While there are several numerology systems in the world today, one of the more recognizable seems to be Pythagorean (otherwise known as ‘Western’), a system that is based on sequential letter-to-number placements on a chart numbered 1 through 9. Since Pythagoras (a Greek mathematician/philosopher, circa 500-600 BCE) considered individual talents and gifts as being bestowed at the time of birth, only the birth name is looked at when using this method. Further, the symbols and meanings of the alphabet itself are not given any special notice – here, it is all about the numbers. If you have experienced, like many others, that there seems to be something missing or lacking in this number system, you aren’t alone…and perhaps you may be open to having a look at the original method of numerology, the one which acted as a template for later number systems and differs in noticeable ways.
Thousands of years ago and before the birth of the ‘Western’ system, the ancient peoples of Chaldea in Mesopotamia were, rather mysteriously, gifted with advanced knowledge in several areas, including astronomy, mathematics, law and social structures, to name but a few. Their subsequent development of the Chaldean numerology system predates the Pythagorean one, albeit not by many years (and it is interesting to note that Pythagoras was rumored to have studied that system prior to formulating his own) and demonstrates one of the major differences between the two systems in that it affords equal import to number energies as it does to letter energies: in fact, a more appropriate descriptive might be alpha-numerology – the Chaldean oracle is a blend of numbers and letters and their meanings and messages.
Chaldean numerology’s chart is different at a foundational level as well: its structure is based on sounds and vibrations – letters are matched to the number vibrations that they suit best. As a result, the Chaldean chart looks nothing like the Western one: Chaldean letters are assigned to the chart in direct accordance to their energies, or sounds…and they are most definitely not sequential. Further, the number 9 is not included in the number chart as, back then, it was considered a sacred number (one oddity around this number is that any number multiplied by 9 always reduces back to 9), although total name numbers can and do total to 9. When looked at side by side, the Pythagorean chart appears easier to understand and learn, which is undoubtedly partly why the Chaldean system is generally regarded as harder to learn. In fact, once explained, Chaldean numerology is fairly straightforward and easy to grasp.
Another major difference between the two systems involves the name used for analysis. We all know that name changes can and do occur – through marriage, divorce, adoption, the use of nicknames and even deliberate name changes. As such, using only the birth name is no longer sufficient: it makes sense that energies measured must be connected to names which are currently being used.
And finally, while Pythagoras’s system relates philosophical messages, the Chaldean system is the only one that carries significant spiritual messages as inherent to the entire process. This makes the Chaldean system unique: it often delivers messages which can change lives, aims, plans and as such, can carry quite an emotional and motivational impact. In fact, its accuracy is often saluted by other numerologists – even by some who still use the ‘western’ system!
For the sake of comparison, let’s consider a lady named Jenny Jones who is a metaphysical worker. Using the Pythagorean chart, this name unit totals to 41/5. The 5 energy is the freedom seeker, the adventurer, the seeker of stimulation, the talented communicator who sometimes thrives on the changes that ‘live’ in this number vibration. The 5 is a highly independent energy and does not respond well to being tied down or ordered about: in fact, many 5 people will find it somewhat difficult to make commitments or even to settle down to a routine lifestyle. The 5 prefers to be in control, both of itself and others and is often best suited to working for itself or in positions of authority or autonomy. This energy is changeable, independent and free-spirited. As a final or ‘Daily Name’ number, this 5 comments on the overall character of the name holder.
On the other hand, by using the Chaldean chart, Jenny Jones shows totally different energies. Her numbers are now 38/11…and double digits are known as Master Numbers: in this case, the 11 points to someone who has the capability (which can be dormant) to become more than the sum of her parts – the Master 11 (Psychic or Intuitive Master) is usually very spiritual in nature, empathic and intuitive, imaginative and artistic with the potential of becoming a talented artist, musician, therapist, actor, nurse, doctor, healer or writer. Further information is immediately evident when one considers the two J values, two E values and 3 N values in her name: this person will tend to live in or be influenced by or connected to events from the past (the J ‘hooks’ into the past), can be extremely open to the senses (the E is the most energetically ‘open’ energy) and yet can maintain a certain calm even in the face of chaotic vibrations (the N is associated with natural ‘energy’ blockers or filters). Since the E and N values are both ruled by the above mentioned number 5, (the freedom seeker, adventurer, the seeker of stimulation, the talented communicator who sometimes thrives on changes), this shows someone who is not usually engaged in working 9 to 5 jobs…and since the 5 is also often quite determined, these 5 values can create someone who will ultimately reach their goals, although perhaps not in an ordinary field of endeavor. However, this is not a total name number, so the number 5 influence is not point-blank: rather, it is a sub energy that is only a component of the bigger picture.
Which description do you think best applies to our metaphysically inclined Jenny Jones? Which provides more information? Granted, this example is based on a fictitious person, is very brief and only scratches the tip of the iceberg, so to speak – but you can see the differences already, right? Imagine the contents of an entire name analysis — one which also includes the highly personal messages of your Lifepath! (By the way, calculating the Lifepath number is also done differently…this number energy gives you the truth about your ‘mission’, ‘challenges’ and ‘lessons’ while here on this earth plane — you can find yours on my site).
Taking a trip through your own name is rewarding unto itself. It can help to explain cycles and patterns you have noticed along your road; point out built-in (and perhaps ignored) talents or strengths and provide motivation to change or at least recognize areas that could use some adjustments in your life. Its spiritual messages are treasures that are as intrinsic to this ancient oracle as its practical ones.
The time has come for Chaldean numerology to reclaim it rightful spot as the foremost and most accurate alpha-numerology system out there. Its gifts go far beyond just having a look at the energies in your name…they can also be used in ascertaining the character of your new boss, girlfriend, boyfriend or anyone else you can think of. It is also helpful to look up energy vibrations in new home or business addresses or phone numbers or even the energies at play between you and another person or even situation.
If you would like to learn more about the true grandfathers of numerology, please visit my website or have a look at the other articles I have written here – many deal with the application of and secrets behind this mystic art.
And keep a look out for my book on Chaldean numerology – it should be out soon!
Heather Lagan