Numerology, the study of the supernatural relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things, has long been viewed as a pseudoscience by many in the scientific community.
However, recent research has uncovered some interesting connections between numbers and science that suggest there may be more to numerology than mere superstition. In this post, we’ll explore some of the scientific principles and studies that support certain aspects of numerology.
Mathematical Patterns in Nature
One of the main principles of numerology is that numbers have specific vibrations and meanings. While this idea may seem unscientific at first glance, there are some interesting mathematical patterns found throughout nature that suggest numbers do have an innate relationship to physical forms.
The Fibonacci Sequence
The most well-known example is the Fibonacci sequence – 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc. This sequence of numbers begins with 0 and 1 and increases such that each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. This sequence has been observed countless times in the natural world.
The number of petals on a flower, the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the spiral of a seashell – all follow the Fibonacci sequence. This consistent pattern across biology suggests an intrinsic relationship between this numeric sequence and the physical growth patterns of living things.
Golden Ratio
Beyond the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio, approximately 1.618, also pops up repeatedly in nature. The golden ratio is found in plant growth and seed patterns, animal body dimensions, even galaxy formations. The common emergence of this ratio across very different natural objects and systems again implies some deeper connection between numbers and the natural world.
Brain Wave Frequencies
Another area of scientific research that points to a potential numerology link is the discovery that our brain waves vibrate at different frequencies depending on our mental state.Beta waves vibrate between 14 and 30 Hz when we are alert and focused. Alpha waves from 9 to 13 Hz occur when we are in a relaxed state. Theta waves (4 to 8 Hz) are present during meditation or dreaming sleep. Delta waves (.5 to 3 Hz) are slowest and happen when we are in deep, dreamless sleep.
Not only do these specific frequency ranges correlate with different mental states, but studies have shown that inducing brain waves at these frequencies through audio pulses or other methods can actually impact mood and cognition. This demonstrates a clear relationship between mental processes and specific numeric frequencies. Though we have more to learn, this phenomenon does lend some credibility to the numerological idea that numbers have innate energetic properties that can influence physical objects or living things.
Additional Research Areas
While the mathematical patterns in nature and brain wave frequencies represent more concrete scientific connections, researchers are also exploring other areas that may uncover additional numerology insights, such as:
- How numbers are cognitively processed in the brain compared to other symbols
- Associations between specific numbers and colors/shapes
- Cultural references and meanings assigned to different numbers
- The impact of numbers on human psychology and performance
Much more research is needed to determine if there are definitive scientific underpinnings to numerology doctrines. But the patterns observed thus far do suggest we may be discounting numerology too quickly when in fact there are some intriguing intersections between numerology principles and modern science.
References:
Smithsonian Magazine, “The Fibonacci Sequence is Nature’s Code” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-fibonacci-sequence-is-natures-code-4972428/
Frontiers in Physiology, “Golden Ratio” https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphy.2018.00155/full
NIH, “Brainwaves” https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neuro/conditioninfo/brainwaves
APS Physics, “Periodic Properties” https://www.apsphysics.org/forms/uploadFiles/48_Periodic_Table_Booklet.pdf
Conclusion
While numerology has been viewed skeptically by many modern scientists, emerging research suggests there may be measurable scientific connections to some of the central tenets of numerology.
The consistent mathematical patterns across nature, correlations between mental states and brain wave frequencies, and additional areas warranting further study point to numerology deserving more objective analysis within the scientific community. With an open yet skeptical mindset, scientists should continue exploring where the seeming pseudoscience of numerology and the concrete principles of science overlap.
Hi there, I’m Mallory Miller, a proud Florida woman living and loving life in the Sunshine State with my husband of 50 years, Mike. I spent my career in journalism and public relations, uncovering stories and promoting causes close to my heart. Now, I’ve redirected my energy towards our joint venture: a website where we share our candid experiences and insights on the triumphs and challenges of senior living.
I believe in authenticity and strive to bring this to our audience through our site. The golden years should be just that – golden, and I’m committed to shedding light on the reality of it all: the beautiful, the difficult, and everything in between. From Jacksonville, where I was born and raised, to Sarasota, where we now reside, I aim to bring a slice of Florida and its vibrant senior life to our readers across the globe.