arithmomancy

symbolism

Also known as: arithmancy

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

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Arithmancy is a form of divination that uses numbers to interpret a person's character or predict the future. It combines the concepts of arithmetic and "-mancy," a suffix meaning "divination". This practice is rooted in the Pythagorean idea that all things can be understood through numerical terms.12

In arithmancy, numerical values are assigned to letters in a name and to a person's date of birth. These numbers are then used to divine a person's nature and future prospects. While arithmancy is featured in fictional works like Harry Potter, it has historical roots and was considered a magical, religious, and philosophical practice in the 17th century.12

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number symbolism
Arithmomancy
Arithmomancy, also called arithmancy, from the Greek arithmos (“number”) and manteia (“divination”), was practiced by the ancient Greeks, Chaldeans, and Hebrews; its successor is numerology. In these forms of number mysticism the letters of an alphabet are assigned numbers by some rule, typically A…
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Arithmomancy, also called arithmancy, from the Greek arithmos (“number”) and manteia (“divination”), was practiced by the ancient Greeks, Chaldeans, and Hebrews; its successor is numerology. In these forms of number mysticism the letters of an alphabet are assigned numbers by some rule, typically A…
Read More