Because the Latin alphabet includes letters for sounds that were not represented in ancient Semitic scripts—and because some ancient letters are difficult to match precisely with their modern counterparts—not all Latin letters carry a “pure” vibrational frequency.
When considering a name change, I recommend avoiding the letters C, H, and X. These generally correspond to the values C=3, H=5, and X=5, but in certain contexts, they may also be interpreted as C=2, H=8, and X=6.
The letters T and S are somewhat less problematic, but still not considered vibrationally pure. The same goes for O and E. That said, T, S, O, and E are generally acceptable for use in names.
Caution is also advised when dealing with certain characters from localized alphabets. Let’s take the Croatian letter Đ (IPA: [dʑ]) as an example. There are several different interpretations of this letter’s numerical value:
Đ = 1 (based on the sum of Hebrew Dalet [4] + Samekh [6] = 10, reduced to 1)
Đ = 3 (by analogy with the Arabic letter Jim – ج – which has the value 3)
Đ = 4 (derived from the conceptual design of the letter D; this interpretation is supported by leading Croatian Chaldean numerologist Virna Heles)
Đ = 5 (Hebrew Dalet [4] + Yod [10] = 14, reduced to 5)
Đ = 9 (allegedly connected to the letter/sound Tsade)
What about other special letters in the Croatian alphabet? The letters Č, Š, and Ž originate from Czech orthography and are not exclusive to the Croatian Gaj’s Latin alphabet—they are also used in Czech, Slovak, and Slovenian alphabets (the Slovenian alphabet, in fact, is a simplified version of Gaj’s system).
Č stems from C and retains the value 3.
Š derives from S, giving it a value of 3.
Ž comes from Z, so its value is 7.
The digraphs LJ and DŽ, which are treated as separate letters in the Croatian system, are numerologically interpreted as the sum of their parts: L + J and D + Ž, respectively. Ć, like Č, is based on the letter C, and also holds the value 3.
Given all of this, it’s generally not advisable to use names containing the letter Đ when changing your name in Croatia. Other special letters from localized European alphabets may also pose similar challenges. To be on the safe side, it’s best to use letters whose numerical values are defined in Cheiro’s Chaldean system—excluding C, H, and X.
In 2010, Slovenian researcher Andrej Kikelj published a revised version of the Chaldean numerology method on his website astronumero.org. Through radiesthesia and study, he modified the encoding of individual letters, establishing new numerical correlations.[1] His interpretative approach incorporates Pythagorean principles, including vowel and consonant numbers,[2] master numbers,[3] personal days, months, years, and “pinnacles.”[4]
Kikelj’s general alpha-numeric table takes into account certain Central European pronunciations. In this Germanic-Slavic linguistic region, the letter “H” corresponds to the sound of the ancient letter ḥet, with a phonetic value of 8. The letter “T” can have phonetic values linked to the letters and sounds tau (4, 22, and 400) or ṭet (9), while the letter “S” is widely pronounced as the sound and letter samek (6, 15, and 60) across all Europe. Through radiesthesia, Kikelj assigned the letter “T” a value of 9 and attributed the number 9 to the letter “E” as well.
Chaldean Alphanumeric Encoding According to Andrej Kikelj
In addition to a general table for converting the English alphabet to numbers, he created tailored tables for the Slovenian[5] and Croatian[6]alphabets. For example, he associated the letters “Š” and “Ž” with the traditional Croatian and Slovenian interpretation, linking them to the letter shin with values of 3, 21, and 300, and the letter zayin with values of 7, 16, and 70. He sees a phonetic connection of the letters “Ć” and “Č” with the letter ṣadi, valued at 9. For the values of “DŽ,” “Đ,” “NJ,” and “LJ,” Kikelj couldn’t rely on established tradition and arrived at unusual results through radiesthesia.
Incorporating radiesthesia, aura readings, and similar methods into Chaldean numerology requires careful consideration of what we’re actually measuring. Are these the isolated vibrations of individual letters or the typical vibrations of letters within a word? Are we measuring the letters themselves or the sounds they represent? Without knowing exactly what we’re measuring, there’s a risk of methodological error.
It’s essential to understand that Chaldean numerology (also known as Aramaic or Ancient Hebrew numerology) was originally based on letter values rather than phonetics. In ancient Hebrew script, the final sounds “a,” “e,” and “o” were all recorded as the letter he, with a numerical value of 5.[7] So, the letters create their own alphabetic matrix, and European numerologists realized centuries ago that the letter “C” should have a value of 3, and the letter “H,” despite originating from the letter ḥet, should be valued at 5. They assigned the letter “E” a value of 5 and the letter “O” a value of 7, forming a letter-based matrix used for the Latin alphabet.[8]
I agree that in Central Europe, the letter “H” corresponds phonetically to the sound of the ancient letter ḥet, just as the European sound represented by the letter “S” could relate to the ancient letter samek, valued at 6, 15, and 60. Phonetically, the sound and letter “O” might align with the number 6 and the letter vaw, while the value of “E” could be closer to the letter yod, with values of 1 and 10.
