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A few days ago, I left a session with a medium with the strange sensation of having finally put words (and numbers!) to what I’d been sensing for a long time. By methodically analysing the numerology of the letters of my first name, the expert had, as it were, taken an X-ray of my character. And, against all odds, each of her inter
This medium session on the numerology of letters came with a disconcerting sense of precision, which – for me – showed the extent to which a simple first name can reveal new depths of one’s inner self. As we approach the end of the year – past another successfully survived Mercury retrograde, no less! – now is a great time to consider setting your intentions for the next 12 months, finish up your journal and reflect on new goals to set in 2026. The numerology of letters is an interesting mystical practice that can reveal quite personal parts of yourself, and it’s pretty fun to do alone or with friends.
Whether you’re already a fan of using spirituality and astrology to provide a framework for guidance in your life, or you’re mystic-culture curious, here’s what I discovered about the numerology of letters:
What is “letter numerology”?
What if our first name could also be the mirror of our soul? That’s the premise of letter numerology. Since ancient times, many have seen numbers as the secret language of the universe. When I discovered letter numerology thanks to my medium, she told me that my first name is not just a set of sounds chosen by my parents, but “an energetic imprint” that has accompanied me since my very first breath.
The concept is simple: each letter supposedly corresponds to a number, which carries a meaning, and an almost emotional tone. 1 speaks of willpower, the 3 of creativity, the 7 of deep intuition… and so on. It’s as if the alphabet itself has been coded to reveal our strengths, our weaknesses, desires, and needs. Numerology of letters, which analyses your first given name (rather than your date of birth), is about your personhood and how you move through the world. If your birth date sets the road, your name decodes your own unique way of travelling it.
How do you calculate the numerology of the letters in your first name?
The methodology is very similar to that of calculating your life path. Here’s how to find the numerology of the letters in your first name:
Step 1: begin by assigning a number to each letter, using the classic grid from 1 to 9. A becomes 1, B becomes 2, C becomes 3… The table below will help you find the equivalences.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
| J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R |
| S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
Step 2: write your first name, associating each letter with the corresponding number. So in my case, JEANNE = 1 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5
Step 3: add these numbers together, then reduce the total to a number between 1 and 9, unless that number is 11, 22 or 33, which are considered “master numbers” and have their own interpretation. So, in my case, JEANNE = 22 (a master number, which I don’t reduce). If the total was 23, then I’d add 2 + 3 which would leave me with 5. Still with me? Okay, now it’s the fun part.
Step 4: discover the interpretation associated with the final number found, i.e. a number from 1 to 9, or one of the master numbers 11, 22, 33.
What are the interpretations of letter numerology?
Once you’ve determined your number, the key is to discover its meaning. Whether it’s a number from 1 to 9 or one of the “master-numbers” 11, 22 and 33, you’ll find the associated meaning below:
1 – Independence and leadership
The 1 expresses initiative, boldness and the ability to chart one’s own course. It’s the strength to stand out from the crowd and carry your uniqueness with confidence.
2 – Sensitivity and cooperation
The 2 embodies empathy, diplomacy and the art of creating harmony. It reveals a character attentive to others and sensitive to relationships.
3 – Creativity and expression
The 3 radiates joy, spontaneity and communication. It symbolises artistic energy and a talent for making oneself understood with charm.
4 – Stability and discipline
The 4 represents organisation, reliability and patience. It’s about anchoring and working hard to build something concrete.
5 – Freedom and adventure
The 5 stands for movement, adaptability and curiosity. It attracts change, travel and experimentation.
6 – Harmony and responsibility
The 6 embodies care, family and protection. It reflects a strong sense of justice and service to others.
7 – Intuition and reflection
The 7 is inward-looking, spiritual and analytical. It attracts knowledge and deep questioning.
8 – Power and success
The 8 symbolises authority, power, abundance and mastery of the material world. It highlights ambition and the ability to achieve one’s goals.
9 – Altruism and wisdom
The 9 represents generosity, open-mindedness and universal inspiration. It encourages collective thinking and transcends the ego. These are often ancient souls whose expanded vision of existence gives them a deep need to support and guide others.
As for the “dark masters”:
11 – Awakening and higher intuition
Master number 11 is a powerful channel for spiritual inspiration and creativity, carrying a very high mystical energy. Intuitive, clairvoyant and spiritually awakening, it requires a balance of sensitivity and inner strength.
22 – The visionary builder
22 is the most powerful master number, because it embodies a unique energy, that of the “builder”. He’s the one who transforms dreams into concrete projects, often with a global or collective scope.
33 – Universal love and guidance
The 33 embodies compassion and selfless service. A symbol of harmony and goodness, it’s a master number linked to teaching, healing and positive influence on others.
And so, letter numerology becomes a kind of inner spotlight, illuminating our strengths, frailties, and the unique way we move throughout the world. Personally, having a rough guide to my own personal nuances has given me some confidence and comfort when it comes to understanding myself. I now see my first name not as a random label, but as an intimate spiritual signature on the world.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
