Life Path by Laurie Buchanan
During the “Alphabetically Speaking” series, when I posted “N is for Numerology” I promised that in January I would present a 10-part “Numerically Speaking” series. This first post is to share with you how to calculate your Life Path Number.
Once you’ve calculated yours (and that of your family and friends) my next 9 posts will share detailed information about what each of the 9 Life Path numbers means.
In the “N is for Numerology” post I shared what Numerology is. If you missed that post or you’d like a refresher, simply follow this LINK.
What is a Life Path Number?
In Numerology, the Life Path Number represents natural characteristics, talents, and traits based on a person’s date of birth. On the day you were born certain powers were bestowed upon you that will be with you your entire life long. The Life Path Number describes the nature of your journey through life.
A person’s name may change (i.e., marriage, divorce), but unlike your name—your date of birth is unalterable and its personal vibrations shape every event or incident in your life span.
The Life Path number is the sum of your date of birth. It’s important to note that every Life Path Number has both positive and negative vibrations. It’s up to each of us to determine which one we’ll follow.
We’ve all known couples who don’t get along. They seem to constantly be at loggerheads because neither can understand or accept the other’s principles.
Someone born with a 5 Life Path for instance, would have a strong urge to travel; whereas a person born with a 4 Life Path would have more of a “nose-to-the-grindstone” nature. These two could be potentially incompatible if they didn’t understand the nature of certain compromises necessary and possible in their relationship.
By using a simple calculation, you can check the Life Path Number of friends, family, acquaintances, employees, and partners for a better understanding of their aims in life and what you can expect of them as it relates to your own Life Path Number.
Remember, your Life Path number covers a person’s entire life span. Even though you may not currently recognize all the aspects of the path outlined, they’ll eventually be very much in evidence. Some people never recognize theirs until middle-age or after. So don’t worry if what you read isn’t all you at the moment.
The other all-important factor is whether one lives life according to its positive or negative vibrations. For instance: in a 5 Life Path, the travel indicated could represent progress in a positive sense, but great fickleness and irresponsibility when lived negatively.
How To Calculate Your Life Path Number
To determine your Life Path number, add together the number value of your month, day, and full year of birth, and then reduce the total to a single digit. The number value for each month is:
January 1
February 2
March 3
April 4
May 5
June 6
July 7
August 8
September 9
October 10
November 11
December 12
For example, if like me you were born on September 28, 1957 you would add:
September (number value) 9
Date 28
Year 1957
TOTAL 1994
To reduce 1994 to a single digit:
1+9+9+4 = 23
But 23 is not a single digit so we need to reduce it again:
2+3 = 5
The Life Path number for a person whose date of birth is September 28, 1957 is 5.
The short method for obtaining this same number would be to add the dates this way:
9 (for September) +2+8 (for the date) + 1+9+5+7 (for the year) = 41. Reduce this number to one digit by adding 4+1 which equals 5.
The Life Path Number represents your inborn characteristics, latent talent, moral fiber, and nature of this journey through life—all of which shape your life on earth.
What’s your Life Path Number?
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan
© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved
Comments on: "How to Calculate Your Life Path Number" (93)
I am Life Path 1
Kim – After you read my next post (a description of Life Path 1), you’ll see what that doesn’t surprise me in the least
I did the family….
Mike is 5
Amanda is 1
Joe is 2
Kim – Two 1′s, a 5, and a 2 oughta make for a very interesting household, indeed!
What fun! I am an 11.
Kathy – You’re a MASTER number (how come that comes as no surprise to me?!).
For any people whose numbers first reduce to either 11 or a 22 — Master Numbers – before reducing them to a single digit, when we get to the Life Path numbers 2 and 4 in my up-and-coming posts, you’ll see this verbiage at the top of each post:
“Please note that certain 2’s and 4’s have a “Master Number” associated with their Life Path number; respectively 11 and 22. In Numerology, this is the equivalent to a “special mission” they have been sent to fulfill. And while Master Numbers are covered in the Numerology class I teach at HolEssence, due to time/space constraints, they won’t be covered in this blog post.”
Suffice it to say that you and I both know that you’re here for a very special purpose
Bimala – A person who is a Master Number 11 is a turbo-boosted version of a Life Path 2.