Mixing alphabetic and phonetic matrices creates a variety of possible new matrices, each carrying at least some level of energy potential. However, not all matrices possess the same strength of energy potential. When testing names with Kikelj’s method, the results did not appear to me as consistent as those achieved using the classic Chaldean alphanumeric table, whether according to Cheiro’s guidelines or the older tradition as described by Richard Cavendish. Nonetheless, you can explore Kikelj’s approach and try it yourself using the information he provides on astronumero.org.
Classic Chaldean Alphanumeric Encoding
While full birth information is not available, Andrej Kikelj identifies as an Aquarius and base number 3 and shared that he became involved in bhakti yoga and meditation in his youth. His interest in spiritual knowledge has persisted throughout his life. He is also a professional translator interested in computers and programming.[9] Let’s examine Andrej Kikelj’s numerology chart, calculated using the classic method of converting letters into numbers:
His chart reveals a strong presence of the number chain 3 & 6 & 9, which often signifies an interest in spiritual life (and can also indicate a potential interest in business). Additionally, we see the chain 2 & 3 & 5, which suggests a desire to let go of old behavioral patterns. This could explain his interest in bhakti yoga (Hare Krishna) and meditation. A prominent number 5 is sometimes associated with computers and programming, and it also corresponds to Mercury, communication, and numbers.
The combination of 5 with the chain 3 & 6 & 9 partially accounts for his interest in numerology. Kikelj used to be involved in music as well, which is probably related to the sequence of numbers 3, 6, and 9. Regarding his career in translation, it’s likely connected to the association of the number 5 with 2 and 6. A fuller understanding of his interests and professions would likely require his full birth data and astrological chart.
Added on November 4, 2024: The relationship between the numbers 14 and 95 on one side and the birth base number 3 on the other could potentially lead to traffic accidents or other issues. However, in Kikelj’s numerology chart, these tendencies are balanced by the potential for spiritual growth and the release of old patterns. If he embraces these potentials, it can help to calm the energies reflected in his chart.
[7]Schmidt Brian B. (2015): Memorializing Conflict: Toward an Iron Age “Shadow” History of Israel’s Earliest Literature, page 87. From: Schmidt Brian B., editor (2015): Contextualizing Israel’s Sacred Writings: Ancient Literacy, Orality, and Literary production.SBL Press, USA.
Pandit Sethuraman (1925-1997) was an Indian numerologist, astrologer, palmist, and occultist who adopted Cheiro’salpha-numeric codingof the Latin alphabet and enhanced his system with his own approach. In his youth, he entered military service, during which he began to intensely explore the workings of Chaldean numerology. He claimed that the English alphabet was the correct system for addressing Indian names in modern times. This could be true at least until recently, as post-colonial India was still significantly influenced by the English script. Throughout his life, Pandit Sethuraman also studied astrology, palmistry, yoga, mesmerism, and the energetic system of humans.
He was born on the 31st of the month, and his Life Path number is 26. The base numbers of these two figures are 4 (3+1=4) and 8 (2+6=8), which are considered karmic numbers. They often bring complications and blows of fate. However, Sethuraman has a strong name numbers 5, particularly in his Total Name Numerology (TNN), which totals 59 (5+9=14; 1+4=5). This active five calms both the 4 and 8 from his birth date numbers and offers some form of escape from karmic limitations.
The main feature of this numerology chart is the relationship between the numbers 5 and 9, or the relationship between Mercury and Mars, which provides good intellect and a certain sense of military. Despite this, Pandit Sethuraman’s numerology chart contains many numbers that are softer or more feminine in nature. Therefore, he was not a typical soldier; he embodied both the energies of clear goals and a sense of softness. Pandit Sethuraman also had “money numbers,” notably involving connections between the numbers 3, 5, and 8. In addition, he had some other indicators pointing in this direction.
The number 9 in his chart was positioned in such a way that it played a very important role in his business and spiritual development. It was associated with 3 and 6, and also with 5. In Sethuraman’s chart it brings an interest in bio-energy, astrology, yoga, and mesmerism. With such numbers, Pandit Sethuraman could have also engaged with Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra. The relationship between the numbers 5 and 9 in this configuration particularly highlights numerology and palmistry as vocational options.
