What Is Numerology? A Beginner's Guide

What is numerology?

Numerology is the study of the meaning behind numbers — the idea that the numbers in your name and birth date describe patterns in your character and your life. It doesn't predict fixed events; it's a symbolic language for self-reflection, the way an astrological sign is.

Where it comes from

The system most Western numerology draws on is named after the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who taught that numbers were the building blocks of reality. Over centuries those ideas merged with other symbolic traditions into the practice we use today, which assigns a number to each letter and reduces dates and names down to single digits.

The core numbers

Most readings start with a handful of core numbers. Your Life Path comes from your full date of birth and describes your central theme. Your Expression (or Destiny) number comes from your full name and points to your natural talents. Your Soul Urge comes from the vowels in your name and reflects what you most want underneath it all.

How to start

The easiest way in is to calculate your own numbers and read what they mean. Try our free numerology calculator to see your full chart in a few seconds.