Does Numerology Really Work?

You may have noticed that some numbers seem to pop up in your life in lucky ways, or maybe you’ve heard about the number nine being associated with wisdom. Numerology is the ancient practice of using numbers and letters to divinate the future, guide human behavior and predict the outcome of relationships. While there’s no scientific proof that numerology works, some believe it can offer insight into one’s personality and path in life.

Essentially, a numerologist looks at your full birthdate and reduces it to a single-digit number known as your life path or sun number. It’s sort of like your sun sign in astrology, and it’s said to speak to your core traits, talents and difficulties. The process is simple: Add up the numerals in your birthday (month, day and year) until you get to a single digit. If it’s 1 then your life path number is 1.

There are also Master Numbers, which are 11, 22 and 33. These are rarer and offer double the power of the number they reduce to. Those with these numbers are considered visionaries and often work tirelessly to help others. However, they tend to struggle with self-care and may take out their stress on those around them. Other factors like the letters in your name and your full date of birth can also be analyzed by a numerologist. This process, called gematria, translates words and letters into a numerical system that allows for hidden meanings to be revealed.