by Kelly Trickett

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 25, 2009

Numerology is the belief that numbers possess sacred powers and that understanding them gives one insight into themselves and the universe. This belief in numbers as the underlying pattern for the universe has been shared by Mesopotamian, Judaic and ancient Greek civilizations, Renaissance scholars, and many present-day mathematicians as well as the mystic community.

Numbers, like everything else in nature, possess a dual nature, representing both positive and negative forces. Exploring the meaning of numbers can help us to gain a better insight into ourselves, developing our personal potential, and help guide us on our life's path.

There can be several different numbers that pertain to an individual. For example, there is the personal holistic number as well as the person's year number and day number, each of which can tell you something about yourself.

To calculate the personal holistic number, one simply adds all the digits of your birth day, month, and year, one by one. An example would be: May 2, 1972 = 5(as May is the fifth month of the year) +2+1+9+7+2= 27 = 2+7= 9. Therefore, a person born on May 2, 1972 would have a personal holistic number of 9.

Each number has a specific positive or negative expression in the personality, depending on how the individual approaches life's challenges. For example, if your personal holistic number is 4, you are, on the positive side, practical, organized, honest, direct, and hardworking; and on the negative side, or the challenges for this number, would be being obstinate, lazy or workaholic (either extreme) and have a difficulty letting go the past.

The person's year number for a particular year is calculated by adding the digits of your personal birth day and month to the year in question. An example would be October 25, 2008. Thus, 1+0+2+5+2+0+0+8= 18 = 1 +8= 9. This person would then look up the 9 year and find it is a year of completion and tying up loose ends, with the fundamental rule that one shall reap what he has sown. This person would want to consider their lives up to this time, discarding things that no longer hold value, whether that be beliefs, relationships, or a particular situation.

Personal day interpretations are based on the day of the month that you were born. This is unchangeable. For example, a person born on the 11th day of a month suggests idealism, inspiration, and innovation. Positively, this person would have balance, focus, healing ability, etc. On the negative side, they might have a superiority complex, be overemotional, aimless, etc.

Finding your holistic number, year number, and personal day number can help you to discover things about yourself, both good and bad, and help you find the areas you in your personality you should develop and the areas you should try to minimize. Knowing the specific challenges you should be looking for in any given year will help you to grow as an individual, becoming not only more aware of yourself, but of your impact on the world around you.

There are many helpful books and websites on numerology to help you interpret your numbers correctly. Applying them to your own life, however, is a personal matter, and part of the growth process. Numerology is an interesting and valid path to self-understanding.

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