The two most common systems of numerology used in these modern times are Pythagorean numerology and Chaldean numerology. Each of these systems offers a person a means to interpret their destinies, the future and how changes can be made to alter certain aspects of an outcome or the outcome itself.
Chaldean and Pythagorean numerology are both methods of deciphering the numerology number of a word or name. There are some critical differences between the two, including:
- Pythagorean numerology uses the number nine
- Chaldean is the older method
- They’re based on different beliefs
And these are just a few. While many prefer Chaldean and believe it’s the more accurate interpretation, both are effective.
No system is necessarily better to use than the other. The effectiveness of either system depends solely on the understanding and insight of using the numerology system in practice. Both can offer deeper meaning to the one studying. Still, the two should never be combined, as this would only confuse them, given the numerous differences between the two systems. Read on to find out more about the comparison of these two.
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Chaldean vs. Pythagorean Numerology: How are They Different
Including the three differences listed above, there are six total contrasting characteristics between Chaldean and Pythagorean numerology.
- Historical differences: each numerology system was set up in a different era, motivated by diverse beliefs.
- Use of the number 9: Pythagoras’ uses 9, but the Chaldean system does not.
- Arrangement of numbers: Pythagoras’ system arranges the letters A to Z in its chart sequentially. Chaldean arranges A to Z against numbers based on their vibrations (sound).
- Name changes: Chaldean makes room for name changes, but Pythagoras does not.
- Interpretations of numbers: each system has different variations of numbers.
- Allowance for double digits: Chaldean uses double-digit numbers, but Pythagoras’ system concentrates mainly on reducing all numbers to single numbers.
Historical Differences
Chaldean numerology is older than Pythagorean numerology. It is credited as being formulated by the ancient Babylonian empire over 5000 years ago.
Chaldean numerology is viewed as the first of the types of numerology that were formed. Yet, it maintains relevance today because the Babylonians were accurate in their spiritual understanding of the numbers.
They used astrology and divination, studying the planets and the movement of heavenly bodies within the universe as the basis by which they would understand how to use numbers as a predictive mechanism into the person’s soul and destiny.
Because of its origins, Chaldean numerology is viewed as the more mystical type of numerology between the two discussed here. The name Chaldea originates from the Greeks since Chaldea is what the Grecian empire referred to Babylon as.
Pythagorean numerology, on the other hand, was founded several thousands of years after and can be accredited to one spiritually advanced master, the man known most famous today as a mathematician, the Grecian philosopher Pythagoras.
What many people may not know about Pythagoras is that he is not just a man who came out with a theory regarding the relationships of the angles in a right-angled triangle. But he was also considered a spiritual guru, able to communicate with Siddhas (“enlightened one” in many East-Asia originating religions such as Buddhism), an astrologer, and a musician.
After becoming enlightened, Pythagoras formed his school where he taught his students his philosophies, chief amongst these being his system of numerology, one that is easy for the Western mind to understand because of its arrangement and application and so, it is most popular among Western countries between the two systems discussed here.
It is apparent when studying Pythagoras in-depth that he also received some inspiration from the Chaldeans when initially studying the spirituality of numbers because he also believed that every planet has a peculiar sound and that the vibrations could be represented with numbers.
Pythagoras was more interested in the whole picture than individual story pieces. As a result, all his works were macro-cosmic oriented and not focused on a single human being.
This implies that some adaptations acquired modern applications of his system to the lives of individuals. Conversely, the Chaldean system was first formulated around defining the influence of external sources on individuals.
Use of the Number Nine
The Chaldeans held the belief that the number 9 is sacred. Because of this association with the number 9, the Chaldeans did not associate any letters with the number 9. They believed that 9 was the last number of the heavenly triad of 3, 6, and 9 and was represented by the planet Mars.
Moreover, the Chaldeans viewed nine as a divine number because it was the highest number (in the single digits, I assume), and it is the shadow number of 0, where 0 means nothing and 9 means everything.
