The understanding of numerology has existed for millennia, and, as such, there are numerous historical figures that studied numerology. Some of these individuals were incredibly prominent figures. And you may be surprised to learn that some of them took an interest in it.
Some of the oldest records linking historical figures to numerology go back as far as 500 BC. Around this time, the most prominent numerologists we know about were Pythagoras and Plato. After that, well-known theologians and philosophers such as St. Augustine, Dorotheus of Gaza, and Isidore of Seville joined the ranks. And the likes of Carl Jung and Wolfgang Pauli followed more recently.
In fact, numerology is linked to spiritual and religious studies going back to 4000 BC and beyond. Evidence of an understanding of the power and meaning of numbers stems from ancient Greece, China, Europe, Japan, and India. And today, India is considered the epicenter of traditional numerological practices.
Philosophers, scholars, theologians, mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and more have incorporated the meaning of numbers as part of their studies. And, even going back thousands of years, the number of people who have used numerology to make sense of the world is incomprehensible.
But specific individuals who had a keen interest in numerology have stood out over time. And, in terms of historical figures that studied numerology, these are the icons we will focus on in this blog post.
8 Historical Figures that Studied Numerology
1. Albert Einstein
Famed theoretical physicist Albert Einstein remains one of the pivotal contributors to our understanding of the world we live in. From developing theories to playing the violin, his intelligence and creativity knew no boundaries.
Best known as the developer of the theory of relativity, Einstein was born in Germany in 1879. He later moved to Switzerland in 1895 and lived there for most of his life. However, in 1933, Einstein moved to the US, where he lived and worked to support the Allies during World War II.
Einstein may not have practiced numerology directly, but he was interested in similar studies. He is said to have been interested in Pythagoras’ theories regarding numbers and their vibrational energy. And spent considerable time reading about earlier studies of numbers and meaning.
This included the practice of gematria used as a means of interpretation for scholars of the Torah. Numerology may have just been an] primary interest for Einstein. However, he is still considered one of the historical figures that studied numerology.
2. Carl Jung
Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss-born psychiatrist renowned for having founded several principal approaches used in psychology today. These include the analysis of personality traits that govern the ways people behave and interact with others. The concept of “the introvert” and “the extrovert” was founded by Jung, for example.
In addition to psychiatry, Jung was an avid student of philosophy, religion, and alchemy. And it was the combination of these interests that sculpted his view of the world.
These also contributed to his theory of synchronicity, which he began to identify increasingly in later years. Synchronicity, simply put, posits that all occurrences, no matter how random they may seem, have meaning.
Carl Jung is known to be fascinated with astrology and numerology. In fact, he is considered to be one of the significant historical figures that studied numerology. He spent a great deal of time studying the significance of numbers. His interest lay in the use of numbers to predict the future. As a psychiatrist, he found the link between numbers and personality traits extremely intriguing.
3. Cheiro
Many may recognize the name Cheiro. This was actually the nickname given to prominent Irish astrologer William John Warner. And the nickname comes from the word cheiromancy, another word for palmistry.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1866, Cheiro traveled to India in his early life, where he was introduced to various occult practices. And it was here that he began to study astrology and palmistry. He is also one of the historical figures that studied numerology. Not only that, Cheiro considered himself a clairvoyant capable of predicting the future.
Cheiro penned many books on the subjects of palmistry and astrology. And he even wrote a book on numerology called “Cheiro’s Book of Numbers”.
Using his gifts and the art of divination, Cheiro became the most renowned and trusted palmist. And, as such, read the palms of celebrities across the globe during his many travels. His clients included Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Edison, and the Prince of Wales.
4. Dorotheus of Gaza
Also referred to as Abba Dorotheus, he was a monk of the Christian church who later became an abbot. Abba Dorotheus was a disciple of St. Dorotheus and a follower of John the Prophet. And he lived from 505 to 565 CE.
The 5th century was a time governed by Christian doctrine and regulations enforced after the First Council of Nicaea. During this time, all forms of divination were frowned upon. And in some regions, the practice of early astrology or numerology was forbidden.
However, specific numbers were considered sacred by the broader Christian church. And, as such, these numbers carried spiritual significance. One such number was referred to as the “Jesus number”. As such, he became known as one of the historical figures that studied numerology. And this practice was employed by Abba Dorotheus through his teachings.
