"We’ve all heard the typical wellness advice: walk 10,000 steps a day, eat more protein, and have a go-to morning routine. So then, why do most of us still feel… not well? Wellness has become so routine; everybody is trying the same trendy supplements, the same popular workouts, and the same viral recipes. There’s nothing wrong with looking for inspiration on social media and testing out practices that may work for you, but the wellness industry tends to ignore one important fact: Everybody is different. The workout, diet, and wellness routine that makes one person feel amazing may feel boring or even damaging to another.
Popular ideology numerology would explain this difference from person to person as a difference in life path number, the most critical and telling digit in your numerology chart, which represents your authentic self and reveals your life’s purpose. Your life path number explains a lot about your inherent strengths, weaknesses, behavioral tendencies, and preferences. Feeling like your healthiest, most fulfilled, and best self may not be a matter of trying the latest trendy supplement or diet but adopting practices based on your unique makeup. Your life path number actually gives a lot of insights into the wellness habits that you will benefit from most. Keep reading to learn how to find your life path number and the wellness practices that will bring out your best self.
“Feeling like your healthiest, most fulfilled, and best self may not be a matter of trying the latest trendy supplement or diet, but adopting practices based on your unique makeup.”
What Is a Life Path Number?
According to Numerology.com, your life path number is the most important and influential number in numerology, the practice of using numbers to interpret your life, personality, and destiny. “Numerology is a mystical science that explores the symbolism of numbers and their influence on human life,” explained Letao Wang, an astrologist, tarot specialist, and the founder and spiritual counselor of The Healing Kingdom. “Each number has its unique frequency, which can help us view life’s complexities and make better decisions.” While there are many different types of numerology (i.e., Chinese numerology, Chaldean numerology, and Kabbalah numerology)—all of which have origins that date back thousands of years—the most common form of numerology is Western numerology or Pythagorean numerology that had origins around 2,500 years ago.
Comparable to your sun sign in astrology, your life path number sheds light on your core essence. “A life path number is a central element in numerology representing an individual’s core essence, characteristics, and life purpose,” Wang said. Bennet further explained that your life path number tells you your strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and motivation. It is intended to be used to make decisions that align with your purpose and guide you toward your best, most authentic, and fulfilling life.
How Do I Calculate My Life Path Number?
Your life path number is calculated by adding all the digits of your birth date together until you get a single digit. For example, if your birthday is April 3, 1985, you would write out your birthday in numbers: 04/03/1985. Then, add each number: 0 + 4 + 0 + 3 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 5 = 30. Add the numbers in the sum (3 + 0 = 3) to get your life path number (3). Life path numbers are most often 1-9. Where it gets a little more complicated is that 11, 22, and 33 are also considered life path numbers, so you do not need to separate them. For example, if your birth date is November 1, 1983 (or 11/01/1983), you do not split up 11 into 1 + 1. The calculations would look like: 11 + 0 + 1+ 1 + 9 + 8 + 3 = 33. And your life path number would be 33 (you do not need to further break it down to 3 + 3).
Bonus tip: While the single-digit number (with the exception of 11, 22, and 33) represents your life path number, the double-digit number you get from the first calculation also has significance. Rebecca Scolnick, a numerologist and author of The Witch’s Book of Numbers: Enhance Your Magic With Numerology, told The Cut that that calculation signifies the age when you’ll experience a big life shift: “The double-digit number you get before you reduce further is referred to as your turning-point age… it symbolizes a moment in your lifetime where things start to shift for you,” she said. Going back to the first example above, if your life path number is 3 because your birth date digits added up to 30, that means that age 30 is a pivotal year for you.
Breaking Down Life Path Numbers and Their Optimal Wellness Practices
Life Path 1
According to Wang, Ones are ambitious, independent, and innovative; they’re natural-born leaders destined to leave a mark on the world. Bennet said they’re also pioneers, leading the way in industry, politics, and life. They’re at their best challenging the norm and working on their own.
Wellness Practice: Because they are more prone to loneliness, the most important wellness practice for Ones is building social connectedness. Bennet explained they need to prioritize relationships to prevent their independence from feeling like isolation: “[Ones] need to practice connecting within the community and building relationships; they need a sense of belonging,” Also, because of their ambitious and goal-oriented nature, Wang said Ones would benefit from goal-setting exercises like visionboarding to help identify their goals as well as serve as a source of motivation.