In 1954, he wrote a book titled “Science of Fortune,” in which he revealed some of his insights about numerology. While he adopted Cheiro’s numerological model, he also incorporated Indian traditions, his insights, and messages that he claimed to have received from the Hindu goddess Gayatri.
It can be noted that Pandit Sethuraman rejected the complex rules that Cheiro employed to determine the key compound number in someone’s numerology chart. Instead, Pandit Sethuraman simply added the unreduced numbers of the first and last names. When considering the relationships between numbers, a significant influence of the theory of interchangeable numbers is evident. Personally, I use slightly different principles for matching numbers. I can agree with him that, in analyzing partnerships, certain deviations from the general rules of number matching are necessary, although I differ with him on some specific solutions.
His book also contains interesting warnings regarding the use of gemstones to balance someone’s fate and regarding how changing the names and surnames of others can attract unresolved karma from that people. Additionally, Pandit Sethuraman developed his own method for checking the compatibility of a new name and surname with a client’s life energy when intending to change their name.
Using numerology, Pandit Sethuraman predicted the outcomes of military conflicts and the likelihood of someone’s death. He also used numerology for a time when betting on horse races and for financial investments. All of this could quickly lead someone to the edge of ethics, which Pandit Sethuraman was fortunately aware of.
Interestingly, he did not differentiate between strong and weak 8s or between strong and weak 4s; he believed that these two numbers always had the same favorable or unfavorable numbers available. Some rules regarding matching and mismatching between numbers are surprising— for example, he defined the relationship between the numbers 3 and 6 as generally unfavorable.
He listed the meanings of the numbers from 1 to 108, claiming that this was the first book on Chaldean numerology that described numbers beyond 52. However, this is not true. Classical Chaldean/Hebrew numerology has even defined some numbers above 108, and in modern numerology, well before Pandit Sethuraman, accepted descriptions of the numbers 55, 65, 69, and 71 can be found. During World War II, one of the Chaldean numerologists adopted the interpretations of numbers presented by the Pythagorean numerologist Mary Adams. Her definitions cover numbers up to and including 65, in addition to the numbers 69, 71, and 73.
Some of Sethuraman’s descriptions of numbers are also questionable— for instance, he defined the number 12 as lucky. Conversely, he classified the numbers 39 and 48 as unlucky forms of the number 12, where he diverged from Cheiro’s descriptions, too. Furthermore, the classical meaning of the number 77 is generally unfavorable, while Pandit Sethuraman defined it as a favorable number.
Regardless, his book offers a wealth of interesting information and provides a researcher of Chaldean numerology with the opportunity for comparative analysis, thus allowing for the search for refined knowledge and new insights.
William John Warner, better known as Cheiro (November 1, 1866 – October 8, 1936), was also referred to by nicknames such as Count Louis Hamon and others. However, he is primarily remembered as Cheiro. He was a British astrologer, numerologist, and palm reader.
His birth name contains numbers—13 and 15 (the sum of 96; 9+6=15). The base numbers 4 and 6 govern his numerological chart. This chart reveals a strong desire for recognition and performance (particularly highlighted by 96, with 24 in Life Path and 15 as the base number in his surname), along with a drive for success in business. Cheiro’s official name also reflected a robust longing for friendship and love, from which he drew significant spiritual strength. Additionally, he enjoyed fairly favorable influences of numbers on the chakras, which may have contributed to his reputation as a successful medium for a time.
The combination of numbers 13 and 15 sparked his interest in the occult (both 13 and 15), reforms, pioneering approaches (13), and even magic (15, 41). The number 41, in particular, fosters a fascination with numerology, which is further emphasized by his nickname “Cheiro” (Mercury and 23). Due to the numbers 13 and 15, an individuals may either become a victim of manipulation and circumstances or turn into a manipulator themselves… The overall numerological chart is complex and can bring strokes of fate that often arrive unexpectedly.
Cheiro was convicted and imprisoned in Paris around 1910 for business fraud, and it is said that this scandal closed doors among the English elite, prompting his move to the morally less stringent United States. An analysis of his works reveals a tendency for manipulation and misinformation—claiming, for instance, that he had been offering numerological guidance based on his system since the late 19th century, or that number 9 was so sacred it couldn’t correspond to any letter. Moreover, he downplayed the contributions of his European sources, likeIsidore Kozminsky and Sepharial, while asserting he learned Chaldean numerology from an Indian brahmin.
It’s essential to recognize that relationships between 15 and 4, or between 15 and 8, should not be judged too harshly. Not everyone with such combinations inherently becomes a manipulator, criminal, or prisoner. An individual’s morals and self-awareness dictate whether they use their strengths for good or ill, and when, if ever, they will yield to temptation. Furthermore, numerological charts can point to which areas of life help to balance the individual. For Cheiro, these areas primarily involved seeking courage, forming a connection with God, and nurturing love and kindness.
