The movie Number 23 debuted in February starring Jim Carrey and has brought me many requests on my thoughts about the symbolism, hidden meanings and the mystery of numbers. Having written and studied numerology for many years, it’s gratifying to see mainstream media acknowledge the power of numbers and even more so, the magical meanings they hold.

Many of my clients have told me they consistently see the same number patterns over and over. I believe seeing repetitive numbers, is the universe’s way of sending us messages to decode. And those messages are easier to decode that one may think if you use a common numerology technique.

For instance, I see the number 737 every now and then. I first recognized this back in 1993 when it was the prefix to my phone number. You may ask, what does it mean? How you decode the message? It’s quite simply. You just reduce the numbers you see to a single digit. Numerologists say that each number has a unique meaning and vibration all its own. The master numbers; 11 and 22 are not usually reduced. They are left on their own to be deciphered for they have magical and highly spiritual meanings.

But let’s say you are running across the number 345 on license plates, clocks and in other symbolic references. Here’s how I would decode the message the universe wants to give you.

Add 3 + 4 + 5 and you get 12. Now reduce 12 to a single digit like this 1 + 2 = 3. The number 3 is the key here.

Three is about communication, creativity, travel. Now, it’s your job to keep track of the times you see this number; record the times and then what happens afterwards. It could be that you will soon go on a trip. Also the universe could be asking you to speak up more or to use your creativity more. There could easily be more than one example of the number’s energy but at least one of them will make sense to you.

Now that you have the basic formula, here’s what the numbers one through nine generally stand for:

1. A new beginning, You can bet a new path or opportunity is right around the bend.

2. Relationships need more attention. Or you could draw someone new to you.

3. Travel, communication, creativity.

4. Home and family issues.

5. New love affairs, pregnancy, health, changes are in store. Expect the unexpected.

6. Discipline, structure, settling down. Organization.

7. Legal issues, partnerships, luck, karma, spiritual growth, love.

8. Money.

9. Endings, completion, people from your past come back into your life

These are a few samples but not all. There are so many to list but this will give you a good indication of how to decode some of the messages the universe is trying send you by using numbers.

Maria Shaw relationship astrologer, has offices in New Orleans, Detroit and Fort Lauderdale. Author of “Heart and Soul.” Workshops and lectures. www.MariaShaw.com (810) 631-6887.