Numerology, the mystical divination system involving numbers and numeric codes hidden in names and dates, uses key calculated values to provide personalized guidance and insights.
But how do you go about finding your own core numerology numbers?
This guide will walk through the basic techniques for deriving and interpreting the primary numbers from names and birthdates step-by-step.
Part 1 – Translating Letters to Numbers
The first essential step in calculating any numerology value is translating letters into numbers using one of the established numerology alphabets. There are some minor variations, but a standard option used is:
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
So for example, the name “Jane” would convert to:
J = 1 A = 1 N = 5 E = 5
Adding those together gives 1 + 1 + 5 + 5 = 12. We’ll reduce this further shortly.
Part 2 – Core Numbers from Names
Once name letters convert to numbers, there are core values derived from the name revealing personality insights and life path details:
Destiny Number
This pivotal number comes from adding up the full name at birth. It indicates life purpose and soul mission.
How to calculate: Add all letter values in first, middle and last name given at birth, reduce to single digit (except 11, 22, 33 master numbers).
Example: JANE SMITH J = 1 A = 1 N = 5 E = 5 S = 1 M = 4 I = 9 T = 2 H = 8 1 + 1 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 9 + 2 + 8 = 36, reduces to 9
Life Path Number
This number comes from full birth name and offers guidance on optimal life path.
How to calculate: Add all consonants in full name, reduce to single digit number.
Example: JANE SMITH J = 1 N = 5 S = 1 M = 4 T = 2 H = 8 1 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 8 = 21, reduces to 3
Soul Urge Number
Comes from vowels in name indicating inner needs and creativity.
How to calculate: Add just vowels in first, middle and last name given at birth.
Example: JANE SMITH A = 1 E = 5 I = 9 1 + 5 + 9 = 15, reduces to 6
There are other name numbers like Personality and Expression numbers that provide additional insights.
Part 3 – Core Numbers from Birthdate
Beyond name calculations, the date of birth itself reveals key numerology numbers:
Life Path Number
Considered the most significant overall number, it comes from full date of birth and indicates life journey.
How to calculate: Add day + month + year of birth, reduce to single digit (unless 11, 22, 33 master number).
Example: Born March 21, 1980 3 + 21 + 1980 = 2004, reduces to 2 + 0 + 0 + 4 = 6 Life Path Number is 6
Birth Day Number
Comes from just day of birth and has meanings related to solar energy.
How to calculate: Use single digit for day of month born.
Example: Born March 21 Birth Day Number is 2 + 1 = 3
Birth Month Number
Derived from month born related to monthly lunar energies and season.
How to calculate: Use single digit for month born.
Example: Born March 21 Birth Month Number is March, 3
There are additional numbers like Personal Year Cycles that provide further guidance on timing and cycles.
Part 4 – Missing Numbers and Master Numbers
Two other insights to look for in your charts:
Missing Numbers
Any numbers 1 through 9 missing from your name are “missing numbers” that indicate challenges or weaknesses related to those energies.
Master Numbers
If your name or birthdate number totals 11, 22 or 33, do not reduce further. Master Numbers have amplified power.
Part 5 – How to Interpret your Numbers
Once you’ve calculated your core numbers, how do you make sense of them?
- Each number has general meanings – 1 leadership, 2 partnerships, 3 creativity, 4 stability, 5 change, 6 community, 7 spirituality, 8 success, 9 completion.
- Combine standard meanings with numerology guides to interpret numbers in different contexts like name, birthdate and cycles.
- See how qualities and tendencies associated with your numbers feel subjectively true for your personality and life events.
- Identify periods and ages defined by your Life Path number and note related themes during those times.
- Notice synchronicities when daily events match up with meanings in your numbers.
- Synthesize multiple numbers holistically to unfold a guidance narrative rather than analyzing in isolation.
With practice, you can learn to extract personalized insight from your numerology numbers. Just maintain perspective and supplement with critical thinking for best results.
References
Hanson, R., & Morton, R. (2005). Numerology: Religious mysticism masquerading as science. In Philosophy of Science and the Occult (pp. 56-72). Prometheus Books.
Heitler, R. (2020). The Beginner’s Guide to Numerology. Hay House.
Myers, D. (2016). Intuitive Numerology. Hatherleigh Press.
Newberg, A., & Waldman, M. R. (2017). How Enlightenment Changes Your Brain: The New Science of Transformation. Penguin.
Phillips, T. (2022). Numerology 101: The basics of numerology explained. Keen. https://www.keen.com/articles/psychic/numerology-101-basics
Vyse, S. A. (2000). Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition. Oxford University Press.
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