Numerology is the ancient practice of using numbers to interpret and understand the spiritual realm, and it is a vital part of African spirituality. It has been used for centuries by African cultures as a way to gain insight into the divine and to make sense of events and happenings.
This practice is based on the belief that certain numbers have special meanings that can be used to uncover hidden truths. So, by understanding numerology, we can understand our spiritual path and how it relates to our daily lives.
Numerology can also be used as a form of divination, allowing us to gain insight into future events. It can help us make better decisions by giving us greater insight. So, in honor of the release of the Spirits of Africa Numerology oracle deck, I decided to discuss this topic in more depth in a post.
Numerology As Divination in African Spirituality
African spiritual practices have a long history of using numbers to gain spiritual insight, make predictions, and even understand one’s destiny. Some common tools used in African numerology divination include reading bones, names, dates of birth, etc. But, more recently, people of African descent are using cartomancy to achieve similar results.
One can figure out their soul mission by understanding the spiritual meaning behind numbers. Additionally, numerology helps us make decisions about relationships, career paths, investments, and more. With this knowledge, individuals can make informed decisions that are most likely to bring them luck and success in their endeavors.
Number Symbology in African Culture
Numbers play an important role in African culture, with each number having a symbolic meaning. Most African spiritual systems associate numbers with specific deities. For instance, the Orisha Esu and his consorts in other traditions, including Papa Legba and Anansi, synchronize with the number three. This number carries the vibe of communication, expansion, self-expression, creativity, optimism, etc.
This particular deity is thought to be the intermediary between other deities and humans. Esu and his counterparts are the gatekeepers of many traditions throughout the continent. He ensures message delivery to other deities. Thus, he vibes with the energy of three.
Also, you may find that rituals performed unto ancestral spirits require nine glasses of water, candles, or other objects. That’s because these spirits are connected to the number nine. And nine is linked to death, rebirth, and the afterlife.
Likewise, the number 9 is associated with wisdom, creativity, and higher consciousness. For those who practice spiritualism, nine can represent a powerful tool in connecting with the astral realm beyond our physical world. This same concept applies to numbers connected to other deities and spirits.
The Meaning of Numbers in African Culture
Number meanings vary among different African groups. However, they share similar interpretations in many instances. Numbers are typically broken down into single digits 1-9 for divination purposes. Though in certain instances, diviners interpret multiple-digit numbers during a reading. These are called master numbers, which are 11, 22, 33, and 44.
The following outlines common meanings of numbers across the continent:
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 1
Number one is a powerful symbol used throughout human history to convey various messages. In math, it is the first number and the most basic unit of counting. It represents unity, oneness, initiation, and the start of new things. In philosophy, it symbolizes uniqueness and individuality. Thus, number 1 is a powerful reminder to live authentically, boldly, and independently.
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 2
Number two is a powerful symbol with global significance. It symbolizes balance and cooperation and represents the duality of life and the importance of relationships. It also signifies creation and stability, as two elements come together to form something new. The number two conveys ideas that have influenced African cultures since time immemorial.
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 3
The number three has been a powerful symbol throughout the ages. It is closely associated with creativity, imagination, and growth. It often encourages a journey of self-discovery, whether physical or spiritual. The number 3 can also represent luck and harmony in our lives. It is no surprise that many African cultures have placed great importance on this powerful number as it carries many positive connotations.
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 4
The number four has been known to have deep spiritual and cultural significance for centuries. It is a number of completion and stability, often seen in the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The number four also symbolizes structure, order, and justice while likewise representing the four directions of East, West, North, and South. It is a powerful number that can bring balance to one’s life when used correctly.
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 5
The number five has long been associated with the divine and sacred in many cultures. In numerology, five is a powerful number, symbolizing energy, creativity, change, and transformation. Therefore, the number five represents the human experience – our struggles, joys, and search for meaning.
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 6
The number six is a powerful symbol with many different meanings in various African cultures and religions. Its most common meaning is family, harmony, health, healing, and material well-being. It represents the perfect balance between structure and freedom, order and chaos, and light and dark. Â
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 7
Seven has been held as a sacred and mystical number for centuries. In numerology, the number 7 holds the key to understanding our innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires. It is a powerful number that can bring about positive change in our lives and manifest our dreams into reality. The powerful symbolism of this number has been used to represent wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and mysticism.Â
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 8
The number eight holds a special place in many African cultures due to its association with luck, wealth, and success. It is also linked to personal growth, success, and leadership. Number 8 likewise embodies the energy of karma. When number 8 shows up in auspicious ways, expect to receive what you have given.Â
THE MEANING OF NUMBER 9
For many, the number nine holds a special significance. In numerology, it symbolizes death, rebirth, transition, transformation, and metamorphosis. Number 9 brings hard endings, or closures meant to serve our highest good. It also represents knowledge, wisdom, and universal truths.
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