Similarly, a person who is a master number 22 is a turbo-boosted version of a Life Path 4, and a person who is a master number 33 is a turbo-boosted version of a Life Path 6.
I am also a 1.
Chris – You’re in very good company! My next post (this coming Thursday) will reveal the details…
I’m a 7 – it’s my favorite number! I can’t wait to learn more about this, as I’ve been fascinate with numbers for years!
Thanks for doing this,
Naima
Naima – I’m glad you stopped into Speaking from the Heart and discovered you’re a Life Path 7. I post on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You’ll have to wait a few days until we get to Life Path 7, but it’ll be well worth the wait. In the meantime, perhaps some of your friends or family members are Life Paths 1 through 6 and you’ll be able to share some fun information with them.
Stay tuned…
I am a 3.
I have here a numerologybook but as it shows I always calculated it the wrong way:).
Now it fits, I think. You will tell me, I guess
Elke – I’m glad you popped in. Please feel free to send your full date of birth to my regular email address (Laurie@HolEssence.com) I’ll be glad to verify that you’re a Life Path 3.
I am a 4…
creeping quietly away now…
Kathy – By any chance, when you initially reduced your numbers, were you a 22, and then you further reduced that number to the single digit 4? If yes, you’re a Master number too (like Kathy Smith, below). If that’s the case, please see my comment to her because it would apply to you as well.
Yes, indeed…a 22. I just reduced it to a 4.
Kathy – I had a sneaking suspicion… Okay, now that there are a couple of you with Master numbers, I may well add them right after 9.
Oooh, I’ll play, too. I’m a 7!
Nan – I can definitely see that in you! When I post Life Past 7, please let me know if you see it too.
Cool, I’m all set. My life plan number is 6 and my husband’s is 9.
Oh, yes, and about yesterday–thank you so much, my friend, for all your support!
Leanne – Oh, that’s wonderful. Life Path 6 has a natural fit with 3, 6, and 9. They get along well with 2, 4, and 8, but find a challenge (or need to compromise with) with 1, 5, and 7.
I’ll be posting the nitty-gritty details of each Life Path number — 1 through 9 — one post at a time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Life Path 6 and 9 are a little bit down the line, but well worth the wait.
ooops, I meant life path number.
I had a book on numberology when I was in my twenties–did everyone’s number. But I never heard about a life path number, before. I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Wrong again–I meant Thursday. : )
Hi, Laurie, I am still a 1. I have been looking for the report you made for me last year, My Word! Where did all this paper come from? It got into my file cabinets and did the Rabbit thing. I found it not so very long ago, looking for something else, read it and was still flabbergasted at how accurate it was!
Sandi - I remember that the report fit you like a hand-in-glove! I hope you’re doing well in all the snow and ice you folks are getting slammed with.
Cool….
Your Picture looks even more glorious on a big screen monitor…
Kim – That is Torrey Pines State Beach (back in the day it was known as Black’s Beach – a “clothing optional” beach)…
Interesting… my number is 11. I guess there is a special reason for me to be here… though I wonder what that could be?
Emily – I’ve had so many people pop up with Master numbers (11, 22, and 33) that I may well add the detailed information to those at the end of this series. In the meantime, pay close attention to Life Path 2 when I post about it on Tuesday, January 18th.
Hi, Laurie — I am a 6 and Jonathan is a 5 . . . that guy is on travel two or three times a month!
Barbara – You’re the perfect 6! And no wonder I like Jonathan so much – he’s a 5 just like me (which, of course means we’re both extraordinary
)…
Fascinating, Laurie! I did the math and think I came up with 10 — if I did it right! I’ll be checking back to see what this means … should be fun. Thank you also for your lovely comment in SunnyRoomStudio re Terrill’s First Light post.
(Loved it and left you a reply.)
Glad to be in touch — always looking for kindred spirits to inspire my life path and to offer my inspiration in return.
For 2011, here’s to the creative light in all of us. Best always, Daisy (will be watching for you on twitter and facebook, as well
Daisy – If you got “10″ after the initial reduction, we’ll reduce that double-digit once more to a single digit (in this case 1 + 0 = 1). You are a Life Path 1. You’ll find out exactly what that means tomorrow (Thursday, January 13). If you’re not positive if you did it right, or not, simply send an email to me at Laurie@HolEssence.com with your full date of birth and I’ll verify it for you.
