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Step-by-Step Guide To Creating & Interpreting A Name Numerology Chart

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Name numerology assigns numerical values to the letters of your full name. By doing various mathematical equations with those letters and numbers, you can learn what numerology says about you, such as what makes you feel happy, key elements of your personality, and what your purpose is in this lifetime.

All it takes is a little math. But don't worry — we won't judge if you use a calculator. Otherwise, it's super easy. Ready to give it a try? Pencils ready.

Quick Tip

To compile a name numerology chart, you'll use your full first name, middle, and last name that appears on your birth certificate. So if your name is Bethany but you go by Beth, use Bethany.

On a piece of paper, write out your full first, middle, and last name, and then assign the numbers in the chart below to each letter.

Number

Corresponding Letters

1

A, J, S

2

B, K, T

3

C, L, U

4

D, M, V

5

E, N, W

6

F, O, X

7

G, P, Y

8

H, Q, Z

9

I, R

Need to Know

The letter Y has flexible power depending on whether it's pronounced like a consonant or a vowel. For example, if you're called Andy, Patty, or Stacy, the Y has a double-e sound and is calculated as the vowel E, which is associated with number 5. If you're called Lynne, Y sounds like I, so it's calculated as number 9.  On the other hand, suppose you're called Yuri, Yandel, or Yoko. Then you counted as a consonant and use the number 7.

Your destiny number symbolizes all your past lifetime accomplishments as well as the energy patterns you are currently working with. In short, this number represents what you are here to do. The destiny number is always calculated using the complete name on your birth certificate.

Add together all the letters for your full first name. The total will tell you something about your life's purpose.

Add together all the letters for your middle name, if you have one. The number speaks of concealed capabilities.

Add together all the numbers for your last name at birth.  This reveals some of the traits you have inherited from your family.

Next, add all the numbers from each name to get your destiny number.

Need to Know

Whether you're working with just a single name (like your first name) or all three (or more) names like first, middle, last, if the sum of the numbers for the letters has more than one digit, you'll need to reduce the number. So, for example, if you calculate the sum for your first name as 12, you'll need to add 1+2 together to get 3.

For example, let's use the birth certificate name Stacey Ann Peterson.

Stacey: 1+2+1+3+5+5=17 and 1+7=8; Stacey's life's purpose number is an 8, which is about success, achievement, and material gain.

Anne: 1+5+5+5=16; 1+6=7; Stacey's concealed abilities number is a 7, which is about discovering the truth.

Peterson: 7+5+2+5+9+1+6+5=40 and 4+0=4; Stacey's inheritance number is a 4, which means she has inherited stability and a strong foundation from her family.

All three together: 8+7+4=19; 1+9=10; 1+0=1; Stacey's destiny number is a 1, which is about being a leader, pioneer, or trailblazer.

Related: Discover Your Numerology Love Compatibility

To calculate this number, you'll use the full name on your birth certificate. This number represents where your heart lies or where it feels the happiest. It's all about what you came here to do.

Assign each vowel in your full name its corresponding number. Remember to use the consonant/vowel rule mentioned above for Y.

Add the vowels in all names (and only the vowels). Calculate each name separately and then reduce it to a single number.

Add all the reduced numbers from the three names together and reduce them to arrive at the final number.

Consult the chart linked above to determine your soul's urge.

Need to Know

If the sum on single names or all three names added together is 11, 22, or 33, these are not reduced. They are master numbers and are left and interpreted as is.

For example, using Stacey Ann Peterson again:

Ann contains one vowel, A, which equals 1

Peterson contains three vowels (E=5, E=5, O=6); 5+5+6=16; 1+6=7

Add all three together: 11+1+7=19; 1+9=10; 1+0=1

Briefly, as a number 1, Stacey is happiest in a leadership role or blazing new trails.

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To calculate your personality number, use the full name on your birth certificate. The personality number symbolizes how you appear to the outside world.

Assign each consonant in all three names its appropriate number.

Add the consonants of each name separately and reduce.

Add all three numbers together and reduce.

For example, Stacey's personality number looks like this:

Stacey contains three consonants (S=1; T=2; C=3); 1+2+3=6

Ann contains 2 consonants (N=5; N=5); 5+5=10; 1+0=1

Peterson contains five consonants (P=7; T=2; R=9; S=1; N=5); 7+2+9+1+5=24; 2+4=6

Briefly, as a number 4, Stacy is seen as stable, grounded, and calm.

Here are some tips to make sure your chart is accurate:

Even if you have changed your name, use the name exactly as it is on your birth certificate.

If you have changed your name, you can use your current name following the same rules as above to learn more about where you are in your life today, but your birth name will always influence your numerology.

If your birth certificate contains a suffix like Junior, use it exactly as it is written on your birth certificate.

Pay attention to mathematical detail; getting even one letter wrong will change your whole chart.

