One of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of Numerology has to do with the Master numbers. There are three Master numbers -- they are 11, 22 and 33. Some numerologists and even some Numerology books also consider 44, 55, 66 and so forth to be Master numbers. A while back I flipped through Numerology for Dummies in a local book store. The book would have been more accurately titled "Numerology by Dummies" as it claimed that any double-digit number consisting of two identical digits is a Master number. This shows a lack of understanding by the author whose knowledge of Numerology is superficial at best.

The fact that the numbers 11, 22, and 33 are double-digit numbers consisting of identical single digits is not the reason they are considered Master numbers. The 11 is a Master number because the 11 contains the digit 1 twice, the 22 is a Master number because it consists of the number 2 twice and 33 is made up of the number 3 twice making that also a Master number. It is the repetition of the numbers 1, 2, and 3 specifically that makes the 11, 22 and 33 Master numbers. Simply repeating any single-digit number twice does not make a Master number.

The 44, 55, 66 and so forth have what could be called a "focused and charged energy" compared to, for example, the numbers 45, 56, 67, but they are NOT Master numbers.

To further illuminate the issue of Master numbers, let me hereby offer an excerpt from my book, Numerology; Key To Your Inner Self, written by yours truly nearly 20 years ago:

There are 3 double-digit numbers that, while they are rooted in the single-digit numbers, require special emphasis and attention. These are 11, 22 and 33.

They are called Master numbers because they possess more potential than other numbers. They are highly charged, difficult to handle and require time, maturity and great effort to integrate into one's personality.

The 11 is the most intuitive of all numbers. It represents illumination, a channel to the subconscious, insight without rational thought, and sensitivity, nervous energy, shyness and impracticality. The 11 is a dreamer. It has all the aspects of the 2, enhanced and charged with charisma, leadership and inspiration. It is a number with inborn duality, which creates dynamism and inner conflict with its mere presence. It's a number that, when not focused on some goal beyond itself, can be turned inward to create fears and phobias. The 11 walks the edge between greatness and self-destruction. Its potential for growth, stability and personal power lies in its acceptance of intuitive understanding, and of spiritual truths. For the 11, such peace is not found so much in logic, but in faith. It is the psychic's number.

The 22 is the most powerful of all numbers. It is often called "the Master Builder." The 22 can turn the most ambitious of dreams into reality. It is potentially the most successful of all numbers. It has many of the inspirational insights of the 11, combined with the practicality and methodical nature of the 4. It is unlimited, yet disciplined. It sees the archetype, and brings it down to earth in some material form. It has big ideas, great plans, idealism, leadership and enormous self-confidence. If not practical, 22s can waste their potential. Like the 11, the 22 can easily shrink from its own ambition, causing difficult interior pressures. Both the 11 and the 22 experience the pressure-cooker effect very strongly, particularly at an early age. It must work toward the realization of goals that are larger than personal ambition. The 22 serves the world in a practical way.

The 33 is the most influential of all numbers. It is "the Master Teacher." The 33 combines the 11 and the 22 and brings their potential to another level. When expressed to the fullest, the 33 lacks all personal ambition, and instead focuses its considerable abilities toward the spiritual uplifting of mankind. What makes the 33 especially impressive is the high level of sincere devotion. This is shown in its determination to seek understanding and wisdom before preaching to others. The 33 in full force is extremely rare.

The number 33 only matters when found among the core numbers of a person's Numerology chart: the Life Path number, Heart's Desire, Expression, Personality, Maturity, or as an Essence cycle or Pinnacle cycle. In all other cases the 33 should be reduced to a 6.

Together, the three Master numbers represent a triangle of enlightenment:

The number 11 represents the vision.
The number 22 combines vision with action
The number 33 offers guidance to the world.