Numerology: Lucky & Unlucky Numbers

Numerology: Understanding Lucky and Unlucky Numbers

Numerology is the study of the mystical relationship between numbers and events or characteristics in the world. Throughout history, various civilizations have attributed special significance to certain numbers, considering some as lucky numbers and others as unlucky numbers. This fascinating field explores how numbers can influence our lives, beliefs, and cultures.

The Concept of Lucky Numbers

What’s a lucky number?

Lucky numbers are those believed to bring good fortune or positive influences into one’s life. These numbers can be derived from various sources, including one’s name, date of birth, and cultural significance. In numerology, each number carries specific vibrations and energies that can impact different aspects of life.

Common Lucky Numbers

1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 21, 25, 31, 33, 37, 43, 49, 51, 63, 67, 69, 73, 75, 79, 87, 93, 99

• 7: Often considered the luckiest number in numerology due to its frequent appearance in nature and culture. There are seven days in a week, seven colors in a rainbow, and seven wonders of the ancient world.

• 8: In Chinese culture, the number eight is considered luckiest number in numerology because its pronunciation is similar to the word for “wealth” or “prosperity”. The Beijing Olympics, for example, started on 08/08/08 at 8:08 PM. Not a coincidence!

• 9: Also considered lucky in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word for “long-lasting”. The number nine is often associated with longevity and eternity.

• 666: Six hundred sixty-six is a fascinating number. In many Asian traditions, it is considered to be extremely good luck as the pronunciation of 666 sounds very much like the phrase, “things going smoothly,”.

In Western culture however, 666 may be the number that people avoid the most, closely followed by 13. As many are aware, the number 666 is associated with Satan and the beast in the Christian Bible.

Interestingly, certain digits are occasionally added to product numbers, phone numbers, and license plates in an attempt to bring good fortune.

Why Are Some Numbers Considered Lucky?

A number may be considered lucky based on its mathematical properties, its frequent occurrence in nature, or its cultural significance. For instance, some people might choose their lucky number based on the jersey number of their favorite sports player or significant life events.

Five is often seen as a lucky number because it appears frequently in nature. Humans have five senses and five fingers on each hand, and many creatures, like starfish, exhibit five-fold symmetry.

The Concept of Unlucky Numbers

Unlucky numbers, on the other hand, are believed to bring bad luck or negative influences. These beliefs can stem from cultural superstitions, historical events, or phonetic similarities to negative words.

Common Unlucky Numbers

13, 4

• 13: Due to the widespread hysteria surrounding the unlucky number 13, “triskaidekaphobia” – the fear of the number 13, has been recognised as a legitimate illness in Western society. In North America, it would be rare to find a building with a thirteenth floor. The origin of this superstition is mainly unknown. Perhaps because Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, was the thirteenth person seated at the table, counting from left to right, in the well-known picture of Jesus at the Last Supper.

Some believe it has to do with the lunar cycle and its connection to the number 13. Since there are precisely 13 full moons in a calendar year and since it is believed that the moon affects people’s emotions and drives them slightly insane, 13 is considered unlucky. It is also considered unlucky in many Persian communities, highlighting how this superstition transcends cultural boundaries. Naturally, Friday the 13th is also seen as extremely unlucky.

• 4: 4 is considered unlucky in the Far East. 4 has been associated with bad luck in Japan, Korea, and China because the Japanese pronunciation of the number ‘four’ sounds a lot like the word death. Presenting someone with a 4 piece present is thought to bring great misfortune. 

The lack of a fourth story in many buildings in predominantly Asian neighborhoods is comparable to how North American cultures view the number 13. Though there are certain unlucky 4s, 4 isn’t usually regarded as lucky or unlucky in Western society. The majority of swear words are referred to be “four letter words,” as are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Christian Bible.

In Asia there are actually hotels without a fourth storey and product lines without a series 4. For example, the product range for Nokia mobiles upgraded from series 3 to series 5.

The Influence of Lucky and Unlucky Numbers

Numerology suggests that understanding your personal luckiest number in numerology can help guide you towards positive decisions and opportunities. In comparison, awareness of unlucky numbers might help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Practical Application of Lucky Numbers

Understanding your lucky numbers can influence various aspects of your life, including career choices, relationships, and personal goals. For instance, choosing a lucky number for important events, such as weddings or business ventures, can enhance your confidence and positivity.

