Introduction

Numerology is the ancient study of the of the deeper meanings of numbers. More than just their numerical value, numbers have more profound symbolism that early man began to understand through living in this world and observing nature. Many of the archetypal patterns associated with the various numbers are somewhat easy to figure out. For instance, the number 1 has to do with the singularity of the individual. It is all about the ego and the "me" in life. "One is the loneliest number" and all that. The 2 was probably seen as the relationship between man and women and tied in with the family and home. In ancient Hebrew the number 2 and the second letter Bet were even shaped like a house.

The systems of numerology used today in the West were developed in the Middle East and used by the Chaldeans, the Babylonians, the Semitic tribes and eventually the Greeks.  When the alphabet was invented, numerical values were attached to the letters. The great mathematician, Pythagoras, was said to have made a study of numbers by changing his name (to a different numerical value) and traveling about to see what the influence would be and how it affected him. Whether that's true or not, who knows, but one of the most popular forms of numerology is called Pythagorean. Numerology teaches that when you change your name, you do change your numbers and therefore modify your personality.

Everything Is Ruled By Astrology

Numerology is based on the numbers 1 through 9 which relate directly to a planet in astrology. In astrology everything in our life falls under the "rulership" of one (or more ) of the planets. This means there are 9 basic energies in numerology - each "ruled" by one or more of the astrological planets. Anytime a number is important in your life (for instance: birth date, license plate number, street address, etc.), the planetary energy associated with that number will play a major part in the "life" of that experience. For example, if you moved into an apartment number 5, you would notice things involving your life in that apartment would begin to take on a Mercury ruled 5 flavor. You would be more involved with neighbors, siblings, communication, education and transportation while you lived there. If you then moved into a Jupiter ruled 3 house address, you may feel like you have more room, more freedom, a desire to expand on some level, a love of nature and the outdoors, more involvement with religion, philosophy, in-laws and foreign people and places. This is the basic difference between Jupiter (3) and Mercury (5) symbolism.

Next rule - Multiple digit numbers

When you have a multiple digit number, you "add down" until you get a single digit "base" number. Using the previous example, say the apartment you moved into was number 2570 Gemini Lane.

You would add: 2+5+7+0 = 14.

Then you would add 1+4 = 5.

The house address may have been 9849 Sagittarian Road.

You would add 9+8+4+9 = 30

Then add 3+0 = 3.

What numbers to use?

You might say, "Phil, what if my address is 2824 East 16th street Apt 332? What numbers do I use?"

The 2824 (Neptune ruled 7) relates to everyone in that building.

The East 16th street (Neptune ruled 7) relates to the basic attitude/experiences of everyone on that street.

332 (Saturn ruled 8) is particular to your personal experiences in that apartment.

What's in my future?

To me, one of the most interesting uses of numerology is finding out what planetary/numerological influence is affecting the current year, the current month and the current day.

To find out what Personal Year you are in, add your birth month to your birth day to the current year.

For example, if you were born on June 26 and you wanted to know what kind of Personal Year 2005 was for you:

Add 6 (for June) + 8 (2+6) + 7 (2+0+0+5) = 21 = 3

Your Personal Year would be Jupiter ruled 3. Therefore if you were born on June 26, then 2005 would be a year for expansion, travel, freedom, publishing, religion and in-laws. These are the areas of your life that will need attention this year and should be invested in on some level.

To find out what Personal Month you are in, add the current month to the Personal Year.

Using the same example, if you want to find out what kind of month August of 2005 would be:

Add 8 (August) + 3 (Personal Year) = 11 = 2.

Your Personal Month would be a Moon ruled 2. If you were born on June 26, August would be a month to focus on your domestic life, your partner, home, family, security issues.

To find out what Personal Day you are in, add the current day to your Personal Month.

Using the same example, if you want to find out what August 31 of 2005 would be:

Add the current day  4 (3+1) + 2 (Personal Month) = 6

Your Personal Day would be a Venus ruled 6. This would be a good day to focus on balance, relationships, love, beauty, money, food and possessions.

