Introduction

Cheiro numerology is a topic that is referenced all over on the web, but seldom discussed in much detail. This page serves to give a introduction to numerology as taught by Cheiro. We will learn some basics of numerology and find out a bit about who Cheiro was, and then hone in on his teachings in more detail.

What Is Numerology?

There is no doubt that numbers hold highly significant value in the world, not only being the basis of our economics and technology, but also the fundamental concept behind reasoning and truth. Since numbers have real application yet remain abstract at their core, their potential for holding the key to deeper mysteries has long fascinated philosophers. It is this idea that numbers somehow create and influence our reality that serves as the basis for studying their innate qualities – and we call this numerology.

It is well known that ancient civilisations were as intrigued about numbers as we are today, and whilst independent methods for counting were devised, there was some unanimity in considering numbers to have a mystical basis as well. Cheiro numerology, which forms the basis of what we are discussing here, has its roots in the Chaldean culture from thousands of years ago. It’s intriguing to see that whilst civilisations have come and gone, and so much has changed in the world, there is something about the concept of numerology that has endured all this time.

The number system (1-9) behind contemporary mathematics originated in India and spread throughout the Middle East and Europe in the medieval period. The concept of zero (0) came as a different innovation with more practical intention, to denote both nothingness and orders of magnitude, and for this reason is considered aside from the regular numbers 1-9 in the study of numerology. Much has been written about numbers above 9 in numerology, and we will certainly study these later, but to be grounded in the initial principles we consider 1-9 first and foremost. First of all, however, let’s find out a bit about the man known as Cheiro.

Who Was Cheiro?

Cheiro was a very well known clairvoyant, astrologer, palm reader and numerologist, flourishing in the late 19th and early 20th century, and whose legacy remains strong to this day. His real name was William John Warner, and he was born near Dublin, Ireland in 1866. The name Cheiro came from the term “cheiromancy”, which is another word for palm reading, one of his most well known strengths. Warner also had remote aristocratic ties, which led him to occasionally adopt the name Count Louis Hamon, as well as Cheiro!

Cheiro was something of a celebrity in his time, and there are many stories about the accuracy of his readings concerning high profile figures of the time. The press seized on him feeling his work would be easy to discredit, but in the end after much testing they could only concede to the accuracy of his predictions. His ability to foretell the fates of public figures and their families gave him much credibility amongst the rich and wealthy, and even the ruling classes.

It is said that his gift for accurate forecasting of the future was noted by his elders when still a child, but he didn’t begin to focus his interests on this until the age of twelve when his studying of astrology began. As a young adult he had the opportunity to visit India, and ended up spending three years there gathering insights and learning from a guru who supplied him with ancient knowledge and materials, before arriving in London ready to do business. His skills in palmistry were quickly noticed by Arthur James Balfour, future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom but then president of the London Psychical Society, and Cheiro’s recognition quickly gained momentum. Of course, Balfour’s eventual rise to Prime Minister was amongst Cheiro’s original predictions.

Cheiro documented his readings of his clients for later scrutiny, and he also encouraged those who sat for him to sign a guest book giving feedback on their side of the experience. That guest book ended up becoming a roll call of figures pivotal to the world at that time. The chairman of the company that built the Titanic was given a dire warning about his future. Mark Twain, who came along initially to debunk Cheiro’s credibility, had to concede that his reading was deeply accurate.

It wasn’t just the lives of people that Cheiro foretold, but key events in history as well. Events such as the Russian Revolution and alliance with China, World War II, England’s Trade Union strikes of 1926, changes in the Middle East, and various historical events in the UK royal family were all predicted and many came true in Cheiro’s lifetime.

Cheiro moved to Hollywood in the last years of his life, where he kept himself very busy, not just as a clairvoyant but also a screen writer. He died in 1936 at the age of 69, the time of his death having been self-predicted, according to his widow. His legacy lives on as he authored many books on mystical topics throughout his life, such as his classic “Book of Numbers” which still remain in publication to this day (available here).

What is Cheiro Numerology?

