Numerology Schmology

Like astrology, it is very hard to find statistical evidence that proves that numerology works. But unlike astrology which is based on the movement of planets in a universe not created by mankind, the Gregorian calendar that we currently use is possibly a human invention and appears to be somewhat arbitrary.

Take, for instance, January 1. There is absolutely no spiritual, metaphysical or even scientific reason why this day should mark the start of a year. It harks back to the previous Roman Calendars when they decided that Janus (the Roman God of all beginnings) should be the first month of the year.

Fair enough. That hints that there may be some religious or at least mythological significance in its origin. But why start the month nine or ten days after the Solstice? That makes no sense at all - the result of various historical political and scientific developments that have shifted the calendar numbering around.

Besides that anomaly, there are mainly two greatly different numerical alphabet systems used - the ancient Chaldean-Hebrew and the Pythagorean (named as such although there is absolutely no evidence that Pythagoras even used it! He was simply interested in numbers, more to do with music and mathematics).

For the last forty years using both systems I have carefully noted and observed the numerological effects of various elements in my life - my name/s, date of birth, current year and date, street address, phone number, etcetera etcetera and have come to the conclusion that very little of it coincides with reality and in fact not only do both systems disagree but they often contradict one another and reality to boot.

I have lived in houses that add to 3 which is supposed to mean I'll be robbed and yet I haven't been; yet I've been burgled in houses that add to 5 or 7 or whatever. Go figure.

And what happens when you change language /alphabets? Even if Pythagoras did use numerology, he spoke Ancient Greek and certainly not English.. so what does that mean about the values given to each letter? It seems absurd to Anglicise Greek names because either way the values are different - at best hypothetical and at worst completely imagined or made-up.

Sure everyone, go ahead and use it for a bit of fun but not at the expense of common sense. And NEVER make important decisions on the basis of 'numerology'!

When I was 13 I changed my name from Jim to Sam (James is my middle name and that's what my parents used), nothing to do with numerology as I'd never even heard of it. Now here's the thing — in Pythagorean  that goes from 5 to 6; but in Chaldean it's 6 to 8. 6 is supposed to be an intellectual number and 5 & 8 are emotional. So according to which system used, I went from being emotional to intellectual or exactly THE OTHER WAY AROUND — which surely must negate any 'benefit' from any name change and makes a mockery of numerology.

Or am I being too intellectually emotional about the whole thing ha ha ha?

My conclusion is to avoid superstition or magical thinking. Go with your gut and use common sense. Same applies to gardening by astrology. Use proper horticultural practices and you'll get great results - most often regardless of the position of the planets! Gardening by an astrological calendar alone achieves little without proper preparation of the soil, planting in light or shade, the right weather and season, correct amount of water and nutrients etc.