If the explanation above was too complicated, here's a shortcut to find out your Personal Year in 2011.

If your birth month added to your birth day equals:

1 then 2011 is a 5 year for you.

2 then 2011 is a 6 year for you.

3 then 2011 is a 7 year for you.

4 then 2011 is a 8 year for you.

5 then 2011 is a 9 year for you.

6 then 2011 is a 1 year for you.

7 then 2011 is a 2 year for you.

8 then 2011 is a 3 year for you.

9 then 2011 is a 4 year for you.

Numerological Archetypes

The following notes give the meanings of each of the nine base numbers.

 

1   Symbolizes new beginnings, independent activity, creativity, children and self-expression. The child within is released now. Drama and theatrics are accented more. Recreation, entertainment and speculation or gambling are also associated with the 1. Since the number 1 comes under the influence of the Sun in your natal horoscope, your individual Sun sign characteristics will be accented when the number 1 is strong in your life. If you are born in Aries then the Aries influence is added to the overall 1 influence. If Taurus is your Sun sign then add Taurus symbolism and so on. The house that your Sun occupies and the house ruled by the sign Leo will show in which areas of your life the 1 energy affects you the most. The Sun and Leo rule the heart in the body and the ability to love. Gold and yellow emphasize the 1 energy.

 

2   Mother figures, family, personal security and the past are accentuated. Your "home base", land and real estate are more important. The domestic side of life is accented. The past is likely to catch up in some way - old friends coming back into your life or something like that. If the 2 is a permanent part of your life you may have an interest in history or genealogy. The whole concept of nurturing and motherhood will influence your life more. You are apt to be moody or more emotional. Your basic instincts are stronger and you are more sensitive and even somewhat psychic during a 2 cycle. Close personal relationships will be a center of focus this period. The other person in your life is more important. The Moon and the sign Cancer rule the number 2. The house that your Moon occupies and the house ruled by Cancer will show where the 2 affects you the most. The Moon and Cancer rule the stomach and breasts in the body. White and silver are good for the 2.

 

3   Expansion on all levels is accented. Freedom is a keyword. Increased optimism and luck are probable, but so is over doing it and weight gain. You may want to see the world and expand your horizons. This year the grass may seem a little greener on the other side of the hill. Travel and dealings with foreign people or foreign places are usually more important for one reason or another. You may find yourself involved with lawyers, judges and/or the legal or judicial system during a 3 cycle. Philosophy, politics and religion as well as publishing and higher education may be a more powerful influence in your life. Large animals like horses and cattle or involvement with ranches is possible. Jupiter and the sign Sagittarius rule the number 3. The house that Jupiter occupies and the house ruled by Sagittarius would show where the 3 affects you the most. In the physical body the liver, hips and thighs are accentuated. Burgundy and purple emphasize the number 3.

 

4  Originality, independence and even a rebellious attitude surround the number 4. Extremes in situations and feelings. Expect the unexpected during the 4 cycle. Changes in your life and excitement are likely during this period. Friends, groups and organizations are more important now. "New Age", scientific and humanitarian activities are common under the 4 influence. Electronic devices and computers as well as networking and Internet activity are all part of the 4 energy. Interest in astrology, science and occult knowledge. Uranus/Aquarius rule the number 4. The house that Uranus occupies and the house ruled by Aquarius show where and how the 4 affects you personally. In the body the nervous system, lower legs and ankles. Electric colors are Aquarian in nature.

 

5  Communication, correspondence, education and transportation are all accented. You may actually buy a car, motorcycle, bicycle or some other form of transportation during a 5 period. More involvement with telephones, mail, fax machines, email and other types of communication.  Mental or intellectual pursuits such as reading, writing, teaching and learning all reflect the 5 energy. Speaking and lectures. The energy the 5 is "movement" and is symbolized by the hummingbird or butterfly. Close friends, siblings, neighbors or other people you consider "close" are more important now. Pets and small animals (even pesky insects). Mercury and the signs Gemini and Virgo rule the number 5. The house that Mercury occupies and the houses ruled by Gemini and Virgo will show where the 5 influence will be felt. In the body the digestive system (Virgo) and the hands, arms, chest and lungs (Gemini) are accentuated. Light colors and glistening materials are best for the 5 energy.

