So-Called “Karmic Numbers” in Chaldean and Pythagorean Numerology

Karma refers to the principle of cause and effect—the idea that certain causes inevitably lead to certain consequences. Because this connection enables a cause to attract a specific outcome, the law of karma can also be seen as a form of the law of attraction. Agricultural metaphors are often used in relation to karma. One of the most well-known sayings is: “You reap what you sow.” The law of karma is also closely related to the so-called “Golden Rule,” which, in Christian tradition, is expressed as:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

Opinions differ on whether the law of karma always applies or whether exceptions exist. There’s also debate about whether karma necessarily requires a reversal of roles over time, which presumes the existence of a reincarnation cycle. Most Christians, however, believe that final karmic justice is not achieved through multiple lifetimes but rather through God’s judgment as a singular event.

Nevertheless, both astrology and numerology must, to some degree, adhere to the principle of karma. Otherwise, we couldn’t claim that specific planetary alignments or numbers lead to specific outcomes. In that sense, all numbers can be considered karmic to some extent.

However, there are narrower interpretations of “karmic numbers.” In Pythagorean numerology, the following are traditionally regarded as karmic:

• 13 – associated with death and destruction (influenced by the Tarot)
• 14 – linked to accidents, illness, and loss
• 16 – connected to downfall or collapse (also reflecting Tarot influence)
• 19 – represents unresolved past challenges that manifest as difficulties in the present

These numbers are said to bring challenges, but in some cases, they can have positive effects—especially when one chooses a more spiritual path.

In contrast, Chaldean numerology generally regards base numbers 4 and 8 as karmic. These numbers often carry challenges or bring about difficult circumstances. They may also generate ongoing karma. However, individuals operating on a higher spiritual level may experience these numbers as karmic rewards rather than burdens.

Beyond the base numbers, all compound numbers in Chaldean numerology are considered karmic as well. If a compound number is positive (such as 10, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, and others), it is believed to generate or express favorable karma. If it is negative (like 11, 12, 16, 18, 22, 26, 28, 29, and so on), it is thought to produce or exprtess challenging or negative karma. The philosophy behind these numbers often aligns with that of the Tarot.

Chaldean numerology also attributes aspects of one’s past karma to the birth date, viewing it as a reflection of existing karmic patterns. Meanwhile, name numbers and the Life Path number point more to the direction of personal growth and the creation of new karma.

So how do Chaldean and Pythagorean numerology relate in terms of karmic numbers? Interestingly, both systems associate 14 with accidents and misfortune (traditional Chaldean system!), and both see 16 as a number of collapse or downfall. The number 13 has traditionally been considered unlucky in both systems as well. Descriptions of 13 and 16 in both approaches are heavily influenced by Tarot symbolism.

Despite these similarities, the differences between the two systems are significant. In the Pythagorean tradition, base numbers 4 and 8 are not generally seen as problematic. In contrast, modern Chaldean numerology does not necessarily view 13 as a symbol of death or destruction—it can actually be beneficial in many cases. The number 19 is usually regarded as extremely fortunate, though in very specific number combinations it may act in a way similar to the challenging number 28. Perhaps the most fundamental difference is that Chaldean numerologists interpret all compound numbers through a karmic lens.