Tag: Bazi

The Limits of Prediction in Numerology and Beyond

~ Boštjan Lovrat ~ Leave a comment

Whether Pythagorean or Chaldean, numerology is not the most straightforward or reliable method for forecasting the future or for studying how favorable or unfavorable numbers operate over time. The range of available techniques is simply too broad, and their effectiveness is often difficult to evaluate.

By contrast, consider how many predictive methods are used in BaZi, or the Four Pillars of Destiny:

  • Analysis based on the core Four Pillars
  • Analysis through ten-year and five-year cycles
  • Annual cycle analysis
  • Monthly cycle analysis
  • Daily cycle analysis
  • Hourly cycle analysis

That’s only six techniques in total!

Western astrologers, likewise, typically rely on six primary predictive methods:

  • Transits of planets through sensitive areas of the natal chart
  • Primary directions
  • Secondary progressions
  • Symbolic directions
  • Lunations
  • Solar returns

Again, just six techniques.

In contrast, I’ve personally encountered a large number of predictive methods within numerology. While some of them are of little real value, many—dozens, in fact—do seem to exert a certain influence. However, applying numerology to the analysis of time cycles is extremely challenging. It’s hard to achieve clarity, and even harder to assess how different numerical influences interact with one another.

Some numerologists try to simplify matters by focusing only on universal and personal days, months, and years. Danish post-Chaldean numerologists, for example, use yearly and daily ranks along with a single technique for analyzing multi-year cycles. Yet all of these approaches are overly reductive, and the results inevitably vary.

Personally, I use and study numerological techniques primarily in ex post analysis—that is, in reviewing past events. On rare occasions, especially in the context of mundane (political) numerology, which I’m still learning, I do look at how fundamental number patterns may evolve in future scenarios.

Many numerologists resolve the issue of prediction by turning to astrological methods, such as planetary astrology or Four Pillars techniques, to forecast future energy flows. In these cases, numerology is mainly used to identify the foundational energetic patterns that aim to influence the individual.

Even when numerology (or astrology—or any system, really) is applied to forecasting, it can never produce 100% accurate results. It’s simply not possible. We must remember: it only seems as though numerology or astrology can truly predict the future. It only seems as though fate can be read from a birth chart or numerological matrix.

States of deep divine attunement, states of profound emptiness, and personal conscious action can all weaken the influence of the numerological (and astrological) matrix. When we act without attachment and with total freshness, we can step beyond these limitations—into realms that transcend all systems.

Approaches to Fate Interpretation

~ Boštjan Lovrat ~ Leave a comment

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.

The Types of Numerology

~ Boštjan Lovrat ~ Leave a comment

There are several types of numerology. Here are some of the most well-known examples:

  • The so-called Chaldean numerology (sometimes also referred to as Aramaic or ancient Hebrew numerology). In modern times, it has been represented by figures such as Cheiro, Linda Goodman, and Gerun Moore.
  • Greek name numerology, or isopsephy, which was also adopted by the Pythagoreans.
  • Pythagorean numerology, which has several subcategories. It was likely initiated by Philolaus, a follower of Pythagoras’ philosophy who lived about a century after him. The dominant branch today was influenced by L. Dow Balliett, with notable figures including Florence Campbell and Juno Jordan.
  • Hebrew name numerology, or gematria. It was already used by Philo of Alexandria.
  • Kabbalistic gematria. Its foundations are described in the late antique text Sepher Yetzirah.
  • Arithmology, the analysis of names of people and concepts found in sacred texts, primarily those of Jewish and Christian Bibles. Key figures include Martianus Capella and Pietro Bongo.
  • Greek gematria and Latin gematria as parts of arithmology.
  • Arabic name numerology, or ‘ilm al-huruf, which also incorporates Islamic arithmological interpretations. Notable figures include Ibn Arabi, Al-Farabi, and Ahmad al-Buni.
  • Within ‘ilm al-huruf, some Persian numerologists also contributed or developed their own models.
  • Vedic numerology, with its most famous numerologist being Vararuci.
  • Martinist numerology, represented by figures such as Martines de Pasqually, Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, and Papus.
  • Bagua, or spatial numerology of the eight directions.
  • Yi Jing (I Ching) numerology, based on 64 hexagrams.
  • Astro-numerological calendar-based school of the Nine Star Ki.
  • Astro-numerological calendar-based school of Sizhu/Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny). Its classical representative is Xu Ziping, after whom the main branch of this school is named.
  • Astro-numerological calendar-based school of Zi Wei Dou Shu.
  • Spatial numerology Fei Xing (Flying Stars), used in Feng Shui.
  • Spatial numerology San He, a branch of Feng Shui.
  • Spatial numerology San Yuan, another branch of Feng Shui.
  • Spatial numerology of the Eight Mansions, or Ba Zhai, which is used in Feng Shui.

All these and other approaches have their own principles, which are sometimes compatible and sometimes not. For example, the Chaldean method shares several similarities with the Pythagorean school but has little to no connection with the Ba Zhai school.