When you’re house hunting, there are lots of things to think about. Most of us focus on the location, layout, value, overall style and size, garden and so on. For many, what house number a building has is pretty low down on the list of features to pay attention to when viewing a potential property.
But for numerologists, a house number is one of the most significant elements to consider when buying a home and can even be an important indicator of whether you’ll be happy living there.
Numerology is based on the idea that all things are reducible to numbers and each number carries a unique energy or vibration. Numerologists believe there is a mystical relationship between numbers and events and they explore the idea that numbers derived from our birth date or house number can determine a person’s character, help us to understand our life paths and even predict how the future might unfold.
‘Numerology is the philosophy, science and psychology of numbers,’ explains numerologist Jane Alton, who does in-depth readings for her clients, studying the potential wisdom and meanings concealed within their personal numbers in order to provide a different perspective on life. ‘We use numbers every day and don’t think about them much, but they are sacred symbols. They represent energy. In numerology we believe that everything evolves in cycles – everything is in a state of flux and it all comes down to vibrations. Numbers are a really good way of defining vibration.’
The concept has its roots in the teachings of Ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras (500-580 BC) who believed that numbers could be found in every area of life and that each number had specific properties.
In numerology, numbers 1 to 9 and the ‘master numbers’ 11, 22 and 33 all have their own unique energy. The idea is that if you work out your personal life path number from your birth date, you can then see if it’s compatible with your house number or not.
‘There is a lot of information generated from a date of birth – I study the numbers and patterns, then interpret them in a way that helps people to look at their overall life,’ reveals Jane.
‘For example, if your life path number (derived from your date of birth) is a 6 and your house number is also a 6, you’ll walk in and feel very much at home. If your house number resonates with a key number in your birth chart, you’ll always feel at ease in that space.’
Jane says that if your birth date number doesn’t align with your house number, the opposite can be true.
‘If your life path is a 4 – which is about structure and security and stability – but your house number is a 5, you might feel a bit uncomfortable at home,’ she says.
How to work out your life path and house numbers
To work out your path number: Add together the day and month of your birth date to get your first number. So, if your date of birth is 10/11/1990, your first number is:
10 + 11 = 21.
Next, add up all the numbers in your year of birth:
1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 19
Then, add those two numbers together:
21 + 19 = 41
Lastly, add the digits in the result together:
4 + 1 = 5
So, if your date of birth is 10/11/1990, your life path number is 5.
To work out your house numerology number: Add the digits of your house number together. So, if you live at 41, your house number is 5 (4 + 1 = 5). Obviously, house numbers 1-9 are self-explanatory and don’t require any sums.
Good vibrations
‘We’re born into a unique set of circumstances, tailor-made for whatever it is we’re here to do,’ says Jane. ‘Once we know what number our life mission is, it can explain why certain situations keep coming up or why certain people are in our world. Numerology is a good way of connecting with the bigger picture. It can help you see what patterns you’ve lived with and how to move on. It’s about moving from the personal to the collective.’
Lots of people are superstitious about numbers. In fact, a recent survey* conducted by The Bespoke Sign House found that 46 per cent of British people say an ‘unlucky’ house number – such as 13 – might put them off buying, and 21 per cent say it definitely would. But, in numerology terms, 13 is actually a house with 4 energy (1 + 3 = 4), so not necessarily unlucky at all, as long as it’s compatible with your own birth date numbers.
‘If you’re in an environment with people who have a similar frequency or vibration to you, you’ll feel comfortable. You talk the same language and understand one another,’ says Jane. ‘It’s the same with houses. Most people know within a few minutes of walking inside if a house feels right for them or not. You can sense the energy.’
Numerology – Key properties of numbers
In numerology, numbers 1 to 9 and the ‘master numbers’ 11, 22 and 33 all have their own distinct energies that can impact the house you live in…
1: Independence, strength, determination – unwavering and stubborn, number 1 is about purpose and pride. It embodies black-and-white thinking, straightforward action and pushing through obstacles to succeed. A house with this number is a great place to live when you’re starting a new chapter in life – a new relationship, a new job or a new era of individuality.
