Numbers, in the art of Numerology, are much more than just Numbers; they are representatives of unique vibrational patterns – currents of universal life in which we all take part, and the qualities of cosmic energy that move them.
These spiritual forces that Numbers represent are synergistic; they are wholes, not an assemblage of parts. In ancient times, Numbers were perceived to be ideal or perfect forms, and everything we experience was seen as a mere approximation of the ideal.
These vibrational patterns are all around us, wherever we go, in our daily lives and in our dreams. Wherever we are, and in whatever we do, they stand out as omens of subtle spiritual forces at work – as synchronicities through which the universe speaks to us in response to our desires and our actions. Even changes in nature over which we have no control can be understood and given personal meaning through Numerological analysis
Numerology is the art of understanding the voice of the universe as it relates to you, and only you. Your Numerology chart is a consistent, dynamic and ongoing personal message that can help you navigate the mysterious sea of life.
Numbers can be used to describe everything from the DNA sequences that connect you to ancestors to your everyday circumstances. Many of these circumstances were set into motion long before you were born, or by people who have no direct relationship to you in the present.
In this way, Numbers act as clear and reliable indicators of the changes in both personal and universal patterns in the present and in the future.
Let’s take a very basic look at what these vibrational patterns can tell us about ourselves and the world around us.
1 – One is the beginning – the first number. Almost anyone will recognize 1 (it’s the same in classical Chinese, except that it’s written horizontally), even when the other numbers are written differently. It is said to be masculine in character, and holds within it the traditionally masculine traits, such as ambition, confidence and bravery, but there is no gender bias in numerology.
The willpower and desire to “come in first” often sends the person bearing an overabundance of 1 in their charts straight to the top, but sometimes causes them to dive into trouble. Usually, when they do end up with problems, they find it easier to start over from “square one” than to jump on to a “backup plan.” Strong motivation and goal orientation are the hallmarks of the typical “one” personality, but, when under stress, the “me first” attitude can emerge as arrogance or a lack of concern for others’ feelings.
The constant desire to move forward toward the new can cause problems in relationship if there are a large number of 1’s in the name and life-path. Think of how much “1” looks like an uppercase “I”, and while on one level it represents ego, on another it represents Innovation, Intention and Intuition.
Think of how enticing “one day only” sales are, or how it might feel to beat the odds when they are a million to one. When 1 is a dominant personal number in your chart, you’re not likely to slow down or let opportunity pass you by, and you won’t be held down for long.
2 – Without a doubt, Two is the most relationship-oriented number – it cannot stand alone. All pairs, deals and exchanges carry the vibration of 2 in some way or another. It’s the first even number; it defines the basic quality of all even numbers.
It also shows the pairing of opposites; for every front, there is a back, for every up there is a down, for every day there is a night (at least on our planet) – 2 is the essence of duality. Polarity is also part of the 2 vibrational matrix, which shows why partners may have difficulty staying on the same page.
Compromise is often a challenge for a person with multiple 2’s, despite it being at the root of their nature. Two also implies competition, conflict and negotiation, whether they involve business, philosophy or war. Luckily, 2’s usually see both sides of any issue, and tends toward being cooperative rather than domineering. When under stress, 2 can be indecisive and insecure, and prone to look to others for validation or support.
Sometimes 2’s are willing to play “second fiddle” in order to maintain the closeness and sharing that is vitally important to their nature. What are the first things you think of that come in pairs? Probably shoes, gloves, socks, glasses and the like – things that are usually close to you. Don’t forget – it takes two of almost every species to reproduce – “one-celled” animals reproduce by dividing in two.
3 – Often called the number of creativity and communication, Three is also the number of growth. It describes whatever comes from the combination of two other things; the baby brought forth from two parents, full of energy and possibility.
In some ways, it can be considered a number of luck, in that it can represent the factor that acts as a bond between cause and effect; it’s what makes a joke funny or a lecture interesting, because it gives depth, or a 3rd dimension, to experience.