I was so pleased (impressed!) when I visited your SunnyRoomStudio that I actually subscribed – whoohoo!
So, Laurie, I arrived at 1990 initially, then 19, then 10 … sound close to right? So glad you subscribed to SunnyRoomStudio — great!
Daisy – Ahhhh, I see. In numerology we keep reducing until we arrive at a single digit (any number between 1 and 9). To reduce the 10 we add 1 + 0 to get 1. You are, indeed, a Life Path 1. You’ll find out all the juicy details of a Life Path 1 person tomorrow morning (Jan 13). Stay tuned…
Hi Laurie, it’s been a long time since I’ve thought about this. I’m a 9 and Rick is a 1
Colleen – Rick will find out all about Life Path 1 tomorrow (Thursday, January 13), but you’ll have to wait for a few posts after that (but it will be well worth it).
Oh Laurie I am so glad I had you do my reports. My eyes start reaching for my nose when I start reading about how to do the calculations.
My life path number is 5.
psst! Laurie I think I am going to feel like I am cheating with all my lovely personal reports all printed up and read for the next few weeks. Thank you so much for these. They have been extremely useful.
Terrill – Then like me (Life Path 5) you obviously wear a halo and walk on water
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the reports you ordered. They were fun for me to do for you!
[...] If you missed the post on how to calculate your Life Path number, simply click HERE. [...]
Hi Laurie,
Blessings and Happy New Year. Many moons ago, when I was 18, someone told me this was my first life. Someone else recently has told me I have had many. As a slave. So, I just happened to log on today and find..I guess intuitively, you will post a number 1. I was a 19, reduced to a 10, and Now a 1.
My wife is an 18, reduced to a 9.
Don’t tell me what Rodney Dangerfield said, ” I’m an earth sign my wife is a water sign, together we make mud ”
Curious to find something out about myself.
Bless you from the heart,
Tom
Tom – It’s so good to hear from you. It’s been a month of Sundays! Your Rodney Dangerfield quote made me laugh!
P.S. My daughter is a 6 and my son is a 3.
blessings,
Tom
Tom – Between a 1, 9, 6, and 3, you’ve definitely got a lively household – whew!
Wow, you’re both “5″s? I’m amazed. I’ve never felt that I’ve had to compromise with either one of you. Hmmm, I wonder if I’ve figure out my number wrong.
Can I check my calculations with you, Laurie?
I apologize for the extra work, but this has truly puzzled me.
Leanne – YES, by all means please send an email to me directly (Laurie@HolEssence.com) with your full date of birth (month, day, year).
Sorry I got here late Laurie!
My number is: 8.
Sam – My mother was a Life Path 8. And you’re a Life Path 8. Well that just goes to show that you’re even more spectacular than I already thought you were
[...] If you missed the post on how to calculate your Life Path number, simply click HERE. [...]
I am a 5.
Lisa – Me too
welcome 2011
that is very intresting -.
I came back to gaia .. because a friend reminds me to be here..love andrea
Andrea – hello, Hello, HELLO and welcome to Speaking from the Heart. I’m so glad you came by
[...] If you missed the post on how to calculate your Life Path number, simply click HERE. [...]
I finally got to your series.
My numerology number is 9
and is figured by 0+8+2+3+1+9+4+9 = 36 3+6= 9
Life path number is 8 – very interesting switch there
reading on
Patricia – I’m glad you for your visit to Speaking from the Heart. With a birth date of August 23, 1949, your Life Path number is 9 (the path of the humanitarian). Stay tuned…
[...] If you missed the post on how to calculate your Life Path number, simply click HERE. [...]
[...] If you missed the post on how to calculate your Life Path number, simply click HERE. [...]
Hi,
I’m a little confused with how your life path is calculated and how i saw somewhere else how it is calculated. I always thought that i had a master number 11, but according to this site –
http://seventhlifepath.com/ – the numbers are reduced seperately and then added, so according to them i am a two. my dob is 25/8/1994. can you please explain?
Melissa – Using your birthdate of August 25, 1994 I just calculated your Life Path number two different ways and arrived at Master Number 11 both times. Please remember that Master Number 11′s also share the qualities of a Life Path 2.
