Numerology, the study of numbers and their influences on us, have many different systems, and two of these most commonly used are the Pythagorean and Chaldean
numerology. Of the two, it is said that the Pythagorean numerology is the more popular one and easier to use.
The Similarities
Both the Chaldean and Pythagorean systems are said to be similar in some respects, yet they have fundamental differences. Here are their similarities:
- both consider your name and month, day, and year in which you were born
- both agree that the names of people can affect their character, and the birth date affects their destiny
- both systems are equally good in their own way at giving advice and no system is better than another and the quality of the reading all depends on the experience and the knowledge of the practitioner, not the system of his or her choice
- the numbers in both systems carry the same meaning, quality, character, and nature, which seems to be universal under all the systems
The Differences
- The Chaldean or “Mystic Numerology” is the older numerology but the Pythagorean is far more popular especially in the west.
- The Pythagorean or ‘Western’ numerology is based on sequential letter-to-number placements, with the symbols and meanings of the alphabet itself not given any special notice as this system is all about the numbers. On the other hand, the Chaldean system is based on a blend of numbers and letters and their meanings and messages. In the Chaldean, numerology’s chart letters are matched to the number vibrations that they suit best, which means Chaldean letters are assigned to the chart in direct accordance to their energies, or sounds.
- The Chaldean Numerology is considered more accurate but not as easy to master, with the alphabet values not in as systematic an order as the Pythagorean numerology system, which is easier to learn as to how to translate letters into numbers, and to master their meanings
- Since Pythagoras, the Greek mathematician/philosopher who founded this system, considered individual talents and gifts as being bestowed at the time of birth, the Pythagorean numerology only looks at the full name at birth, while the Chaldean system takes both your name and birth date into consideration. However, there are also others which take in both name and date of birth, and the interaction between the two in the Pythagorean system.
- In the analysis of your name, the Chaldean system makes use of only the name you are most known by, the shorter name used in day-to-day social settings, instead of your original full name given at birth, which is what the Pythagorean system requires.
- In the Pythagorean system, the number goes from 1 to 9; however, the Chaldean Numerology system is based on the numbers 1 through 8, though the 9 does play a role in certain situations. There is no alphabet letter assigned to the number 9 because the Chaldeans considered the number 9 as holy, sacred, and thus to be held apart from the rest. However, when it results as the sum of vibrations (e.g., from an individual’s name), then the 9 remains.
- The Pythagorean system analyzes the patterns of the cosmos, the earth’s environmental pattern and its constant evolution due to the influences of external fields of planets in our solar system, while the Chaldean system is used to address the influences of the external sources in living beings and the subsequent change of patterns in their life. So basically, the Pythagorean system focuses on cosmic numerology while Chaldean system predominantly focuses on natal numerology (human beings)
- When the name is analyzed under Chaldean Numerology, it can provide more occult or metaphysical flavor to the destiny that’s interwoven into the person’s character as Chaldean Numerology indicates the hidden forces or invisible strings at play behind the scenes, while Pythagoras’s system relates philosophical messages, providing a psychological bent to what motivates you, what you best express naturally, as well as the impression you’re likely to make on others. Thus, in Pythagorean Numerology methods, the natural talents, abilities, and tools that you were given at birth are defined. For this reason, using the full name at birth is very important under this Pythagorean Numerology system.