Cheiro Numerology is a branch of numerology with strong links to the Chaldean school of numerology. Many people who are introduced to numerology start off by learning Pythagorean numerology, examining their name and birth date, and so on. Chaldean numerology is a bit different, but shares many of the same principles so somebody who already knows the Pythagorean method will have no problem adapting.

Chaldean numerology stems from very old times and is probably one of the oldest known numerology methods – the Chaldeans, who it is named after, thrived from the 10th to 6th century BC. The numerology shares some common ground with early prestigious mystical sources such as the qabbalah. It can be used to forecast a person’s life, successes and misfortunes, and as such has led parents of newborns to consider a good name for their child based on the best prognosis against their birth date. The essence of Chaldean, and Cheiro numerology, is to seek out and describe the forces at play behind the scenes of people’s lives and world situations, and do what can be done to improve circumstances and mitigate issues.

Cheiro Numerology picks up on these old numerological principles and applies them to the present day. Using data relating to the names of people and places, and the numbers associated with them, we can use Cheiro Numerology to add insight to their current situation, and surmise what is going to happen going forwards.

Like Pythagorean numerology, Cheiro’s system connects each letter of the alphabet to a number, as follows:

1 = A, I, J, Q, Y

2 = B, K, R

3 = C, G, L, S

4 = D, M, T

5 = E, H, N, X

6 = U, V, W

7 = O, Z

8 = F, P

The first question anybody has at this point, is why there aren’t any letters associated with 9? In Cheiro numerology, 9 is a special case, it is a number that has some correspondences with the divine source, and whilst it will inevitably still crop up in the output of readings, we find it will be discluded in some input values such as here.

The other point people raise is why the associations are different to the Pythagorean system of numerology. This isn’t to say either system is right or wrong. However with the Cheiro system, there is a finer balancing act in terms of getting good answers. The numbers themselves are not just descriptors of character, but also have further reaching correspondences with astrological and elemental forces that need to be taken into account to make an effective reading.

Number 1 – The Sun, golden, ruby. The brightest star in the sky, without which we wouldn’t be here. As such, symbolises leadership, and the one that everybody looks up to. This number stands for the forefront of creative capabilities, enduring strength, focus and positivity. Nothing holds Number 1 back in their quest to rise to the top.

Number 2 – The Moon, white, pearl. Like the sun, stands out from the crowd, but in mastery of the creative planes. As such creativity and artistry are key strengths, but always carried out with restraint. Kindness and tact are positive features of this number. However, number 2 people only thrive in positive environments and are too easily scattered.

Number 3 – Jupiter, yellow, sapphire. A large and dominant planet, as reflected in the number 3 personality type. An authority figure and delegator, is disciplined and expects the same of others. Whilst a natural born leader, this doesn’t make number 3 a friend to everybody.

Number 4 – Uranus, blue, ruby. Definition of a true individual, if not a maverick. Thinking outside of the box and contrary to popular belief and expectation. Not a rule follower, not necessarily out of disrespect, but that’s just who you are. However there is enough self awareness there to know what other people think about you.

Number 5 – Mercury, green, emerald. Flows and glides effortlessly just like liquid mercury. Excellent with other people, especially other number 5’s! Very strong willed, but just as much open to acting on an acute sense of instinct. Dreams up ideas and has the will to make them happen. But far too easy to wind up the wrong way.

Number 6 – Venus, yellow, diamond. Attraction is the key concept to number 6. Just as people are drawn fondly to them, number 6’s attach themselves to their dreams and ambitions with long-lasting faithfulness. Appreciate the finer things in life and highly cultured. Stands for the qualities of love and harmony over all others.

Number 7 – Neptune, white, pearl. A healthy independence permeates the number 7. The freedom to move about and travel is craved, and there is a thirst for knowledge about the world. They do not naturally seek out wealth, but still do well for themselves by their originality and application to the task at hand, not least their talent for self expression. Can be a bit far fetched at times, for better or for worse.

Number 8 – Saturn, green, sapphire. Intense, strong and an important outlier. Has a crucial arm in overturning systems and making history. Proponent of robust philosophy and conduct. However is seldom on the same page as others, and can get isolated, if not reviled.