08 + 25 + 1994 = 2027
2 + 0 + 2 + 7 = 11
You can also calculate it like this:
8 + 2 + 5 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 4 = 38
3 + 8 = 11
[...] People born on 11-11-2011 will be Life Path 8’s—The Path of the Warrior. You can follow this LINK to find out how to calculate your own Life Path number, and follow this LINK to find out what a [...]
Laurie. I am 5 just like you. What a lovely surprise! I am 2-2-1945= 23… 2+3 = 5!
Sheila – And it’s an indisputable fact that 5′s ROCK!
Wow, I am a 7! Independent, prefer to work alone (no wonder my current job is making me miserable – Im in a cube surrounded by 4 coworkers who talk to me all day long!). I love my space and privacy but then I battle loneliness because I am so guarded. I have to read more on this – it makes so much sense and maybe at -age 49 I can finally find my life purpose if I dig into this a little deeper! Amazing!
Julie – Welcome to Speaking from the Heart. I’m glad you found something here that resonates
I just finished a series on the zodiac signs (that work hand-in-hand with our Life Path number). You may want to check out my last 13 posts (the introduction, followed by the 12 zodiac signs).
Thank you for the explanation, my number is 6, will go to see what it means now:)
Alona – You’re most welcome.
Hi Laurie.
Can could you please calculate my LifePath number.
Im getting confused either it is 4 or master number 22.
Here is my birthdate: July 7 1988.
Thank you Laurie..
Samad – With a birth date of July 7, 1988, you’re Life Path number 4.
Dear Laurie, my life path is 2…it is the only life path description missing…or I somehow cant find it…Thank you
Ana – Here is a LINK that will take you directly to the Life Path 2 information – enjoy! http://holessence.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/life-path-2/
Thank you for such quick reply…I read life path 2 desription and it is very impressive in how accurate it is. Thank you!
) So thank you again!!
At the moment I am in the pessimistic period that you described in Shadow paradagraph…and reading it made me snap out if it
Ana – You’re welcome. I’m glad it was helpful.
Im a life path number 3. I dont see many 3′s have left comments. My mom and dad are 4′s which would explain the hell my brother and I grew up in. My brother is a 6. Was not an easy household though all of us are strong personalities individually.
Lavanya Pankajan – Each Life Path number 1 through 9 has it’s positive (light) side, and each Life Path number has a negative (shadow) side. The choice of which one to embrace is ours.
i always get 4 or 22
Reblogged this on … do the eco.nomics and commented:
Laurie is worth watching reading and anticipating beauty.
Looks like I am a 5!
Anne – I’m a 5 too
Shouldn’t my path number be a combination of all with some parameters unique? But Calc seems astrology at best or how to find your color or music style survey. We have to design ourselves with scientific/holistic, not number trick. All plans considered.
Carl – Great question, I’m glad you asked it.
There are a multitude of different types of numbers in numerology, all arrived at using various pieces of information. This particular post is only about an itty-bitty, teeny-weeny piece of numerology — the Life Path number.
Also, within the field of numerology, there are three forms in use today: Kabbalah, Chaldean and Pythagorean – my training is in within the Pythagorean form.
Few people know that Pythagoras is called the Father of Psychiatry as he was one of the earliest thinkers to present that the mind not the heart was the center of thinking (stupid Galen) and that mental illness was probably caused by some abnormality or dysfunction or illness of the brain. For therapy he proposed balanced nutrition with emphasis fruits and vegetables, long walks, stimulating conversation , hot baths and restful sleep. Hey, wait a minute . Isn’t that…..
Carl – Love it! You put a great big smile on my face
[...] And these are stressful times in need of plenty nurturing, surely. (Calculate your life path number here. Thanks so much Laurie [...]
[...] If you missed the post on how to calculate your Life Path number, simply click HERE. [...]
My Latter Half – Thank you for the re-post
Mine was 7. Which I found interesting cuz I already been “trying” to follow 7 but never worked out the way I felt it should. It was like I always known the number, but following it..is another story
Cool post, Laurie!
Lady Ray – I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for letting me know
P.S. I’m 8. Interesting.
Lady Ray – I’ve never met an 8 that I didn’t like
Great refresher, Laurie. I remember studying this back in the 90s. Have always found it intriguing. You’re a truly outstanding writer and we share our birthday, apparently.
Ray – I’m glad you enjoyed this post, thank you for letting me know. And clearly if we share the same birth day, we’re both terrific