What Do Angel Numbers Mean, and Why Do You See Them Everywhere?
Updated: Jan. 18, 2024
Do certain numbers keep showing up in your life? Here's how to interpret angel numbers and the significance behind them.
In a world full of uncertainty, it’s common to look for meaning in the details and patterns present in our everyday lives. Perhaps you’re someone who always looks at the clock at 11:11, or you encounter number sequences like 777 or 222 all the time. These numerical patterns can be known as angel numbers, a type of sign from the universe. And they might not just be serendipitous—they could be trying to tell you something through the angel numbers’ meaning.
“Angel numbers are significant because they catch you off guard, and it’s not something that you can seemingly control with your conscious mind,” says Andrea Shakarian, a chiropractor and hypnotherapist who is certified in angel intuitive readings. As with zodiac compatibility and other topics related to the cosmos—think Chinese zodiac and astrology signs, zodiac power colors and zodiac elements—learning about angel numbers’ meaning and how they relate to your life is just another way to make sense of the world around you, like the best cosmic self-help books. Below, we explore angel numbers, their history, why people are enchanted by them and how to navigate the numerical sequences in real life.
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What are angel numbers?
Angel numbers are repeating numbers or number sequences, like 1111, 555, 222 or 777, says Linda Berry, a professional angel whisperer and numerologist. She believes they’re messages from our personal celestial team of angels, “either used to get our attention, remind us of something important in our lives or confirm something that we’ve been curious about,” she says.
But angel numbers are typically more persistent than the one-off glance at a clock timed 11:11. Much like the stars and astrological readings can dictate our personality—or our career strength, according to our zodiac sign—angel numbers relay important information about our lives. “They will usually show up and catch our attention on at least three separate occasions in a specific period of time,” says Berry. And if that same number shows up over and over, she says we’re receiving a message that should not be ignored.
Berry is not the only one who believes angel numbers are used as an instrument for communication between you and your guardian angel. According to astrologer Matthias Dettmann, angels use signs, send spiritual signals or use numbers to communicate. “Through the study of numbers, you can interpret divine messages that can come in number sequences of two, three, four and other number patterns that angels choose to use,” he says.
Do angel number sequences have meaning?
Sequences of three (like 555 and 777) or four (like 1111) are considered popular angel number patterns. According to Berry, there is a difference in significance between the patterns. Single-digit numbers, she says, signify that “the universe is offering support and angels are helping us.” When the number doubles, it’s believed that the angel involvement also doubles. “It shows angels surrounding us with love and protection, ensuring safety.” As for three- and four-digit sequences, Berry says many consider this to be a sign that miracles are happening, obstacles are being lifted or tables are turning in a favorable position.
However, according to Shakarian, “there is no difference in power or significance between these different patterns, just that they are trying to alert you or get your attention.”
What is the history behind angel numbers?
“There are many hypotheses about the origins of angel numbers, but no one has a confirmed history except to rely on Pythagoras,” says Dettmann. Pythagoras was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived between 570 and 495 B.C. and is often credited for creating the basis of numerology, which is the study of numbers and their inherent meaning (and the science behind angel numbers’ meaning).
In the early 2000s, an author name Doreen Virtue helped popularize the concept of angel numbers—even coining the term—through her dozens of books on the subject, including Angel Numbers 101. Virtue brought the concept further into mainstream consciousness and opened up a world for people to explore and investigate signs through numerical sequences.
How do you find your angel numbers?
Dettmann says the simplest method to find your angel numbers (and your angel numbers’ meaning) is to keep a record of the numbers you see most often. “Narrowing down the record will give you your angel number,” he says. Your number might not always be the same and, according to Shakarian, can change based on what’s happening in your life. “If your guides are really trying to catch your attention, you can even see different number patterns multiple times on the same day,” Shakarian adds.
What are the angel numbers’ meanings?
Angel number combinations can vary, but the most common ones are 000, 1111, 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 777, 888 and 999. Experts believe each of these numbers is considered a sign from guides or guardian angels, and each has its own unique energy and message. Here are the most common angel numbers’ meanings.
000
“This is a high-vibration number and signifies a new beginning and perfection,” Dettmann says. Some people also see 000 and feel the need to pause or slow down before a change occurs.
1111
1111 is an angel number many people notice often, as it frequently appears on clocks and watches and is considered very lucky. According to Dettmann, when you see 1111, it means you are on the right path. Speaking of, find out your life path number and what it means for you.
222
The angel number meaning behind 222 is an indication of great hope, harmony and trust, says Dettmann. Berry believes it can also mean positivity and balance.
333
If you see the sequence 333 often in your life, Dettmann says it’s a very jubilant sign and is directly connected to “divine creativity and growth.”
444
Angel number 444 ensures you have the proper guidance from your guardian angel as a direct result of your honesty, says Dettmann.
555
The 555 sequence can feel very comforting, as it signals an upcoming transitional phase and encourages freedom from fears, says Dettmann.
666
The number sequence 666 often has a negative reputation, but it is actually quite positive as far as angel number meanings are concerned, says Dettmann. “This angel number is all about focused activities that your guardian angel wants you to perform.”
777
Similar to the luckiest and unluckiest months based on your zodiac sign, 777 is an angel number often associated with luck—especially when it comes to gambling. But according to Dettman, it’s also the most mystical of the angel numbers. “It’s related to pure and direct divine guidance,” he says.
888
And while 777 might be lucky, it’s actually 888 you want to look out for as a financial sign from the angels. “This angel number is associated with financial luck and a path to financial success,” says Dettmann.
999
If you see 999, you’re receiving a sign from angels telling you to convert negativity into positivity, says Dettmann.
What should I do after seeing an angel number?
When you see an angel number, Dettmann suggests interpreting its impact and showing your gratitude for the message. If you see the angel numbers pop up frequently, it’s definitely a message that should not be ignored, says Berry. “It’s like a beacon from our celestial team of angels getting our attention to remind us or confirm something in our lives,” she says.
When we acknowledge the angel numbers and take in the message connected to them, we work alongside our angels, Berry says, “which will result in progress and create improvements and changes in the direction of our life path.” For more inspiration, check out these spiritual quotes and uplifting quotes.
How are angel numbers related to the zodiac?
If you’re into astrology signs, traits, dates, zodiac inspirational quotes and more, you might wonder if angel numbers have anything to do with astrology. Although you can’t technically find your angel number or numbers based on your zodiac sign, Berry says they are still directly connected. “Each of the planets in our solar system has an angelic being associated with it, known as archangels,” she says. And these angels also rule over the zodiac, which is associated with the 12 constellations. Within this, the angels are responsible for communicating with numbers to refer information to the birth chart. “Archangels help us to understand our individual birth sign personalities and the blueprint of our souls, bringing the same aspect of the numerology connections to the world of astrology,” Berry says.
Sources:
- Andrea Shakarian, chiropractor, hypnotherapist and certified angel intuitive reader
- Linda Berry, numerologist and professional angel whisperer
- Matthias Dettmann, astrologer
Originally Published: January 10, 2023
