Numerology is the practice of reading character and life themes from numbers, most often from a date of birth and a name. This section covers the Indian, Vedic form, in which each of the numbers 1 to 9 belongs to one of the nine grahas of Vedic astrology: the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Rahu, Mercury, Venus, Ketu, Saturn and Mars. It is a traditional practice and not a science. Nothing here predicts luck, money, health or marriage, and where tradition names a lucky colour or number we say so as tradition.
This is different from Western numerology, which uses the Pythagorean letter table, keeps master numbers such as 11 and 22 and gives the numbers different rulers. If you want that version, it is on the Cosmos site. What follows is the Vedic scheme only.
The three numbers that matter most
- Moolank, the birth number, comes from the day of the month you were born. Someone born on the 17th has a moolank of 8. It describes the everyday self, the way you come across.
- Bhagyank, the destiny number, comes from the whole birth date. It describes the larger theme of the life. The moolank and bhagyank page shows how each is worked out, step by step.
- Name number comes from the letters of a name, using the Chaldean table. See the Chaldean name number page.
Which number belongs to which planet
| Number | Ruling planet | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun | Number 1 |
| 2 | Moon | Number 2 |
| 3 | Jupiter | Number 3 |
| 4 | Rahu | Number 4 |
| 5 | Mercury | Number 5 |
| 6 | Venus | Number 6 |
| 7 | Ketu | Number 7 |
| 8 | Saturn | Number 8 |
| 9 | Mars | Number 9 |
The Lo Shu grid
The Lo Shu grid is a three by three square into which the digits of a birth date are placed. It shows which numbers are present, which are missing, which are repeated and which lines of three are complete. The Lo Shu grid page explains every position and the method we use, and says plainly where teachers disagree.
Free calculators
- Moolank and bhagyank calculator: your two numbers and their planets.
- Lo Shu grid calculator: draws the grid and lists missing and repeated numbers and complete lines.
- Name number calculator: the Chaldean total of a name.
Each asks for your email once, to send a 6-digit code, and then works in your browser without sending the date or name anywhere.
How to use numerology sensibly
Treat the numbers as a prompt for reflection, in the way you might enjoy a proverb. A birth chart works from the exact positions of the planets and carries far more detail than a digit can. For that, the free kundali tool is the place to start, and the Mahadasha calculator shows the planetary period you are in.
Frequently asked questions
↳ What is Vedic numerology?
It is the Indian way of reading numbers, in which the digits 1 to 9 belong to the nine grahas and everything is reduced to a single digit. It is a traditional practice for reflection and has no scientific support.
↳ How is Vedic numerology different from Western numerology?
The Vedic scheme links each number with a graha, reduces every total to 1 to 9 without master numbers and uses the Chaldean letter table for names. Western numerology uses the Pythagorean table and often keeps 11, 22 and 33.
↳ Which number matters more, moolank or bhagyank?
Teachers differ. Many treat the moolank as the daily self and the bhagyank as the life direction, and read the two together. Neither is a prediction.
↳ Is numerology accurate?
It is a belief system and a tool for reflection, not a measurable science. People find the descriptions meaningful, but no number decides your luck, health, wealth or relationships.
↳ Do I need my time and place of birth?
No. Numerology uses only the date of birth and, for the name number, the name. A birth chart needs the time and place as well.