What is Numerology?

Let's face it: this is a world of chain stores, fast-food joints and a global culture. There is nothing wrong with this, but it is important to be in touch with the special qualities and talents that are uniquely yours.

Numerology is a study of the numbers in your life. It is based on the idea that the entire universe is a system, one that mathematically breaks down into basic elements -- numbers. When we consider Numerology, we are considering whether there is logic to lief or if everything happens randomly and with no purpose whatsoever.

The argument for Numerology is that there is, in fact, some order to our universe -- consider the stars, planets and galaxies. Consider physics. This is all proof that life and events are not all random. For these reasons, it makes sense that our personalities and life paths can be broken down into comprehensible meaning -- numbers. And these numbers can help us better understand ourselves and our worlds, both internal and external.

Need more proof? Quantum physicist Fritjof Capra wrote "The Tao of Physics", in which he notes that a unity between all physical events in the universe.

Keep in mind that most names and words give out their own impression -- the word "storm" is intense in any language. The word "power" is motivating and positive, and the act of saying it requires a biting movement of the jaw. Saying the word "love" creates a harmonious sound.

How does this relate to Numerology? Numerology experts argue that we all have the perfect name -- the sound fits our personality and reflects our inner selves. With this harmony in place, our names break down into numbers that say volumes about who we truly are.

So consider the ancient study of Numerology as its own kind of spiritual science. It is like Astrology in that it can help us figure out more about our inner selves. In Numerology, each letter in your name is associated with a number value. When you add up all of these numbers, you get a final number. Adding the digits of this final number together (E.g 23 is 2 + 3, so 5) you get a single digit that gives you extremely personal insight.

Some wonder how this could be, because it seems like our names are given to us in such random ways and for a variety of reasons -- how can our names and dates of birth accurately reflect who we are? Numerology experts argue that names actually reflect the deeper character of the thing (or creature) we are naming. Naming, in this way, is intuitive, so the meaning around numbers is not arbitrary.

Let's use "Love" as an example. Assign a number to each letter, depending on the order it falls in the alphabet (so L=12, O=15, V=22 and E=5). With L, 1+2=3; for O, 1+5=6, and so on. When you add these four single digits together, you get 18, and 1+8=9. This is our final number for Love, and 9 represents generosity, self-sacrifice and concern. These are Love's specific characteristic, wouldn't you agree?

Then, by analyzing your birth name and birth date, Numerology can tell you about your life path, hidden passions, heart's desire and more! Numerology forecasts can also identify future trends in your life. How? In part, because when you look at your own personal numbers, you are looking at the significance of the year you were born in relation to who you are.

Numerology looks at three things about you: your moment of birth, the name your parents gave you and the name you use (whether you go by a nickname, had a name change or got married). Because this information is readily available to most people, Numerology is an easy (and fascinating) way to find out what makes each of us unique, what our destiny holds, how you get along with others and what to expect in the future.

From this information, we get a lot of different numbers -- your Life Path Number, which tells you more about the path you are travelling; your Birthday Number, which hints at your specific talents; your Expression Number, which gives you insight into your personal goals and desires; your Heart's Desire Number, which reveals the inner you; your Personality Number, which is all about your attitude and reputation; your Maturity Number, which indicates your level of self-awareness; your Balance Number, which guides you on how to conduct yourself in the face of adversity; your Challenge Numbers, which clue you into your own personal obstacles -- and more!

All of these give us a fuller picture of ourselves and others -- using math and the subtle power of numbers.