On the other hand, Pythagoras associated certain letters with the number 9; the letters I and r were associated with 9. Pythagoras associated a different understanding of the number 9 then the Chaldeans, upholding the number 7 instead as a sacred number (but he did not specially set 7 aside either because of its sacredness).
Under Pythagoras’ system, the appearance of a nine could yield the positive qualities of a person having a philanthropic nature, a humanitarian outlook, a selfless attitude, sympathy, generosity, and divine life.
On the other hand, this same person would possess the negative qualities of being moody and impulsive, careless in handling their money, and inclined toward higher living.
Arrangement of Numbers
Another major difference between the Pythagoras numerology system and the Chaldean numerology system is the pattern with which the letters are arranged against the numbers.
The Chaldeans believe that everything in the universe has a vibration. Based on this belief, they conjectured that by tuning into the vibrations of everything, a person’s destiny could be unearthed.
Because of this belief system, the Chaldean system uses sounds and tones to place letters to correspond with numbers, matching the vibrations associated with the individual letters to the vibrations of the numbers.
This also makes for a system that is not chronologically organized and so a bit more difficult to master if you do not first get a deeper understanding of the roles that the tones and vibrations play.
Pythagoras’ numerology, on the other hand, follows a chronological order. With the single digit 1 written out, the letters were then arranged from a to z, with a being associated with 1, b to the number 2 up until I was lined up with 9. Then the numbering would start all over again as the alphabet continued.
Name Changes
Pythagorean numerology assigns a person a fixed number based on their full legal birth name. It does not use any nicknames or consider the name you currently go by. But, in the Chaldean system, the number of the name you are presently known by is used instead.
This means that if the name you commonly go by changes, your number will also change along with it, revealing to you a new side of your destiny not unearthed before.
The Chaldeans base their analysis on a name that you are called by because of the emphasis they place on vibrations and their role in the process.
If your full name has not been called you since childhood, that name’s vibrations may not be relevant to you.
The ability of the Chaldean system also to get an updated number like the name you are called changes is in touch with the idea of letting an individual find their passion without getting held up on what may have been predicted in the beginning as a set life path.
Because Chaldean numerology can show different life paths for changes in the name a person is known by, it can also analyze the changes that have occurred in a person’s life path based on the changes in the vibrations of how they present themselves to the world.
Interpretations of Numbers
The way that numbers are interpreted and the numbers considered significant is another way that these two systems of numerology differ. The main differences in this aspect are:
- Chaldean numerology makes use of double-digit numbers. Pythagorean numerology does not use double digits, reducing everything to single digits.
- Chaldean numerology does not have distinct categories of numbers, but Pythagorean numerology does.
Chaldean Numerology
In Chaldean numerology, compound or double-digit numbers found in the number sequence formed from the letters in your name have their influence separate from the singular numbers also involved and the single number, which is the summation of all the individual digits.
Because of this, one number sequence produced using Chaldean numerology allows the interpreter to peer into different aspects of an individual’s life and delve into details in each aspect.
Under the Chaldean system, single numbers show what is in the perception or the eye of others around you concerning yourself. These numbers belong to the physical or material state of things.
The compound numbers are supposed to show the hidden influences that come into play behind what is visible and that mysteriously foreshadow the future.
These compound numbers belong more to the occult or spiritual aspect of the interpretation. Compound numbers from 10 to 52 have been given a distinct meaning.
An interpretation of just a few of these double-digit numbers is delineated below, but to delve deeper and learn about the other 36 numbers, check out Chaldean Numerology for Beginners.
10
The number 10 is symbolic of the “wheel of fortune.” It is supposed to be a lucky number because ten implies that your plans will be carried out if you have made plans. Your name could be known for good or evil according to your desires.
11
The number 11 comes with the symbol of a “clenched fist” or a “muzzled lion,” and is viewed as several bad omens: of trial and hidden dangers, and a person will have great difficulties to contend against in the future.
