The basics of numerology
Many pagan spiritual traditions incorporate the practice of numerology. The basic principles of numerology claim that numbers have great spiritual and magical significance. Some numbers are more powerful and powerful than others and combinations of numbers can be developed for magical use. In addition to the magical correspondences, the numbers also bind to the planetary meaning.
In Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, author Scott Cunningham states that odd numbers are related to female energy, while even numbers are related to more masculine meanings. However, this is not true in all traditions. In fact, almost every magical tradition has a different interpretation of what each number can mean.
In some traditions, you may find meanings as follows:
1: connected to the universal life force that binds us all. One is considered a source and since any number multiplied by one is equal to itself, it is a base number. In Tarot, one is represented by The Magician, who takes control of his environment and gains personal power by manipulating his surroundings.
2: relating to polarity and duality. Think about balance: yin and yang, light and dark, god and goddess. Two represents one of everything, side by side. The second chakra connects to relationships. This does not mean only with other people, but also how we relate to our work, our things, our money and so on.
3: often seen as the most magical number in many traditions. Linked to the triple goddess, to the realms of earth, sea and sky, or to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of humanity. In some magical systems, three is a symbol of action and interaction, while in others it means exactly the opposite; in other words, it refers to passivity and neutrality.
4: corresponds to the four elements of earth, air, fire and water, as well as to the cardinal directions and the four seasons. Quattro is sometimes connected to creativity. In the Chakra energy work, the heart is the fourth chakra, and therefore refers to the emotions and our compassion towards others.
5: In some traditions, five is equivalent to the four elements plus the addition of the spirit as the fifth element. It is also symbolic of the five human senses, the points of the pentagram and, in Christianity, the wounds of Christ. Cinque is sometimes considered somewhat chaotic, as found in some Tarot interpretations, in which the five indicate struggle and conflict.
6: Related to solar energy. In many magical traditions, six is considered a solar number and one of male power and strong energy. For this reason, it is often linked to security and responsibility.
7: in relation to the lunar energy, connected to the moon, to femininity and to the mechanisms related to intuition and wisdom. The forms and consciousness of thought are represented by the number seven.
8: In some traditions, related to the eight dates of the NeoWiccan sabbat. Remember, not all traditions observe all eight Sabbats. Otto is also connected to the planet Mercury, which refers to the messages and communication of the Divine. An eight tipped on one side is a symbol of infinity.
9: Nine is three times three, making it three times as powerful in some systems. In many traditions, nine are associated with the energy of the goddess. In some symbolic structures, nine indicate change and growth. In the Tarot, nine symbolize the completion of a process.
0: Zero means nothing, and therefore often symbolizes the potential that we have to form something new from what doesn't exist. In some cases, zero is seen as representative of the beginning, just as the Fool appears at the beginning of the Tarot, about to begin his new journey.
Find your birth number
In some forms of Wicca and Paganism, there is importance placed on the use of a "birth number", which is simply a single digit number determined by restricting the date of birth. Here's how to find yours:
To find your birth number, start by adding the birth date digits.
If your birthday was September 1, 1966, you would start with the numbers 911966 = 9 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 6 = 32.
Now take those two numbers (3 and 2) and bring them in a single digit: 3 + 2 = 5. That number, which in this case is 5, would be your birth number.