If you’re looking for a sign that someone is watching over you, look no further than angel numbers. Angel numbers are repetitive sequences of numbers (think: 11, 222, 3333) that seem to show up randomly in your daily life — though many believe there's nothing random about it. Learn the meaning behind these numbers to uncover messages of love, validation, support, and encouragement from above.
As a psychic medium who’s delivered hundreds of readings, I communicate with and channel higher consciousness regularly. One thing that consistently comes through in readings is that “spirit” is always around: that our departed loved ones, spirit guides, and guardian angels are among us at all times. But you don’t have to be a medium to receive spiritual guidance. One of the many ways in which spirit communicates with us in our everyday lives is through numbers — more specifically, through number sequences known as angel numbers.
What Is an Angel Number?
“Angel numbers refer to any repetitive sequence of two, three, or four numbers that frequently, consistently, and synchronistically show up in [seemingly] random places in your life,” explains Rebecca Rosen, a spiritual medium, international bestselling author, and speaker. “The numbers are often intended as signs from your Team Spirit — a group composed of angels, spirit guides, departed loved ones, and pets — indicating their spiritual and energetic presence and assistance, while also serving as bread crumbs along your path, ensuring you’re on the right track.”
Ann Perry, a numerologist and soul coach who spoke with DailyOM for this story, adds, “Many feel that repeating numbers like 111, 222, and 333 are messages from angels, [and] seeing the same number with synchronicity can be a message to pay attention.” Perry says that from a numerology perspective, any number has the potential to be a divine message.
Interested in learning more? Check out The Intuitive Power Behind Angel Numbers
The History of Angel Numbers
Receiving divine inspiration and information through numbers is nothing new, Rosen says. “This wisdom dates back to the great teachings of Hermes, Plato, and Pythagoras, all of whom were saying essentially the same thing: that everything in the Universe is mathematically precise, and that each number has its own vibration, meaning, and divine attribute. Plato once said that the analysis of number symbolism is ‘the highest level of knowledge,’ and Pythagoras believed that numbers have souls and even magical powers,” Rosen explains.
The more specific concept of angel numbers was coined by Doreen Virtue, whom Rosen studied with, in a series of books that Virtue wrote in the early 2000s. Since then, the concept has taken off, appearing all over the internet (a Google search currently yields more than 250 million results), and more recently blowing up on TikTok (#angelnumbers has reached almost 900 million!) and Instagram (the same hashtag has more than half a million results).
Understanding the Power of Numerology
A fascination with numbers and the idea that numbers hold significant meaning led to the development of what’s now known as numerology, or the sacred study of numbers, in around 300 BCE. Interest in numerology has continued to develop, eventually leading to an entire field of metaphysical study aimed at helping people navigate their life path, personal growth, relationships, practical day-to-day matters, and more.
While angel numbers might be a more modern concept, the meanings assigned to them are often rooted in numerology, a study that has stood the test of time. And that's also why, when you’re looking at an angel number to suss out what it might be trying to tell you, you don’t just pay attention to the number you’re seeing. There’s added meaning in the sum of its parts, Perry says: “For example, if you see a 111, that encompasses the meaning of 1 with the flavor of 3.” (There’s more on how to analyze numbers below!)
Where Do Angel Numbers Show Up and How Can We Be More Receptive to Them?
Angel numbers can be found anywhere, popping up on license plates, receipts, clocks, price tags, phone numbers, billboards, addresses, and digital content, all in an attempt to get our full attention, Rosen explains. She says that noticing these signals is simpler than you might think: “Set the intention to be open and aware, while mentally inviting in your Team Spirit to work its magic in your daily life through signs, synchronicities, and miracles.”
This is helpful whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue (“Should I take this job offer?”) or something more general (“Is my life path unfolding accordingly?”).
“When I see a repeating number,” Rosen continues, “I always pause, take a deep breath, and examine what it is I’m thinking about at that very moment. Meditation is also helpful. When we quiet our mind, we can tune into our intuition and get a better idea of what the messages mean.”