Even in his nicknames—like “Count Louis Hamon” and “Count Leigh de Hamong“—the theme of number 13 is prominently featured. It seems Cheiro intentionally emphasized this number, perhaps because it brings uniqueness and combines with the interchangeable number 1 to form a whole.
His nickname “Cheiro” underscores intellectual depth, as it contains the numbers for Mercury and the Sun. The number 23 derived from the nickname is considered auspicious.
In 1926, Cheiro published a book titled Cheiro’s Book of Numbers. In it, he defined the meanings of numbers in Chaldean tarot from 1 to 52, based on older sources. He also defined the rules of matching and mismatching between numbers. For each of the numbers 4 and 8, he differentiated between karmically strong and weak numbers, determining various numbers that align with them. He described favorable and less favorable months, recommended specific herbs and foods, indicated favorable colors and gemstones, and identified ailments commonly associated with particular numbers.
It’s very likely that Cheiro drew the foundational idea of alpha-numeric coding from Isidore Kozminsky, who assigned the letter H a value of either 5 or 8, and the letter X a value of 5. Based on his research, Cheiro developed an alpha-numeric coding scheme in which letters H and X always hold a value of 5. He also altered the value of the letter C, assigning it a value of 3 instead of 2.
For Cheiro, the key to analysis lies in the birth date, or Birth Number. He believed that the Total Name Number (TNN) should align with the Birth Number; otherwise, an individual might encounter challenges throughout life. He further explored the numerological influences of each day of the year based on the specific day of the month. Around 1936, he published another book titled You and Your Star, in which he detailed favorable numbers for every day.
Cheiro’s ideas of such favorable numbers influenced numerologists like Gerun Moore and Lloyd Strayhorn, who developed their own systems based on these concepts.
In Cheiro’s Book of Numbers, he established special guidelines to identify the most important two-digit number in a numerological chart. This number frequently corresponds to TNN, but sometimes the most significant number is derived from adding the birth date and TNN together (Birth Number + TNN). Cheiro did not assign a name to this number, but I personally refer to it as the Goal Number (which differs from Goal Numbers in Pythagorean numerology). Anmarie Uber called it the “Hidden Number,” while some perceive it as an indicator of career success.
Cheiro’s book, Cheiro’s Book of Numbers, does not provide reliable techniques for predicting the future. It also contains inaccuracies, such as the assertion that the Chaldeans were unaware of letters with a value of 9. Nonetheless, despite not being a comprehensive manual, this work played a pivotal role in the evolution of numerology. In many ways, Cheiro is considered the father of modern Chaldean numerology.
Richard Cavendish (August 12, 1930 – October 21, 2016) was a British historian who studied mythology, religion, witchcraft, and the occult. He did not consider himself an occultist but primarily explored these fields. However, at least in the case of numerology, one might question whether he truly did not practice it himself. Cavendish didn’t just describe Chaldean or Hebrew numerology but developed his own alphanumeric coding of Latin Alphabet based on the Greek and Hebrew alphabets.
A centuries-old method of alphanumeric coding, which Richard Cavendish also arrived at in his own way. This system differs from Cheiro’s model only in the numeration of the letter X.
This kind of coding had been used centuries before, but it’s clear that despite his historical knowledge, Cavendish did not have access to all historically relevant information. Therefore, he was unaware of the existence of such alphanumeric coding. His numerology is thus a blend of tarot card descriptions, the mentioned alphanumeric coding, and the Pythagorean approach to vowels and consonants. He published his knowledge of numerology in 1967 in the book The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages.
In his numerological chart, we find his birthdateon the 12th, whose base number is 3. The number 3 represents the significance of tradition, values, law, and history. The number 6 (33, 96, 78, 24) is strongly expressed, representing home, while the number 18 in his name and the number 63 as the Goal number sociologically point to the concept of war. With all these numbers, it’s no wonder he became a historian. All of this is further strengthened by the connection between the numbers 3, 6, and 9.
His Total Name Number (TNN) is 96, and his consonant total is 78. These two numbers add up to 15. The number 96 is aligned and can bring good fortune in performances or lectures. The number 78 is connected with the number 8 (26; 2+6=8). When the number 15 meets the number 8, there’s a likelihood of manipulation (such a person can either be a victim of manipulation or manipulate others), and often such a person has a peculiar relationship with the occult. As we can see, the number 15 is only partially exposed to this—the problematic part is the placement of the number 78. In all cases, 15 can represent magic, and in combination with the number 8, it can even signify witchcraft or black magic. It was precisely the number 15 that led Cavendish to his desire to research mythology, magic, and the occult in general.
