NUMBER MYSTERY 159

Various people at different times and by varying numero-
logical processes have claimed to be able to prove that this
number represented their particular enemies. It may be men-
tioned that the only apparent fact known about the number
is that it is triangular and palindromic. It is also the sum of
all consecutive integers from 1 to 62.

There are at least two methods whereby modern numerolo-
gists seek to prove that every person has an affinity for certain
numbers or, vice versa, that certain numbers ‘vibrate’ favour-
ably or unfavourably with regard to particular individuals.

One method is to reduce the individual’s date of birth to
its digital root. Thus the birth-date 12.7.1932 would reduce
to the digital root of 7, unless the date is shown alternatively
as 12.7.32 (as in some systems) when the root would be 6.
The digital root is then termed the significant number in
respect of that individual.

From this significant number, the numerologist claims to
have the power to divine the nature and character of the
individual, his fortunes in the future and, amongst other inti-
mate details, the significant number of the lady he should
seek in marriage!

The second method is to assign a numerical value to every
letter in the alphabet and then to express the individual’s
name in numerical form, again reducing the latter to its
digital root. The interpretation of the significance of this root
then proceeds as before.

Superficially it would appear that the numerologists claim
to discover a great deal of significance within the limited
scope of nine digits. Since the decimal system of counting is
of only an arbitrary nature, the reader may be excused for
wondering what developments in numerology would result
from the adoption of a new scale of notation.

If, for instance, the scale of twelve were to be adopted and
two new digits were to emerge for the numbers 10 and 11
respectively, would there be an automatic increase in the
amount of numerologically significant numbers and, as a
result, a similar increase in the number of different divisions