Know It All: Numerology

Go Greek

Throughout time, civilizations (the Chinese, Hebrews, Egyptians, Mayans and so forth) have used number systems for the purpose of understanding life's mysteries. The system we recognize in the West is named after Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras and has evolved over many centuries.

Good Vibes

According to numerology, each number carries a unique vibration with associated characteristics, both positive and negative, attached to it. Simply put, numbers have their own personalities. While each number (1–9) has individual traits, they play off one another to tell a story and to offer insight into the bigger energies at play.

Chart Your Course

The science of numerology investigates numerical patterns as they appear in all areas of a person's life, including house and phone numbers, but your personal chart is primarily based on your birth date and the letters in your name. Numerology experts use people's personal charts to predict when it's the right time to get married, change careers, buy a house, have a baby and incur other life-changing events.

On the Path

Your life path number, derived using your full birth date, is considered the single most important number in your numerology chart. Indicating the opportunities, challenges and lessons you will encounter throughout your lifetime, your life path number also influences your overall personality and how you will respond to life's many ups and downs.

Calculate Your Life Path Number

Destiny Calling

The second most important number in your numerology chart is your expression or destiny number, which is comprised of all the letters in your full birth name. Dictating your attributes, strengths, weaknesses and natural abilities, your destiny number offers insight into what your life's aims or purpose is according to the opportunities at your disposal.

The Number 1

A born leader, the number 1 is independent, determined and aggressive. One is the primal force of the universe—the doer who plows through life's obstacles and makes things happen. Straightforward and self-assured, 1 doesn't shy away from confrontation, but runs the risk of becoming stubborn and arrogant.

The Number 2

Gentle, considerate and sensitive, 2 is considered the peacekeeper. Two is sophisticated, artistic, witty and graceful with a natural sense for music and rhythm. Drawn to the occult, the number 2 is observant and quite intuitive in regard to human nature. Number 2 is extremely emotional and can be quite demanding, even dependent, but is one of the most devoted of all the numbers.

The Number 3

The number 3 is a social, charismatic and adventurous vibration with a powerful need for self-expression. Playful and optimistic, 3 has a certain magnetism that attracts others—the number demands to be the center of attention. Three's challenge is to find deeper connections and meanings in life than superficial motives.

The Number 5

Smart and progressive, the 5 is an intellectual vibration that seeks variety. Fives value her freedom above all else and aren't afraid to take risks. Change is constant for the number. Unpredictable and noncommittal, 5 finds following through to be a big challenge.

The Number 6

Six is all about nurturing, healing, protecting and teaching. It's the caretaker number and has been nicknamed the motherhood number. With a strong sense of justice and a peaceful nature, 6 is the only number harmonious will all the other number personalities.

The Number 7

Seven is a spiritual vibration and is known as the seeker. Introspective, the number indicates a deep thinker who isn't concerned with superficial things like material possessions, small talk and gossip. Seven's intuition and imagination are beyond powerful, but the number has to be careful not to become too secluded in his mind.

The Number 8

Eight is authoritative, business-minded and success-oriented. The number has potential to be quite prosperous. A positive 8 is extremely generous with his money, while a negative 8 can turn greedy and dissatisfied. A realist, 8 also possess the powers of good judgment.