Numerology is the study of the occult meanings numbers hold and their influence on life. It has been said that each number holds some energy within itself and its vibrations influence our lives. Numerologists have used this science for centuries to describe the characteristics of a person and to map out his or her destiny. Numerology claims it can help in pushing one towards a better future by relating a person's name and birthdate with his or her nature.
For Sanjay B. Jumaani, an Indian numerologist, predictions have not only come true but he has also been consulted by many Indian celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, and entities such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A frequent visitor to Dubai, he spoke to Unwind last week about the mystic world of numbers.
Keep the faith
"The most important thing that makes numerology work is faith in it," Jumaani explains. "My father Bansilal M. Jumaani dabbled in numerology as a hobby. I had been struggling in a sales job for 17 years but didn't believe in it. In 2001, he advised Indian filmmaker Rakesh Roshan to add two additional a's to his son's debut film. And Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was a superhit. On my father's advice, I made changes in my name and tasted success. Six months later, I quit my job and joined him. At the time, no one knew of my dad's predictions. I decided to bring this to the world. I watched him and learnt how to analyse lives and make predictions."
Jumaani explains that numerology is based on the positive magnetic vibrations that numbers and colours emit. "We begin by suggesting a change in one's name. From birth to death, our name plays a very important role. So we analyse a person's name and signature and try to bring it in harmony with his or her date of birth. Colours are suggested to increase the magnetic vibrations. Then we offer lucky numbers. The BCCI consulted me on dates for the India-Sri Lanka series and we found 3, 6 and 9 favourable numbers for India. Based on that, they have chosen the match days, which has already been successful. Depending on the governing planet of the number, a particular day may or may not be favourable for you. Many filmmakers consult us for launch dates too. Gems are recommended as well."
Role of luck
But if colours, numbers, planets and gems could help achieve success, wouldn't everyone become rich and famous?
"Numerology is a mystic science and just like medical science, we too can never claim 100 per cent success," Jumaani explains. "Even Sachin Tendulkar can be out at duck; Amitabh Bachchan can give a Boom. What we offer are guidelines. We can suggest strengths and weaknesses that one gets from planets and numbers. We can help people analyse why a marriage is not working and what's needed to make it work. But we don't encourage people to think it's an easy way out. One shouldn't forget that luck plays a major role but you need to work hard too."
Jumaani explains no number is harmful in itself. We just use them as catalysts. "The number 1 is ruled by the Sun, 3 by Jupiter. Sun gives us light and life and Jupiter is the planet of wealth. The number 5 is ruled by Mercury, which represents knowledge, speed and communication, and 6 by Venus, the planet of beauty and the good things in life. These numbers are considered physical, materialistic and worldly. Eleven years ago, my father put these on our company logo. In 2007, I researched what numbers governed the ten most powerful and richest men in the world and the spellings of the ten most powerful brand names in the world. Surprisingly, nine out of ten top personalities were under the direct influence of these four numbers. And nine out of the Top 10 brands add up to these numbers. So to help anyone, whether it's the name of a film or a businessman, or the event of naming a new-born baby, we try and bring the total to one of these numbers.
"The numbers 4 and 8 are considered to be non-worldly, non-materialistic mountaintop numbers. They are not inauspicious but are not worldly, because 4 represents Uranus, the planet of scientific inventions, and 8 Saturn, the most dreaded planet in Hindu mythology.
"The number 2 represents the Moon. It is considered to be a planet of imagination and creativity. People born under this number can also do great in life. Some of the biggest romantic actors in India have been a number 2. The number 7 is also like 2. These people are not just creative but unconventional and restless. It can cause a lot of mood swings but can make a person intuitive and creative. They are also fond of occult and mysticism.
"The number 9 is ruled by Mars, the fiery planet. It makes a person energetic and candid. So we see a lot of sportspersons, soldiers and politicians who are the number 9."
Masters of the game
"Two other numbers, 11 and 22, are master numbers — they are not physical or materialistic numbers and are studied at a different level.
"There is no formal education in numerology. What you need is able guidance from someone knowledgeable. My father read nearly 150 books on numerology and practised it extensively for almost 30 years. But I've not read so much because I had the privilege to study under my father. Yet, I won't say we are experts. We have to constantly update ourselves by analysing situations."
Does that mean people with same numbers share the same destiny?
"Only the characteristics will remain the same, because your zodiac sign may be different, your element may be different — one may be an Air sign and the other Fire, so your destiny number may change. There are three parts to adding your numbers. The first number gives your basic number. Then your zodiac has a ruling planet or two that will have their number and finally the compound number. So permutations change, even though certain qualities prevail due to the same basic number. For example, Dhirubhai Ambani, Bill Gates, Osama Bin Laden and Lata Mangeshkar are all number 1 and thus leaders in what they do."
I had predicted Amitabh Bachchan's stomach problems on his birthday. He was entering his 67th year, which adds up to number 4. The number 4 is ruled by Uranus, which is unfavourable for the stomach. Earlier, in his 40th year, he was injured in the stomach on the sets of Coolie. Though I would never wish anything like this but on the creative side, every artiste likes to be appreciated for his work.
I also predicted the downturn of Shah Rukh Khan in his 44th year. Although his name adds up to a very good number, number 8 does not suit him. When he was entering his 44th year, we warned him against injuries and that, professionally, it wouldn't be a good year for him.
He broke his shoulder and that kept him out of work for about four months. Billu failed at the box office and the Knight Riders proved to be a disaster. We had earlier warned him not to release Asoka on the 26th but he did not listen and it flopped miserably. He has also changed the colour of the uniform of the Kolkata Knight Riders from black to blue on our suggestion.
On a radio programme, I had once predicted that a cricket match between India and Sri Lanka would be a tie. This is one of the most memorable predictions. I don't think anybody had predicted a tie for that particular game. I had said that both shared the winning streak and I wouldn't be surprised if it would be a tie. Maybe it was a fluke.
The most heartening predictions have been for 27 childless couples. They give us more pleasure than the success of Singh is Kinng with a double "n" or Bigg Boss with a double "g" or Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai with the double "a". These are the predictions we would like to be remembered for after our deaths.
What 2010 hold for Dubai?
2010 is the year of Jupiter — the number 3. It also indicates number 21. This number represents success after an uphill battle. So the first six months can be difficult but the latter half will be better. Dubai adds up to 14, or the number 5, which is ruled by Mercury, the planet of speed and knowledge. Also, mercury represents instability. The latter half of the year will be good for Dubai.