The Significance of Your Life Path Number

Your Life Path Number is one of the most significant numbers in numerology. It offers a broad outline of your life’s journey, including the lessons you will learn, the challenges you will face, and the opportunities you will encounter. This number is calculated by reducing your birth date to a single digit.

Example:

Birthday: November 14, 1984

• Month: 11 = 1 + 1 = 2
• Day: 14 = 1 + 4 = 5
• Year: 1984 = 1 + 9 + 8 + 4 = 22 = 2 + 2 = 4
• Life Path Number: 2 + 5 + 4 = 11 = 1 + 1 = 2

Other Ways to Find Your Lucky Numbers in Numerology

Finding your lucky numbers involves various methods, each providing insights into different aspects of your life and personality.

Finding Your Expression Number

Your Expression Number, also known as the Destiny Number, is calculated using the full name given at birth. This number highlights your innate talents and areas of personal development.

Steps:

1. Assign each letter of your name a numerical value using the chart below:

• 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

2. Write down your full name and replace each letter with its corresponding number.

3. Add these numbers together and reduce to a single digit or ‘Master Number’.

Example:

Name: John Doe

• J=1, O=6, H=8, N=5
• D=4, O=6, E=5
• Expression Number: 1 + 6 + 8 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 5 = 35 = 3 + 5 = 8

Discovering Your Heart’s Desire Number

The Heart’s Desire Number, or ‘Soul’s Urge Number’, reveals your inner motivations and desires. It is calculated using the vowels in your full birth name.

Steps:

1. Identify all the vowels in your full birth name.
2. Assign each vowel its numerical value.
3. Add these numbers together and reduce to a single digit or Master Number.

Example:

Name: Jane Marie Smith

• Vowels: A=1, E=5, A=1, I=9, E=5
• Heart’s Desire Number: 1 + 5 + 1 + 9 + 5 = 21 = 2 + 1 = 3

Determining Your Personality Number

The Personality Number reflects how you present yourself to the world. It is calculated using the consonants in your full birth name.

Steps:

1. Identify all the consonants in your full birth name.
2. Assign each consonant its numerical value.
3. Add these numbers together and reduce to a single digit or Master Number.

Example:

Name: Jane Marie Smith

• Consonants: J=1, N=5, M=4, R=9, S=1, M=4, T=2, H=8
• Personality Number: 1 + 5 + 4 + 9 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 8 = 34 = 3 + 4 = 7

Using Your Birthday Number

While it has less of an impact on you than the other four numbers, your birthday number is still a component of you. In numerology, many believe we choose when we are born or that we are destined for our particular birthday and that the day symbolizes a unique skill or gift that will support us in our lives. Therefore, the birthday number has a particular meaning that explains what we have to offer.

Example:

Birthday: July 11th

• Number: 11

Identifying Simple Number Traits

Recognise the basic elements of every number. A list of characteristics, both positive and negative, is given below for each number. To access more details, try looking up your number on the internet. (Note: 11, 22, and 33 are “Master Numbers.” The characteristics of 11 are similar to those of 2, but more so, the same is true of 22 and 4, 33 and 6, and so on.)

1: Leadership, individuality, aggression, self-confidence, originality, impatience.

2: Balance, partnership, receptivity, collaboration, diplomacy, patience.

3: Self-expression, innovation, creativity, communication, activity.

4: Stability, dependability, discipline, dedication, over-cautious, stubborn.

5: Progressive, pioneering, innovation, adventure, rebellion, opportunist.

6: Harmonious, compassionate, service, nurturing, self-righteous, chronic worrier.

7: Intelligence, intuition, spirituality, analytical, solitary, secretive.

8: Ambition, organization, practicality, successful, selfish, materialistic.

9: Generous, passionate, altruistic, resourceful, egotistical, fragile.

11: Visionary, idealistic, teacher, sensitive, perfectionist, standoffish.

22: Master builder, honest, practical, peaceful, extreme, manipulative.

33: Master teacher, knowledgeable, humanitarian, self-centered, preachy.

William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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