Life Path 2
So-called peacemakers, Wang described Twos as diplomatic, sensitive, and cooperative. They excel in fostering harmony and building meaningful relationships. “Twos crave harmony and balance in every aspect of their lives,” Bennet added. “Born empaths, they have heightened sensitivity, easily soaking up surrounding energy, avoiding conflict at all costs. They can come across as needy, always seeking approval from others.”
Wellness practice: Twos can rely on external validation, so they must prioritize their inner peace and connection to Self. Both Bennet and Wang pointed to meditation as the go-to ritual for Twos. “For Twos, meditation is the key to self-acceptance and encourages reflection,” Bennet said. Set a goal for yourself to meditate once a day, whether it’s diving into a Dr. Joe Dispenza guided meditation, taking a mindful walk and being aware of your senses, or doing a two-minute body scan and focusing on the sensations you feel in different parts of your body before you get out of bed.
Life Path 3
“Threes are gifted communicators,” Bennet said. “They can effortlessly spin a thought into an idea but lack the drive to see any project through. Easily distracted, Threes are all about fun and energy, and they’re at their best when in a constant state of movement.” Wang added that Threes are creative, social, and expressive, thriving in roles involving communication and artistic endeavors.
Wellness practice: Channeling their frenetic energy into creative outlets like journaling, painting, or performing arts can help Threes regain control and focus. Keeping a journal encourages creativity and self-reflection, which are both essential practices for creatives like Threes. Painting and performing arts like dance and music can be tools to fully communicate in creative ways, which is important for Threes to feel fulfilled. “These practices will allow you to express your vibrant personality and fulfill Three’s need for self-expression,” Wang said.
Life Path 4
Fours crave structure and stability. Bennet shared that they’re very much rule-based, making them workers who commit themselves fully. Inclined to be practical, disciplined, and hardworking, Wang said these individuals are grounded in reality and excel in bringing order.
Wellness practice: Since Fours thrive on having control and a regimen, they should prioritize structured activities that are guided by rules or instructions to achieve a specific goal, like strength training or organized sports (think racquet sports like tennis or pickleball which require precision and have a measurable outcome). Bennet also recommended Fours try attending an art class as part of their self-care practice. “Although they’d far prefer to paint by numbers, each free stroke will break down their rigidity,” she said.
Life Path 5
Known as “the Adventurer,” Wang characterizes Fives as being curious, adaptable, and freedom-loving, seeking new experiences and valuing their independence. “They’re free spirits, adventurous, and live their lives to the fullest,” Bennet said. “When a Five is in, they’re all in—they do nothing by half measures.” However, she warned that Fives struggle to follow rules and fit into the norm.
Wellness practice: Wang suggested Fives need more time in nature and to engage in regular forest bathing to improve energy and fulfillment. Because Fives need to feel adventurous and free, spending time in nature is critical for them to feel their happiest and healthiest. Try going for regular local hikes, plan monthly day trips to local state parks or nature preserves, or even if you feel like nature is not your thing, getting outdoors for daily walks will be essential for your well-being.
Life Path 6
Sixes are compassionate, responsible, and community-minded (also called “the Nurturer”). “Connections are hugely important, with family and friends taking center stage in their life,” Bennet explained. Sixes are also idealists who crave perfection; they can see the big picture but still can’t help sweating the small stuff. Having a strong and peaceful home base is most important to Sixes.
Wellness practice: Because Sixes prioritize everyone else first, Bennet suggested they would benefit from taking “me” time to refill their energy. Self-care can mean a relaxing bath after a busy day, but it also means setting healthy boundaries. But Sixes feel most fulfilled and happy when taking care of others, so community care is an important part of their self-care. The balance of “me-time” and nurturing others will be essential to Sixes’ well-being. “Volunteer work fulfills your nurturing instincts and taking time for yourself ensures you don’t burn out,” Bennet explained.
Life Path 7
“Sevens value authenticity and truth above all else,” Bennet explained. “Naturally wary and guarded, they’re slow to build trust. Typically, they measure any situation before getting involved.” Wang explained Sevens are introspective, intellectual, and mystical; they’re seekers who are deeply analytical and inclined toward spirituality.
Wellness practice: To balance out Sevens’ guarded nature, they’ll feel most fulfilled when they practice giving up control and trusting. This could look like getting regular massages or talking to a therapist, which Bennet explained can help Sevens open themselves up to trust. If you don’t want to spend any money, seek a trustworthy friend or family member and practice seeking support. Wang also advocated for reading and philosophical study to cater to your introspective and intellectual tendencies, fostering personal growth. Whether it’s a self-help book or a Colleen Hoover favorite, this is your sign to get lost in a novel, Seven.
