Chinese Numerology

As stated by Dhanwala Naturo & Physio Care, “In ancient Chinese medicine, numerology was used to understand an individual's health and well-being. Numerology is associated with five elements: wood, fire, metal, earth, and water. This integration of numerology into health practices laid the groundwork for what is now called medical numerology”

According to TCM Academy “Numbers are more than just counting tools, they have deep symbolic value in understanding the theories and basis of Chinese philosophy and Chinese medicine.”

The numbers “represent complex relationships and stages of development. 

For example, One symbolizes the unity and the unknowable, which differentiates into two interdependent parts and processes—Yin and Yang. Two give rise to Three. And, Three gives rise to the 10,000 things.

[As the Tao Te Ching states in Chapter 42:

“The Tao begot one

One begot two.

Two begot three.

And three begot the ten thousand [myriad] things.”]

When we think about the number Three, it should not be thought of as just an additional thing; like, that there were two apples and now there are three.  This is not quantity, but a process. Three is something that comes out of the interplay between one (Yin) and two (Yang).  Three is the result of a union, the mixing of the two.  All things can be divided into three.  Three is the number of what really exists, since there is never purely yin or purely yang, there must always be the three.  The blended parts of Yin and Yang always exist.”

It is said by Tsem Rinpoche that “The numbers in numerology reflect certain aptitudes and character tendencies as an integral part of the cosmic plan. Each of us is born with a particular set of numbers that are uniquely ours. These numbers reveal our character, purpose, motivation, talents and abilities in this life. They unlock the door to our personality and help us improve the way we interact with another, our relationships, the lessons we need to learn and relearn, the opportunities we will encounter, and the challenges we may face for that day, that year and throughout our life.

The goal here is to help us find and fulfill our purpose in life, to help improve the quality of our existence in all aspects, and to strive to achieve balance and harmony with the world we live in."

Stacey Svyatoy on medium.com explains “Why are some numbers considered ‘lucky’ in Chinese culture?

It often boils down to phonetics — how the number sounds in Chinese dialects.” In other words if the number sounds like a positive or a negative word defines if it is lucky or not.

Lucky numbers according to Stacey Svyatoy “often sound like words associated with positive outcomes.

8 (八, bā): This is the superstar. It sounds incredibly similar to the word for “prosperity” or “wealth” (發, fā). You’ll see it everywhere — business names, phone numbers, even licence plates. People pay premiums for addresses containing 8. It’s all about attracting abundance and success. Think big financial wins and smooth business dealings.

9 (九, jiǔ): This number resonates with longevity and eternity. Its sound is close to the word for “long-lasting” (久, jiǔ). Historically, it was also the emperor’s number, symbolising supreme power, completeness, and ultimate achievement. It carries an air of authority and permanence.

6 (六, liù): Pronounced similarly to the word for “flow” or “smooth” (流, liú), this number suggests a life path with fewer obstacles. It represents ease, steady progress, and things going well without major hitches. It’s about harmony and effortless movement forward.

Harnessing these numbers is a conscious choice in many aspects of Chinese life, aiming to align with positive vibrations.

Unlucky Numbers: Navigating Potential Pitfalls

Just as there’s light, there’s shadow.

Some numbers carry less desirable associations, again often due to how they sound.

4 (四, sì): This is the main one people try to avoid. Its pronunciation is almost identical to the word for “death” (死, sǐ). This strong negative association leads many to actively avoid it in significant contexts like floor numbers (many buildings skip the 4th floor), phone numbers, and house numbers. It’s seen as inviting misfortune or endings.

Now, don’t panic if the number 4 appears in your birthdate or address.

Awareness is the first step.

Chinese numerology isn’t about fear; it’s about understanding and balance.

Here’s how you can potentially soften its influence:

Combine and Conquer: Pair the number 4 with a lucky number. A combination like ‘48’ can be interpreted as “prosperity despite death” or even “wealth coming from overcoming obstacles”. The presence of 8 helps neutralise the negativity of 4. Similarly, ‘49’ could suggest longevity despite challenges.

Strategic Changes: If it’s genuinely bothering you and feasible, consider altering things you *can* control. Maybe a new phone number if yours is loaded with 4s, or being mindful of it when choosing important dates or locations if options exist.

Understanding these nuances helps you approach potential challenges with foresight.”

Wukong Education goes on the list other negative numbers.

Using the calculation Ms. Svyatoy provides on her website you can calculate your Life Path Number which provides “quick snapshot of the energy associated with each Life Path number in Chinese numerology.”

You can use the calculator on tsemrinpoche.com if you don’t want to do the addition yourself to not only find your Life Path Number, but several other “other numbers combine to make up the complete picture of our life. Each individual number represents a different, specific part of us and our lives”.

For a deeper dive check out the Article Numerology and Traditional Oriental Medicine by Andrew Prescott.