Did you know that every letter in the alphabet has a numerical value from one to nine? Did you know that your name has a number? Do you wonder why you or one of your children or even your business have challenges? It may be the name!

You cannot change the name on your birth certificate, but you can change your business name and prospective baby's name to help them have fewer challenges. Each person is unique, and most people want their business to be unique. Names and the numbers of the name hold many secrets.

The history of numbers is as old as the recorded history of man. Pythagoras, the "Father of Mathematics," propounded the theory that nothing in the universe exists without numbers. The study of numerology is a study of numbers going back to the ancient books of wisdom.

The solar system planets move in perfect mathematical rhythmic precision, and numerology is an offshoot of planetary movement. One could not exist without the other. An advanced Astro-Numerologist can tell how, when and where. But the why is also important -- and here is where numerology comes in. Numerology provides insight into why we are living this particular life, along with what lessons and how to deal with them by overcoming negatives and exchanging them for positives.

The Expression Number is the sum total of the letters in the name given at birth that appears on the birth certificate. "Expression" is exactly what it means. It broadcasts itself to others. It is the sum total of what one has to work with in life, all the positive and challenging factors that make up one's personality. The Expression number should always be taken into consideration as to the type of work one will engage in. For example, someone with an Expression Number of "5" could never work happily in a factory doing the same thing hour after hour, day after day. A "5" needs freedom and constant change.

A more definitive study of the name is what I call the Inclusion Chart. This reveals the knowledge and sum total of experience of all past lives and what one came to this earth (this lifetime) with. It gives a key of what we are and what will be expected from us during this time on earth. The Inclusion may be the most important numbers study there is!

An Inclusion chart looks very much like a tic-tac-toe board. Each square is numbered 1 through 9 beginning with the top left square being 1 and proceeding across the top row, down to row two, beginning with 4, and the bottom row starting with 7. Each letter in the birth name is placed in the numbered box that corresponds with its numerical value.

A properly balanced chart will have letters in every box. Absence of letters usually indicates karmic responsibility. Overabundance of letters usually indicates imbalance in the personality. The ideal proportion will show one-fourth of the letters in each of the "1," "5," and "9" value boxes, and at least one letter in each of the other boxes.

Here is a brief description of the meaning of the numbers:

Number One (A, J, S): the ability to rely upon one's self and resources; the ability to originate, create, and be aggressive. The Ego Number.

Number Two (B, K, T): the ability to work with others, to cooperate. The Subservient Number.

Number Three (C, L, U): the ability for self-expression; the ability to be social and creative. The Self-Expression or Social Number.

Number Four (D, M, V): the ability to work and apply one's self to details. The Work Number.

Number Five (E, N, W): the number of change and freedom. The Change and/or Freedom Number.

Number Six (F, O, X): the ability to accept responsibility, to adjust to situations, especially domestic. The Number of Adjustment.

Number Seven (G, P, Y): the number of God, knowledge, understanding, compassion, keen mind with facts. The Number of Wisdom.

Number Eight (H, Q, Z): the ability to handle material aspects and their true value. The Number of Money or Material Aspects.

Number Nine (I, R): the ability to care for humanity with compassion. The Number of Humanity.

Any out-of-proportion grouping of numbers indicates areas of one's life where special attention needs to be given. Opportunities to learn lessons in those areas usually come for the individual.

Knowledge is wisdom. In-depth study of the Inclusion Chart shows one their weaknesses and strengths and how one will react in any aspect of life: love, marriage, home, family, business, job, travel. Understanding and using this knowledge can produce real personal growth!

Maybe you would like to be more careful now in choosing names. Remember -- it's all in the name!

Glenn Key is a metaphysical counselor who has recently relocated to Anchorage. For readings, written charts and reports, lectures, and workshops, call 907/729-0342, 907/440-7487 or 877-729-0342 (toll-free); write glennkey@alaska.net. or visit www.glennkey.com