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Definition:
Numerology is the study of numbers, normally based upon the premise that numbers can
reveal the future or hidden information - thus, numerology is usually a form of
divination. One of the most common examples of numerology is the use of a person's
name. Each letter in their name is given a number, the numbers are added up, then the
numbers in the result are added up - continuing along until a single number is left,
which is then alleged to be your special or lucky number.
Sometimes the process is stopped earlier when an unusual result is produced - for example, if someone's name results in the number 666, they can be identified with the Antichrist. A related example of modern numerology is the popular Bible Codes, which purport to reveal secret messages from God hidden in the book of Genesis.
Numerology is utilized for a variety of purposes - one of the most popular of which is divination. Numerologists claim that they are able to discern some occult significance to the numbers their methods reveal, allowing them to tell a client about events in their future. This is supposed to allow people not just to better understand their own lives, but also to help them make important decisions.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
Skepticism & Critical Thinking
This is the main index for issues dealing with skepticism, critical thinking, logic and arguments. The first section is Critical Thinking itself - how to think about claims and arguments you hear, how to critique arguments, and how to formulate your own arguments such that they are more likely to be sound and valid. The second section is about Skeptical Investigations - the practical application of the critical thinking skills covered in the first section. Here you will find critiques of things like astrology, alternative medicine, parapsychology, the New Age and more.
