By The Numbers

5 9 3 3 9 1 4     8 6 9 2 5 9 7

Numerology, like Astrology, is one of those things that tend to exist in the eye of the beholder. Dating back to the time of Pythagoras, numerologists found connections between numbers and physical objects or living things.

Science, or parlor game? 

Like the Ouija Board, books about numerology, as in this small gem from 1917, seem symbolic of modes of entertainment from a quieter, less populous, and pre-electronic time on the planet.

Here is how it works. Basically, every letter of the alphabet is assigned a numerical value from 1 to 9. Therefore, your full name can be converted to a series of numbers, which when totaled up according to the "rules", converts your alphabetical name into an absolute number which, oddly, is either from 1 to 9, or 11 or 22. Each number has its own set of characteristics, for if you are a 4, like all other 4s, you share common traits. 

Therefore, 5 9 3 3 9 1 4   8 6 9 2 5 9 7  can now be read correctly as: William Horberg.

The Sea of Trouble or the Harbor of Success. Where would you rather be? Let's add things up and see. 

My Individuality Number, as expressed by the total values assigned to the vowels in my name, would be a 3. My real self.

( i=9 + i=9 + a=1 + o=6 + e=5 totals 30, which then gets converted to 3+0 = 3.)

My Personality Number, based on "Bill", which according to the book is a shortening of my name that could be the result of sentimentality, conceit or ambition, comes out to 7. What I appear to be.

(b=2 + l=3 + l=3 + h=8 + r=9 + b=2 + r=9 + g=7 totals 43 and 4+3 = 7.)

So what does it all mean? 

According to Mr. Theodore Russell (who penned this thin tome, and I hope made some cash as a result), having an Individuality Number of 3 means that you are "perfect in personal expression". 3's are 'natural salesmen' and 'jolly people who can sing or dance or talk interestingly'! So that is how I really am. Sweet! But how do I appear to be? People with Personality Numbers of 7 are "meditative, introspective, tranquil, restful and refined." 

Introspectively jolly. Not a bad description of me. 

But Russell also warns, if I live on the wrong or negative side of my number, I am "babbling when I should be silent" and my "wisdom is lost in chatter". Ouch!

Interestingly, the guy with the most powerful numerological reading in Russell's book is none other than Theodore Roosevelt, whose names adds up uniquely to 22. For some reason that goes unexplained, 22 is a number that cannot be reduced, and is also the number of greatest accomplishment. 

Thank God he wasn't a 7, "those who through ignorance of the laws of success find themselves adrift in the waters of misery". 

Hard to be introspectively jolly if you're drifting in the waters of misery!!!

Send me your number, and I'll tell you what Theodore Russell has to say about YOU!

william

Comments

[rachael]

My individuality number is a 7 and my personality number is a 3. :)

[Maiz]

My individuality # is 3, and "Maiz" is the magic # 22! This doesn't surprise me, since my birthday is on July 22, and 22 has always been my favorite and luckiest number.

Okay, so tell me more about how much I have in common with you and Teddy Roosevelt! :)

[Elsita :)]

Too complicated for me El Billy! :0
I have been always bad with numbers :)
But for some reason I have always loved the #8
I remember when I turned 8 on May 8th, I was the happiest little girl!
But 8 years later when I turned 16 and had to issue a birth certificate I found out that I had been actually born on May 9th!!!! For 16 years I was told that my birth date was May 8. The reason:
May 8th of 1971 was Mother's Day and my Mom thought that it was nicer to register me as being born on that day. You see, just a little tiny detail :) But what she didn't know is that my Dad had done the registration with the right date but he never told her or me later on :) Just details, right?
But as a teenager trying to find myself I was kind of mad about this whole thing. And up to this day my Mom insists that I was born on Mother's day! But of course I celebrate my birthday on May 9.
(Nothing to do with this post :o)
Elsi :)

[margie oomen]

Hi elsi:)
Makes sense that my individuality number is 8 :)
but oh no my personality number is 13.
That is with me using my maiden name because the math was just to much for my tired little head to use my hyphenated last name.

[deirdre]

My name, Deirdre, is 9. My nickname is Deeds, which is a 19 which = 10 which = 1? I'd love to know what the book says!

[Elizabeth]

I'm a little late but I would like to play along. Now I'm really sure which name to use. My parents decided to give me three offical names at birth and a name they used on a daily basis.
First official name: 43
Second official name: 11
Third official name: 30
Last name: 17

My first name used by my parents: 34

My husbands last name, which is only used on official papers sometimes: 33

So if you can figure it out you are a magician. Just thinking may this is why I have such troubles to find out where I stand in life, LOL.

[James]

first/last name: 11451 138559459
vowels:15595=25

Sounds cool. Thanks.