Number 9 – Mars, red, coral. Gains strength through conflict, learns from battles lost, but in the end always strives towards victory. Likes being in charge, those beneath a number 9 find them temperamental. Has a lot of potential for success but needs guidance not to fall victim to their own impulsiveness and reckless behaviour.

Carrying out a numerology reading

We can see from above the single numbers descriptions of personal character as they can be perceived on the physical plane. Cheiro Numerology also uses compound numbers, those made up of more than one digit (10 upwards), in order to describe higher aspects. We will make reference to compound numbers in this analysis, and provide some definitions later on.

We can start having a look at doing a very simple analysis now, using a person’s name. We take all the letters of the person’s name, Edward Michael Jones, correspond them to the numbers as described in the key above, add them up, and then reduce them through further addition of digits until we reach a single number.

E+D+W+A+R+D  5+4+6+1+2+4 = 22 = 2+2 = 4

M+I+C+H+A+E+L  4+1+3+5+1+5+3 = 22 = 2+2 = 4

J+O+N+E+S   1+7+5+5+3 = 21 = 2+1 = 3

So we have some single digit numbers of 4+4+3 leading to the compound number of 11 (4+4+3). 11 itself reduces as 2 (1+1). 2 is what we would call the Name number for this individual.

Next we would be interested in the date of his birth, particularly the number of the day in the month. Let’s say he was born on the 15th. 15 reduces as 1+5 = 6 and so 6 is his Birth number.

So looking at our explanation of our subject’s numerology reading, the person is a number 6 by birth (attractive, cultured, harmonious), but a number 2 by name (creative, tactful, unfocused). We can begin to see how people use numerology to try to alter the course of their lives, particularly in changing their names (you’re not going to change your birth date particularly easily!). If doing this, it is recommended to have a name that matches the Birth number, as this will accentuate the more positive aspects of the number over any negative.

In the case of Edward Michael Jones, he would be best trying to change his compound Name number to 15, which reduces to 6. An easy way of doing this would be to change his middle name to something that added up to, or reduced to 8.

J+U+L+I+A+N  1+6+3+1+1+5 = 17 = 1+7 = 8

So Edward Julian Jones = 4+8+3 = 15 = 1+5 = 6

And with that, the positive characteristics of number 6 will have a greater impact in this individual’s life.

For some, particularly 4’s and 8’s, their birth date may have characteristics and tendencies that they would rather avoid, so attention must be given to make alterations to their name to add desired attributes, or counterbalance less favoured ones. Such individuals could also do well by taking note of the colours and stones attributed to their desired numbers and incorporating these into their lives, and even their wardrobe.

You can take this concept as far as you wish. Some adherents to Cheiro numerology will prefer to live in places that correspond to their birth number, or only in properties where the registered address reduces to their birth number, and so on, in the quest for balance and positivity. They may name their children according to the most beneficial qualities so that their children’s lives may be enrichened and easier than their own. But anybody approaching Cheiro numerology from this angle needs to be mindful that even the most successful people in the world endure hardships and make mistakes. The universe is set up so that there is no “magic button”, and we would have nothing to learn from life if there was; however, there is much room for manoeuvre if we reach out and understand the forces behind our actions.

The Compound Numbers

The compound numbers (those above 9) are where we start to see correspondences with higher mystical topics. Many of these are associated with particular tarot cards, for example. We can think of the single digit numbers as describing how other people see us, whereas the compound numbers shed light on the guiding forces behind one’s journey through life.

Number 10 – The Wheel of Fortune. This number symbolises vision, and seeing that vision through to the end. Being the wheel, it also refers to the cycle of events, life with its ups and downs, but with the support to make it through.

Number 11 – Justice. However this is justice with all its connotations, and highlights to us risk, deceit and dangers that are all around, and how we choose to rise above these.

Number 12 – Sacrifice. Just as it describes, being the fall guy so that others may succeed, due to your own unresolved weaknesses and worries.

Number 13 – Transition. This corresponds with the infamous tarot card of “Death”, which serves as a warning, although not to be taken literally! The message behind this number is more one of forced change, and advising against abuse of power, and you would do well to take heed of it.

