination? ›

numerology, use of numbers to interpret a person's character or to divine the future. The theory behind numerology is based on the Pythagorean idea that all things can be expressed in numerical terms because they are ultimately reducible to numbers.

Does Islam believe in numerology? ›

Numerology is an element of Ismailis belief; the idea that numbers have religious meanings.

What is my angel number? ›

Just add up the numbers in your birthdate, month, and year. If you get a big number, add those numbers together until you have a single number. For example, if you're born on March 7th, 1997, add 0 + 3 + 0 + 7 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 7, which is 36. Then, add 3 + 6 to get 9.

Did Egyptians believe in numerology? ›

number mysticism is Egyptian in origin (if not older still) and corresponds to the underlying philosophy behind all the arts and sciences of Egypt. In effect, what Pythagoras did was to un-dramatize myth—a strategy that had the advantage of talking directly to those capable of thinking along these lines.

Where did numbers come from originally? ›

The earliest known unambiguous notations for numbers emerged in Mesopotamia about 5000 or 6000 years ago.

Is numerology based on astrology? ›

Numerology is an awesome companion to astrology — it helps clarify the sign by providing additional nuance. The numerology most frequently practiced today is based on the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagoras.

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