The tripod was considered by the ancients to be the simplest stable form that people could create.
Past, present and future: birth, life and death: beginning, middle and end; these are but a few of the “trinities” that make the number 3 so important to hermetic and mystical philosophy. It is a busy energy; from the “on your mark, get set, go!” that begins a race, to the gold, silver and bronze medals at the end.
From the unceasing activity of a growing child to the “three times” a charm” reminder of luck, it almost always represents motion, social activity, and creative ways of enhancing life and experience.
People dominated by 3 are almost always on the go, and they need this high level of activity to coordinate body, mind and spirit into a cohesive whole. 3’s, more than any other type, tend to put too many irons in the fire, or be a little too adventurous to settle down. If the energy of “3” can be focused into one thing, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
4 – Four is the number of foundations and stability. In general numerology, 4 represents buildings, doorways, and the earth itself; things that are solid and not prone to change easily. You won’t get far with square wheels on a vehicle, and common sense prevents you from trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It’s the very essence of form and durability; a cornerstone is marked to show just that. A person who is dominant in the number 4 is usually noted for reliability, practicality and groundedness.
It’s not easy for a typical 4 person to go off on a tangent; they are usually down-to-earth people who are both loyal and protective. Nevertheless, the 4 finds it easy to get stuck in a rut; boredom and procrastination are their worst enemies. We humans tend to use four footed animals as “beasts of burden”, and, in a similar fashion, 4’s are often expected to take on the burdens of others.
Think of things like the four seasons and directions, and even the four elements – they make up the structure of our experience, and represent our core issues. Although 4’s can tend toward perfectionism, they can take control in a cooperative and non-aggressive way, and get the job done. 4’s are usually averse to sudden changes, and when they make up their minds to change, they expect it to be for keeps. In the end, we find that we, as a whole, depend on 4 more than any other number.
5 – The essence of Five is often hard to grasp. It is the number of freedom in all its forms, but sometimes tends toward rebelliousness. When a person is dominated by 5’s in their chart, they find routine difficult to adhere to, and when a lot of “5 energy” comes from the environment, it’s hard to keep up with the sudden and unexpected changes through which it manifests. Some people say that it’s the number of humanity, because of the head and the four appendages, the 5 senses and so forth, but remember, we’re just not counting!
Any Yogi will tell you that it’s the five senses that draw the mind away from its natural state; this inner restlessness is typical of this vibrational pattern, which usually brings an overwhelming desire for stimulation. At the same time, 5 is at the center of the digits, or single numbers, and many of those who have an overabundance of this energy end up in administrative or coordinating positions.
This vibration is known for its ability to communicate creatively (sometimes too creatively), and sometimes this talent is put to use for immediate satisfaction, rather than to accomplish long-term goals. Yet no one is better at keeping to their center in the face of change.
Personalities with an overabundance of 5 energy are usually hard to get a handle on, but you can be sure that there is a freedom-loving, adrenaline-driven soul underneath that confusing exterior. This is the vibration that thrives on change, and when it can’t find it, it will create it.
6 – Six is often called “the love number”, but make no mistake, it’s not because it sounds so much like “sex.” It’s the number of home and family, where such things as acceptance and trust aren’t an issue; it’s the relationships that you can depend on – it’s the place or person you can always come back to. 6 is the most domestic number, and represents nurturing, caring, protection and peace-keeping. It is more concerned with security and comfort than any of the other numbers, but produces loveable, sensitive yet reliable people.
Sometimes it may be hard for someone born into a lot of 6 energies to restrain themselves from trying to “fix” others, but when on a creative path, this need is usually taken care of in ways that everyone enjoys. Under stress, this vibrational pattern tends to self-righteousness and insecurity, but it usually takes a major betrayal to bring that side of its nature to the foreground.
