Numerology

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A fortune teller in Changdo sits in front of burning incense and candles in a room covered in oracular star charts, reading the fortune of an infant in front of him while the infant's parents watch.

Numerology is an abstract form of prophecy which assigns meaning to numbers or mathematical patterns that are believed to provide clues into the fundamental equations of creation. Numerologists use these methods to predict events and increase the potency of magic.

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Practice

The practice of numerology relies on two base forms:

• Arithmancy associates an enumerable power with each unit of language, turning all text into mathematically resolvable equations. It is most associated with Tien and Draconic languages, but is sometimes associated with other Common tongues at magical institutions of learning and research.
• Sacred geometry associates cosmic meaning and innate power to certain shapes, such as those common in nature: hexagons, spheres, arches, and logarithmic spirals. It is most often applied in architecture, construction, and spellcrafting to maximize magical conductivity.

Mathematical concepts

Arithmancers augment their spellcasting by calculating the digital root of a word, such as a spell's name, by assigning a value to each letter and summing them.

Value	Associated letters
1	a, j, s
2	b, k, t
3	c, l, u
4	d, m, v
5	e, n, w
6	f, o, x
7	g, p, y
8	h, q, z
9	i, r

Sacred geometry also employs prime numbers, which refers to them as prime constants, and associates certain values with differently powered spells.

On Golarion

Unlike other occult arts, the practice of numerology on Golarion transcends cultural boundaries, though not all cultures have developed an equal understanding or practice of it. All forms of civil architecture and engineering employ at least a basic form of numerology.

Draconic society

Certain types of dragons are particularly associated with numbers and numerology.

Osirian numerology

Osirian numerology is popular both within Osirion and with foreign Osirionologists. Numerologists believe Osirion's countdown clocks are associated with the death of Aroden in 4606 AR, the Aucturn Enigma of 4718 AR, and the passage of Aucturn's Tear, due to multiple connections between those subjects and the numbers 56 and 11. The Eyes of the Pharaoh sect also adapted Osirian numerological practices into the Varisian harrow by assigning numbers to the cards' suits.

The Cult of the Last Theorem, based outside of the ruins of Tumen, are a numerological cult who believe the Pharaoh of Numbers understood powerful secrets of sacred geometry. They seek the artifact Aqualith beneath the city's ruins.

Po Li

The Oracular Council of Po Li employs the Path of Numbers, an ancient system of numerology that can produce prophetic insights. This includes the Test of Fate, a system used by high-level members of the council that is believed to map one's life and potential from analyzing their birthdate, zodiac sign, and the arrangement of the cosmos at the moments when the person was conceived and born.

The Oracular Council also often includes divine numerologists, who are oracles trained in esoteric and divine mathematics. These numerologists can exploit divine algorithms to manipulate the fate of imminent events, and the most powerful among them understand the mathematical underpinnings of reality well enough to make themselves immortal.

Investigators for the Oracular Council also employ numerology to improve the efficiency and potency of alchemical practices and optimize their combat techniques.

Items

A numerology cylinder puzzle employs numerological concepts to lock away its contents. Unlocking the device requires dialing its faces and rings into a combination of numeric significance.

References

Paizo published an article on numerology in Occult Mysteries.

External links

• Numerology (real-world practice) on Wikipedia
• Sacred geometry (real-world belief) on Wikipedia
• Arithmancy on Archives of Nethys for Pathfinder First Edition
• Sacred Geometry on Archives of Nethys for Pathfinder First Edition