Numerology 101: Your Personal Numbers
“The Science of Numbers and the art of will power are the Keys . . . that open the Gates of the Universe.” –the Priests of Memphis
Numerology traces its roots to the work of ancient mathematicians and mystics, who taught numbers and geometry as a way to understand the original creative impulse that formed the universe. Numbers represent the fundamental principles that shape how all things are created, evolve, die, and are reborn in cyclical fashion. Through the exploration of the numbers 1–9, we re-enact creation and come to understand the complete energetic spectrum that underpins the material world.
Personal numerology reveals how each of us, as an integral part of creation, embodies these principles within ourselves. The numbers of your birth date and birth name reveal the vibrational forces that shape your unique incarnation, making you who you are. These numbers have an effect on your personality, life path, and the direction of your spiritual growth. Your personal numbers reveal the energetic influences that play a part in shaping who you are and what you will do with your life.
The Four Personal Numbers
Soul Number
The Soul number is found by totalling the numerical value of the vowels of the birth name. The vowels are the soul of a word; in ancient mystic traditions, the vowel sounds were considered the sacred elements of the alphabet, so much so that the Hebrew bible was written without the vowels. It was also thought that the first vowel of the name was the sound upon which the soul entered the body. As such, the vowels of a name represent the essential self. It is your true personality, the self that is known only to you. It is often only seen by others when they know you very well. It is the person that, deep inside, you desire to be.
Outer Personality Number
The Outer Personality number is the value of the consonants of the birth name and represents the social aspect of the self, how one is perceived by others. The word “personality,” in fact, comes from the Latin persona, meaning “mask.” The Outer Personality number indicates how you appear to others, which is not necessarily who you really are. This number also reflects what others expect from you because of the image that you present.
Path of Destiny Number
The Path of Destiny number is found by combining the soul number and the outer personality number; it is the complete name number, incorporating the value and meaning of both the vowels and the consonants. The Path of Destiny number shows what you must accomplish in this lifetime, what you came here to manifest. It represents your aim in life, the path that you have chosen to walk.
Life Lesson Number
The Life Lesson number is the total of the birth date numbers. This is often called the ruling number. The Life Lesson number indicates the lessons we must learn in this lifetime as we progress along our spiritual path. At the same time, it represents the cosmic gifts you are given in order to achieve your destiny. It is a key to understanding the challenges we will face, as it is through the surmounting of challenge that the greatest learning is achieved. The Life Lesson number is also useful in guiding career choices.
Taking it Further
The numbers do not have complete control of our destinies, of course; they merely represent potentialities. We have free will and ultimately decide who we are and to what degree the influence of the numbers is felt in our lives. However, understanding one’s personal numbers can be a handy tool for navigating through life’s experiences.