People with strong 6 elements in their charts may be best at understanding why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. When their help is denied, they can become controlling, forcing others to live up to their expectations; as in “it’s for your own good.” The tricky thing about this vibrational pattern is that they usually do have the best interests of all at heart, and may be a little blind when it comes to the collateral damage that’s done in the name of love and loyalty. People with 6 dominant tend to rise easily in professional life because of their good natures, loyalty and reliability.
7 – Seven may be the most mentally oriented number. It has to do with planning, intellect and ideas; it’s about the utilization of thought, but not just in a logical and systematic way. The goal of the 7 vibrational pattern is to move from rational decision-making to intuition and wisdom. It represents that which is hidden, within nature, philosophy or paranormal phenomena.
On one side of 7, we find the scientific method of theory and proof, while on the other side the metaphysical method of experience and faith. Most people with strong 7 qualities are usually one type or the other, and their innate challenge is to embrace the opposite type, so they can experience life at its fullest.
The materialistic 7 is often a perfectionist, always seeking the right answer. The spiritual 7 usually finds it hard to keep their feet on the ground and move forward in a practical way. It is a vibration that tends toward industriousness and self-control, but when under stress, a 7 person can become judgmental, withdrawn and emotionally distant. Some go as far as to ignore their emotions, but almost all try to do the “right” thing.
Imagination and creativity are not uncommon among 7 types, but they usually face trust issues. 7 is the number of miracles and disasters, of the supernatural and the logical; it’s the colors of the spectrum and 7 seas. Once the powerful intuition of the 7 vibration is opened, those who work with it find answers before others know there are questions.
8 – In almost all systems of Numerology, Eight is the number of “the boss.” Being the most materialistic and cause-and-effect oriented number, people with a prominent 8 vibration like to keep things running in a dependable, systematic, predictable way. In large organizations, 8’s will seldom be seen at the bottom of the career ladder, because they find out how to act in an organized fashion, and make sure they get credit for it. 8 people are not fond of surprises, criticism, or of “making nice” with others; they tend to be ambitious and focus on the bottom line.
The major difficulties people with dominant 8’s face have to do with control issues; they often take on more than they should simply because they want to make sure things are done the right way. Although the 8 vibrational pattern is usually materialistic in orientation, it tends to be rational and adverse to risk. You’ll seldom find an 8 dependent on luck or waiting for a miracle. At the same time, much of the ambition of the 8 personality is driven by a fear of failure, poverty or the loss of control, which they usually view them as being the same thing.
Often 8’s feel misunderstood and alone, and it’s not uncommon to find the 8 vibration in the midst of great suffering or sorrows. The most important lesson for people born under 8 is to learn how to turn their tremendous personal power into channels that benefit humanity, because when it is focused solely on personal gain, it eventually produces personally devastating results.
9 – Nine is the last of the single digit numbers, and represents the end of a cycle that must happen so that a new one can begin. People born with powerful or multiple 9 influences are almost always in the process of releasing and letting go, and when they aren’t, it’s because they are moving on. 9 is considered to be a magical number, because the sum of the digits of any multiple of 9 is nine, and a spiritual number, because it’s the highest vibration that can be reached before the master numbers begin their expression.
9 is also said to be a universal number that encompasses all the lessons and challenges of the numbers 1 through 8. 9 people are known to be compassionate, creative, intuitive and spiritual, but they tend to think in terms of universal love rather than romantic love. Their interests change often, which can be confusing to their partners.
People with this vibrational pattern usually experience some difficult lessons during life; sometimes their sympathetic natures lead them into situations in which their trust in others is severely compromised.
Nevertheless, it is very rare to experience fits of temper or anger from a 9, because they tend to be rather patient. 9’s are seldom concerned with material success. They tend to believe in the “do what you love and the money will follow” philosophy, and aren’t always the most financially stable people, unless they are literally doing what they love. It is a powerfully creative number, and traditionally has to do with travel and other experiences that expand one’s horizons.
