What are life path numbers? Here's how to calculate yours
Numerologist Josh Siegel first became interested in life path numbers over 25 years ago at the Bodhi Tree bookstore in West Hollywood, California.
Three decades later, now everyone seems to be interested in life path numbers.
“There has been an increasing interest in alternative sources of self-help,” says Siegel, of the current obsession pop culture has with life path numbers at the moment. “Astrology has been mainstream for decades, however numerology has not saturated the market in comparison. In addition, some notable celebrities have shown interest in numerology,” one of the most prominent of which being Taylor Swift, he continues.
Siegel and his colleagues assert there is a wealth of valuable insight derived from numerology, including life path numbers, and our fascination with it hasn’t even reached its prime. “I believe numerology, done properly, will eventually become the new astrology,” Siegel comments.
Getting your life path numbers — which are said to reveal truths about who you are, your personal strengths, your place in the world — is easy. Since life path numbers are calculated from your birthdate, says Siegel, most numerology websites can give you a quick synopsis after you enter your birthday details.
Siegel stresses that life path numbers are not static aspects of a person. “They grow and evolve as the person gains greater understanding of the lessons inherent in their number,” he says. “This is why age and experience are helpful in the process of moving out of old counterproductive patterns to embodying the best qualities of one’s life path,” Siegel says. Accordingly, per Seigel, you should look at the life path as potential and aspects one can aspire to on the road to mastering its lessons.
What are life path numbers?
Life path numbers are an important part of a series of numbers in a numerological chart.
“They are derived solely from a person’s birthdate and give insightful information about a person’s life journey,” he tells TODAY.com, noting that the origins of numerology can be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians and early Indo-Aryans, who all used numbers to describe qualities of the world around them.
In this arena of mysticism, numbers were considered potent influencers on our individual lives and events that transpired on earth. Numbers were the symbols of the divine order of the universe.
“However, the Greek mathematician and mystic Pythagoras studied these great teachings and formed a more cohesive philosophy of numbers. Over time, the Hebrews and Greeks connected numbers to dates and names using their own unique systems,” he continues. “What we have today in modern numerology is an outgrowth developed from these ancient schools of thought.”
How do you calculate your life path number?
According to Siegel, there are different schools of thought on how to calculate your life path number. Here's his process:
Add your birth month and day together and keep the result. For example, Feb. 20 would be 2 + 20 = 22.
Add your entire year together and keep the result. For example, 1989 would be 1 + 9 + 8 + 9 = 27.
Add the two results together. In the example shared here, add 22 ( from the month and day) to 27 (from the year.) 22 + 27 = 49.
Add the double digits together until it yields a single digit. In this case, 49 is 4 + 9 = 13 and then 13 is 1 + 3 = 4. This person’s life path number is 4.
What do life path numbers tell you about yourself?
Life path numbers are indicative of a lesson a person will learn as part of their personal development.
“This number will also influence a person’s career direction as well,” Siegel says, noting that challenges will follow you until you heed the influence of your life path number and incorporate those teachings into your life.
“When a person is given their life path number, prior experiences are demystified and a new perspective can develop which allows a more authentic approach (to life).”
In the best case scenario, a new awareness of your old patterns promotes better decisions for greater fulfillment.
Different life path numbers mean different things. Siegel breaks down the meanings behind two life path numbers.
Life path 1
Someone with a number 1 may have not grown up in an environment which promoted self-confidence, says Siegel. “There could have been an overshadowing parent or conversely, the experience could have been one where they were not seen for who they are."
This path opens up opportunities to "develop self-reliance and leadership skills while working through old beliefs of not making things about them." Over time, they can "evolve into their true selves and direct their individuality into successful creative endeavors."
Life path 5
Siegel says that those with a number 5 may have experienced a restless parent who displayed strong freedom urges or conversely, a parent who they experienced as being “trapped.” For this reason, they may spark a need for travel and adventure which could complicate committing vocationally or personally.
“They may attract a mirror who is exciting, yet may have their own fears of being stuck in a relationship,” Siegel says, noting that a mirror is someone who reflects the unresolved issues associated with their number.
“The 5 path will give the opportunity to learn the balance of taking smart risks with committing to the right situation for success. In relationships, addressing their own freedom concerns can help them draw in the right partner who has the balance between freedom and commitment.”
You can look up the meaning of your life path number on Numerology.com here.
You figured out your life path number, now what?
It's important to take stock of your past and see if there are any patterns linked to your number. “You may find there are outdated belief systems which have drawn these Shakespearean dramas to you,” Siegel says.
While you're at it, take some time to contemplate and acknowledge what parts of your number you have already activated in your life successfully. “It’s advisable to give yourself goals, which further integrate aspects of your number you’re still working on,” he says. “In addition, open your eyes to whom you’ve attracted, both romantically and friend-wise to determine if they reflect your number positively or negatively.”
Of course, achieving enlightenment through your number isn’t going to happen right away. “It’s important to be easy on yourself as you are not expected to learn everything overnight. It’s OK to have some outstanding challenges,” Siegel says, stressing that you should “give yourself time to grow into the integrated you.”
Keep in mind that your life path number is part of a series of numbers from your full numerology chart. To get a complete picture of oneself, your strengths and more, Siegel says it’s best to consult an experienced numerologist who can help integrate all the numbers in a complete analysis. A numerologist will “help you put [your life path number] in its right place from a larger picture," he says. "You are not just this one number, yet a combination of numbers that make the unique you."
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
