Numerology: The Meaning and Why It's Important For You

 

Numbers are involved in everything we do, whether we recognize them or not. In fact, there are plenty of people who believe that every single number has a meaning behind it, and figuring out how to calculate them can give you a lot of insight into yourself, those around you, and where your future might lead. Birthdate Co. has a primer on everything numerology, including how you can figure out your own numbers and what exactly that means for you.

 

What Is Numerology?

Ok, we know that numerology has to do with numbers, but what exactly does that mean? We all made it through basic math, and some of us even took secondary classes, but is that related? Actually, yes! 

While the field of mathematics works with the numbers themselves without assigning them any emotional value, numerology actually comes from one of the people credited with founding an important mathematical theory, the Pythagorean Theorem. Without Pythagoras, a philosopher and mathematician from Greece circa 570 BC, we literally would not have numerology as we know it. 

 

Your Life Path Number

The first number that we’ll focus on is your life path number. This number really is central to the entire theory of numerology, and it is similar to how most people view their sun sign. Also, much like your sun sign, all you need to calculate it is your birthday. 

To arrive at this number, you need to reduce the numbers in your birthday until you reach a single number. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, we promise. 

We’ll use the example of someone who was born on 6/14/1995. 

• Start with your month - 6. This is a single digit, so you don’t need to do anything more with it. 
• Let’s move on to the day of your birth - 14. To reduce this to a single digit, just add the 1 and the 4 together, which equals 5. 
• You’re now ready to move on to the last number you need - the year. Add each of the 4 digits of the year together as well - 1 + 9 + 9 + 5, which equals 24. 
• Because this isn’t a single digit yet, you’ll add it together one more time. 2 + 4 = 6, and you’re done with that calculation! 
• Now that each of these three numbers has been reduced to a single digit, the final step in calculating your life path number is to add them all together. 6 (from your month) + 5 (from your day) + 6 (from your year) = 17. 
• Just one more calculation, and you’re done! 1 + 7 = 8. And there you have it! 8 is your life path number.

The only exception to adding your birthday down to single digits is if you arrive at a “master number.” Master numbers are single digits that are doubled, like 11, 22, and 33. In this case, you wouldn’t add them any further, and that would be your life path number. 

There is so much that your life path number can tell you. It hints at your greater purpose in life and the hurdles you may have to overcome to get there. It can also point to your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any innate talents you may have. For a deeper dive into numerology, check out The Birthdate Book. This unique, beautiful book includes your natal chart and over 70 pages of horoscope analysis, totally personalized to you. 

 

Your Destiny Number

It’s not only your birthday that can give you insight into your life path; your name can also be reduced to a number. Sounds a little odd, right? Let’s break it down. This too circles back around to Pythagoras, who assigned each letter a numerical value. 

• A, J, S = 1
• B, K, T = 2
• C, L, U = 3
• D, M, V = 4
• E, N, W = 5
• F, O, X = 6
• G, P, Y = 7
• H, Q, Z = 8
• I, R = 9

Armed with that information, you can start to calculate your destiny number. It’s best to use your first, middle, and last names when calculating it, as it can give you the most precise indication of your personality and potential future. Let’s look at another example.

Say we’re trying to calculate the destiny number of Mary Lou Smith. If each number was matched up with its corresponding value, Mary would be 4 + 1 + 9 + 7 (which equals 21, which reduces further to 3), Lou would be 3 + 6 + 3 (which equals 12, which also reduces further to 3), and Smith would be 1 + 4 + 9 + 2 + 8 (which equals 24, which reduces further to 6). Simply add those three numbers together 3 + 3 + 6 to get 12, which is reduced a single time to 3. 

Your destiny number represents how you can achieve the goals identified by your life path number. The two really are directly linked.

 

The Meaning of Each Number

Once you have both your life path number and your destiny number, you can learn a lot about yourself and what makes you tick. 

 

One:

The number One is where we start counting, which also says a lot about what this number represents. While most people find it difficult to start things, those with a life path or destiny number of One tend to love action and new projects. Ones are leaders and pioneers, and they can also be lone wolves. Being a One is a delicate balance between working hard to achieve your goals and getting so single-mindedly focused on success that isolates you from the people around you. 

 

Two:

Two is the first even number, and it often relates to harmony and balance for that reason. People who have a life path or destiny number of Two are natural mediators, as their desire to find balance internally extends to helping other people do that as well. Twos are also acutely aware of the emotional temperature of the room, noticing even the most subtle shifts in mood. That can lead to being more sensitive than other numbers on the list, which increases the likelihood that your feelings will be hurt if you care too much about what other people think.

 

Three:

If you’re a Three, you probably love to talk. Communication is a key quality of the Three, which is often expressed through some form of creativity like writing, painting, etc. Unfortunately, just like a lot of artists, Threes also tend to be more on the moody side of life, going so far as to withdraw totally in situations that become too much for them. Mindfulness can help.

 

Four:

Life or destiny numbers of Four are rooted very firmly in reality. They like to build their lives on solid, immovable ground and are hard-working and responsible. That responsibility and focus only on reality can lead to rigidity, though, and an inability to relax and have fun.

 

Five:

Fives are the free spirits of the numerology world. They value freedom, adventure, and new experiences. They are described as vibrant and full of energy. However, this playful, impulsive spirit can also lead to difficulty focusing on day-to-day responsibilities. 

 

Six:

Sixes are natural-born nurturers. They are empathetic and supportive, sometimes to a fault. They also are big into finding balance in any situation, but can lose themselves in giving out that care. Sixes are tender, soft, and warm, and are exactly the person you want to go to if you have any problems you need to talk through. 

 

Seven:

People with a life or destiny number of Seven are born investigators. They also seem to have an innate sense of what’s going on in any given situation, and are great at really getting to the heart of the matter. Unfortunately, this can also lead to quick, snap judgments that aren’t necessarily fueled by the whole truth.

 

Eight:

Eights are tied very closely with the material things in life. They are driven to seek out success and they will work hard to keep it. Many bosses and leaders are Eights, and people are naturally attracted to their leadership style. Be careful, though, as this can lead to being a workaholic.

 

Nine:

Other than the master numbers, Nine is where the life and destiny numbers end. Where Ones represent new beginnings, Nines are the result of lifetimes of knowledge. Many Nines are considered to be old souls, and can often see the bigger picture more quickly than others. Because of this, they also tend to live with their heads in the clouds and need to be reminded to live in reality a little more. 

 

To Wrap Up

Numerology isn’t as well known as astrology for helping you better understand yourself or others, but it is just as (if not more!) useful. Learning both your life path and destiny numbers can give you a huge insight into who you are and where you’re going, which can also help you better relate to the people around you and reach your goals and dreams. 

Birthdate Co. has all the information you need to not only find these numbers but also celebrate them the way we all deserve to be celebrated. Our Birthdate Candles come with a numerology reading, and the Birthdate Book takes that to the next level. 

 

 

Sources:

Pythagorean Theorem | NASA

Starting Is Always Scary. Swallow Hard And Start Anyway. It's The Only Way You'll Succeed | Forbes

Numerology 101: How to Calculate Life Path & Destiny | Allure