Walter Gorn Old, also known as Sepharial (born March 20, 1864, died December 23, 1929), was an occultist, astrologer, numerologist, and theosophist who also studied medicine, psychology, and oriental languages. He was a friend of Helena Blavatsky and one of the founding members of the Theosophical Society. Around 1894, he parted ways with Blavatsky.
He was born Walter Richard Old on March 20 and later changed his name to Walter Gorn Old (also Gornold or Gorn-Old). This change is believed to have occurred in 1895, the same year he published Kabalistic Astrology, or Your Fortune in Your Name, a book on Kabbalistic astrology (type of Chaldean numerology). Initially, he worked as a Kabbalistic astrologer, utilizing the “external values method of alpha-numeric coding.”
In this form of astrology—though it is more accurately described as a peculiar type of astro-numerology—numbers are closely connected with the tarot. The numbers from I to XXII (the Major Arcana) hold special power. In addition, there are the so-called Royal Stars, which represent the four kings of the suits of wands, cups, swords, and pentacles: the Royal Star of Leo (XXIII), the Royal Star of Taurus (XXXVII), the Royal Star of Aquarius (LI), and the Royal Star of Scorpio (LXV). Likewise, the ace of wands (also known as the ace of sceptres; XXVII), ace of swords (LV), and ace of pentacles (LXIX), along with numbers XLIII and VXXI, are said to hold special potency. Sepharial added meanings for numbers XXIV, XXV, XXVI, and XXVIII to these already established values, greatly influencing Kozminsky and Cheiro. This leads us to the interpretations of numbers in Sepharial’s numerological tarot.
Around 1911, influenced by Isidore Kozminsky and Habeeb Ahmad, Sepharial developed his own alpha-numeric coding system in Chaldean numerology. He also explored phonetic numerology. His most well-known work on numerology is The Kabala of Numbers from 1911.
His original name, Walter Richard Old, results in a Total Name Number (TNN) of 35 and 17, with a base number of 8. This is the number of Saturn and does not align with his birth date of the 20th, which has a base number of 2. For a person with this combination of numbers like Sepharial, there is a possibility that the relationship between the numbers 8 and 2 can be somewhat alleviated, redirecting the energies into creative communication or even manifestation. The challenge with this card lies in the presence of too many unfavorable numbers, which diminish the quality of life and thus limit the possibility of fully resolving the relationship between 2 and 8.
The key number in Walter Richard Old’s numerology chart is the base number 2. The number 2 represents psychology and can also indicate an interest in the occult sciences. Additionally, the number 2 is often associated with nurses and hospitals, and Sepharial did study medicine. His talent for languages is suggested by his inclination toward creative communication, especially in the numbers 2 and 4. This potential is partially reinforced by the numbers 1 and 7.
His new name, Walter Gorn Old, has a TNN of 16 or 34 with base number 7. The dominant influence of these TNNs, along with his interest in psychology and the occult, brings certain complications and blows of fate. At the same time, the connection between the birth date of the 20th and the TNN creates a link between the numbers 2 and 7. These are interchangeable numbers, strengthening each other and giving the person a unique power. Numbers with base numbers 7 and 5 are arranged in a special intellectual structure, which indicates a gift for intellectual work and research. Children are represented by the numbers 23 and 24 in the date numbers, and generally by base numbers 5, 6, and 8. Sepharial had many of these numbers and also had many children. However, it is not guaranteed that someone with child-related numbers in their chart will actually have children. If they do, such numbers help explain family relationships.
With his new name, Sepharial retained some potential for manifestation, but his numerology chart carried predominantly negative energies. Throughout his life, Sepharial faced occasional financial difficulties, often having to move with his family and take on additional jobs beyond astrological counseling.
His pen name was Sepharial. This name carries the primary vibration of the number 29. In older European Kabbalistic traditions, this number reduces to 11, which represents the Arcana XI, or “Force.” It is considered an ambivalent number of fighters. However, in very old traditions and by most modern Chaldean numerologists, this number is regarded as unlucky, as it brings conflicts and emotional suffering.
Sepharial’s life challenges, the change of his name, and the use of an unfortunate pen name can serve as an example of what can happen when a name change is not suitable. Changing a name should enhance one’s quality of life, but this was not the case for Sepharial.
Some sources:
Sepharial (1895): Kabalistic Astrology, or Your Fortune in Your Name
Every student of Chaldean numerology should be familiar with key modern Chaldean numerologists such as Sepharial, Isidore Kozminsky, Cheiro, Pandit Sethuraman, Richard Cavendish, Gerun Moore, Lloyd Strayhorn, and Linda Goodman. All of these numerologists were also astrologers.
