The Numerology of Number 1

A primal force for the new year

by Hans Decoz

As we head into the new year, learn more about the significance of 1/1/2010! January is associated with the number 1, since it is the first month of the year. 2010 is the first year in a new decade. What do all these 1s mean?

In Numerology, each of the nine single digit numbers has a personality -- a limited range of qualities and traits that makes it unique and recognizable. To me each number is a character, like any human being. In order to understand how numbers affect us based on their location in the chart, it helps to get to know each single digit number as if it were a person.

The goal is to get beyond each number being just a list of positive and negative qualities and, instead, to make each number come alive -- to sense how the numbers play off of each other. If you sense some exaggeration in my descriptions, remember that these nine "individuals" are extremes by their very nature (while we, as human beings, are made up of a mixture of all the numbers' traits).

Among the nine single digit numbers, the 1 takes a special place. From a spiritual perspective, it is the number of creation, the primal force from which all other numbers spring forth (as opposed to the often quoted zero from which, by definition, nothing could possibly come into being). It is said that when you truly understand the place and function of this most primal of all numbers, you will know all there is to know and enlightenment is yours. This statement, of course, does not apply to an understanding of the number 1 from a numerologist's perspective alone, but perhaps that is a good place to start, as the personality of the number 1 aligns nicely with its more elevated spiritual symbolism.

The 1 is a doer, a powerful force that produces results and does not allow anything or anyone to limit its potential. The 1 is, by nature, aggressive, a necessary energy for creating and producing. The 1 is always in the forefront: a spearpoint directing and leading others. The shape of the number 1 reflects its meaning; it walks upright with pride and purpose. Strong, determined, unwavering and with specific goals in mind, the 1 can turn dreams and ideals into reality. It pushes obstacles aside or simply drills right through them. 

The 1 grows, transforms and improves in perpetuity, precisely the way Mother Nature does. After all, nature's primal force and most basic building block is the number 1. Nature knows no mercy and its cruelty can be heartbreaking. However, it knows balance and gives life indiscriminately and without judgment. Scientists sometimes compete with nature, genetically altering fruits or breeding bugs for specific purposes. An understanding of nature teaches us that this is never a good idea and almost always produces unexpected backlashes. The number 1 has a similar built-in perfection and balance; you can force a change here or there, but negative repercussions are likely. 

The Numerology of Number 1 | Tarot.com -- Continued »