Tag: Vedic Numerology

Sepharial’s Grid

~ Boštjan Lovrat ~ 2 Comments

In his book The Kabala of Numbers (1909), Sepharial published a special arrangement of numbers in a 3×3 matrix:

Based on my research, this is not necessarily Sepharial’s own invention, but it clearly belongs to the Chaldean tradition. However, since this grid was first published by Sepharial, I refer to it as “Sepharial’s Grid.”

This grid is derived from the Chaldean triangular groups:

1, 5, 7
3, 6, 9
2, 4, 8

These three groups originate in ancient Chaldean numerology and were published in modern times in 1908 by the Pythagorean numerologist Luo Clement in The Ancient Science of Numbers. It appears that someone may have combined this knowledge with the concept of the most masculine numbers -1 (the Sun), 3 (Jupiter), and 9 (Mars). As a result, the positions within the triangles 3–6–9 and 1–5–7 had to be adjusted, specifically by exchanging the positions of the numbers 1 and 6.

This grid may be of very ancient origin (a possibility I am currently investigating). It is also possible that Sepharial encountered it through Freemasonry, since the numerical arrangement of this grid can be interpreted through the Masonic symbol of the compass and the square. In the top row, the lowest number is placed in the center, with two higher numbers on the sides. In the second and third rows, the relationship is reversed. This produces the following pattern:

HIGHER – LOWEST – HIGHER
LOWER – HIGHEST – LOWER
LOWER – HIGHEST – LOWER

By connecting the first and second rows, we can draw the shapes of the letters V and Λ (Lambda). The letter V is formed by the numbers 3, 7, and 9, while the letter Λ is formed by 6, 1, and 5. Together, these shapes correspond to the Masonic image of the compass and the square. The same can be done with the first and third rows: here, the letter V is formed by the numbers 3, 8, and 9, and Λ by the numbers 2, 1, and 4.

Within this grid, Sepharial analyzed planetary conjunctions. He placed the digits of a person’s birth date (day, month, and the last two digits of the year) into the matrix. If two adjacent cells in the matrix were activated by the digits of the birth date, the relationship was interpreted as a conjunction between two planets. For example, the relationship between 4 and 8 was interpreted as a conjunction between the Sun and Saturn, while the relationship between 1 and 3 was interpreted as a conjunction between the Sun and Jupiter.

By the 21st century at the latest, Sepharial’s “Masonic” grid had become widespread in modern neo-Vedic numerology. Since older Indian sources from the 20th century do not mention this grid, we can conclude that its use in Indian numerology began only relatively recently, under the influence of Sepharial. It appears that Indian practitioners combined Sepharial’s 3×3 matrix with the concept of arrows, introduced into Pythagorean numerology in 1940 by Hettie Templeton. Following the example of Jyotish, the formations of these arrows were called yogas. Over time, some additional configurations were also classified as yogas, even though they do not appear in this matrix as straight arrows.

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.