The numbers from One to Nine are sometimes called the “Fadic” numbers, or fate numbers, and are the basis of most numerological analysis. The next key numbers are those in which digits are doubled, usually known as Master Numbers. Some people carry them up through 99, but most consider 11 and 22 to be the most important of them, because all odd doubled numbers arithmantically resolve to 11, while all even doubled numbers resolve to 22.
11 – Eleven should be counted as an important number, but only if one of the name numbers, or your total birthdate number (some call this the Life-Path Number, some call this the Destiny Number) reduces to 11. In other words, if you were born on, say, September 11 of 1972, then the total would come to 20 + 9 = 2+9 = 11. This should not be reduced to 2, but should be written as 11/2 in order for the 11 to be recognized.
The same thing holds true as far as total name number, or expression is concerned. 11 is the number of inspiration, and signifies those who think in an unusual or unique way, such as a philosopher, an innovative doctor, a researcher, a motivational speaker, or for that matter, a storyteller or dreamer.
When the quality of the 11 is developed and cultivated, it can attract extraordinary attention from the community, or, for that matter, the world.
People born with a dominant 11 influence are generally friendly and genuine. Even if they are a bit mysterious, there is an unmistakable charisma about them. They often have unusual pursuits, and are very adaptable and creative; many show-business personalities, healers and counselors have a prominent Master Number in their charts. Under stress, the 11 resolves to the basic characteristics of the 2 vibration, which is good; the powerful vibration of 11 cannot be sustained for long. This also helps people under 11 find loyal friends and supporters easily, and helps them cooperate and compromise with others.
It does have a challenging side, in that it can be the “sheep’s clothing” the wolf wears. While all the numbered vibrational patterns have this characteristic, it is more pronounced among the Master Numbers, because just as “every front has a back”, the bigger the front, the bigger the back. Outside of resolving to 2, 11 is also a pair of 1’s, essentially doubling the 1 vibration, which may explain the innovative, forward-thinking and inspiring power of this fascinating number.
22 – The “Master Builder” is the common nickname for the Master Number Twenty-Two. While the 11 is the idealist and dreamer, the 22 is all about practical action, and the ability to bring these dreams down to earth. It is difficult for a person born under 22 to direct their energies into things that are not imminently practical, for they are result-oriented, and sincerely want to improve the lives of others. Many people in show business have this Master Number prominent in their charts, and affect many people through both their on-stage and off-stage activities. Some experienced Numerologists say the purpose of this vibration is to expand awareness on a collective level. 22 usually doesn’t focus on how something gets done, as long as it gets done, and, for the most part, the material trappings of success don’t mean much to people whose lives are dominated by this number. Although generally cheerful and open-minded, 22 people can “cross the line” when making an effort to achieve their goals, ignoring “collateral damage” or the feelings of others. The most difficult types of individuals that vibrate to this pattern are those who believe that the laws and rules of society, written and unwritten, don’t apply to them. It takes a lot to throw the 22 off balance (remember, it resolves to the immovable 4), but when extreme circumstances present themselves, 22 is the sign of the extreme measures that are required to set things “right.” The 4 “base note” shows the steadfastness and reliability of this vibrational type, and how, when they are limited or restricted in some way, they tend to boredom and frustration. But 4 is also the foundation number of human experience, and people born with a 22/4 in their charts can be the rock upon which great changes in the human sphere can be wrought.
This Master Number, like 11, is not attached to any letter of the alphabet. 22 is also a “Pair of 2’s”, and the typical 22 approaches relationships as intensely as they approach anything else in life, explaining why they often have difficulty in this area. When 22 is prominent, success comes through actions that benefit the community or humanity in general, not from seeking self-enrichment.
There are many other types of Numbers that “stand out” in certain practices, such as compound and “Karmic” Numbers. Studies involving them are more advanced topics and will be the subject of articles and talks in the future.
For now, it’s important to remember that single digit Numbers are the foundation of all schools of Numerology, and what’s even more important is to remember that they are more than just numbers!