Number 14 – Temperance. This signifies times and situations where moderation is required, where one element or force needs balance from another, where finances need to be stablised, or where a middle ground needs to be reached to appease various parties.

Number 15 – The Occult. A reminder firstly that the physical plane is not the be all and end all. Secondly, that good and bad are inseparable, and that there are those who will play dirty tricks for bright reward.

Number 16 – The Tower. Imagine a tall strong tower being struck down by lightning, and this tells you what you need to know about this number, a sudden and unexpected fate to what was on the surface a stable situation. Be on guard, don’t get complacent.

Number 17 – The Star. This symbolises hope and the journey to rise above life’s issues, and even to understand one’s true purpose…although it doesn’t mean that you are quite there yet!

Number 18 – Illusion. We are examining here the material world overrunning the higher planes. Wars and conflicts are a good example of how we spend our time so fruitlessly battling for purely materialistic reasons.

Number 19 – Enlightenment. Usually indicates assured success, understanding, warmth, courage and positive energies.

Number 20 – Awakening. This means it’s time to take action! But think first about why and what your higher self requires. Probably a call to give more structure to your spiritual duties, rather than to pluck up the courage to ask for a job promotion.

Number 21 – The World. The number of fulfillment. The feeling of having reached a significant goal, or just that feeling of inner calm.

Number 22 – The Fool. The person who lives from day to day in blissful ignorance of the problems that will catch up with them.

Number 23 – Strength. Not necessarily your own strength, but that your back is covered by the power and influence of others in higher places.

Number 24 – Not too dissimilar to 23, this signifies the importance of others coming to your aid in achieving your aspirations, in personal life too.

Number 25 – Success, but only through hard graft, rather than “right time right place”.

Number 26 – Troubles, and to look closely at who you are dealing with, as those around you may be to blame for your misfortunes more than any error of your own.

Number 27 – Firm execution of a well thought out plan. This is about the importance of strategy and intellect, aside from the actual doing where things will fall into place.

Number 28 – For the person who has it all, a reminder that nothing lasts forever and you’re not exempt. Have a backup plan and don’t put all your eggs into one basket.

Number 29 – A sneaking suspicion that somebody is having you on. Business and personal partners might show their other side, and it will be your loss.

Number 30 – Is your glass half full or half empty? The results of your general mindset are going to take a boost for better or for worse.

Number 31 – Current predicaments could swing either way, but for sure you may become lonelier whatever happens.

Number 32 – It’s time to stick to your guns and take control of the situation, else be held back by the conflicting opinions and incompetence of others.

Once we get past the number 32, the compound numbers start to repeat themselves in terms of their meanings. This shouldn’t come as much surprise since the compound numbers themselves reveal certain themes where the sum of their digits are equal. For example, the digits of 32, 23, and 14 all add up to 5, so they naturally deal with the common “5” theme of control, although from considerably varying perspectives. However a few numbers remain that are distinct, so we’ll continue down the list and cover those ones too.

Number 33 – as per 24.

Number 34 – as per 25.

Number 35 – as per 26.

Number 36 – as per 27.

Number 37 – Positive number when it comes for forming partnerships, particularly in one’s personal life.

Number 38 – as per 29.

Number 39 – as per 30.

Number 40 – as per 31.

Number 41 – as per 32.

Number 42 – as per 24.

Number 43 – Signifies a considerable and somewhat negative overhaul in circumstance.

Number 44 – as per 26.

Number 45 – as per 27.

Number 46 – as per 28.

Number 47 – as per 29.

Number 48 – as per 30.

Number 49 – as per 31.

Number 50 – as per 32.

Number 51 – This number indicates strong fortune, or more likely greater ease, in defeating conflict and challenges.

Number 52 – as per 43.

Conclusion

So there’s undeniably a lot of information here to take in and apply, but if you want to get started on Cheiro numerology, there are a number of excellent resources, perhaps more so in the world of books rather than on the web, and none better than those written by Cheiro himself. His “Book of Numbers” is well worth diving into if you want to learn numerology from a true master – give it a read for more information here.