Numerology

1
Numerology

• By Kyle E. Thayer
• Honors 201
• 23 September 2003

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Definition and brief history of Numerology

• Numerology is the study of numbers as they relate
  to our character and destiny.
• In Ancient Babylon the first unit was ten, and
  the second unit was 60. This survives in
  seconds, minutes, hours, and degrees of a circle.
  
• Many cultures used finger counting as a basis for
  their number systems.

3
Pythagoras

• He was a Greek mathematician who is considered
  the Father of Numbers.
• He believed that nothing could exist without
  numbers.

4
Numbers and their Meanings

• The number one is associated with the one and
  only divine.
• The number two is seen as the good and the bad,
  the Yin and the Yang.
• Good things come in threes but also death
  comes in threes.
• Many religions revolve around a theme of threes.
  (ex the Holy Trinity)

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Numbers and their Meanings (cont.)

• The number 4 is associated with the earth. (ex
  4 phases of the moon, 4 seasons, 4 directions, 4
  winds)
• The number 5 has been connected with human life
  and the 5 senses and also marriage.
• The number 6 has been called the most perfect
  number since it is the sum product of its
  parts.

6
Numbers and their Meanings (cont.)

• The number 7 is seen as a pillar of wisdom.
• The number 8 is viewed as lucky number and the
  number of the gods.
• The number 9 is associated with pain and
  suffering since Christ died at the ninth hour of
  the day.

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Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13)

• costs America one billion dollars a year in
  absenteeism, train and plane cancellations and
  reduced commerce on the thirteenth of the month.
• Christian traditions explain this by examining
  the Last Supper. There were 12 1 people, and
  Jesus was betrayed.
• It is said that witches travel in groups of 13.

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Numerology today

• Numbers are still associated with certain
  meanings and superstitions.
• Each person has two numbers, a birth number and a
  name number.
• The birth number is calculated from the date of
  birth while the name number is calculated by
  assigning all the letters in the alphabet meaning.

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Numerology Today (cont.)

• Billions of dollars are spent by people who
  believe that numbers control their fate/destiny.
• Psychic hotlines, books, newspapers, magazines,
  and other media encourage numerology.

10

• Follow the instructions on the handout to find
  out your birth sign, your name sign and what they
  mean.
• Enjoy!

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References

• A Brief History of Numerology. 10 September
  2003. http//ancientastrology.com/Numerology.html
  
• Numerology. 23 September 2003.
  http//www.russellrowe.com/numerology.htm
• Schimmel, Annemarie. The Mystery of Numbers.
  New York Oxford University Press, 1993.