Although it’s been around since Paleolithic “caveman” ages, spirituality is a growing trend among today’s mental-health-focused, spiritually woke Gen Z-ers. Along with manifestation rituals, zodiac crystal collections, and TikToks on how to sage your space, ANGEL NUMBERS are now the new norm.
Places You Might Spot Angel Numbers:
- License plates
- iMessage timestamps
- Store receipts
- Street signs
- Building & house numbers
- Song track times
- Clocks (on the microwave, your phone, car radio, etc.)
- And many more…
“Angel numbers are a gentle and loving invitation to build trust in your own spiritual connection.”
– spiritual adivsor Diana Zalucky in Well + Good
We know what you’re thinking, and yes! Angel numbers are those same number patterns you’ve seen on license plates, grocery receipts, street signs, and pretty much everywhere, and oh yes, they are indeed a special message meant just for you. To put it simply, they’re literally messages from the Universe.
Angel numbers are an extension of numerology, or the idea that each number embodies a certain vibrational frequency. Consider angel numbers as symbols of encouragement, confirmations and (maybe) even warnings.
Common Patterns + Their Meaning:
000 = Get in Touch With Your Spiritual Side
Think of the number 0 as a spiritual reset. In an interview with Bustle and master numerologist, celebrity astrologer, and trauma psychotherapist Charlotte Kirsten, 000 has two possible meanings. You may see the number 0 before or after a “Tower moment,” or a moment known in the spiritual world as a defining lesson which your strong self has no choice, but to accept. The number 0 being undefined also represents “a spiritual continuity of the beginning, middle and end.” Kirsten best describes it as a call to go through “a spiritual awakening, reconnect with our intrinsic core values, and release the thoughts and beliefs that no longer fit our path forward.”
Ask Yourself: Am I moving with genuine faith and confidence in myself? Am I ready to take on new challenges? Do my actions align with my true values and the direction I want to go in?
111 = Make a Wish
The number 1 is the ultimate manifestation number. Ambition, leadership, independence, and setting goals are associated with 111. The best way to think of 111 is seeing it as a re-energizing wake-up call reminding us we have all the mental and physical tools to go after what we want. It’s an alert that the opportunity we’ve been wanting or that’s meant for us–even though we don’t know it yet–is up for grabs. Whether it’s pursuing your dream job or being bold with your favorite barista crush, 111 tells us to get rid of limiting beliefs and just go for it.
Ask Yourself: What can I do to connect more strongly to my inner self? Is my current relationship unfulfilling? Do I have a new idea or job I long to pursue?
222 = Balance ASAP
If you’ve been seeing 222 a lot, then it’s time to take a chill pill. Commonly known in the spiritual world as balance, 222 also represents duality, unity, hope and harmony. The number 2 can pop into your life when you don’t know what direction to take, or don’t seem to get along with others. According to an interview by Women’s Day with psychic therapist and spiritual teacher Vincent Genna, 222 is telling us to “calm down and breathe” and that “there is peace to every struggle. You can’t find direction without inner peace.” Our guardian angels are telling us to prioritize looking for it.
Ask Yourself: In what ways can I connect to my community? How do I better connect my mind to my body? Is it time to take my relationship to the next level?
333 = Be Confident
Creativity is the main theme for angel numbers 333. It’s a call to get in touch with your inner painter, singer, author, dancer, mimer, fashionista–whatever makes you feel alive! Creativity breeds confidence. 333 is a reminder to be confident in yourself and make more time for your passions, and even go after them!
Ask Yourself: Who or what in my life brings me the most joy? Should I be considering more opportunities for growth? Do I have more desire to create?
444 = You’re Protected
Take 444 as a hug, or a forehead kiss. In numerology, the number 4 is connected to strength, intuition, and effort. Your angel guides are lightly tapping you on the shoulder to tell you they’re with you, they got you, and they heard you. It’s a reminder that you can lean on them and trust them because they’re ready to help you in every way possible, if you open yourself to it. 444 is also associated with greetings and support from loved ones beyond the veil.
Ask Yourself: In what ways do I doubt my own strength? Have I recently lost a loved one? Am I questioning a relationship or friendship?
555 = Big Changes Ahead
Freedom, forward motion, and courage are at the center of 555’s message. The Universe is giving you a heads up that your foundation may be shaken, but it’s happening for you so be prepared for changes! You might not feel ready, but divine timing has your best interest at heart. 555 is encouraging you to take action and that might also be with the people around you.
Ask Yourself: Am I faced with more choices than usual? Do I feel unheard by those close to me? In what ways do I doubt my own voice?
666 = Pause & Reflect
If you’ve been finding yourself having more negative thoughts than usual, that can explain why you’ve been spotting 666. Life is hard. It’s easy to fall into a negative mindset, especially when life just isn’t going your way. Your angels are trying to tell you that you need to step back and pour your energy into things that will bring about positive change. 666 can also suggest you might not be fully honest with yourself. Something is not sitting right with you, and your angels are signaling a yellow light to pause and reflect on where these feelings are coming from and what areas in your life might need some changes.
