According to ancient tradition, the numbers 2, 5, and 8 are closely linked to emotions. Additionally, number 6 (associated with Venus) is also considered emotional. Numbers 2 and 6 represent a softer, more sensitive, feminine aspect, while number 7 leans towards the masculine side of the Moon and isn’t always emotionally driven.
The three numbers 2, 5, and 8 are found in the basic numerical square:

Initially, the upper numbers have a spiritual essence but often shift towards mental and material concerns, with number 7 attempting to reconnect with the realm of the mind. Conversely, the lower numbers start as material and tend to ascend towards the spiritual and mental realms.
The middle numbers 2, 5, and 8 signify relationships and the pursuit of balance- they are inherently tied to emotional states. Number 2 represents the Moon and connections with others, number 5, linked to Mercury, governs rationalizations, while number 8 symbolizes suffering, encompassing feelings of depression and sadness.
This emotional aspect is also evident in variations of these numbers, such as 17 and 23. Traditional interpretations of 17 don’t always emphasize its emotional aspects unless it combines with numbers resulting in 4, leading to challenges like sins and sexual transgressions, and subsequently, emotional turmoil. On the other hand, 17, being associated with Saturn, often reflects sorrow and depression, thus indicating emotional tendencies. Similarly, Number 23 is traditionally considered one of the happiest numbers, accompanied by great blessings and prosperity, yet it may bring challenges and sadness in family life. Hence, the emotional component is explicitly highlighted.
In modern numerology, Sepharial defined arcane XVII (17) numerologically as: »Hope, favourable; or reverse, according to the position of this star in the horoscope.; uncertainty, insight, visions.«[1] Cheiro, three decades later, expanded on these meanings considerably: »This is a highly spiritual number, and is expressed in sybolism by the 8-pointed Star of Venus: a symbol of “Peace and Love.” It is also called “the Star of the Magi” and expresses that the person it represents has risen superior in spirit to the trials and difficulties of his life or his career It s considered a “number of immortality” and that the person’s name “lives after him .” It is a fortunate number if it works out in relation to future events, provided it is not associated with the single numbers of fours and eights.«[2]
None of these two interpretations specifically mention the possibility of emotional troubles.
Sepharial defined arcane XXIII (23) merely as: »Royal Star of Lion. Protection and favour of persons in authority; celebrity; success.«[3] Cheiro later expanded this meaning to: »This number is called “the Royal Star of the Lion.” It is a promise of success, help from superiors and protection from those in high places. In dealing with future events it is a most fortunate number and a promise of success for one’s plans.«[4]
In today’s fast-paced world individuals with numbers like 5 may face a lot of stress. Life also moves too fast for people from the group 3, 6, 8, and 9. Numbers 6 and 8 may face heightened emotional challenges due to life’s rapid evolution. This also implies more emotional challenges for people with numbers 17 and 23. Therefore, it would be expected that numerologists will eventually start writing more about this. Numerous other interpretations from contemporary American and Indian numerologists had been reviewed, but I have not found any definitions regarding the emotional lives of people with these numbers. The definitions of all these numerologists largely echo modern interpretations of Sepharial and Cheiro.
However, some answers are found among Slovenian numerologists. Bono Baršek says: “So far… I have not met anyone with the number 17 who has truly succeeded in finding love and happiness. Instead, it’s a number of great troubles and misfortunes in love.“[5] Regarding the number 23, Baršek says, “These people have a strange attitude toward love life, so it is not necessarily their happiest aspect.“[6] And Taja Veroti-Tjaša claims that if persons with 23 as birth date listen to the advice of others, this also brings sadness to them..[7]
Thank you for reading,
Boštjan Lovrat
[1] Sepharial (1909): Your Fortune in Your Name or Kabalistic Astrology. London, Willian Rider & Son, Ltd. Page 30. First published in 1894.
[2] Cheiro (1935): Cheiro’s Book of Numbers. London, Herbert& Jenkins. Page. 128. First published in 1926.
[3] Sepharial (1909): Page 31.
[4] Cheiro (1935): Page 130.
[5] Baršek, Bono (1996): Resnice življenja. Nazarje, Bele Dobletina, Nazarje. Page 105.
[6] Baršek (1996): Page. 107.
[7] Veroti, Taja- Tjaša (2005). (Po)moč numerologije. Ljubljana, Self-published. Page 56.