12
According to Chaldean numerology, this number symbolizes mental suffering and anxiety. The symbol associated with it is “the sacrifice” or “the victim,” It generally predicts that you will be thrown under the bus in the place of someone else’s dreams, vision, or plans.
13
This number indicates a change of plans, and its symbol is a picture of a skeleton of death with a scythe who is supposed to be “reaping down men” in a field of new-grown grass. Young faces and heads appear cropping up on every side of the skeleton in the image.
In some ancient writings, “He who understands 13 will be given power and dominion”. It shows both power and upheaval and destruction. If the power prophesied through the number is misused, the person will bring destruction upon themselves.
14
Fourteen represents movement: the combination of the movement of people and things, the possibility of chance things like natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, air, or fire incidents.
But it is also believed to be fortunate for anyone dealing with money, speculation (like gambling), and changes in the business. There is also some risk involved in the appearance of the number 14 for the one represented by the number.
15
Fifteen is several magic and mystery. It has occult significance. It carries the meaning that persons represented by the number 15 will use every magic art in their abilities to carry out their purpose.
This can be good or bad to everyone else depending on whether the number is coupled with a single number that is considered “good” or if instead it is coupled with an “unfortunate” number such as 4 or 8. The latter implies that the person may even be willing to use black magic against those around them to accomplish their goal.
This number is peculiarly associated with people who are eloquent in speech (“good talkers”) or have unique gifts in the arts or music, a person with a flair for the dramatic. These traits are coupled with a person with a magnetic personality or temperament that draws other people towards them.
Pythagorean Numerology
Pythagorean numerology begins with six numbers that are called “primary numbers”: three of them are derived from your birthday, and three of them come to form your name. These six numbers are broken down below.
The Life Path Number
This number provides the most information about the individual and the individual’s life and is the main number in Pythagorean numerology.
It is a number meant to show the life experiences and lessons a person will learn during their lifetime. It describes the path that a person’s life must take to acquire the karmic lessons required of them.
It is calculated by taking a person’s birthdate in numbers and summing up each digit. If the summation of the numbers ends in a double-digit number, then the two digits of the summation are added again to produce one single-digit number, the life path number.
The Birthday Number
This number shows individuals certain abilities and talents that will be helpful to them in their lifetime. The number describes how others perceive an individual, which is the most accessible number to calculate.
You take the date of the day you were born. For example, if the individual’s birthdate is March 7, 1994, that number would be 7. If the number is a double-digit, then the two digits must be summed up to form a single-digit number.
So, if the person’s birthdate were July 13, 1990, we would take the 1 and 3 of the 13 and add them together to form the number 4.
The First Impression Number
This number describes the first impression a person will have of other people. It is calculated by taking the day of the individual’s birth and the numeric equivalent of the month (April is the 4th month, so “4”) and adding these numbers together.
If this number is not a single digit, sum up the individual digits to reduce the number to a single digit.
The Inner Soul Number
This number is the third most important of the Pythagorean numerals. It describes to a person what the urge of their soul is, or in other words, your heart’s desire, what you aspire to become in life.
This is something that people may not be able to see about someone, but they may be able to feel or perceive it.
To get the inner soul number, one takes the vowels present in their full legal name and finds the numbers associated with these letters. Then, these numbers are summed up. Lastly, just like the numbers mentioned above, if the summation is not a single-digit number, it is then reduced to a single-digit number.
The Character Number
In contrast to the other number, the character number does not carry much weight among this group of 6 numbers.
It is acquired by taking all the consonants in a person’s full name and finding a single number from those consonants in the same manner done with just the vowels in finding the soul number. This number describes how people perceive them regarding the character they portray outwardly.
The Expression Number
This is the last of the six significant numbers on our list but the second most important.
The expression number can basically be thought of as the number of destinies: showing the individual where their strengths and potential lie, their natural talents and capabilities, and what they are destined to do.
This number is acquired by taking the person’s full name, associating each letter to its corresponding numeral using the Pythagorean numerology chart, and then summing up to form a single number.
