And tax misconceptions

NUMEROLOGY Fact or fiction?

Many believe numbers can help us learn more about ourselves and predict the future

Scientific research into the workings of the universe uses the language of maths to explore and describe black holes, space, time, gravity and much more. It is not such a big step to see how we may also be part of the equation; we can find out about ourselves by studying numbers connected to our date of birth, or our names. Or is this a completely far-fetched idea?

Numerology is the study of numbers associated with either the name or birth date of the person. The former gives you a Master number and the latter a Destiny number. It is based on the belief that a person’s name and birth date have a significant effect on their purpose, character and talents. There are many variations in terms of the philosophical theory and practice of numerology. But very broadly this can be seen as an east-west difference.

SEARCH FOR MEANING We look for patterns in our lives and a sense of control over what happens, especially when life throws us a rough deal. We prefer to think there is a reason for everything, it brings a sense of comfort, and stability. In an unpredictable world it is no surprise that numerology is used as a way to create order, reveal secret truths and connect us to an ordered universe.

The Greek philosopher Pythagorus, c 500 B.C is considered to have developed Western numerology, based on his realisation that maths is connected to music. This mystical aspect of numbers was taken up by esoteric traditions the world over, and is based on numbers’ inherent vibration. Specific numbers were used in rituals by Native Americans. Vedic ceremonies used specific numbers in their rituals. Practices varied according to culture, traditions and beliefs, many of which are still alive today.

DAY AND TIME WE WERE BORN DETERMINES OUR FATE. TRUE OR FALSE? Many philosophers and spiritual authorities from a wide range of traditions say this is not how things are. Their belief is that we determine when we are born, to whom and where.

Numerologists confirm that the precise day and time we arrive is a result, not a cause of our destiny. In this sense we are wiser than we think we are. Or, if your own circumstances have caused you much suffering, you might well say we’ve made some very foolish decisions, or just not believe any of it! And of course, numerology is based on the numbering system we use in the western world but there have been and still are other ways to count, which could perhaps discredit much. Another issue is the use of given names, as these are traditionally used

EAST AND WEST Chinese Numerology is based on the sounds the numbers make when spoken. And if a number sounds similar to a word that is considered negative or unlucky, that number, too, is considered negative or unlucky.

SIX is one of the two most auspicious numbers in Chinese numerology, the other being ‘eight.’ It is viewed as lucky due to its similarities with the word for ‘good fortune’.

Although SEVEN can be said to be a ubiquitous lucky number in the western world, luck is not seen as so important in Western numerology. Rather, each number carries both positive and negative qualities, and it is up to each individual to manifest the best energy possible from a number. It was said men were represented by odd numbers and women by even numbers, but it would be interesting to know whether this holds in 2020 in the same way

FOUR IS CONSIDERED AN UNLUCKY NUMBER IN CHINESE BECAUSE IT IS NEARLY HOMOPHONOUS TO THE WORD “DEATH”

NINE sounds like the words which mean “long lasting” and “eternity” in Chinese. At birthday and wedding celebrations, the number 9 is welcome as it represents longevity. 9 was also traditionally associated with the Chinese emperor.

WORDS: SRI SUDEVI

to calculate the personality and future of the person. However, in many cultures, people choose names that have an auspicious number for their children and many people change their names based on numerology.

ARITHMANCY In Harry Potter’s world, Hermione Granger’s favourite subject is arithmancy and this involves the magical properties of numbers. Hermione learns to use complex charts to perform numerical divination, or tell the future using numbers.

HOW IT WORKS The process of translating words to numbers is central to the practice of numerology and has roots in Greek, Latin and Hebrew gematria, the practice of turning words into numbers, for the purpose of divination. People have used this method to study and interpret the Torah, the Bible and other religious texts.

Most of the time, numerologists will use people’s names, and take the given birth name. Then a simple chart is used to change the letters into numbers. Different systems use different charts, but an easy one begins with “a” equaling 1, “b” equaling 2 and so on.

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EXAMPLE 1 THE MASTER NUMBER Someone born on the 2.1.2002 2+1+2+2 = 7 The master number is 7

EXAMPLE 2 THE DESTINY NUMBER: Asian Home will have the numbers according to each letter. The numbers are added until one number remains: ASIAN 1 +1 +9 +1 +5 =17 = 8 HOME 8+ 6+ 4 +5 = 23 = 5 8 + 5 =12, 1+2 = 3 The destiny number is 3