Numerology Basics: Root Number, Destiny Number, Name Number and Compound Numbers

Numerology is a separate tradition that runs alongside astrology. Instead of planetary positions it turns the date of birth and the letters of a name into numbers. In the South Asian tradition each number is paired with a planet, so numerology and astrology speak to each other.

Numbers and planets

Root number (mulank)

Reduce the day of birth to a single digit. Born on the 23rd: 2 + 3 = 5, root number 5. On the 29th: 2 + 9 = 11, then 1 + 1 = 2, root number 2. The root number is held to show temperament, behaviour and first impressions.

Destiny number (bhagyank)

Add every digit of the full date of birth and reduce to one digit. 17 March 1990: 1 + 7 + 3 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 30, then 3 + 0 = 3. The destiny (life path) number shows the overall direction of life and where success comes more easily.

Name number: Cheiro's Chaldean system

Each letter of a name written in English has a value. In Cheiro's Chaldean system, the most common in South Asia, no letter is given 9:

Add the values of all the letters for the name number: "RINA" = R(2) + I(1) + N(5) + A(1) = 9. The Pythagorean system used in the West numbers A to I as 1 to 9 and starts again; the two systems give different results, so it matters which one is used. Suvolagna calculates with Cheiro's system.

Compound numbers

The two-digit number found before the final reduction (10 to 52) is the compound number. Cheiro gave each its own meaning: 19 is called "the Prince of Heaven", a number of success and honour; 16 "the Shattered Citadel", a warning of sudden falls. So people born on the 11th, 20th and 29th share root number 2 but read somewhat differently. Suvolagna's birthday numerology pages give a separate reading for each of the 366 dates.

Root and destiny together

When the planets of the root and destiny numbers are friends, life is considered smoother; when they are enemies (root 1 and destiny 8, the Sun and Saturn) there is tension between one's nature and what life asks. Advice to change the spelling of a name usually comes from here: bringing the name number into line with the root and destiny numbers.

Know the limits too

Numerology is enjoyable and useful for reflection, but it should not be the sole basis for a big decision. Changing the spelling of a name can complicate official documents, so think it through and take experienced advice first. Use Suvolagna's numerology calculator to see your root, destiny and name numbers.