Abba Dorotheus founded a monastery of his own in about the year 540. And it was at this point, he was promoted from monk to abbot.
5. Irving John Good
- J. Good was a gifted mathematician and another fine example of one of the historical figures that studied numerology.
He was born in London, England, in 1916. During World War II, Good worked as a cryptologist at the famed Bletchley Park. Good worked side-by-side with Alan Turing breaking encoded messages intercepted from the Germans. And he was instrumental in deciphering critical messages that aided in the Allies winning the war.
Despite being of the school of rational thinking, Good was considered very open-minded. And, while some scholars looked down upon the divination arts, Good was intrigued by them. He had recognized that there were similarities and links between numerology, science, and mathematics.
Even though he did not practice numerology, he understood its influence in shaping the world of science. And, at one point, Good stated that he believed quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and gravitation stemmed from concepts proposed through numerology.
Good enjoyed a long and successful career in teaching as a professor of statistics. And in 1973, he was honored with the title of Fellow of the American Statistical Association.
6. Plato
Another example of one of the historical figures that studied numerology was Plato. This Greek philosopher is widely recognized for his contributions to mathematics, science, philosophy, and more in ancient Greece. Plato was born in Athens, Greece, in about 428 BC. And he is credited with having influenced the spiritual and religious ideals of the West.
Along with Aristotle, Plato was a student of the great Socrates. All three of whom were the brilliant minds of their time. But Plato was also well-known as a scholar of the Pythagoreans. And he was heavily influenced by the teachings of Pythagoras.
The Pythagoreans were believers in Pythagoras’ theories associated with numbers and their vibrational energy. They worked together to further those studies and were instrumental in formulating the type of numerology practiced in the West.
The Pythagoreans are also cited as having influenced mathematics and religious ideals before and after the birth of Jesus. This group of educated and intelligent individuals also significantly impacted music theory, cosmology, and vegetarianism.
Plato dedicated a great deal of time to the teachings and writings of the Pythagoreans. And is said to have had somewhat of an obsession with numbers and numerology.
7. Pythagoras
In the worlds of numerology and mathematics, this legendary Greek mathematician and philosopher needs no introduction. He is likely the most prominent of these historical figures that studied numerology. For those who don’t know, Pythagoras is considered the father of Western numerology. And it all began with music.
Pythagoras recognized a connection between numbers and the vibration of music notes emitted by string instruments. Further studies revealed specific energy associated with each single-digit number. And he noticed that the energy from one number to the next was unique.
He began to understand that this energy embodied some sort of meaning or message. Therefore, Pythagoras developed an alphabetical chart by which these single-digit numbers are assigned a letter. In this way, the mathematician used birth dates and names to determine personality traits and future occurrences.
But his philosophies and studies were much deeper and more intricate than just that. His ideas influenced everything in his life. As a result, he founded the Pythagorean school, where he and his scholars lived and studied together.
8. Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine, or Augustine of Hippo, was born in the Numidian City of Thagaste in the year 354 CE. He is a prominent figure in Christian studies, having been influential in cultivating the philosophies of Western Christianity as it is today.
Like Pythagoras, Saint Augustine believed that the understanding of certain events and mysteries of the Universe could be found in numbers. As such, his interest in Pythagoreanism and numerology was well-known. This is why we’ve included him on our list of the 8 historical figures that studied numerology.
This patron saint of theologians, amongst other things, understood that numerology could be an essential tool. It had the potential to help mankind discover the answers it sought. And that the practice may be a vital resource for teachers and leaders.
Saint Augustine died after a lengthy illness on August 28, 430 CE. To this day, August 28 is considered a holy day on which Saint Augustine is remembered.
Conclusion
Numerology, or the study of the meaning of numbers, has its roots in ancient history going back thousands of years. And, over time, great minds have studied and refined the relationship between numbers and meaning.
This is important because it provides us with the means to interpret numbers and make sense of our lives. It also gives us the tools to decipher divine messages received from our Guardian Angels. Thus, helping us navigate through the ups and downs of life.
While this list highlights only the most prominent 8 historical figures that studied numerology, there are many more. But no matter their contribution, they have all aided in paving the way for a broader understanding of the Universe. And have helped maintain the momentum as the human race edges slowly toward spiritual growth.
