FAQ: What do all these numerology terms mean?

Q: Very interesting site--thank you for the information. However, I cannot find what are the meanings of the numbers given to various aspects of the Name Analysis. For example, I got a 3 on Expression, a 6 on both Soul Urge and Persona. Do these numbers represent (a) where I stand on a sliding scale (10 is better than 1/one is better than 10) or (b) the sum of my name or (c) some other aspect ?

A: Here's some background on numerology: Modern numerology is based on the understanding of ancient "archetypal" philosophies set forth by Pythagorus, the Kabbalists (Qabalists), the Egyptians, the Chaldeans and others. It is usually attributed to Pythagorus alone - "the Father of Mathematics" however, it has been also been said that he learned it while studying spiritual philosophy in Egypt.  There has been evidence of the mystical relevance of numbers as archetypes from the earliest recorded history and from many cultures. Modern Numerology is based on the premise, as Pythagoras taught, that numbers are the building blocks of all life and all creation. Everything can be reduced to a number and every number has an energetic "personality" which can be related to other known things such as; the character and personality of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses as the astrologers defined the planets, colors, sound frequencies, days of the week, and all manner of personality traits that the ancients observed and labeled. So numbers achieved a symbolic personality and meaning of their own, which could be used to understand the truth about things and also their "purpose". Pythagorus was probably the first to incorporate this knowledge into a logic-based philosophy, a major tool he and his followers used to seek Truth and discover the nature of things. To the Kabbalists, if an object had the same numerical value as another thing, then the two could be used interchangeably to mean the same thing as the other and would be assumed to be related to the other in meaning and purpose. This practice, called gematria was used all throughout the Old Testament in the bible to "code" important and secret teachings. The ancient practice of Tarot is closely intertwined with numerology and the two work together very well. Each card in the Tarot corresponds symbolically to a number so an understanding of each can greatly enhance one's work with either.

Today, there is a finely tuned and remarkably accurate practice of numerology, largely made so by a woman named, L. Dow Balliett. She actually helped to "un-shroud" this subject and make it accessible,  which had previously been mostly kept hidden, studied and practiced in various versions by the Pythagoreans, Qabalists (Qabalah - "secret wisdom"),  Sufis (enneagram), Christian Hermetic and many other esoteric "schools." The modern day version of numerology has been refined and added to by the intuition, dedication and long years of research and practice of numerous numerologists.

The numbers are not "graded" as in 1 is better or higher than 9, but they do move in the numerical cycle from 1-9 and this is considered to be a repeating cycle of "evolution" where certain abilities, and perspectives are "mastered" through each number in the cycle. The cycle does "ascend" from 1 to 9, going from a simple (pure) vibration to the more complex. This could be seen as going from lower to higher the same way the musical octave shifts in vibration, from lower to higher frequency. #1, the monad is considered to be "the beginning" the 1st force, initiative and creative force, and #2, the dyad is "duality" the initial separation from the One, therefore waiting and patience and femininity and gestation is attributed to 2. #3 is the triad, the union of 1 and 2 the child, creation and reconciling force between 1 and 2. and so on. Numerology is about symbolism and about a certain defined energy flows, cycles and patterns. In order to understand what it is saying, one must engage not only their mind, but also their heart and intuition. Numerology is much like a photograph that can be used to remind ourselves "who we are" and in this way we can be awakened to a whole new world of choices than we previously thought possible.

Your personal or "core" numbers (Expression, Soul Urge, Persona and Destiny) stay the same throughout your life. When you change, shorten or "nick" your name it also has an effect on the people and experiences you attract to your life. Your "Cycles", "Pinnacles" and "Challenges" also stay the same, but the Personal Year, Personal Month and Personal Day change according to the cycle 1-9. So if today is a "5" Personal Day for you, tomorrow will be a "6" Personal Day etc.. The Personal Day, Month and Year are figured according to your birthday and the calendar year so in a sense they are your own unique vibrations for that day, month or year. This is explained further within this FAQ.

In NumberQuest, the meaning of each number is defined in relationship to its aspect, for example: A #3 Soul Urge (aspect) will talk about how the #3 manifests as a persons hopes and secret desires and attractions. While a #3 Persona will talk about how the #3 manifests as a person's outer personality and appearance. The top paragraph describes what the aspect means and the bottom paragraph describes the number's influence according to that aspect.