There are many ways people bring spirituality into their lives. Some people reflect on Bible verses, others write in a journal, some might meditate, and others may turn to practices like astrology, tarot cards, and numerology. Angel numbers — repetitive sequences of three or four numbers that appear in random places to convey a divine message — are significant in numerology, as are life path numbers.

"Numerology is one of the many ancient sciences or wisdoms using mathematics, numbers and calculations practiced throughout the centuries, and the aim is to understand who we are and what we are capable of," explains tarot reader and energy healer Dilosh from Girl & Her Moon.

Once of the most popular and highly acclaimed numbers associated with a person is the one pertaining to their life path. Life path numbers can be calculated using your birthday. Once you calculate your life path number, you’ll have a little more information about who you are and where your strengths lie. You can use your life path number to inform your decisions about work, family life, romantic relationships, and more. Learning that your life path number is associated with entrepreneurship just might inspire you to finally start that business, for example. Or maybe you’ll find that your life path number is associated with being an empathetic and nurturing person, and you can take that knowledge into your personal relationships. Of course, life path numbers are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to big life things, but you may find that discovering yours gives you some clarity.

Here’s everything to know about what life path numbers, what they mean, and how you can find yours.

What is a life path number?

"Numerologists believe that, just like everything else in existence, numbers have energy," explains Erin River Sunday, a consulting astrologer at Birthdate Co. "The life path number is one of the most regarded in numerology because it's meant to reflect the individual's purpose on Earth. It's also sometimes called the 'Birth Path' or 'Destiny' number, again indicating its association with our soul's recurring themes and ultimate direction in this lifetime."

Your life path number may reveal things about you, like certain personality traits or skills you possess. On the flip side, it can also point to some of your shortcomings that you might have to work to overcome.

life path number numerology
Your life path number can reveal things about you and the journey you’re on.
Iryna Imago//Getty Images

How to calculate your life path number:

Finding your life path number involves a simple bit of math, so get out your notepad.

Sunday explains, "The life path number arrives through a simple calculation of adding up all the numbers of your birthdate. This includes the month, day, and year. When they’re added together, a number 0-9, or 11, 22, or 33 will result, and it is referred to as your life path number."

She notes that you'll want to reduce the month, day, and year of birth to a single digit and reduce from there. Any zeros are removed, so a 20 becomes a 2, for example. Numbers 11, 22, and 33 aren't reduced any further because they're master numbers.

Here's an example Sunday gave to illustrate the concept:

If your birthday is July 14th, 1991, that would be 7 + 5 + 2 = 14, and then 1 + 4 = 5. So, this person would have the life path number 5.

The 7 is for the month (July), we got 5 from adding the 1 and 4 in the 14th, and then we take the year and add each number individually as 1 + 9 + 9 + 1 to get 20. Remember, we remove all zeros, so we end up with 2. You add the 7, 5, and 2 to get 14, and then break it up as 1 + 4 to get 5 as the life path number.

If it seems too complicated or you don't think you did it correctly, you can always use one of the many life path number calculators that are available online.

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Life path number meanings:

  • Life path 1: If your life path number is 1, you're active, confident, inventive, and thoughtful, according to Sunday. These people make good entrepreneurs.
  • Life path 2: According to Dilosh, people with this life path number are usually peace lovers who are good at being diplomatic and mediating disputes. They also tend to be emotional, sympathetic, and nurturing.
  • Life path 3: Sunday explains that people with this life path tend to be cheerful, enthusiastic, funny, and communicative. If this is your life path, you probably love to entertain.
  • Life path 4: If your life path number is 4, some of the words Dilosh says might describe you are: logical, intelligent, stable, orderly, serious, realist, and pragmatic.
  • Life path 5: The words Sunday uses to describe people with this life path are adaptable, brave, charming and social. These people like being the center of attention.
  • Life path 6: Dilosh notes that people with the life path number of 6 are known to be responsible, loving, empathetic, comforting and affectionate.
  • Life path 7: According to Sunday, those with this life path number are typically dignified, natural, scientific, and studious. You probably enjoyed school, and maybe even went into education as a career.
  • Life path 8: People with life path number 8 are real go-getters, according to Dilosh. You're probably ambitious, goal-oriented, and a high-achiever.
  • Life path 9: If this is your life path number, you're artistic, compassionate, dramatic and philanthropic, according to Sunday. She notes that people with this life path number infuse everything they do with a deep sense of exploration.

What are master numbers?

If you're calculating your life path number and come across an 11, a 22, or a 33, that's what numerologists call a master number.

"Numerologists associate these repetitive numbers with great power and 'old soul' energy," explains Sunday. "There's an inherently nervous energy to master numbers that's begging to be channeled. People who find them in their name or life path will likely feel a strong pull towards achievement, self-sacrifice, and ultimate transformation in their lifetime."

According to Dilosh, the master number 11 is associated with people who are spiritual messengers, peacemakers, artists, healers, counselors, sensitive, perceptive, passionate lovers, patient, and musical, among other things.

If you find the master number 22 in your life path number, you may be a romantic or dreamer who uses your dreams and visions to inspire others, according to Dilosh.

The master number 33 means you are someone who has a spiritually empowering influence on others. Some of the other words Dilosh uses to describe people with this master number are generous, kind, humble, protective, understanding, creative, and charming.

This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.