Number Descriptions: Zero

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number zero and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

(Insert screeching noise here.)

Wait a minute, the number zero? Everybody knows you don’t use the number zero in Lo Shu readings! It’s basically an anti-number. You just toss out all the zeroes.

Yes, you’re right. Absolutely. And if you’re intent on staying to the strict traditional Lo Shu grid, you can skip this post.

But if someone comes to me with the birthdate 10/30/2000 there are more zeroes in that number than there are other digits. And I think that deserves comments of some kind.

So when the number 0 comes up in a way that makes it hard to ignore, what do you do and how does that apply to a person? 

0 = Success

In Julian Moore’s book, Speed Learning Numerology, which is the book that taught me Lo Shu, he doesn’t show using zero in a reading, but he talks about the number 10 meaning Success, and I’m transferring that to the digit zero.

So if a person has success as a trait, what kind of person are they? Since success can be measured in many different ways, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but I like to combine it with whatever numbers in their grid have duplicates, or whatever positive arrows are present.

For example, if a person has multiple twos, or cooperation, the zeros show they will have great success in that area. If they have positive arrows, they will have great success in those areas. (If they only have negative arrows, unless I can spin it as a positive trait, I won’t say that the zeroes enhance it. But that’s just me.)

Your homework: Once again, do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Success character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t need to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be *much* easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Number Descriptions: Nine

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number nine and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

9 = Change

When the number 9 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Change, but how does that apply to a person?

When I think of the word “Change” I think of the kind of person who is a dynamic individual — both with themselves and with the things they do. Someone who isn’t close-minded; willing to change their mind when new evidence comes to light. Someone who tries different hobbies, experiences, and maybe even careers.

So if a person has change as a trait, what kind of person are they? I think they’re adaptable; they’re able to adjust to new situations and are comfortable with some ambiguity and uncertainty. Others might tend to freak out a little (or a lot!) when circumstances change, but a Nine will go with the flow and take something good from that change.

Many people with Change as a trait are risk-takers (stepping outside their comfort zone) and visionaries (a clear sense of what they want to achieve).

Your homework: Once again, do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Change character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t need to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be *much* easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 0! *(Wait, don’t we ignore zero in Lo Shu…?)*

Number Descriptions: Eight

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number eight and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

8 = Inspiration

When the number 8 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Inspiration, but how does that apply to a person?

First of all, when I think of the word “inspiration” I think of the kind of person who is always coming up with ideas. An inventor, maybe, or a detective. Someone who can take separate thoughts or objects, and combine them to come up with something nobody else thought of.

So if a person has inspiration as a trait, what kind of person are they? I think they’re passionate with a strong sense of purpose. They’re creative and can think outside the box. They are persevering: Inspirational people may have faced significant obstacles in their own lives, but they have found a way to overcome them and can encourage others to do the same.

Tip: Watch for people who have 6/Communication and 8/Inspiration — those people have the new ideas and can convince others to get behind them. Give those people problems to solve!

Your homework: Once again, do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Inspiration character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t need to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Number Descriptions: Seven

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number seven and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

7 = Spirituality

When the number 7 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Spirituality, but how does that apply to a person? 

Of all the number meanings, I think the word “spirituality” is the one that’s the most dangerous. Okay, danger might be too strong, but that word has wildly different meanings for people and it’s often incredibly personal. An evangelical Christian and a believer in guidance by the stars might both say they’re spiritual, but they have very different definitions. And if you start down the opposite path from the person you’re reading, well, let’s just say it puts a damper on things.

So what do you do? My fix could look like some to be the coward’s way out, but I don’t use the word spiritual to mean any kind of religion. I use it to describe a person who believes there’s more than just what we can experience with our natural senses. Someone who seeks out the unknown. That can apply to just about everyone who thinks of themselves as spiritual.

A person with the spirituality trait is someone who’s inclined to seek answers about our existence; someone who has a sense of inner peace and calm and avoids unnecessary conflict or drama. Many of those people also have empathy, compassion, and a desire to help others. 

If the person has a religious leaning, they might be good fit as a pastor, rabbi, or other religious leader. Those with a more “generic” spirituality might work as a therapist, teacher or professor, or artist/writer.

Your homework: As always, do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Spirituality character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t need to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be *much* easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 8!

 Jay

Number Descriptions: Six

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number six and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

6 = Communication

When the number 6 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Communication, but how does that apply to a person?

First of all, when I think of the word “communication” I think of someone talking, which could apply to a teacher, a sales person, or a politician. While everybody communicates in life, this person is probably very good at it — which means they don’t just talk at others, but spark conversations and know how to connect people one to another.

So if a person has communication as a character trait, what kind of person are they? I think they’re likely a “people person” in that they can get people interested in what they have to say, and get some back-and-forth communication going.

A person with the communication trait is good at getting ideas across, and others often come to them for advice, knowing they’re willing to share their knowledge. That’s why sixes make good teachers — maybe not even professionally, but just how they live their life.

Your homework: Once again, do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Communication character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t need to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 7!

