There is an old saying, “There are many paths to the top of the mountain and we each must find our own way.” In the ancient art of numerology, the numbers one to nine each reflect a different journey to the top of the mountain. Each number is an expression of the virtues, traits and universal laws that lead individuals to specific types of experiences. Knowing one’s numbers can help people understand who they are, the lessons they came here to learn and the overall purpose of their lives.

Numbers are determined using a person’s name and birthdate. Each letter in the alphabet equals a number from 1 to 9 (i.e. a=1, b=2, c=3, etc.). The numbers are added up and then reduced down to a single digit. These numbers are used to generate a numerology chart that reveals the person’s story and describe the type of experiences a person is likely to encounter as they travel on their path to self-mastery.

The birth name determines an individual’s three identity numbers. These represent the soul, mind and personality plus carries both strengths and challenges that’ll be faced during a person’s lifetime.

The soul number is determined by adding the vowels in a person’s full birth name. The vowels are considered to carry the vibration of the soul. This number carries the energy or essence with which the person feels most aligned, represents the heart’s greatest desire and is the essence that a person wants most to bring forth in their lifetime.

Those with a 2 for their soul number want most to love and be loved. Individuals with a 2 soul are easily able to blend their energy with others to create a sense of unity and strength. Ideally, the 2 soul knows itself well enough that it’s able to set appropriate boundaries and maintain its sense of self as it loves others. The challenge for the 2 soul is that it may be willing to lose its own identity for the sake of being in a partnership.

The second identity number represents the mind number and is determined by adding the consonants in a person’s birth name. The mind number is a modifier or an adjective that further describes the soul number. It’s a specific aspect chosen by the soul that describes the guiding principles or important ideas and goals of a person’s life.

Individuals with a 3 mind number are likely to be highly creative, funny, outgoing, and seek to express their thoughts and ideologies using artistic and creative means. They are very social and love being the center of attention. Ideally, a 3 mind is confident and eager to express itself. The challenge with a 3 mind is that it can be overly critical of self or others. When this occurs individuals may find they prefer to stay out of the limelight rather than shine at full capacity.

The third identity number is known as the personality number and is determined by adding all of the letters of the birth name. It represents how people express themselves in the world and, therefore, how they are seen by others. This number embodies the sum of an individual’s natural capacities and capabilities.

A number 4 personality represents people who are structured, organized and are able to take ideas and put them into action. They are detail-oriented and disciplined as they focus on providing a foundation upon which something can be built. At the highest level, the ideal 4 provides stability with room for spontaneity. The challenge faced by a 4 personality is fear, whereby they seek safety and security and become controlling when they feel their safety is compromised.

In addition to the mind, soul and personality numbers, there is one number on the chart that reflects a person’s specific journey to the “top of the mountain”. This is known as their life path or lesson number, determined by adding up the numbers in the person’s birthdate. The life path number characterizes the types of lessons one must learn to achieve an enlightened state.

The number 1 life path number requires a person to be strong, independent and courageous. These individuals often rise to play leadership roles, but it can be lonely at the top. In their personal lives, they may live a solitary existence. As they say, “One is the loneliest number.” The struggles faced by these individuals can ultimately become the key to finding inner peace. In the feeling of being alone, they discover that they are actually at one with all things and have never been alone. Through this life lesson, they awaken to the interconnectedness of all things.

By understanding one’s numerology, individuals can recognize when they are expressing the positive or the challenging side of any number. Their journey is to transform the challenges into opportunities for growth that empower them to reach the top of the mountain and live a joyful and abundant life.

Traci Rosenberg is a Numerologist and Empowerment Coach who empowers individuals to live a more fully realized life. For more information, call 856-810- 0335 or visit SoulTalkWithTraci.com.