Basic numerology

The origins of numerology are as yet not ascertained. Our ancient sages and astrologers linked numbers to the nava grahas (nine planets) and japa sankhyas (the number of times a chant was to be recited). The formation of yantras with specific numbers marked on them was due to the same. In the Vedas and Upanishads, there is mention of the power of numbers. In the Vedic astrology system, each Rashi and Nakshatra have their own alphabets and numbers. Each alphabet has got its own importance – pronunciation, i.e. dhwani (sound), mulakshar (energy value) and numerical value. The system was initially built around seven numbers since we only had seven planets and hence seven days of the week. We had Saptadev (seven Gods), Saptapadi (seven rounds around the fire during marriage ceremony) and Saptaswarga (seven heavens). With the invention of Rahu and Ketu, numerology graduated from seven to nine, i.e. from the numbers 1-9. Any number used in the Tantra system should be perfectly divisible by seven.

Pythagoras (569-500 BC) could be called the Father of Numerology in the West. He stated that there was nothing in the world which could not be foretold by using numbers. He explained the meaning of the numbers for 1 – 1000 and his work is still used as a basic tool in the numerology systems used in Greece and Spain. Pythagoras stated that the essence of the world is in ten opposing items. Even numbers were considered by him to be feminine and not of much consequence, but odd numbers were masculine and powerful and had their own strength. He also created prayers for the four numbers which represented fire, earth, wind and water.

With the spread of Astrology and Vedic mathematics across the boundaries of ancient India, the Arabs picked up the system and it was called Tajik method (from Tajikstan), similar to Varshaphal (prediction for the year), whereby forecast for the year is worked out from the date of birth. The modified control of planets on numbers is as per the system using the Gregorian calendar (i.e. the birth date as per Western system).

1. Primary control by Mars and secondary control by Saturn
2. Primary control by Venus and secondary by Saturn
3. Primary control by Mercury and secondary by Jupiter
4. Singular control by Moon
5. Singular control by Sun
6. Primary control by Mercury, secondary control by Saturn
7. Primary control by Venus, secondary by Saturn
8. Singular control by Mars
9. Primary control by Jupiter, secondary by Moon

Chiero was the most renowned palmist and numerologist. Born in 1866, he visited India at the age of eight (as stated in his biography) and for forty years gained an insight into the ancient Indian science of Hasta Samudrik (palmistry) and Ankashastra (numerology). His books on the same are classics.

In the Chinese method, odd numbers represent white, day, Sun, heat and fire, while even numbers represent black, night, dark, moon, cold, earth and water and the two should not mix. Pronunciations of sounds ( characters) also have numerical values and are taken into consideration while calculating. Another method of note was the Jewish Kabala. It means knowledge given by the Gods. In it there is a chapter on numerology. As per Kabala, Adam and Noah got this knowledge from the Angels. In fact with the Jews, if a person was sick or was on his deathbed, the person’s name used to be changed so that the new name (through numerical strength of pronunciation) could effect a change in fortune and save the person.

By the Vedic concept, there is cosmic energy in every atom (anu & renu) that we cannot see but feel. If we can become one with it and harness its power through Dhyana (meditation) or Mantra (recitation of chants); the pronunciation of the words evoke certain cosmic powers (the word ‘Aum’ being a classic example), then we obtain Siddhi and are a Siddhapurush. The energy which a Siddhapurush captures radiates in the form of frequencies known as Spandan.

When we are born, we are governed by nine planets (horoscope). Each planet has its own frequency and its own number or mulakshar. The planets are also in Rashis and Nakshatras which have their own Lords and frequencies. It is the sum total of the frequencies and their permutations and combinations that decides what we are. That is the blueprint of our existence at birth. On it is superimposed the movement of planets as per time. Permutations and combinations of frequencies change and the equation gives better or worse results. (That, in essence, is predictive astrology).

To use a very basic and simplistic tool, we use the following method used on numbers 1-9. There are three groups in this method –

A. 1, 3, 6, 8
B. 2, 5, 7
C. 4, 9

Group A cannot get along with group B. Group C can get along with everyone. Now add your date of birth together, e.g. – 23rd June 1956, i.e. 23-6-1956 = 2+3+6+1+9+5+6 = 32 = 3+2 = 5 = group B. Thus a person born in group B will get along with those whose numbers are 2, 5, 7 and also 4 & 9. I am sure readers can have some fun by using this within your family or at your workplace.

Capt. Shekhar Vadke