Incorporating Angel Numbers Into Your Daily Routine
If angel numbers resonate with you, it’s a great idea to add them into your daily routine for even more benefit. Here are some ways you can sprinkle some more angel number magic into your day.
- Use them in positive affirmations. An affirmation or a mantra — a short, simple phrase or two that you repeat for a few minutes a day — can help let the Universe know that you’re receptive to communication through angel numbers. You can say something like “I receive angel numbers for my best and highest good” or “I love welcoming in the support of angel numbers.” The key is to pair your statement with a positive emotion such as peace, joy, or excitement. After all, the language of the Universe is vibration, which we translate through our emotions.
- Call them in before your meditation. You can set a pre-meditation intention to receive angel numbers during your meditation. This is also a fun way to develop your psychic skills, such as clairvoyance (clear seeing) and clairaudience (clear hearing).
- Enlist the powers of visualization. Get into a meditative state by taking a series of deep breaths and sitting in silence for a few moments. Then, visualize seeing angel numbers in specific places, such as on your phone, a train, or a truck. Like affirmations, visualization becomes more powerful when you add positive emotion to it.
- Journal about them. Writing is a potent way to focus your energy, and putting pen to paper can help you manifest more angel numbers into your life. You can either write out your affirmations or write out a scene starring all the angel numbers about to appear in your life.
The Role of Guardian Angels in Angel Numbers
Most psychic experts believe the term “guardian angel” is synonymous with “spirit guide,“ a spiritual being of an entity that’s always watching over you and lovingly guiding you toward your soul’s purpose. You have many guardian angels — and angel numbers are one way in which they can communicate with you.
Whether you choose to view angel numbers as coming from your departed loved ones or the Universe in general, these numbers can be a wonderful way to strengthen your connection to your guardian angels and trust in their support. They can be a reinforcement that you are being divinely protected and loved at all times.
How to Interpret Angel Numbers in Your Life
The genius of spirit — and the Law of Attraction, which is the universal law that says that like attracts like — is that you don’t need to go looking for angel numbers. They will literally appear in your line of vision.
For example, if you happen to glance at the clock and it’s 3:33, take notice. Seeing that angel number wasn’t an accident — it was divinely supported. The way you know it’s a message you really need to pay attention to is if you see another 333, either on the clock again or elsewhere, like in your inbox.
If you have angel numbers on your mind, you might see a bunch of random angel numbers, like 111, 555, and 777, all on the same day. Experts agree that this points to you being in alignment and in flow on a more general level.
Whatever you do, try not to dismiss the angel numbers that come into your experience. Staying receptive to angel numbers and their encoded messages is key to receiving guidance for every aspect of your life. Dismissing them is like telling the Universe, “No, I don’t need any of your messages delivered in this way” (which, of course, is your choice to make).
Angel Numbers and Manifestation
Speaking of the Law of Attraction, which also says that whatever you focus on shows up in your experience, angel numbers can play a role in the manifestation of whatever you desire — whether that’s a new partnership, more money, improved well-being, etc.
In order to manifest anything, such as a new job or home, we need to believe that it’s possible for us to receive it. We have to believe in our manifestation with such strong conviction and confidence that we expect it to come, period.
Spotting angel numbers can help affirm your belief that your manifestation is on the way — or give you a nudge to course-correct in order to receive said manifestation.
For example, say you’re calling in more money for a dream getaway and you spot 888, which symbolizes abundance. If you view it as a divine nod that more money is headed your way, you’ll not only attract more 888s, but you’ll be on the way to a solid belief that your vacation is becoming a reality.
Your Guide to Angel Number Meanings
“There’s not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to decoding angel numbers,” Rosen says. “However, there are some common interpretations for certain sequences.”
Remember to look beyond the individual number in your angel number to derive even more meaning with the insights offered by numerology. Perry suggests adding the digits and using that sum to decipher an underlying message. For instance, 333 is laced with the energy of a 9. Another (slightly more complex) example is 888, which adds up to 24; then, since this is a double digit, add the 2 and the 4 to get 6.
Angel Number 00/000/0000
What Angel Number 000 Signifies: Rosen believes that the number 0 points to oneness, Source/God/universal energy, and alignment with the divinity within you.