Sepharial(Walter Gorn Old) played a crucial role in transitioning from the older Chaldean school of “Kabbalistic astrologers” to modern numerology. He also introduced classical descriptions of numbers from Kabbalistic astrology, where the highest number described in this approach is 71. He later wrote a very popular book, “Kabala of Numbers” (1911).
In his development, he initially used an external method of alphanumeric coding of the Latin alphabet (C = 2, H = 8, X = 6). Later, he tested several different alphanumeric approaches but ultimately decided on phonetic numerology.
Isidore Kozminsky, like Sepharial, experimented with various methods of alphanumeric coding. At the latest, in an updated edition of “Numbers: Their Meaning and Magic” in 1911, he was the first modern numerologist to predict that we should, in some cases, treat the letter H as 5. He also assigned the number 5 to the letter X. Like Sepharial, he described all the numbers he believed to have a “distinct potency of its own.” All other numbers he reduced to a number with such potency. His approach of dealing with name numbers is now considered outdated.
Cheiro(William John Warner) is regarded as the father of modern Chaldean numerology. He wrote several books covering numerology, with the most famous being “Cheiro’s Book of Numbers” (1926), where he advocated for the value of 3 for the letter C, 5 for the letter H, and 5 for the letter X.
He emphasized the importance of the Birth number (the day of the month one is born) and its connection to the Name number (that is, Total Name Number, aka TNN). He was one of the first to focus on the compatibility of numbers. He adopted Sepharial’s number descriptions, sometimes expanding them, so they corresponded to some very old descriptions. However, he described numbers only up to 52. He also wrote a book called “You and Your Star”, where he described the most suitable numbers for each day of the year based on astrological techniques.
Pandit Sethuraman, in his book “Science of Fortune” (1954), adopted Cheiro’s alphanumeric coding but summed the unreduced numbers of the first and last names. He also deviated from Cheiro’s views on number compatibility. Sethuraman expanded Cheiro’s descriptions based on his own insights and described numbers up to 108. Unlike Cheiro, he considered numbers 39 and 48 to be unfavorable.
Richard Cavendish, in his 1967 book “The Black Arts” (which has quite an inappropriate book title, especially in connection to astrology and numerology), introduced the classical internal method of alphanumeric coding (with C = 3, H = 8, X = 6), although he seems to have arrived at this through his own research. He emphasizes the importance of considering the numbers of vowels and consonants, a concept long neglected in Chaldean numerology.
Gerun Moore wrote a book in 1973 titled “Number Will Tell”. He adopted Cheiro’s alphanumeric coding system but made several changes and additions to the descriptions of numbers and the rules of compatibility. Notably, he described numbers 39 and 48 as the unlucky number 12.
He also rejected Cheiro’s model of favorable numbers for each day of the year. Instead, he created his own system, where each day of the year is generally assigned two suitable numbers (though in some cases, only one number is given). He labeled these numbers as “keys.” According to him, name numbers matching a person’s key numbers bring luck and harmony.
Lloyd Strayhorn wrote his book “Numbers and You: A Numerology Guide for Everyday Living” no later than 1980. He adopted Cheiro’s alphanumeric coding system. Although he prefers Chaldean numerology, he also considers Pythagorean numerology. Based on his research, Strayhorn introduced his own system of number compatibility, which differs somewhat from Cheiro’s model.
He also rejected Cheiro’s model of favorable numbers for each day of the year, offering instead his own astrological model with lucky numbers. He later published “Lloyd’s Numbers and You Relationship Guide: A Cosmic Blueprint to Happiness & Joy”, in which he distances himself significantly from older Chaldean approaches.
Linda Goodman published a book “Linda Goodman’s Star Signs” in 1987, which also introduces Chaldean numerology. She adopted Cheiro’s alphanumeric coding system and significantly enhanced the descriptions of numbers. However, her method of determining the TNN deviates from those of her predecessors.
Linda Goodman concludes the list of modern classics in Chaldean numerology. I believe that this list provides an appropriate foundation for studying contemporary Chaldean numerology.
There are also a few Chaldean numerologists who have uncritically incorporated Pythagorean methodsof interpreting numbers and relationships. While some ideas from the Pythagorean system can be adopted, not all Pythagorean techniques are suitable for Chaldean numerology.
In contrast to Pythagorean numerology, the first examples of the use of the Latin alphabet in Chaldean numerology are only found in the modern era. Initially, two methods of alpha-numeric encoding were used, which are shown below with values by greater cannon (units, tens and hundreds) and lesser cannon (ordinal values) and with reduced values from 1 to 9. I call the first of these methods the internal values method of alpha-numeric encoding and the second the external values method of alpha-numeric encoding.
