You've Heard of Zodiac Signs and Angel Numbers, but What's a 'Life Path Number'? Here's Everything You Need To Know
It's no secret that humanity has been searching for answers far beyond the spectrum of our initial understanding since the dawn of time. Similarly to numerology and astrology, a life path number does just that—provides answers to things we may not initially understand. But, if you remain open-minded and search beyond the norm, you can find answers to questions that you may not even realize you had.
Like a zodiac sign, a life path number can reveal characteristics about a person and offer insight into why they are the way they are. If you've ever been curious to learn about where your strengths, weaknesses, talents, ambitions and even your identity come from, learning your life path number and what that number stands for is your answer. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about life path numbers!
What Is a Life Path Number?
The basis of a life path number and its meaning stems from numerology. While some attribute the study of numerology to the occult (a supernatural belief outside the "norm" of organized religion and science), others seem to think that there is more concrete strength in the meaning of numbers and their impact on our lives.
Humanity's attributed meaning to numbers dates back as early as the 8th century, B.C. According to Ancient Records of Assyria and Babylonia by Daniel Luckenbill, there is an Assyrian inscription on the wall of Khorsabad commissioned by Sargon II that attributes its 16,283 cubits size to correlate to the numerical value of his name. There are plenty of alphanumeric systems and methods that have been developed throughout history that assign a numerical value to each letter of the alphabet. These include Latin alphabetic systems and the Pythagorean, Chaldean and Agrippan methods as well as the English Qaballa among others.
So what does all of this mean with respect to life path numbers? Just as many people believe that the studies and theories of astrology contain insight into who we are as individuals, many people believe that life path numbers reveal who we truly are and could be.
Have you found that you react to situations differently than others? Do you not understand why you're compelled to act a certain way toward an issue or another person? Maybe you are in the process of re-discovering yourself and want somewhere to begin. No matter why you're here, finding your life path number can help you to understand how you fit into the world around you. Many people believe that knowing your life path number signifies that you are more grounded and have more awareness since you've taken the time to search for, find and apply its meaning to your life. Keep reading to learn how to find your life path number and what each one means!
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How To Calculate Your Life Path Number
Knowing your life path number is the first step! But how do you know what your life path number is? Using this simple calculation, you can easily discover your specific life path number.
Using May 14, 1987, as an example, add it together as follows:
Write out your birthdate in numbers on a piece of paper:
Add the numbers for your birth month together:
Add the numbers for your birthday together:
Add the numbers of your 4-digit birth year together:
Reduce this to a single digit by adding 2 and 5 together:
Now, add every single number from your answers together:
Calculating your life path number is a matter of adding the numbers in a certain order, until you are left with only a single digit. In this example, we ended up with a two-digit number. Simply add them together [1 + 7 = 8]. Your life path number with this date of birth would be 8.
Related: What Are Angel Numbers? Numerology Meanings of Angel Numbers
Life Path Number Meanings
Single-digit numbers, excluding 0, all have a life path number meaning. Let's dive into what each number means.
Life Path Number 1: The Pioneer. If your life path number is 1, you are purposeful and extremely goal-driven. Your desire to accomplish your goals is only matched by your work ethic and dedication. Making your own path and succeeding according to your own terms brings you the most happiness.
Life Path Number 2: The Peacekeeper. Mostly reserved and known for their kindheartedness, life path number 2 individuals seek balance, particularly in relationships (whether that relationship is their own or not). They are motivated by harmony and a sense of community.
Life Path Number 3: The Artist. Many musicians, poets, writers, actors and artists in general have life path number 3. Expression is the main motivator for this life path number, and creativity assists these people in expressing themselves in as many ways as possible.
Life Path Number 4: The Pragmatist. If your life path number is 4, it's likely that your friends and family depend on your stability. You provide a sense of security for those around you and are easy to trust. Traits of these individuals include being knowledgeable and strong-willed.
Life Path Number 5: The Adventurer. Whether they're introverts or extroverts, life path number 5 people love to travel and meet new people. The motivator behind traveling and experiencing new places is to learn as much as possible, about as many different things as possible.
Life Path Number 6: The Empath. This life path number is largely linked with love, affection, humility and caring. Traits for life path number 6 include humanitarianism and working to achieve success in important causes. The main motivator of this number is helping the weak or suffering—nothing brings them more joy!
Life Path Number 7: The Eccentric. Most of life happens in the mind for those who have life path number 7. Seekers of knowledge, even unconventional knowledge, these individuals are constantly striving to improve themselves. They do so by exploring their own minds and souls in order to learn as much about themselves as possible.
Life Path Number 8: The Leader. Hard-working and goal-oriented, people with life path number 8 are known for their headstrong tenacity. Ambition is the main motivator for those with this number, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
Life Path Number 9: The Humanitarian. The traits of these individuals include creativity and a desire to serve others. Their motivators are resolution and compassion, which shines through in their natural-born leader personas.
Related: It’s All in the Numbers—Here’s Exactly What ‘Life Path Number 9’ Means, According to Numerology
Master Numbers
While you would reduce your life path number to a single digit most of the time, the exception is when you are left with a master number. The reason for this is that they are especially, or doubly, significant to the number they would be reduced to. If you've ever been referred to as a "late bloomer" and your life path number happens to be a master number, you're advancing in life at the correct pace for you.
Since master numbers hold more significance than regular life path numbers, it means that those with master numbers as their life path number not only have more attributes to help them succeed, but it also means that they could potentially face more hardships.
Master Number 11 is associated with strength, power and determination as well as intuition, wisdom and sensitivity. You may not think that strength and sensitivity go together, but those with master number 11 as their life path number will discover how to sync the two and will realize that their sensitivity is their greatest strength.
Master Number 22 contains transformative potential, especially in the aspect of turning dreams into reality. Manifestation is an important skill for those with this life path number, and they are gifted with the ability to create the life they desire. Their disciplined approach to action is what allows them the means to do so, and gains them the moniker "Master Architect." Their struggle lies in determining which dreams to act on, and which to leave as simply that, dreams.
Master Number 33 - Motivated by love and compassion, those with this life path number contain an immense amount of creative energy and use that energy to not only teach, but nurture and guide others. The most important thing for people with master number 33 as their life path number to learn is that not everyone wants help, and (unfortunately) you can't help those who don't truly want it.
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