Number Descriptions: Five

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number five and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

5 = Activity

When the number 5 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Activity, but how does that apply to a person?

First of all, when I think of the word “activity” I tend to think of movement and excitement, although you could attach that word to someone who sits at a desk all day long and doesn’t appear to be active, but causes things to happen via emails, telephone calls, etc.

So if a person has activity as a character trait, what kind of person are they? Probably either someone who is always on the go — they’re busy with one project and have two more waiting in the wings. They’re probably also the kind of person who gets a job done. There’s the old saying that if you want to get something done, give the task to a busy person.

An active person knows how to be still and calm when they need to be, but even then their brain is usually working on solving problems or coming up with ideas that will, once again, get them on their feet and busy. And in most cases they’d rather be having new experiences than just thinking about them.

Your homework: Once again, do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Activity character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t have to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 6!

Number Descriptions: Four

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number four and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

4 = Security

When the number 4 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Security, but how does that apply to a person?

First of all, when I think of the word “security” I tend to think of things like a security guard. My dictionary says security is the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety, and a security guard should make you feel safe, so that works.

Not that someone who shows a 4 in their reading should be encouraged to become a security guard, but if they offer up that they’ve been thinking about that as a career option, go with it!

In Julian Moore’s Speed Learning Numerology book he uses the foundation and four walls of a house to visualize the number four — a stable foundation will give you a sense of safety and security.

So if a person has security or stability as a character trait, what kind of person are they? I’ll bet they’re someone you can count on. Someone who probably means what they say and says what they mean. A person that others look to for help or advice.

A stable person doesn’t go whichever way the wind is blowing — they’re level-headed and know what they believe. While they aren’t closed-minded about new ideas, they don’t tend to jump from one extreme to another. If their mind gets changed about something, it’s because they put some thought into it.

Your homework: Do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Security or Stability character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t have to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 5!

Number Descriptions: Three

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number three and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

3 = Expansion

When the number 3 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Expansion, but how does that apply to a person?

Over the years I’ve had a great bit of expansion in my life, but I swear I’m going to start working out next month!

(Note! You probably do NOT want to use that kind of line during a reading!!)

Folks usually use the word growth rather than expansion when talking about something that happens in their life, so I use those words interchangeably. In fact, often I’ll use the official word “Expansion” at the beginning and then switch to the word Growth as we discuss it during the reading.

(Tip: Ask other people what a person would be like if there was a lot of _______ in their life. Many times someone will say something that sparks a really good talking point you can use in your readings.)

Growth means something is changing, becoming a better version of what came before. Plants start as sprouts and then grow into their adult self. An acorn grows into an oak tree. People who have experienced growth in their lives are often a better version of what came before.

Of course, we’ve all heard of (and many of us felt) growing pains — when expansion happens there are often hardships that must be worked through to get to the other side.

Your homework: Do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Expansion character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t have to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 4!

Number Descriptions: Two

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number two and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

2 = Cooperation

When the number 2 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Cooperation, but how does that apply to a person?

The first thing that comes to my mind is someone who’s easy to work with, not trying to boss people around or get their own way..

Check Wikipedia and you’ll find it says Cooperation is the process of working or acting together for common, mutual, or some underlying benefit, as opposed to working in competition for selfish benefit.

(Tip: Looking up the definition of the number meanings in a dictionary and Wikipedia is always a good idea. Then look up antonyms of the word to discover what it doesn’t mean — those things can really help you get some great talking points for the number meaning.)

Someone who’s strong in Cooperation is often a peacemaker — they’re not going to be causing problems in a group. And if someone works well with others, it’s likely they have some deep friendships, in many cases built from working together with others.

Your homework: Do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Cooperation character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t have to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 3!

Number Descriptions: One

[This was originally sent to the Lo Shu Numerology email list.]

Today we’re going to dive into the meaning of the number one and come up with one or two ideas for things we can say in a Lo Shu reading.

1 = Beginnings

When the number 1 comes up as something to discuss, we know it means Beginnings, but how does that apply to a person?

The first thing that comes to my mind is someone who’s good at starting projects. Those kind of people can also often get really excited about the “next new thing” and often fail to finish what they start.

Or with relationships — I guess it could be someone who hops from one relationship to the next, but I probably wouldn’t say that in a reading. 😉 Instead, I’d say maybe they’re someone who makes friends easily.

If you wanted to do more of a back-and-forth kind of reading in order to get more information from the other person, you could say, “This number says you have more ‘beginnings’ in your life than many people. Does that make sense to you? What do you think it means?”

A question like that can open up different avenues to explore during the rest of the reading and gets the participant actually participating and not just listening to the reading.

What is a person with strong Beginnings like? I think they’d be the kind of person who’s open to new experiences. Maybe someone who’s spontaneous. You want to try something new? Call that person and invite them along.

Your Homework

Do some brainstorming and see if you can come up with more ideas about someone with the Beginnings character trait. Then write up a couple sentences that you could say during a reading. You don’t have to memorize them, but if you write them out they’ll be much easier to recall when you’re doing an actual reading.

Next time, the number 2!