The Complete Book of Numerology [Paperback]

For those of you looking for the definitive, archetypal book on numerology, look no further. I mean, stop looking. It doesn't exist. There are almost as many opinions as there are authors when it comes to numerology, so it is essential to adopt only that info or technique which you find useful and accurate, while discarding all the rest. Finely tuned discretion and good judgement are requisite trademarks of a good numerology student. This is a time consuming and intellectually demanding process, but so is any form of serious study.

Although dubbed as a "science" (I guess because it involves minor mathematical calculations and it was developed by a famous mathematician), numerology is also an art form. The scientific principles of symbolism, energy and vibration may be the tools used to decode the data, but the overall process of sculpting the interpretation speaks of pure craftsmanship and artistic expression. No book can substitute for actual experience, so get out there and test your work on real people able to give you good feedback. This is the only way to develop your skills and gain a true understanding.

For those curious novices seeking self-knowledge, numerology is a great place to start, but like the morning newspaper... don't believe everything you read, no matter what the title claims. Personally, I would avoid any advice that asked me to invest my faith (and energy) in a "quick fix" approach, such as lucky numbers and easy ways to win lotto. The book in question invests a great deal of emphasis on these sections, which served to undermine my confidence in the author's offerings for the remaining chapters. Time and time again new concepts and techniques were presented, but nothing was explored to any great depth. Many descriptions were limited to a few words. Generalities are a dime a dozen and better left to fortune cookies and carnival psychics. This volume might be more accurately described as "The Jack-Of-All-Trades Book of Numbers For Fun and Profit."

Alternatively, an excellent source of specialist info that is based on a numerological system of sorts, is written by Dan Millman (The Life You Were Born to Live). It isn't "typical" numerology, but I would highly recommend it to those people in search of solid content regarding "life purpose" issues. It would be far easier than trying to piece together a chart for yourself using conventional numerology techniques, and because the scope of the book is uniquely dedicated to the "life purpose" issue, it is able to explore more deeply, and in great detail. I found it to be a very useful source of information promoting personal insight.