Allowance for Double Digits
As mentioned above, one thing that sets Chaldean numerology apart from its counterpart is its use of a compound or double-digit number. These double-digit numbers would be found in the number sequence formed from the letters in your name. They have their influence separate from the single number, which is the summation of all the individual digits.
On the other hand, Pythagoras’ numerology relies on summing up and simplifying every number down to a single-digit numeral that can be interpreted.
Because of this, one number sequence produced using Chaldean numerology allows the interpreter to peer into the tangible and the intangible aspects of the individual’s life.
Chaldean vs. Pythagorean Numerology: How are They Similar
Before delving deeper into the numerous differences between these two systems of numerology, let us first look at the similarities held between these two. Both systems have numbers to define five concepts that appear throughout. These concepts are:
Government
The government most likely meant the same thing to both the society of the Chaldeans (the ancient Babylonians) and the society in which Pythagoras was (Ancient Greece). For both of these societies, the rulers of the nation were not viewed as gods like the Pharaoh was viewed as a manifestation of a god in ancient Egypt, for example.
The Ancient Greeks and the Ancient Babylonians were also both city-states. In numerology, the idea of government only became crucial in defining what role government may play in an individual’s life, and sometimes vice versa, whether the individual might play a role in government.
Under Chaldean numerology, the number 1 was associated with the government, and with Pythagorean numerology, this would be the number 7.
Metaphysics
It makes sense that there would be some alluding to or acknowledgment of the metaphysical in all types of numerology.
Even in Pythagorean numerology, which some interpreters assert is based more on logic, there must be some acknowledgment of the being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and spatial aspects of the individual’s life since numerology is as much spiritual as it is about numbers.
For the Chaldeans, the number associated with metaphysics is number 11. In Pythagoras’ numerology system, this number is 3.
Spiritual
Spirituality goes hand in hand with metaphysics: it is abstract. Spiritual knowledge is equally an essential part of numerology that is considered in both systems, looking at the spiritual influences that work in a person’s life.
In each system, you will also notice that certain numbers delve deeper into spiritual influences in a person’s destiny and current life.
The number 11 in the Chaldean system is again representative of the spiritual in addition to the metaphysical (and it is discussed in more detail below).
Conversely, with the Pythagorean system, it cannot necessarily be pinpointed t a singular value but is a reoccurring subject throughout the whole process.
Humanity
In each numerology system, there is an aspect of humanity that has to come into play. Humanity’s role in the grand scheme of creation is essential, and the environment’s role in a single human’s life is equally important.
In each case, the numerology system can give more insight into the role of the external environment upon a person. Then it is also able to help us understand how a person will affect their environment.
The Chaldean system looks at this interaction and how it can evolve. In contrast, the Pythagorean system condenses this into a singular analysis of the individual’s life.
Fear
Fear is the last concept that we find reoccurring in both of these numerology systems. This makes sense since fear is a basic human emotion. In the Chaldean system, you will see that the interpretation of many numbers has both positive and negative connotations.
Where there is a great power, there is also the accompaniment of the fear of that power working against the one to whom the prediction is referring. There is also fear more explicitly stated in numbers that forewarn that bad things are likely to occur, such as with 16 in Chaldean numerology.
On the side of Pythagorean numerology, fear is seen in the interpretation of the number 3. With Pythagoras’ system, if the number 3 is to appear in any one of the six prime numbers f a person’s path, it indicates that there is something that the individual is fearful of or that the individual is fearful or struggling to overcome fear.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there is much to be said about numerology and these two popular types. But the main takeaways are that each system has unique traits, capabilities, and setbacks.
The right system for the one who is looking for one to use will depend on the user at the end of the day. Choose a type of numerology where you can easily access an expert in that field to guide you to make a deeper meaning of what the interpretations have said concerning you or the environment around you.
Most importantly, whichever form is chosen, it has to be something you can understand and work within your situation.