Prepare yourself if you enjoy esoteric subjects. The digits in your birthday can be used to calculate how many past lives you’ve lived, according to the age-old practice of numerology — aka, the study of numbers. Furthermore, the resulting number, known as your Life Path Number, can aid in revealing and explaining your individuality, aspirations, interactions, and sometimes even your prospects.

Conquer Your Karmic Relationships author Tracee Dunblazier explains to Bustle that your life path number is the single digit that your birth date (when combined) consolidates into. Additionally, according to intuitive, medium, and spiritual development instructor Alison Shine, this number indicates the total number of incarnations you have lived as well as the purpose of your current life.

“Numerology can assist lead you by providing a framework for discovering greater significance in your life,” says Shine. “They are esoteric tools that can provide insight into your soul’s purpose, direction, and history.” You can utilize numerology to assist you in making key decisions, understanding your true potential, and ensuring that you are on the proper track.”

The ability to look into the future is due to the vibration linked with each number. “Numerology may help us comprehend how to forecast events and behavior by showing us that everything in our universe has a resonance, and that the result is congruent to the energetic trajectory it is on,” Dunblazier explains. “To put it another way: if you don’t change, your route won’t alter, and the [same] result can be expected.”

What Is the Origin of Numerology?

Numerology’s history spans numerous civilizations. Astrologer Constance Stellas claims that the Hebrew Kabala, Indian Vedas, and Egyptian Ritual of the Dead all made use of the knowledge of numbers. She claims that Moses taught it and that it is also stated in the Bible. Today, Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician who was born around 559 B.C., is mostly credited with the invention of numerology. Due to their connections to mathematics, Shine claims that Pythagoras and his adherents, known as the Pythagoreans, also studied music and philosophy.

It is thought that each number carries a distinct set of properties that can be used to describe other aspects of life because, among other things, they discovered a relationship between numbers and the resonance of each musical note.

They also discovered that adding a series of odd numbers beginning with 1 always results in a square number. “This means that everything in our universe is made up of numbers and can be described numerically,” Shine says. So, shall we begin with some math?

How to Figure Out How Many Past Lives You’ve Had

While the math may appear difficult at first, it is quite simple. The goal is to keep adding the individual digits in your full birth date (month, day, and year) until you get a single number that represents your Life Path Number.

To begin, consider the numbers in your birth month. You’ll use the number two if you were born in February, the second month of the year. March has three months, April has four, and so on. If your birth month has two digits, simply add them up. In December, this equals 1 + 2 = 3.

Then, proceed to the year. If you were born in 1992, add the digits 1+9+9+2 to get 21, then subtract 2+1 to get the single digit of 3. Then, add all of the digits in your birth date together until you get a single number.

If you were born on February 17, 1992, your birthday is 2+1+7+1+9+9+2 = 31. 4 is obtained by adding 3+1. Your Life Path Number is 4, which also indicates how many previous lives you’ve had. The answer will almost certainly be 1 through 9, but if you get 11, 22, or 33, stop adding.

Master Codes

In numerology, the numbers 11, 22, and 33 are considered master numbers. “You’ll always reduce to one digit, but the master number adds more to the message,” Dunblazier explains. “Master numbers address universal dynamics that are at work in your life and contribute to your life path or destiny.” Consider it an extra dose of the single number.

The Theory of 13 Lives

The belief in reincarnation, or past lives, refers to the process of a soul going through various incarnations on Earth, each time building on what was learned in previous lives. “Each lifetime provides us with a fresh perspective on the human experience,” Shine says. “As our souls gain more life experience, we progress to higher levels of consciousness.”

As with all things mystical, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single “answer” or know for certain how many previous lives you’ve had, if any at all. According to Dunblazier, you may have thousands of past lives, with Life Path Numbers serving as a way to narrow down a vast concept.

Other Applications of Numerology

Numerology is about more than just past lives and lessons learned. “Have you ever looked at the time at 11:11? Have you ever noticed a pattern in your birthdays or significant dates? Do you keep seeing the same numbers appear everywhere? “When it comes to uncovering the details of your lives, numbers have incredible power and meaning,” Shine says.

These kinds of coincidences could also be interpreted as a playful wink from the universe, which you can use to your advantage the next time you’re trying to make a decision.

Your Numerology Number and What It Means

Having determined your life path, look at the characteristics linked to each number below. Once you have this knowledge, you may utilize it to inform your choices and discover more about yourself, your connections, and the path you want to take.

The Primal Force is ranked first.

New beginnings are symbolized by number one, according to psychic and spiritual advisor Davida Rappaport. Shine describes you as independent, imaginative, and goal-oriented, however, you might have trouble with doubt. (After all, you are new.)

The second type is intuitive.

According to Rappaport, the number two represents pairs or duality. Shine describes you as intuitive, unifying, and influential.

Number 3: The Innovative

You are optimistic, artistic, and charming as a number three. However, don’t be surprised if naiveté follows you around. The focus of your life should be on growth and expression.

Number 4: The Organizer

As a practical, solid number four, you are loyal and grounded, but you can also be dull and rigid, according to Shine. The number four is also associated with reality — consider the material universe, logical reasoning, and structure.

The fifth force is the dynamic force.

Fives are energetic, adaptable, and extremely social, but they can also be unpredictable and unreliable. Rappaport says that as a five, you can either keep moving forward or fall back into old patterns. It is entirely up to you to make your decision.

Sixth: The Caretaker

Shine declares that as someone on their sixth life, you are now officially a caretaker. You are harmonious, supportive, and protective of everyone in your life, even to the point of self-sacrifice at times. According to Rappaport, the number six is also associated with motherhood, marriage, and harmony, which may explain why you are drawn to nurturing.

The Truth Seeker is ranked seventh.

Shine describes seven people as spiritual and inquisitive. You enjoy analyzing life. According to Rappaport, the number seven also represents wisdom and perfection and is considered the number of the mystic.

The Powerhouse is ranked eighth.

You’re an eight, and you’re as ambitious as they come. Shine advises keeping an eye out for materialistic tendencies. It may be beneficial to shift your focus to other types of success.

9th: The Humanitarian

According to Rappaport, the number nine represents competition and achievement, so consider yourself one of the more “awakened” numbers.

The Illuminated One, Master Number 11

As a master number 11, you are perceptive, intuitive, and aware. Allow your strong ethical code to guide you.

The Master Builder is Master Number 22.

You’re out there manifesting goodness into your life as a Master Builder. You may believe you have everything figured out.

The Master Teacher is Master Number 33.

As a 33, your soul is considered evolved, awakened, and devoted, according to Shine. As a result, you may experience feelings of selflessness and disconnection.