Life Path 8
Synonymous with abundance, Bennet said Eights are destined for great heights. Wang agreed: “They are called powerhouses: ambitious, authoritative, and strategic. Those with this number are destined for leadership roles and financial success.” While Eights are powerful and their ambition limitless, Bennet advised that they need to learn how best to wield that power, or they can come across as rude or cruel.
Wellness practice: Eights can feel especially fulfilled by practicing gratitude (think: saying gratitude affirmations aloud or gratitude journaling). “Gratitude will ultimately teach Eights to be humble and acknowledge others play a part in their success,” Bennet stated. Wang also noted financial wellness is an essential part of self-care for Eights, as it helps support their success and allows them to practice strategy, which helps them feel fulfilled.
Life Path 9
Considered “the Humanitarians,” Nines are altruistic, idealistic, and compassionate. “These individuals are drawn to helping others and making the world a better place,” Wang said. Bennet added that Nines not only dream of world peace, but they do their utmost to ease suffering wherever possible.
Wellness practice: Bennet encouraged long nature walks to empower and ground Nines. A study showed that walking in nature may increase your sense of purpose and meaning, helping create a more positive outlook on life. Wang supported integrating volunteer work and humanitarian projects to align with your altruistic nature and magnify your impact on the world. Seek out local shelters, community programs, or resources like VolunteerMatch, Red Cross, United Way that could use your skills and services to feed your altruistic nature (community-care is a key part of self-care, too!).
Life Path 11
“Highly intuitive and spiritually-connected, those with this master number are visionaries with a profound sense of purpose,” Wang said. Scolnick told The Cut that while 11s are wildly creative, they also have a hard time being present because they often live in ideas or analyze other perspectives that prevent them from feeling grounded in reality.
Wellness practice: Elevens would reap the most benefits from practicing mindfulness activities to help them to be present. The simplest way to begin is by learning how to pause, practicing breathwork, or saying positive affirmations. Elevens can also try practicing spiritual disciplines like yoga, meditation, or journaling, as Wang cited that they’ll enhance your intuition and help you stay connected to your higher purpose, which improves your fulfillment.
Life Path 22
Wang calls a Twenty-Two the “Master Builder” because they’re practical yet idealistic. “Individuals with this master number have the potential to achieve extraordinary accomplishments through their visionary and pragmatic approach,” he said. Plus, they carry powerful manifesting energy. Scolnick described Twenty-Twos as “practicality meets prodigy.”
Wellness practice: Combine honing practical skills (think: cooking, problem-solving, writing) with visionary goal setting, like creating a personal vision statement (i.e., “I envision a future where I am a successful X, using my creativity and innovation to make a positive impact on society.”) and an action plan to see it through. Also, use manifestation practices, such as manifestation journaling or the 369 method, which will take advantage of your unique manifesting capabilities.
Life Path 33
Always master teachers, Thirty-Threes are highly influential and spiritually focused. “Individuals with this master number possess a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and responsibility,” Wang said. “They are driven by a deep sense of love and service, often becoming role models and sources of inspiration for others through their selfless actions and enlightened perspective.”
Wellness practice: Focus on creative expression and healing practices, like art or music, to foster your ingenuity and commitment to lifelong learning. Since Thirty-Threes have the potential to teach on a mass level with an equally large impact, channel your inner Frida Kahlo and try your hand at painting, relive your high school band days and learn a new instrument, or read a book outside of your usual genre. “By embracing these activities, you will align with your compassionate, nurturing nature and harness your powerful healing energy to positively influence those around you,” Wang conveyed.
Experts Consulted:
Tara Bennet has been a numerologist and astrologer for 16 years, working with dozens of private clients. She currently works at Mediumchat, one of the leading spiritual contact platforms, and provides expert commentary for media outlets such POPSUGAR and Best Life.
Letao Wang is a professional astrologist, tarot specialist, and the founder of the Healing Kingdom. Since 2022, he has been the astrology columnist for Hong Kong Living Magazine. Wang was named Spiritual Guide of the Year in 2020 by Hong Kong’s Liv Magazine.
Rebecca Scolnick is a popular numerologist and author of books, such as “The Witch’s Book of Numbers: Enhance Your Magic With Numerology.”