What It Means on a Practical Level: It’s validation that you’re in alignment, which means it’s a good time to start something new.
Angel Number 11/111/1111
What Angel Number 111 Signifies: The angel number 111 is a sign that your thoughts are rapidly being manifested into reality, according to Rosen, who suggests being more conscious of your thoughts when you see a series of 1s. Perry views it as a reminder to be your most “creative, original, and authentic” self.
What It Means on a Practical Level: Your creative power is especially high, so let your authentic expression shine in all that you do.
Angel Number 22/222/2222
What Angel Number 222 Signifies: “The 2 asks us to be more patient and diplomatic,” Perry says. Regarding angel number 222, Rosen says it means to “stay in faith and trust that you’re on the right path. It’s also the energy of being in a state of harmony and balance.”
What It Means on a Practical Level: Enjoy the present moment and trust that things will work out, Rosen says. Positive affirmations can be especially useful at this time.
Angel Number 33/333/3333
What Angel Number 333 Signifies: Spirit is working closely with you to help co-create your life, Rosen suggests, adding that angel number 333 is all about creation. Perry says that the number 3 is a nod to creative expression, imagination, warmth, and friendliness.
What It Means on a Practical Level: Your guides are lending a boost of manifesting juju, so take 333 as a loving sign to keep moving forward.
Angel Number 44/444/4444
What Angel Number 444 Signifies: From a numerology perspective, Perry interprets angel number 4 as a symbol of plans, discipline, focus, and practicality. Rosen offers a slightly different take: “The angels are working closely with you, guiding, supporting, protecting, and comforting you at this time.”
What It Means on a Practical Level: It’s recognition of your efforts toward personal growth. Plus, per Rosen, “consider it an angelic hug from above.”
Angel Number 55/555/5555
What Angel Number 555 Signifies: “Trust that these are desirable changes that will bring about meaningful transformation for your soul growth and evolution,” Rosen says. Perry equates 5 with versatility, adaptability, and cleverness.
What It Means on a Practical Level: Your life purpose is in full swing — and big change is on the horizon (yay)!
Angel Number 66/666/6666
What Angel Number 666 Signifies: Though 666 is the number of the beast in the Book of Revelation, interestingly, in angel numbers, 6 is representative of a nurturing, sympathetic, and kind energy, Perry says. Rosen sees the 666 angel number not as something dark or evil, but as an indication to “let go of thoughts of lack, limitation, illusion, and delusion by placing any earthly/material worries or concerns in Divine hands.”
What It Means on a Practical Level: It’s a gentle reminder that you are on a spiritual journey. You are more than a body and deserve for your dreams to come true.
Angel Number 77/777/7777
What Angel Number 777 Signifies: Trust you’re on the right path and that there are higher powers watching out for you, explains Rosen. Perry adds that 7 has an introspective, analytical, and spiritual quality.
What It Means on a Practical Level: Relax — the Universe has your back.
Angel Number 88/888/8888
What Angel Number 888 Signifies: “Great financial gain, prosperity, and abundance are yours now,” per Rosen. “It’s also the sign for infinity, indicating infinite abundance in your life.” Ambition, confidence, and success are inherent in the number 8, according to Perry.
What It Means on a Practical Level: You have access to an abundance of money, love, and much more.
Angel Number 99/999/9999
What Angel Number 999 Signifies: It’s a sign of “endings or completion of a cycle or chapter in your life,” Rosen says. “It’s time to open up and level up, moving forward into something new, rich with meaning, fulfillment, and purpose.” Perry says it also references humanitarianism, selfless service, and our social and romantic lives.
What It Means on a Practical Level: It’s time to detach with love from whatever is no longer serving you to make space for something even better.
The Bottom Line
Angel numbers are a simple tool that can allow the presence of spirit into your life in a more tangible way. If you’re unsure whether the numbers you’re seeing are actually angel numbers, heed Perry’s advice: “There’s no way for us to prove what is right and what is wrong. Whatever feels right to you is right.” Just know that once you start seeing angel numbers, you might never stop. And we think that’s a really good thing.