In numerology, you work primarily with the single digits 1 through 9. Any digit greater than 9 is reduced unless it's a master number or a twin-digit number (44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99). All other twin-digit numbers are thought to be power numbers. Twin-digit numbers are not reduced.

When it comes to which name to use for the name numerology chart, use both the name on your birth certificate and your current name. The full birth name is the foundation of the chart, and any name changes reflect fundamental shifts in your identity.

There are other numbers in numerology; including ones that deal with the birth date, planes of expression, and attainment numbers. However, your name numbers are the gateway into your soul. When parents decide on names for their kids, they typically choose names that are unique or have stature, elegance, or grace. Still, whatever name parents give their child, it all comes down to the power of name numerology.

What Is Numerology? An Expert Reveals All On Your Life Path Number

Perhaps you've found that the number four always seems to come up for you in a lucky way, or you're always seeing a sequence of the number one in the world. Either way, it's hard to deny that numerical patterns can present themselves to us in mystical ways. The study of this very phenomenon is numerology. These numbers simply come to fruition from your name and birthday, and they can reveal a lot about your personality.

"Numerology is an ancient mystical science which attributes deeper meaning to numbers," explains Josh Siegel, master numerologist. "Its philosophy states that all things carry a unique vibration, including human beings. Modern numerology can be a powerful self-help tool that provides insight and direction." According to Siegel, you can take your name and birthdate and boil it down to a numeric code that will identify unique characteristics and even life lessons. That's just one technique to keep in mind as you explore your own significant numbers. Ahead, the basics of numerology, how various types of numbers can offer valuable intel, and the power and meaning of each number.

Meet the expert

Josh Siegel is a master numerologist with over 20 years of professional experience.