There are differences between the two methods for two letters. The letter “C” has a value of 3 in the internal method and 2 in the external method, while the letter “H” has a value of 5 in the internal method and 8 in the external method. The internal values approach was a closely guarded secret, so most numerologists only knew the values C = 2, H = 8. In modern Chaldean numerology we also see a reformation of the internal method as early as the 19th century, in which the letter “X” is assigned a value of 5 instead of 6.
The classical internal method with C = 3, H = 5 and X = 6 was introduced to the modern world in 1967 by Richard Cavendish in his book “The Black Arts“, but he seems to have been unaware of the somewhat older Chaldean alphabetic tradition. He seems to have discovered the value of the inner method based on his own findings.
Both approaches assign vowels similarly to those in the Greek alphabet (which was influenced by Semitic alphabets and Semitic numerologies). The letter “A” is associated with the letter alpha and with a value of 1, the letter “E” is associated with the first letter of the “E”-voice, i.e. with the letter eta and with a value of 5. The letter “I” is associated with the letter iota and with the values 10 and 1, respectively. The letter “O” is associated with the first letter for the voice “O”, namely omicron with the values 70, 16 and 7. The letter “U” has a deviation and is associated with the Semitic letter waw with the value 6, and indirectly with the Greek letter digamma.
Aramaic/Semitic Original
Additionally, under the influence of the Jewish Kabbalah, some people have started to assign different values to the vowels “E” and “O” and to the corresponding letters (10 and 1 for “E” and 6 for “O”). This approach is popular among some Freemasons.
The use of phonetic numerology is also widespread among Freemasons and in certain other circles, with various approaches known. Among these, the school of Habeeb Ahmad stands out. Habeeb Ahmad published a book on the subject in 1903 entitled “The Mysteries of Sound and Number“. Phonetic numerology ignores the fact that the Hebrew alphabet was no longer entirely phonetic. They also ignore the findings of European magic that written words, and thereby letters, have the power of manifestation.
Without knowledge of the existence of the internal method, Isidore Kozminsky began to reform the outer method at the beginning of the 20th century, assigning the value 5 to the letter “X” and to the letter “H” sometimes a value of 5 and sometimes a value of 8.. These reforms are included, at the latest, in the updated edition of the book “Numbers: Their Meaning and Magic” from 1911. Kozminsky later developed his own alphanumeric Chaldean coding specifically for analyzing people’s names and surnames. Sepharialhas also been exploring his own coding method.
Kozminsky’s early reforms seem to have been taken up by Cheiro, who then assigned the letter “C” a value of 3 and the letters “H” and “X” a value of 5 in his version of alpha-numeric coding. Thus, Cheiro’s approach arrived at a reformed internal method by another route. The approach was published in 1926 in the book “Cheiro’s Book of Numbers” and soon became a leading method in the field. After the Second World War it was supported and used by many numerologists such as Pandit Sethuraman, Gerun Moore, Linda Goodman, Anmarie Uber and August Darius Danielssonn. This is also the coding I use.
Few Chaldean numerologists still follow the external method. For example, Walter B. Gibson, but in more recent times this method has been supported, for example, by the Indian numerologist Harish Johari.
The ancient Latin alphabet did not include the letters U, W, and J and question could be raised of how to associate these letters with Chaldean numerology. It is clear that the letter U developed from the letter V, which in turn originated from the Semitic letter waw, which has the value of 6. It is also evident that U is always used as a vowel.
The letter W also evolved from the letter V. Its original notation was V V, or UU, with a numerical value of 6+6=12. Over time, a new representation of this consonant became established, which, due to its connection with the letter waw and the sound “w,” has the value of 6.
The letter J developed from the consonant yod. Although this letter is pronounced differently by different peoples, it therefore carries the vibration 10, or the reduced value of 1.
The letter Y, which also originates from the Semitic letter yod with values of 10 and 1, was present in the original Latin alphabet, unlike the letters mentioned above. The question arises as to when it should be considered a vowel and when a consonant.
Some Chaldean numerologists are now convinced that the letter Y should always be considered as a vowel. In the name “New York,” for example, Y would be considered when calculating vowels, even though it represents a consonant in this case.
Since the letter Y originates from the letter Yod, its original vibration is actually that of a consonant. While Y can be used to represent both a vowel and a consonant, its fundamental nature, due to the original vibration of the letter, remains primarily that of a consonant.
The distribution of these effects is not entirely clear, but the concrete results suggest that Y should fundamentally always be analyzed as a consonant, even when Y is associated with the vowel sound “ee.” In the case of Mike Lynch, for example, analyzing the letter Y as a vowel would lead to the loss of all indicators pointing to work with software, resulting in an incorrect analysis.
