Numerology can also be thought of as the search for a link between some measurement, or counting process, and life itself — a link that numerologists believe can be used advantageously. The number may be thought to control the environment, or individuals within the environment, or to predict what has been revealed by the supposed environmental link. Put in its simplest and most basic form: the number “7,” for example, may be thought to cause good things to happen, or it may be thought to predict the good things that are about to happen without having any causative influence over them. Theory number 1, the causative theory, likens the magical, influential number to a hand and arm that can manipulate events. Theory number 2, the predictive theory, likens the magical number to an eye that can see and predict, but cannot influence or manipulate events.
In his book, Numerology: Or What Pythagoras Wrought, highly analytical mathematician Underwood Dudley discusses the Elliott Wave Principle used for analyzing the behaviour of stocks and shares. The Wave Principle was the creation of a professional accountant, Ralph Nelson Elliott (1871–1948). It’s a form of technical analysis that investors can use to analyze cycles in financial markets, and so make substantial gains by buying and selling at appropriate points in those stock market cycles. Market trends can be analyzed by studying investor psychology and the ways in which stock market prices change. Elliott’s book, The Wave Principle, came out in 1938. A later book, Nature’s Laws: The Secret of the Universe, appeared in 1946, just 2 years before Elliott’s death. In it he argued that humanity was rhythmic by nature and human behaviour was therefore also rhythmic and cyclical. From this basic idea Elliott deduced that human behaviour could be predicted with remarkable accuracy, and that those who knew how to understand and use this wave information could make a success of buying and selling on the stock exchange.
An interesting suggestion regarding wider and deeper aspects of numerology follows from this preliminary look at the Elliott Wave. Scientists recognize that series, cycles, and rhythms are part of natural life, including human life, and that they are also susceptible to numerical analysis. Series, cycles, and rhythms can also be observed and recorded. It could perhaps be suggested that where numerology appears to produce positive results it is because the numerologist has linked up, either knowingly or unknowingly, with a natural rhythm, series, or cycle. Examples include circadian rhythms and the so-called “body clock.” These biological mechanisms control human times of activity and inactivity. Scientific and medical research has observed that these body clocks and circadian rhythms operate on an approximate period of 24 hours. Reflection on our own physical and mental experiences indicates that there are times in the 24-hour cycle when we feel alert and energetic, while at other times in the cycle we feel sleepy and lethargic. For many self-observers, there are perceptible high points of mental alertness between 8:00 and 10:00 in the mornings and again between 8:00 and 10:00 in the evenings. Physical strength and energy peaks later than the mental summit in the mornings — on average, about an hour later. In the evenings, however, the peak of physical strength and energy comes an hour or so before the mental peak is reached.
Medical scientists and expert neurologists have located an area in the hypothalamus containing approximately 20,000 neurons. This is known as the SCN, or suprachiasmatic nucleus, and acts as the body’s super-clock, or biological pacemaker. The external stimuli, which appear to stimulate its activities, are generally thought to be associated with sunlight or bright daylight. As light decreases at the end of the day, the eyes and associated visual system transmit messages to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which signals another gland to produce more melatonin. This, in turn, produces a feeling of tiredness and sleepiness. Lengthy experiments with subjects being deprived of light tend to indicate that without the natural 24-hour light and darkness cycle the body clock moves to a 25-hour cycle. Numbers and time measurement are at the core of any understanding of circadian rhythms, and this can provide essential data for numerologists.
The seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter are a major example of a natural cycle that can be assessed and analyzed numerically. Rather less obvious than the cyclic nature of the 4 seasons are the biogeochemical cycles, yet they are very real and are subject to numerical, scientific analysis. Some of these cycles are gaseous and others sedimentary. Gaseous cycles store the element that is being analyzed and followed in the earth’s atmosphere. Sedimentary cycles store the element that is being tracked within the earth’s crust. The carbon cycle provides an important example. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Herbivores, such as rabbits, eat the plants. The carbon absorbed from the plants creates tissue for the herbivore. Carnivores then eat the herbivores, and use the carbon they have ingested. Carbon dioxide is returned to the air when the animal breathes, and to the earth when the animal dies and decomposes. Plants can then take carbon from the soil and the whole cycle continues. The carbon in the cycle can be weighed and measured, and therefore is subject to numerical analysis.
The water cycle provides another useful example of a natural cycle that can be analyzed numerically. Water evaporates from the surfaces of lakes, seas, and oceans and forms clouds. When the meteorological conditions are right, it falls again as rain, sleet, hail, or snow. It is then evaporated again, and so the cycle continues. Precipitation and evaporation can be weighed, measured, and analyzed numerically.
Later chapters will deal in full with the meanings of different integers as understood and used by numerologists. At this early stage, however, it will be useful to give a broad interpretation of the basic meanings assigned to numbers, as this allocation of meanings marks a clear distinction between scientific mathematics and the “magical” aspects of numerology. The “0” is one of the most powerful of all numerological symbols. It can represent everything from the entire universe to nothingness. It can signify ascent and descent. The “0” is unlimited and eternal. The figure “1” stands for individuality. It can also indicate aggression and assertiveness, determination and drive. It also has a masculine aspect. The figure “2” stands for balance and unity, receptiveness and understanding. Opposite to number “1,” the “2” has a feminine aspect. Number “3” symbolizes fairness, objectivity, and good judgement. There is a sense in which numerologists regard it as the symbol of neutrality. The figure “4” represents creativity, originality, inventiveness, ingenuity, resourcefulness, vision, and inspiration, whereas “5” can be problematic. Many numerologists think of “5” as indicative of vigorous action, movement, restlessness, and an inability to find calmness and peace. “Six” symbolizes responsibility, dependability, and trustworthiness. The figure “7” is one of the very best. It means thoughtfulness, wisdom, knowledge, and insight. “Seven” can signify a careful attention to detail, consideration, and contemplation. Number “8” stands for power, but can also entail sacrifice. “Eight” is sometimes thought of as a heroic number; it signifies gallantry and noble courage. The “9” signifies change of a major type: movement from one lover to another, from one religious faith to another, from one philosophical persuasion to another.
It should be noted that numerology is known and practised globally, and the list of numbers and their meanings can vary considerably from one location to another.
One important Chinese system is associated with the sounds of certain letters and numbers. In this system, “1” represents certainty; “2” is ease, comfort, facility, and simplicity. Number “3” is life, self-awareness, and existence, whereas “4” is associated with water, which is considered to bring wealth and good luck. In a different Chinese system, however, “4” is thought to be a warning of impending death. The number “5” is the self, the individual, the person, the self-conscious entity. In this system, “6” is thought of as a stronger version of “2.” It represents ongoing easiness and smoothness, a situation that is pleasant all the way, and enduring happiness. Whereas “7” is a supremely