The Basics and General Purpose of Numerology

In its essence, Pythagorean numerology, which is what I practice, is a study of tendencies and likelihoods.

Consider weather forecasts by meteorologists. They're likely to be correct, or mostly correct, but things can change before their forecast is manifested.

Something like that.

Although it is a study of tendencies and likelihoods, numerology uses exact calculations to arrive at mathematical results. (Again, somewhat like meteorology, exact calculations for mathematical results that are interpreted as forecasts.)

The results of numerology calculations are entered into a numerology chart.

The numbers themselves have no power, but represent certain types or ranges of energies or vibrations. It's the nature or composition of those energies that give the numbers their numerology meanings.

The number 1, for example, represents energies that include self-determination (among other things). Thus, it's said that one of the meanings of the number 1 is self-determination.

Each position in a numerology chart has a name. The position where the birth date number calculation is placed is named "life path." Your life path is the number 1.

Being familiar with the energy the number represents, an interpretation can be composed that relates to the numerology chart position where the number is located. Self-determinism at a life path position means events and circumstances, perhaps intermittently or perhaps consistently, tend to relate to or require self-determinism for resolution. It's not outlook on life or desires or other aspects of the numerology chart (unless they also have the number 1), but just that things tend to happen that way. Not always. But often.

Different numerologists will use different words and may interpret the same number in the same chart position in different ways. The interpretation is based on their knowledge of the energy represented by that number as it relates to the position in the chart.