Numerology
(Chinese Numerology):
The Numerology is any of many systems, traditions or beliefs in a mystical
or esoteric relationship between numbers and physical objects or
living things.
Numerology and numerological divination were popular among early
mathematicians, such as Pythagoras, but are no longer considered part
of mathematics and are regarded as pseudomathematics by most modern
scientists. This is similar to the historical development of astronomy
out of astrology, and chemistry from alchemy.
Today, numerology is often associated with the occult, alongside
astrology and similar divinatory arts. The term can also be used for
those who, in the view of some observers, place excess faith in
numerical patterns, even if those people don't practice traditional
numerology.
The Chinese have always had a deep interest in numerology. For them,
numbers are not only for calculations, they have a magical quality of
their own, in the sense that they can affect human life and destiny in
some way. In Feng Shui, nature is also considered magical and since
nature can be expressed through numbers, Feng Shui and numerology are
closely related.
In Feng Shui, numbers are used to represent the five elemental forces
(metal, wood, water, fire and earth) as expressed in the nine
directions and the nine stars of the Luoshu diagram. Numbers are often
used to predict the future (e.g. Feixing calculations), to study the
auspiciousness of a given direction (e.g. Bazi analysis), and to gauge
the quality of elemental forces acting in the environment (Wuxing
arrangement). The Chinese believe that if they can change their
numbers or their Feng Shui, they can change their life as well. To
them it is an act of empowerment and is not to be trivialized as
superstitious.
Like everything else in nature, numbers have yin and yang qualities.
Odd numbers (1,3,5,7,9) are considered yang while even numbers
(2,4,6,8) are considered yin. Since yang quality is associated with
growth and prosperity, the yang numbers are generally more desirable
than the yin numbers. However, there are many exceptions to the rule.
Eight is considered an auspicious number not only because it sounds
the same as prosperous or making profit in Cantonese, but also because
it is the most Yin of the yin numbers from 1-9. The Chinese believe
that if you are at the bottom, the only way for you to go is up. So 8
stands for potential and for growth: a change from bad luck to good
luck. Eight also stands for the 8 trigrams (bagua) � an auspicious
symbol of transformation.
Often, numbers are assessed not only in terms of their yin and yang
quality or their symbolic meanings, but also on homonymy, or their
sound.
In business, where the aim is to grow and make a profit, the three
digit numbers like 328 and 888 are very popular with the Chinese
because they sound the same as business will easily prosper and thrice
prosperous. Generally three digit numbers are preferred over two or
four digits because 3 is a yang number and it stands for liveliness in
Cantonese.
Six is also very auspicious, not only because it has the same sound as
profitable in Cantonese but also because 6 is twice 3 and 3 is a lucky
primary number since it takes a minimum of 3 points to create a
geometrical shape. Three is the beginning of all things and twice 3,
that is 6, means progress and doubling of everything that you started
with. For the same reason the three digit numbers 326 and 666 are also
popular with the Chinese.
Two is not too bad either, even though it is the first of the yin
numbers. Two represents the complementary forces of yin and yang. It
has a bilateral symmetry and has the same sound as easy or Cantonese,
so it is a sought after number as well. Often, 2 is put in front of
the other lucky numbers to make it seem easily achievable. For example
the numbers 23, 26, 28 and 29 are desirable because they have the same
sound as easily growing, easily profitable, easily prosperous and
easily enough in Cantonese respectively. For the same reason, try to
avoid putting a 2 in front of other unlucky sounding numbers like 4
(death or dying). The number 24 is considered unlucky homonymy wise,
because it sounds the same as easily dying and 2424 is a very unlucky
number indeed.
Five sounds the same as nothing or no (wu). So it is best to accompany
this with the unlucky 4 and not the lucky 8. Fifty-four sounds like
not dying and 58 sounds like not prosperous in Cantonese.
Seven has the same sound as certainty or or sure so it goes well with
2 and 8, 72 and 78 sound the same as certainly easy and prosperous for
sure respectively in Cantonese. Again, try to avoid putting a 7 next
to unlucky numbers like 4, 74 sounds the same as dead for sure and is
considered unlucky.
Both 1 and 9 are good numbers to have. One stands for unity while 9
stands for longevity or enough, so they combine well with other lucky
numbers. However since 9 is the yangest of the yang numbers it implies
the onset of decline, therefore combination numbers like 39, 69 and
89, while they sound good, imply over development.
For the same reason 999 is not a desirable number because it is too
yang and the only way for it to go is down, in the sense that the
follow up number is 1000 and the beginning of a new cycle starting all
over again. In the past, Nine is reserved for the Emperor and ordinary
people are not allowed to use the number. The doors to the imperial
palace are all decorated with (9x9) 81 brass knobs to signify the
majesty of the Emperor. We know from history what happened to all
Emperors, they get overthrown in the end. So unless you have a good
ego and a strong desire for constant renewal, do not choose 9, 99 or
999.
Any numbers that start with 1,2,3,6 and 8 or a combination thereof
will always sound lucky. To achieve a feeling of health and prosperity
you can choose numbers from these combinations and you cannot go
wrong, especially well if you can balance the yin and yang numbers in
their combinations. For example 3388 or 1618 and 1328 are all very
auspicious, because they have a combination of two yin numbers and two
yang numbers, so they are considered balanced and ritually correct, in
harmony with each other.
Most Chinese try to avoid the number 4, because 4 sounds the same as
death (si) in Cantonese. Character wise, 4 is written as though the
sun is being obscured by a cloud, so pictorially, it stands for a
cloudy day and bad luck. The Chinese do not like to have a house or a
car with the number 4 or a combination like 14 must die, 24 easily
dying, 44 dying and dead and 74 surely dead. The only time 4 is
considered auspicious is when it is used with a 5 or an 8, for example
54 sounds the same as shall live forever and will not die. Forty-eight
sounds the same as sure to prosper� and 84 sounds the same as forever
prosperous and hence they are acceptable to the Chinese.
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