 

6  Balance and personal values are accented. Balance is needed in relationships. When that balance is found, your receptive qualities and ability to gain from others is enhanced. Imbalance causes problems with others. Marriage and weddings are accentuated this period. All relationships are more important now. Be the diplomat and the fair judge as you mingle and socialize with others. This can be an excellent time for socializing and being with others. Venus and the signs Taurus and Libra rule the number 6. Venus brings involvement with beauty and the receptive feminine side of life. Taurus gives more interest or involvement with personal possessions, money or financial situations and food. Spending money on pleasure, beauty, luxuries and rich food. Vanity and self-indulgence is often expressed in some way. Libra brings out love or the desire for love. Possible involvement with the lower courts. In the body, the ears, nose & throat where Taurus is located and the blood and kidneys where Libra is located in you natal chart. All shades of blue and all shades of pink or rose.

 

7  Understanding and sensitivity will be required. The positive side to the 7 is very spiritual and lucky. The 7 has to do with faith, ideals and beliefs. The power of prayer and meditation is stronger. It has to do with metaphysics, magic and spiritual understanding. The negative side is self destructive, escapist and addictive tendencies. Escaping reality through drugs, alcohol, religion, video games, etc.  This can be a very emotional period and may bring out feelings of self-pity, martyrdom, self-sacrifice and isolation. Dealing with hospitals, monasteries and institutions of isolation are possible. You may find yourself helping the afflicted or volunteering your time or resources for others. Although illusion, delusion and confusion are often associated with the number 7, the positive side to this Neptune/Pisces energy is very spiritual and extremely creative and imaginative. The 7 normally has little to do with the material world. At times you may feel that deceit and lies are all around you. Dealing with chemicals, water, liquids, plumbing and gases. The 7 is good for finding escape through sailing, fishing, swimming and anything involving water sports. Visual items such as monitors, film, video and movies are representative of the number 7. Music and poetry are also part of this 7 influence. The house that your Neptune occupies and the house ruled by Pisces would show where the 7 affects you the most. In the body the 7 rules the feet. All shades of green and pale colors or pastels.

 

8   Responsibility, discipline, control and dealing with authorities or father figures and professionals. Working within boundaries, limitations and the law are important now. Follow the rules. Take control, take care of business and be responsible for your actions. Do not break the rules or take shortcuts during the 8 cycle. You may feel limitations in your life are holding you back now, but patience is one of the main lessons you are learning. Saturn and the sign Capricorn rule the number 8. If you have been responsible in the past, this can be a period of organization and personal or material growth. Construction and building is part of the 8 energy. The 8 represents the sensations of hard and cold. The house that your Saturn occupies and the house ruled by Capricorn would show where the 8 affects you the most. In the body the bones and the effects of hardening or limitation are accented. The skeleton, the back, the knees and the teeth are all ruled by the 8. Black and all dark colors emphasize the 8 energy.

 

9  Mars and Pluto and their signs Aries and Scorpio rule the number 9. Mars represents the masculine side of nature, and Pluto brings out the transformative energies. The house that Mars and Pluto occupy and the houses ruled by Aries and Scorpio will show where the 9 influence will be felt. The active, aggressive, militant side of life is accented as is the symbolism of death, rebirth and endings. It is a time to let go of people and situations that are no longer a positive force in your life. Through the Scorpio influence 9 has to do with other people's resources. Sharing with others is a big part of the 9. Counseling or being counseled. Your ego and passion are stronger or more intense. Your may feel physically stronger under the 9 influence. You may feel more argumentative and anger easily. You need to find positive ways to vent this energy. You should get involved in vigorous activities such as physical work, exercise or sports. You may take up an interest in guns or other weapons. You can accomplish a lot during this period. The eyes, head and face (Aries) and the reproductive system (Scorpio) are accentuated. All shades of red and crimson are colors associated with the 9.