Although I have been using and studying Chaldean numerology for many years, I will also write some articles on Pythagorean numerology. Why would someone write anything about a “competing” method of numerology? One reason is that the Pythagorean method is based on the official sequence of the alphabet and is therefore located in the collective matrix. The question is whether the effects of Pythagorean numerology are tangible, or how strongly this pattern works in the matrix.
Based on a multitude of analyses, I am personally convinced by Chaldean numerology. I was disappointed with Pythagorean numerology, especially when studying the influence of the universal and personal years, months and days. However, two or three years ago I also became acquainted with a particular Pythagorean technique which seems to have a predictive validity of about 80% (more analysis would be needed). The Chaldean approach is undoubtedly the leading one when analyzing a personal chart. There are several pitfalls to be considered and known by the numerologist when changing a first or last name. In fact, this is why some Chaldean numerologists use the Pythagorean school as an additional aid in their analysis. This eclectic approach was pioneered by numerologist Lloyd Strayhorn. It is a kind of fine-tuning to get the most out of a change of first or last name.
So, what can we say about Pythagorean numerology? Its originator is said to have been Pythagoras, half mythological being and half philosopher. Some consider it to represent the combined “embodiment” of several philosophers. The most widely accepted interpretation is that he lived in the 6th century BC and that he formed a secret spiritual and philosophical school around 500 BC. There is no historical evidence that Pythagoras also used numerology. The first Pythagorean to use numerology is thought to have been the 5th century BC philosopher Philolaus. Pythagorean numerology had a unique interpretation of numbers in antiquity – the monad (1) was supposed to represent God and unity, the dyad (2) was supposed to represent duality, the tryad (3) represented perfection, and so on. For some, the number 10 represents the tetractys, a special and sacred number.
The original Pythagoreans numbered the Greek alphabet, but later they also began to study the sequence of letters in the Latin alphabet. Sometimes they assigned ones to the first nine letters, tens to the next nine, and hundreds to the rest. At other times, ordinal values were used, where a number in the sequence was assigned to the letter. By the beginning of the 20th century, reduced values from 1 to 9 prevailed. We can see some historical alpha-numeric codes in Pythagorean numerology, shown with reduced values for ease of comparison with modern coding:
Modern Pythagorean numerology as an occult or metaphysical science about the influence of numbers on people’s destiny was developed in the 16th century by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. His coding was used by some numerologists until the beginning of the 20th century. Interestingly, between 1870 and 1908, Pythagorean numerologists mainly used the system first traced by Louisa Lawford (1870). Her descriptions of numbers are quite different from the ancient Pythagorean school and are in some places influenced by Chaldean numerology, or at least the numerology of the Tarot. From the total name number (TNN) it was necessary to subtract the highest number described that could be subtracted. Then we use the next highest possible number… The numbers we have used are supposed to have a special meaning. This approach is not very convincing; Sepharial claimed that such list of numbers was an expanded version of another text, and that not all numbers should be considered.
In 1908, Luo Clement and L. Dow Balliett each published a book. Both used modern alphabet numbering and different meanings of numbers than Lawford’s. This gave birth to the modern Pythagorean school. Luo Clement used the system of tryads (1&5&7; 3&6&9; 2&4&8) and the day-of-the-month analysis. L. Dow Balliett, on the other hand, used the Life Path number and attributed to the numbers 9 and 11 meanings like those in the symbolism of the tarot and arcana IX (the Hermit) and 11 (the Force) respectively. The mastery of the lion in the symbolism of arcana 11 represents a force. The English word MASTER has the value 4+1+1+2+5+9= 22. The concept of master numbers 11 and 22 is a complete innovation which has no connection with the older Pythagorean tradition.
The approach of L. Dow Balliett prevailed over all others, as Balliett managed to gather several enthusiastic students (Julia Seton, Roy Page Walton, etc.) around her. In addition to Life Path and vowels, they soon began to analyze consonants, universal and personal years, months and days, and the four pinnacles. They also developed predictive techniques with transits of letters. In this method, the distinctions between odd and even numbers are often of great value. The first manual to present this new numerological trend in a comprehensive way was Florence Campbell‘s Your Days are Numbered (1930). This school of numerology was so successful that it almost completely superseded Chaldean numerology after the Second World War. Until a few years ago, up to 95% (and perhaps even more) of all numerology books belonged to this approach.
It was also the L. Dow Balliett school that some Chaldean numerologists (Strayhorn) began to include in their analyses. Some Chaldean numerologists, however, have stuck to the Chaldean alpha-numeric coding, but then follow the Pythagorean approach when analyzing the results. The first Chaldean numerologist to do this was Montrose, followed by Mykian.
became established, which, due to its connection with the letter waw and the sound “w,” has the value of 6.
The Mystery of Numbers, Luck, Worlds and Planets 