2: Peacemaking, gentle, forgiving and non-confrontational – a house with the number 2 is a harmonious home that’s perfect for two friends or a pair of lovers. It’s a number that channels loyalty, intuitiveness and grace.
3: Creative, charismatic and charming, number 3 is considered a ‘lucky’ number but can also channel superficiality, materialism and a lack of focus. In house number terms, a ‘3’ house can be a place for parties and self-expression, where creative people such as writers or artists feel at home.
4: Stability and strength – number 4 is trustworthy, patient and conventional with a strong sense of morality and an understanding of the value of hard work. It’s a house number that would suit someone who needs to feel grounded and safe.
5: Vibrant, free, unpredictable – number 5 seeks change and is adventurous, always taking risks and often restless. A house with the number ‘5’ is energetic, a home that’s filled with constant activity and occupants who love to travel.
6: Harmonious, caring and healing, number 6 is about sacrifice, love and warmth. 6 has an energy that is well-liked, idealistic and amusing – it’s a hard-working number that’s sympathetic and protective. Houses with a ‘6’ number are often family homes with multiple children or plenty of plants or pets to nurture.
7: Wisdom, introspection and intellect – scholarly number 7 seeks hidden truths and celebrates unconventional thinking while searching for answers to life’s mysteries. A number ‘7’ house is a sanctuary – a restful space in which to transform yourself and focus on spiritual growth.
8: Balance, drive and ambition – number 8 is about leadership, management and practicality. It can be associated with money, power and authority – it’s said that houses with the number ‘8’ are likely to increase in value and bring occupants fame or wealth.
9: Majestic, tolerant and compassionate with a global consciousness, a house with the number 9 is a good place to get your affairs in order when transitioning from one life stage to another. It’s a number that helps you to move on, get sorted and see the bigger picture.
Master number 11: Intuitive, sensitive, a channel to the subconscious – a house with the master number 11 is right for a dreamer or psychic. It’s an intense energy but this home will have a special feel to it and enable both personal and spiritual growth.
Master number 22: Successful, disciplined, with big ideas and self-confidence, 22 is often called the Master Builder by numerologists and can turn dreams into reality. A ‘22’ home will be transformational, enabling you to do more and be more, leave a legacy and build something new.
Master number 33: Spiritually evolved, a rare number that embodies teaching, philosophical and care-giving forces. 33 lacks personal ambition and uplifts the spirituality of humanity. Living in a ‘33’ house will suit those who have a strong desire to serve others.
Work out your name in numerology terms
‘Letters in a person’s name or a house name can also be interpreted via numerology,’ says Jane. ‘For example, A = 1, B = 2 and so on.’
So, if your name is ‘Eleanor’, you’d add up:
E = 5, L = 12, E = 5, A = 1, N = 14, O = 15, R = 18.
Like this:
5 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 14 + 15 + 18 = 70
Next, you’d add together the digits in the resulting number:
7 + 0 = 7
So, the name ‘Eleanor’ has the number 7.
The same system can be applied to house names, too. ‘If your house number is incompatible with your birth chart number, you could rename your house with a name that – when it is reduced to number form – gives you a more harmonious number pairing,’ suggests Jane.
Whether you believe in numerology theory or not, it’s undeniable that the magic of numbers is all around us. From Fibonacci’s golden spiral, which is visibly present in seashells, to the precise sacred geometry found in the arrangement of petals in a dahlia bloom, the seeds of a sunflower head, or the fractals of broccoli – mathematical patterns and rhythms seem to govern everything at a deep level. We are part of nature, so perhaps the idea that we can use numbers to somehow tap into the universe’s invisible energies and increase our self-awareness isn’t as far-fetched as we might assume…?
