Man has always been fascinated by number since mathematics came into existence. The great Aryabhatt-1 needs to be praised for being the protagonist in revolutionizing mathematics in the world. Two of his classics "ARYABHATEEYA" and "ARYA SIDDHANTA" are pure works in the area of mathematics. In same manner, SURYA SIDDAHNTA by Surya is a pure mathematical work on Astronomy.
Perhaps the greatest ingredient in the relationship between Astrology and Astronomy is mathematics or simply numbers. The use of numbers in our day to day life is inevitable. Likewise, Astrology would be fairly incomplete without numbers. Let's try to analyze the use of numbers in Astrology.
To begin with, we have 12 houses in a standard horoscope, there are 9 planets in Astrology, there are 27 nakshatras, and different divisional charts are known by numbers as D2, D3, D5, D9, D10, D12 etc. Interestingly the science of numbers gave birth to a new system called as NUMEROLOGY. Predictions are made using numbers. Amazingly the results flowing from numerology are in line with the predictions made by different methods of prediction in Astrology.
Over time one more thing gained importance in relation to numbers, ie science of Omen. Astrologers as well as general public started linking omens as good or bad in relation to numbers. Like appearance of number 13 has been treated as a bad omen since the time of Jesus Christ. It is said that during the "LAST SUPPER", Loki was the 13th guest to arrive for the dinner. In the modern day world even hotels do not have a 13th floor, they tend to skip the this number from 12th to 14th. The science of Omen developed with live experience of the masses. The effect of this science is very unique and effective.
Numbers have gained importance in Lucky Charms too. One of the greatest lucky charms is the appearance of the number 786. Wearing it as a pendant, its existence in mobile number, and kind of signage, number plate of vehicles etc is thought to bring fortune to the native.
The digits 4, 8 , 9 have great importance even in day to day life of a common man. There are four directions, four Vedas, four dhams, four yugas, thereby proving the power influenced by number 4. Likewise, we have Ashtakvarga system in Astrology, Ashtadha Prakriti, Ashtalakshmi, Ashtavasu, Ashtagandha Chandan etc exhibiting the importance of number 8. Lastly, there is Navadha Bhakti, Navanath, Navnaga, Navdurga,Navratri exhibiting the importance of number 9.
Such beautiful importance of numbers in Astrology is casted on the houses of a horoscope too. 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th house are called as Kendras (Vishnu Sthan), 5th and 9th house are called as Trikona (Lakshmi Sthan). These are the most benefic houses in a horoscope. Any planet in Kendra from its position is considered to bestow good results. Likewise 3rd, 6th, 8th and 12th houses have been termed malefic even though in the modern world the meaning of these malefic houses have changed according to changing environment. In a nutshell, numbers play a pivotal role in Astrology for making predictions. Imagine, even your Date of Birth is a number!
Astrologer Aacharya Aaditya