In many of the world's alphabets, the symbols used for letters also have a numerical significance. This is called the number-in-name characterology or numerology.  Numerology was also used by the ancients in encoding secrets from their oppressors. The names we use may have a significant meaning in numerology as they reveal the personality we have, our destinies or goals in life.

Of all the predictive arts, numerology is probably the easiest to learn as all that's required is a pen, paper and an elementary knowledge of arithmetic. In any system of numerology, the letters of the alphabet respond to the 9 single numbers. The letters of the alphabet must be reduced to single numbers, and therefore more than one letter will correspond to the same number. Below is the table most numerologists use:

The numbers that matter most are 1 through 9. However, there are other numbers called "master numbers" which are 11, 22, 33 and 44. These numbers are in relation to The Tarot. To keep things simple without confusing you, I'll use the numbers from 1 to 9.

In order to get started, I'll use the name of a well-known person together with his birthday. To make it easy for you, I placed the numbers corresponding to vowels on top, and the consonants on the bottom. This way you'll be able to observe and learn the calculations taking place.

Birthday: 14th March 1879 or 14-03-1879

A way of visualizing the numbers that a name has is by listing the numbers according to the human personality.

Now looking at the vertical lines, the line of 3, 2, 1 is made of the numbers of thought which relate to the "air" element. The line 4, 5, 6 is made of the numbers of activity which relate to the 'earth' element. The line of 7, 8, 9 is made of the numbers of power which relates to the 'water' element. This way of looking at numbers is related to Astrology.

The way numerology works is by adding each number. If the total adds up to a number higher than 9, we continue adding the digits until it's less then 10. For example, when dealing with years such as 1879, we add the numbers 1, 8, 7 and 9 which comes to 25. Since 25 is higher than 10, we then add 2 and 5 which equals 7.

As we can see, the name Albert adds up to 22 and Einstein to 41. These numbers would then be added together (total 63). Since that number is higher than 10, the 6 and 3 would be added for a total of 9.

	Birth Force or Path number: it explains your reason for being - the life lesson number.         14-03-1879 = 5+3+25 = 33 = 6
	The Name number: it is the mental and emotional body.         Add all the numbers of the name - 7+2 = 9
	The Soul number: it signifies what you really are inside.         This represents the addition of all the vowels - 1+5+5+9+5+9 = 34 = 7
	The Personality number: it indicates the way you appear to others.         This represents the addition of all the consonants - 3+2+9+2+5+1+2+5 = 29 =  11 = 2
	Destiny number:         Add the Name and Birth Force numbers - 9+6 = 15 = 6

The interpretation of numbers is a difficult task as each numerologist has his/her own ideas on the subject. Throughout my research into the Kabbalistic system of numerology and the so-called standard one, I haven't found an accurate interpretation yet. However, certain key words that each number represents can give an idea of their meaning. Below I've listed the positive keywords that I believe each number represents. Please note that this an interpretation and not a definition. If you wish to find out more on numerology, there are thousands of books worldwide by different authors. I welcome your feedback.

1. Will
2. Cooperation (will and consciousness)
3. Joy (will, consciousness, Universal Love-Compassion-Wisdom)
4. Foundation (Self-consciousness)
5. Emotional progress (Self-will, Self-consciousness)
6. Humanitarian service (when compassion and passion are one, ideal, real, personal love)
7. Study (Spiritual awareness)
8. Ethical leadership (Self-awareness)
9. Idealism

The numerological sytem previously described uses the Greek numbering system with the English alphabet. If you try to use numerology as a precognitive tool, then you have to be very specific with the alphabet and numbering system - is it Greek, Hebrew, Arabic or another esoteric concept? Try to be simple and clear; otherwise a prediction may become a self-prophecy fogged by ego.