Numerology's Origins Numerology is rooted in philosophies that date back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Sumer, and India. "Numbers were universally used to describe divine forces in nature," Siegel explains. Around 2500 B.C., Greek philosopher and early mathematician Pythagoras—the same behind the Pythagorean Theorem you learned in math class—taught that all things vibrate to their number and even the planets resonate to their own frequency.  "Pythagoras was said to have learned sacred knowledge from his journey to Egypt," says Siegel. "Although his life has become something of legend, traditions credit him with some of the earliest advanced mathematics, geometry, and even the development of Western music." What Is Your Life Path Number? One of the first ways you can begin to work with numerology in your own life is by pinpointing your Life Path number, which can give you a sense of what your focus is on in this lifetime. "It actually signifies a challenge you were born with that brings out qualities associated with the number," notes Siegel. For example, if your Life Path number is eight, you might struggle with self-worth or empowerment but feel compelled to be a total boss in your career, vying for executive positions or starting your own business. "Over time, the 8 Life Path may learn to overcome their lessons and embody the strength inherent in their path number," explains Siegel. In other words, we're here to consider the qualities of our Life Path number, and weave them into our work and strive to manifest their higher qualities in our daily lives. As Siegel suggests, it is integral to our growth. How to Calculate Your Life Path Number To figure out your Life Path number: Add the month and day of your birth date separately, then add the year together as a separate number. For example, a birth date of 11/20/1985 would be calculated this way: Add together the month and day 11 + 20 = 31. Keep the 31 aside. Add together all the numbers of your birth year. Keeping with this same example, 1+9+8+5 = 23. Add the number derived from your birth day and month to the number you landed on for your birth year. In this case, you'd get 54. Add the two digits together to create one single number. In this case, 5+4 = 9. So the person is a nine Life Path. In more advanced numerology, Siegel notes that you'd write it as 54/9. What Is Your Destiny Number? You can also use your full name—from your birth certificate—to come up with your Destiny number. Siegel says it's a bit of an outdated term because the number you come up with isn't exactly about your destiny. Instead, it's indicative of your innate talents. For that reason, Siegel calls it the "Natural Ability" number. "It represents capabilities that are second nature...That you just know how to do," explains Siegel. In other words, it's not about something you need to learn or weave into your life, like the Life Path number. For the greatest success and fulfillment, you want to work with both the Life Path number and the Natural Ability number. How to Calculate Your Destiny Number First of all, bear in mind that every letter is associated with a number. Here's the cheat sheet on that: A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9, J=1, K=2, L=3, M=4, N=5, O=6, P=7, Q=8, R=9, S=1, T=2, U=3, V=4, W=5, X=6, Y=7, Z=8. Take your full name at birth (first and last). Say it's SAMANTHA BELL. That'll result in 1 1 4 1 5281 for the first name and, for the last name, 2533. Add the letters of each name separately: Samantha is 1+1+4+1+5+2+8+1 = 23. Bell is 2+5+3+3 = 13. Add them together: 23 + 13 = 36. Add the two digits together to create a new number. 3 + 6 = 9, meaning Samantha has a 9 Natural Ability (or Destiny) number. It may also be written 36/9, notes Siegel. What Are Master Numbers? There are a few double-digit numbers that numerologists will not boil down to a single digit, and those are known as Master Numbers. According to Siegel, these special numbers hold great promise yet can test those who carry them in their numerology chart. Essentially, they're repeating double-digit numbers like 11, 22, 33, etc., all the way up to 99.  "They carry intensity due to the doubling effect and challenge the person to rise to the potential inherent in the number," explains Siegel. "For example, a 66 (written 66/12/3) can give great talent in the creative arts or gifts in a healing profession. However, it can also make one quite sensitive and overly idealistic." If you carry a Master Number, Siegel says that you're being required to work constructively with the capabilities and talents given while learning how to handle the challenges that come from a powerful influence. What Each Number in Numerology Means Here's the scoop on every number's significance, which can be tapped into when working with your Life Path, Destiny, or Master numbers. 1: Originality "The number one is associated with those who lead and create their own path," notes Siegel. People who have this number as a Life Path or Natural Ability number are meant to be trailblazers as opposed to followers. "They can develop confidence through independent and decisive action and through owning their unique qualities," says Siegel. 2: Balance "The number two represents highly intuitive types who can effectively build bridges," explains Siegel. "They can typically read people and are gifted with knowing how to reach others. They may have insights and revelations about life that they can share to inspire. They should learn boundaries and how to say no." 3: Authenticity In astrology, the third house is all about communication; in numerology, it's not far off. "The number three represents all forms of creative expression, and many who carry this number are naturally talented," suggests Siegel. "This number can give charm and affability to the personality. There can also be talent and healing through writing and public speaking." Siegel advises three's to learn to express themselves openly and honestly and not suppress uncomfortable emotions. 4: Stability Pragmatic, sensible, organized? Then, perhaps four is your Natural Ability number. "The number four is the practical builder who puts things together and gets it done," explains Siegel. "They are logistical problem solvers who have an analytical mind that is geared for strategy and putting the plan together." It's important for four's not to overwork, stress themselves out, or brush their emotions under the rug. 5: Freedom If you're an adventurous, spontaneous risk-taker (think fire sign energy), you could be a five. "The number five is the most free spirit of all numbers," says Siegel. "They have a love for travel and are typically restless." Five's are strong communicators who typically excel at sales, marketing, branding, or anything within the communication industry. "They have concerns about being trapped which can complicate relationships and cause a high turnover rate in [their] career," explains Siegel. "They should have enough risk and excitement in what they do so as not to blame others for being imprisoned." 6: Acceptance Like the sixth house in astrology, which is ruled by service-oriented and super-communicative Virgo, the number six is found in the charts of both artists and those in service. "The artist types may work in design, beauty, fine arts, aesthetics, music, etc.," says Siegel. "The service types may work in therapeutic channels, social service, healing modalities, community help, etc. They have a deep and committed form of love to give and love their partners and family unconditionally." That said, people who carry six might struggle with self-acceptance and find it tough to accept love from others. "They can also judge themselves too harshly, which can occasionally leak out towards others," suggests Siegel. "They should learn to love themselves in the same way they do others and know they are enough as is." 7: Truth "The number seven rules knowledge and truth," explains Siegel. It is a mysterious number that promotes a deep curiosity. When this number is prominent, the person's natural intelligence will promote specialization in a field or becoming an expert in what they do. It can bring a bit of the brilliant nerd mind with a knack for research. Some may be skeptics, however, others may tap into spiritual gifts." Seven's are teachers, trainers, advisors, and consultants. "Many find it difficult to trust others and may have experienced betrayals from their past," notes Siegel. "They should develop an inner connection through meditation, yoga, or self-inquiry. They would do well to let people gradually earn their trust." 8: Empowerment "The number eight represents ambition, drive, and the need to accomplish in the material realm," says Siegel. "Those who carry this number seem to attract both positions of authority as well as higher salaries. They have business acumen and are natural managers or executives. Many have a love/hate relationship with money and power." Their journey is about tapping into whatever truly motivates them and attaining internal self-worth. "It is important they work not for status but enjoyment as well," Siegel adds. 9: Surrender "The number nine is the last single digit of numbers and represents a completion," explains Siegel. "There is wisdom, understanding, and compassion with the nine path. They hear the calling to reach out to society and make a difference. They are humanitarians and those with a social conscience. Many also work with the public or masses." Nine's need to watch out for getting drained by people in need—energy vampires, if you will—and practice healthy detachment. "They may be called to let go of certain attachments in life to keep them on their path for humanity," notes Siegel. "They must learn to follow the path life gives to them." Numerology Analysis Although learning about your numbers on your own is a great place to start, Siegel advises getting a full numerology analysis to gain a comprehensive picture of your overall direction in life. After all, getting a professional numerologist's take could offer unparalleled clarity on your strengths, weaknesses, and what lies ahead.

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