Numerology History

Historians could not actually pinpoint where and when exactly the science of numerology started. But taking a closer look at modern numerology would reveal that this metaphysical science has traces of various influences and elements from Pythagoras and his ideals (6th century Greece), Babylonia, philosophy of astrology from Hellenistic Alexandria, ancient Christian mysticism, the early Gnostics, Kabbala (Hebrew), Vedas (India), the “Circle of the Dead” (China), and the “Book of the Master of the Secret House” (Egypt).

The earliest records on the history of numerology are in Egypt and Babylon, where the Hebrews started the Chaldean system. Evidence of use of numerology can also be found in ancient China, Japan, Rome, and Greece. However, Pythagoras of Greece is the most often credited for the origins of modern numerology.

Born in 590 BC in Greece, Pythagoras is considered as one of the best philosophers of his time, though people are usually more familiar with his mathematical achievements such as the Pythagorean theorem in geometry. It is believed that he put up a school run in secrecy when he was about 50 years of age. This society called the “semi-circle” was said to be situated in Crotona, Italy, and was home to students who are said to be forced to adhere to a strict secrecy code where they are prohibited to put Pythagoras’ teachings in writing. Pythagoras taught music, astronomy, and mathematics.

Unlike other mathematicians, Pythagoras was more interested in the underlying principles in math than in solving equations. He believed that everything can be expressed through numbers, and even proceeded to create a system that future mathematicians expanded and developed. Though he didn’t actually invent numerology, Pythagoras is sometimes credited as the father of numerology because of his ideals.

St. Augustine of Hippo, a known Christian icon, was another historical figure known to be a believer of numerical relationships between things. He even wrote a book entitled, "Numbers are the Universal Language offered by the Deity to Humans as Confirmation of the Truth."

Traces of numerology are scattered throughout history, which proves that this study is really of vast usage around the world.

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