Approaches to Fate Interpretation

There are many ways to interpret fate, including Aztec astrology, palmistry, Zi Wei Dou Shu, Nine Star Ki, Pythagorean numerology, Vedic numerology, and more. Some of these approaches are more suitable than others.

The first challenge in using any given method is to avoid treating it as the only infallible way to interpret fate. No single approach can fully encompass a person’s destiny. The only case in which relying on just one method is reasonable is when one possesses the ability to intuitively or energetically verify the accuracy of the proposed interpretations.

The second challenge is the opposite—avoiding getting lost in too many approaches and blindly trusting each one.

An interesting starting point for studying the influence of fate is to combine two or three approaches. Among the most significant methods of fate interpretation are:

  • Planetary astrology, though it is riddled with unresolved debates—such as whether to use fixed constellations or the Western zodiac, how to interpret houses, and how to evaluate aspects.
  • BaZi, or the Four Pillars of Destiny, which offers a simpler yet more robust theoretical foundation compared to methods like Zi Wei Dou Shu.
  • Chaldean numerology, which in most cases proves to be more powerful than Pythagorean numerology.

Charlie Chaplin and Chaldean Numerology

Charlie Chaplin was an English actor, filmmaker, and composer. He achieved great fame with his unique portrayal of the Tramp.

Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (born: 16 April 1889)

He spent his childhood in poverty, living with his mother, who soon developed mental health issues. In his Chaldean numerology chart, his mother is primarily represented by the number 20. This number is connected to the number 26 in Chaplin’s chart, which can bring emotional struggles and mental pressure. However, in Chaplin’s case, this conflict was somewhat alleviated, so he did not feel it as intensely, as other numbers also influenced him. His mother’s number, though, is more precisely defined and could contribute to such complications. Of course, much depends on her own numerology chart—on one hand, with the right name, she could have had acting talent herself, while on the other, she might have been able to overcome her emotional struggles.

Chaplin’s chart also contains the number 46 (at the consonant level, and additionally, the name numbers 20 and 26 directly sum to 46), while his Life Path number is 37. Although 46 is not a Royal Star on its own, 37 is the Royal Star of the Bull, and in Chaldean numerology, both numbers are interpreted similarly. These are generally favorable numbers that bring good partnerships, friendships, and business success. His Total Name Number is primarily 28 rather than 46, which, combined with his birth date of 16, gave him a strong sense of individualism and an occasional need for solitude. This left him torn between his desire for partnership and difficulties in relationships. However, since his Life Path number was more fortunate than his Birth Number, he ultimately found a more stable relationship in his third marriage. The strong presence of the number 1 and multiple eights undoubtedly contributed to his perfectionism.

Charlie Chaplin in 1921. Source: Wikimedia Commons. File:Charlie Chaplin portrait.jpg.

Chaplin’s roles are both humorous and tinged with melancholy. His birth date of 16 (which suggests withdrawal and melancholy), along with the number 26 from his surname and his goal number 17 (both associated with the melancholic planet Saturn), played a role in this. The number 17, along with 46 and 37, brought him fame. Numbers such as 20, 33, and 24 indicate a talent for public performance. The many eights in his chart suggest that he likely experienced significant hardships in his life.

His first son died shortly after birth, and numbers may have played a role in this as well. The early part of his life was more unfortunate, and Chaplin’s sons were associated with the number 8 (and partially 4), which can be linked to karmic trials. Despite these hardships, Chaplin had many children.

On Karma and Changing One’s Name

In Chaldean numerology, there are both proponents and opponents of changing one’s name or surname. Advocates of this practice argue that altering one’s name is a legitimate way to introduce more harmonious vibrations into one’s life. One of the first modern Chaldean numerologists to support this idea was Isidore Kozminsky in the early 20th century.[1] In 1926, numerologist Cheiro also advocated for it in his book.[2] Due to Cheiro’s influence, changing one’s name is much more common among Chaldean numerology practitioners than among those who follow modern Pythagorean numerology.

However, there are also opposing views. For example, William Mykian believes that our true name is given at birth and that changing it—even in cases of natural changes, such as marriage—can lead to confusion and difficulties.[3] Bodil Storm argues that name changes should not be made based on numerology because our name and surname carry karmic imprints.[4]

It is important to note that changing a name can indeed present challenges. On one hand, after making a change, there is often an adjustment period as one aligns with the new vibrations. This period can involve intense cleansing and challenges, sometimes lasting several months or even years. On the other hand, Chaldean numerologists often overlook the significance of consonant numbers, which have a substantial impact on the quality of a numerology chart. Ultimately, a name change can result in vibrational shifts that numerologists may not foresee—or may not even be able to predict.

That being said, these concerns should not be taken as arguments against changing one’s name based on Chaldean numerology principles. A birth name is not a fixed, unchangeable element. While we cannot alter the planetary positions in our birth chart, we can change our name or surname. Thus, excessive fatalism in this regard is unnecessary. Many people report positive effects from adopting a new name or surname. The key is to ensure that the new vibrations are truly beneficial, and there are ways to achieve this, at least to some extent.

Regarding the supposed prohibition of numerologically altering one’s name due to karmic imprints, it is crucial to first understand what karma truly is. At its core, karma is the law of cause and effect, but it also operates as a form of the law of attraction. A specific cause draws in a corresponding effect. Karma is not something fixed; rather, it is constantly shaped by our thoughts, emotions, and actions. A common metaphor is that of farming: we reap what we sow.

Consider someone traveling from Madrid to London. If they board a flight to New York instead, they will not arrive in London. Action triggers reaction, and choices lead to consequences. Similarly, one does not typically attend a business meeting in a sweaty, tattered shirt that hasn’t been changed in ten days—otherwise, others may avoid them and not take them seriously. Likewise, if we do not pursue education, we are unlikely to gain deep knowledge in the fields that interest us.

An unfavorable name vibration is like a sweaty shirt—it is advisable to change it before an important business meeting. It is like flying from Madrid to New York while intending to reach London. With enough money, layovers, and delays, one might still eventually reach London, but why not simply take a direct flight from Madrid? The decision to change one’s name or surname is like planting a new seed, which, according to the law of karma, will eventually yield benefits.

There is nothing in this process that contradicts natural laws. In fact, it is a direct application of the law of karma. However, it is important to remember that numerology only influences a part of our destiny. It does not alter planetary karma or the karmic influences of elemental flows in the astrology of Mother Earth (such as the Chinese Four Pillars system, or Bazi). Personal initiative and spiritual connection also create new opportunities—and thus, new karma. Therefore, while the significance of name changes should not be dismissed, it is equally important not to overemphasize their impact.


[1] Kozminsky, Isidore (1912): Numbers. Their Meaning and Magic. Samuel Weiser Inc. Pg. 57.

[2] Cheiro: Cheiro’s Book of numbers. 1935 Edition.

[3] Mykian, William (2011): Numerology Made Easy. Xlibris Corporation, USA. Pg. 142-143.

[4] Storm, Bodyl (2005): Numerology. Pyramideforlaget, Oslo. Amazon Kindle.