Ask Yourself: Who or what are the most important things in your life, and are you prioritizing them? Is there anything in your life you’d like to say no to? If so, why can’t you?
777 = Slow Down
Unlike other numbers that encourage you to take action, 777 is a signal to be still. If 777’s vibe was a picture, it would be your local grandma relaxing on the front porch and sipping on a hot coffee while people-watching and reflecting on life. In a conversation between Bustle, Birthdate Co. astrologer Erin River Sunday explains that “[Someone seeing 777] likely accomplished a lot and is now faced with a time to honor the lessons they’ve learned up until this point,” says Sunday. “Spiritually, it’s a moment to be still, listen, and ponder the past.” Think of 777 as a break and a chance to slow down and allow what you’ve learned from the past to marinate in your mind.
Ask Yourself: Have I been taking things too seriously? Have I been taking care of my health?
888 = Abundance Baby
Finances and material possession! As the upright infinite symbol, 888 is connected to wealth, abundance, progress and achievements. For those experiencing financial hardships, this can either be a positive sign of your struggles coming to an end, or a pointer to upcoming opportunities for more growth. Your angels are reminding you of your resilience and endless capabilities.
Ask Yourself: How can I share my energy of abundance with others? Am I balancing my material and spiritual goals?
999 = Endings Lead to New Beginnings
The number 9 is the grounding point for all angel numbers. According to astrologer Jordan Maree, “Nine in numerology represents both a completion and beginning—the end of one cycle that ushers in the next, and the catharsis that comes with letting go.” In other words, you need to remember your worth because a transformation is taking place. Maree adds that seeing 999 calls us to examine what we can release, be it a relationship, limiting beliefs, or an old habit or pattern that no longer serves us.
Ask Yourself: Is there any area of your life in which you need closure? Do you feel like you need to make amends with someone or something? Do you need to forgive yourself?
Using Your Intuition to Decipher a Message:
Try to Be Still & Quiet
Now that you’ve done the most important step (being aware) take a long, deep breath, maybe close your eyes if you have to. As you exhale, soften your jaws and eyebrows, drop your shoulders, and gently relax your fingers. In a perfect world, we could simply give our angels a call, shoot them a quick text, or Google an answer with our name on it. But in reality, your intuition already has all the answers. Training yourself to be in tune with your gut is the real challenge. You have to get comfortable crossing the border between the factual-based human world and the spiritual realm of faith and energy.
When Do You See Them?
Were you thinking about your long day at work? A loved one? Did you just get off a refreshing phone call with one of your besties? Was there a crazy driver weaving around you in the freeway? Notice when these numbers pop up. In an interview with Well + Good, certified numerologist Novalee Wilder says, “We call them angel numbers because they signify that you’re being helped or guided from up high and to follow the impulses and path you’re on. Most of them are tied to a specific state or energy that’s available to you in that moment.” In other words, divine timing is everything.
What Are You Feeling?
Intuition is a full body and soul experience. It can feel like butterflies, headaches, a lump in your throat, your heart racing, or an energizing rush of endorphins. And just like exercising your muscles, connecting with your intuition is a skill that must be practiced. Once you pinpoint that feeling, Wilder and Well + Good advise that you “[cultivate] more of that feeling whether it’s flow, love, trust, faith, or something else to help bring the messages to light”.
3 Ways to Discover Your Unique Numbers:
Your Birthday
As you might expect, numerology does involve a little math. Starting with your birthday, add up your birth month, day and year. Once you have that new number, add those numbers together so you get one number. For example, May 10, 1969 would become 5 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 9 = 31 and 3 + 1 = 4. The only numbers you would stop adding at are 11, 22, or 33, or the master numbers. Take May 23, 1999, for example. 5 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 38 would become 3 + 8 = 11. Master numbers, according to spiritual author and numerologist Dr. Felicia Bender, represent a heightened spiritual awakening and a life destined for a greater humanitarian purpose.
Your Name
Write down your full name. With A=1, B=2 and so forth in the entire alphabet, add up the numbers in your first and last name. For example, Beyonce Knowles would be 2 + 5 + 25 + 15 + 14 + 3 + 5 + 11 + 14 + 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 19 = 168 which would turn into 1 + 6 + 8 = 15 and 1 + 5 = 6. Remember to also stop at either 11, 22, or 33 to note the master numbers.
Your Intuition
Do you have a lucky number? Is there a number you have always felt drawn to? Angel numbers are all based on energy, so whatever makes sense, according to your gut, may just be your personal angel number.
For more tips on your spiritual journey, check out How the LA Girl is Setting Intentions for 2023.