If you’ve ever been drawn to a number, rather, a number is drawn to you—there’s likely a spiritual reason for that. Angel numbers are numbers or sequences of numbers that are said to be a sign from the universe. So, if you’re repeatedly seeing iterations of 1, like 111 or the better-known 1111, every which way you turn, like seeing it on a date, catching it on the clock, your GPS ETA on the way to work, or your total on a receipt, you might want to consider to pick up the cues that the universe may be sending.

While angel numbers are typically thought to be triple or quadruple-digit numbers, like 444, or lesser-known angel numbers like 1010 and 1144, the individual numbers within them also come with their own meanings. When they’re repeated, the energy of that number is amplified. When it comes to angel number 1, it’s all about individuality and breathing life into your manifestations.

Keep reading to learn the meaning of angel number 1, what it means for different areas of life, and what to do if you keep seeing it.

What is the meaning of angel number 1?

The number 1 is the very first number of all numbers (unless you consider 0 as its own entity, that is). As the initial number of all numbers, numerologist Joy Woodward, author of A Beginner’s Guide to Numerology, says that the angel number’s meaning is rooted in new beginnings. “The number one symbolizes that it’s time to take action,” she says.

“The number one symbolizes that it’s time to take action.”—Joy Woodward, numerologist

Astrologist, stylist, and writer, Jacquelyn Tierney, agrees, pointing out that seeing the angel number 1 should be seen as an encouragement to embrace new opportunities, plant new seeds, and take new actions. Whether that’s diving into a new interest or hobby or making a total personal transformation. Numerologist, astrologist, and tarot reader Vannessa Williams of Beyond Your Sun Sign tacks this, noting that angel number 1 also emphasizes the importance of focusing on yourself. It’s a moment to pause and think about the ways you’re putting yourself first, or not.

“Exercise your leadership, independence, originality, and ingenuity,” Woodward adds. And if you’re nervous to do so, just think of all the times you’ve seen the number 1 pop up randomly around you. “Move forward with divine guidance,” Woodward encourages. When the number 1 shows up, it’s time to think about your own development and come back to yourself.

Now that you know the general vibe of 1, what does it mean in terms of love and relationships?

What does 1 mean for love and relationships?

Because 1 represents the self, you can imagine that it’s not the most romantic or collaborative angel number. As Erin River Sunday, an astrologer and numerologist puts it: “It’s all about independence, rather than the interdependence that relationships require.” If you’re seeing 1 repeatedly, it’s time to check in with yourself and assess your needs when it comes to love. “It’s important to focus on what you’re bringing to the table and not get distracted by the other person.” It could be that space is needed to ensure your solitude and own individuality.

“It’s all about independence, rather than the interdependence that relationships require.”—Erin River Sunday, numerologist

The same can be said if you’re single or dating. Are you the type of person who fixates on someone they’re interested in or neglects themselves during talking stages? Number 1 could be reminding you to take a step back and prioritize yourself. “Seeing 1 is confirmation that you’re paving your own path and need to continue focusing on yourself,” Sunday adds. Rather than taking action in the dating sphere, this is a sign that there may need to be work put into yourself before focusing on your love life.

What does 1 mean for spirituality?

Being the number of independence and introspection, when it comes to spirituality, seeing 1 everywhere you go could be signaling a time to turn inward and focus on your own desires, ambitions, and values in life. Sunday says 1 is particularly auspicious because of its divine association with a certain tarot card. “The number 1 is connected to the Magician card,” she explains. ICYDK, the Magician in Tarot is all about bridging the divine and material world. The magical card indicates our ability to materialize our goals, even if they seem to be out of reach.

Similarly, the number 1 is a supportive digit that reminds us of the power we possess, and even if challenges and setbacks arise, it’s possible to make our dreams happen with enough determination. “This means exciting things for manifestation work because it’s all about using the tools you have to birth something new into existence,” says Sunday. “If you’re trying to manifest something, seeing 1 repeatedly is a great omen.” That said, take the number 1 as a message from the universe that things are being initiated in support of what you want to bring to reality.

What does 1 mean for money and career?

The angel number 1 is about independence and beginnings, which hold the same weight financially. In other words, you could be on the brink of a major money milestone, such as a promotion or starting a new position entirely that will advance your career. Or, it could mean that you’re headed to a place where you can be less reliant on others and stand on your own financially. “It’s unnecessary to reinvent the wheel, but it’s important to be self-sufficient and disruptive in the ways you attain money,” says Sunday. “Think about how you can work independently for finances and don’t put your eggs in other people’s baskets.”

Since angel number 1 is all about independence, in terms of career, it could mirror your strength of leadership. “The number 1 in career is all about entrepreneurship,” explains Sunday. “This is major leadership energy and needs a lot of independence at work to set new standards for everyone else to follow (or emulate).” In other words, this is about self-discipline and learning how to better lead a team.

Angel number 1 could also stress the importance of space and focus, depending on your work ethic and where you’re at in your professional journey. Additionally, seeing the number 1 could signal an opportunity to dig deep into the purpose of your work and decide if it aligns with your overall values in life.

What to do if you keep seeing angel number 1

If you repeatedly see the number 1 (and repetitions of it) pop up in your daily life, take note of your actions, emotions, and thoughts that appear in that moment. Generally, “The number one asks us to explore our relationship with the self: Who am I and who am I becoming?” Tierney shares. But that universal meaning can look different depending on your individual circumstances. If you’re feeling discouraged or experiencing creative blocks, for example, angel number 1 could be urging you to find the courage and fortitude within yourself to persevere—a cosmic hug of reassurance, if you will.

Not only is 1 an emphasis on self, but Tierney says it could be helpful to reflect on how to use your own talents and abilities to help the collective—especially when it comes to the sequence of 11. “The number 11 speaks to our relationship with others: Who am I in relationship to the community? How can I consider the collective?”

According to Woodward, the number 11 is a master number, and specifically, it’s the “Master of Illumination, the inspirational messenger, the number of light; one who raises consciousness; the reformer of world problems, who wants to uplift others, and inspires by teaching their own truth.” With that new knowledge under your belt, once you answer those questions to yourself and consider their benefits and consequences, you can go forth and take action with angel number 1 as your guide.

How to harness the power of angel number 1

Knowing how to act when angel number 1 visits you is one thing, but harnessing its power is another. When embarking on a new path, project, or goal with angel number 1 in mind, Woodward says to try to be as positive as possible. “[Angel number 1] holds the power for instant manifestation,” she reveals, noting that if your thoughts are negative, you could unintentionally welcome not-so-great things to happen in your life. It’s very much a “fake it until you make it” type of energy and having faith that things will work out in your favor—especially if you’re struggling to see the outcome right now.

While on the topic of negativity, Tierney points out that angel number 1, while often lauded for its positive vibrations, has a dark side, too. “The lower vibration of the number one can be interpreted as selfish, isolating, and narrow-focused,” she warns. As such, if you embrace the signs from the universe and take angel number 1 to heart, don’t be surprised if some people interpret your self-love and devotion as self-centered. At the same time, though, make sure to not let a positive sign from the universe tailspin you into a self-absorbed quest. It’s all about balance.

If you’d like to go deeper into the magic of angel number 1, Sunday says to refer to your birth chart, specifically, your sun sign. “This is your ego expression in its highest and best form and will help you radiate the single purpose your soul is meant to shine outwardly,” Sunday explains. Embrace these strengths and skills and you’re on your way to honoring the power of angel number 1.