Angel Numbers: What the Universe Is Trying to Tell You

Picture this: you’re waiting in line at a cafe and get a text at 11:11 a.m. Then, your receipt reads $11.11. You might think it’s a coincidence—that is, until you pass a car with the number 1111 etched on its license plate. Suddenly, you wonder if the pattern is more than that. According to numerology, repeating number sequences like 1111 are considered “angel numbers,” and they’re translating specific spiritual messages. But what exactly are angel numbers, and how can you interpret them?

While angel numbers are mainstream nowadays, the idea that numerology (or that numbers are assigned specific energy) dates back to ancient civilizations. Our ancestors in Egypt and Babylon believed in numerical symbolism, and even Greek philosopher and polymath Pythagoras held that numbers had mystical properties. “Within the field of numerology, the concept of numbers as messages from the divine and vibrational patterns that impact our lives were already established and in use for thousands of years,” says Novalee Wilder, a certified numerologist. 

There are different systems of numerology, too, meaning the specific numerical personality is different depending on which system you follow. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that author Doreen Virtue modernized what we know of “angel numbers” today. So what should you think if you see a specific sequence of numbers? Keep reading to learn all about angel numbers and what the universe might be trying to tell you.

What are angel numbers trying to tell you?

Angel numbers are any set of repeating number sequences. In numerology, angel numbers possess spiritual energy and are said to be important messages from the universe. Because angel numbers work in accordance with numerology's tenets, each number is associated with a specific vibrational frequency, and their spiritual meaning can vary depending on their numerical arrangement. 

Angel numbers are generally a green light to stay the course you’re on (you’re on the right path!)—and they usually appear when you need to hear it the most. “Angels speak to us in synchronistic ways, which basically means that we will see something over and over again, so much so that it goes beyond mere coincidence,” says celebrity aura reader and spirit guide Megan Michaela Firester, who goes by Mystic Michaela. “One of these ways is through numbers.”

Angel numbers are often analogized to radio frequencies, where tuning into a particular station omits a certain frequency. Think of angel numbers as the universe tuning into a specific Spotify station—the spiritual message it generates is specially curated for you. “Seeing a repeating number is like your angel pointing to you and making you feel seen and heard,” says Firester. “They are trying to get your attention, and the numbers they send have meanings.”

While angel numbers like 1111 or 333 are widely recognized as spiritual numerals, you should know that not all angel numbers have a single digit repeated. Numbers such as 1234 and 321 possess a spiritual meaning, too.

In the case of whether angel numbers are real, Wilder explains that if they feel that way, then they might be. “Seeing angel numbers rarely happens in a vacuum, and communication with our angels is not a one-way walkie-talkie,” she explains. Wilder says interacting with angel numbers, like asking for a yes or no answer regarding something in your life, is part of dispelling doubt over the validity of angel numbers. “If the reply is unclear, simplify your question,” she says. “Be open to the answer getting delivered in the easiest possible way.”

Read on to learn all about the spiritual meaning of angel numbers.

What is the spiritual significance of angel numbers?

As spirituality has become more mainstream in recent years, so have angel numbers. Wilder says angel numbers are an easy way to dip your toes into spiritual practices. “Getting messages from the spiritual realm is not reserved for psychics,” she says. “We all have a spiritual team that is supporting and helping us in any way it can. Using numbers as a way to catch our attention is one of the ways they work.”

And “people are realizing they are truly connected to the magic that exists all around them,” says spiritual advisor and intuitive mentor Diana Zalucky, known as The Empress Advisor. “Angel numbers are a gentle and loving invitation to build trust in your own spiritual connection.” What’s more, some angel numbers even indicate that you might be on the verge of a spiritual awakening or warn of a divine imbalance in your life. But regardless of where you’re at in your journey, using the magic of angel numbers is a great way to get in touch with the spiritual realm.

For example, seeing iterations of the number 1, like angel numbers 111 or 1111 can indicate new beginnings. Spiritually, this could be signaling a need to implement new practices that’ll align you closer to your path, or that you’re entering a new era altogether. Angel number 222, which is associated with connection and balance could mean you’ll meet someone who may act as a guide toward your spiritual path or that you should harmonize your material and spiritual worlds.

To help you better understand angel numbers, experts break down all your common questions, from what angel numbers mean to why you keep seeing angel numbers everywhere you go.

What are the angel numbers’ meanings?

You keep seeing angel numbers, but you have no idea what’s behind the repeating numbers’ meaning. Whether it’s 222 angel numbers, 333 angel numbers, 444 angel numbers, or other sequences, these numbers hold symbolic messages just waiting to be deciphered. “In numerology, repeating numbers are seen as an amplification of energy,” says Wilder. “The more a number shows up around a person, the stronger the vibration behind it, which is influencing that person’s life. Seeing a number tripled means that the full potential of that energy is present.”

Read on to find out what the universe is trying to tell you through angel numbers.

111

One is a powerful number for manifestation, which is part of why many make a wish when they see it repeated in a sequence, like 11:11 on a clock. “When you see 111, think of the universe as taking a screenshot of your frame of mind,” Firester says. “Whatever is going on—all your thoughts, visualizations, goals, and dreams—they are going to be replicated.” So when you see this sequence, ensuring your thoughts and energy are focused on what you want can help usher that energy into existence, according to numerology.

Wilder adds that ones also “speak about beginnings, creation, and a focus on yourself.” When you see the angel number 111, your guardian angels are reminding you to pay attention to what’s starting to happen. “Seeing repeating ones is an indicator that you’re ready to respond and engage with the world. No need to wait—go share, teach, and pass on your knowledge. Trust your intuition,” Wilder says.

222

In this sometimes-rigidly goal-prioritizing world where we live, it can be easy to get tripped up on not being at a certain progress point, which can lead you to compare yourself to others. When you see the number two everywhere, Firester says it can be interpreted as an angel-number reminder to be present, enjoy the moment, and trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Seeing 222 angel numbers also speaks to relationships and heart connections, says Wilder: “It’s about giving and receiving in equal measure.” She also agrees with Firester about this number being a sign to be present: “Seeing lots of twos tells you to have fun and let go. Don’t overthink your next steps.”

333

This sequence is a prompt from the angels to bring more balance into your life. “They want you to look at the areas of your life that are not fully rounded out, and self-correct,” Firester says. “Get some meditation going, embark on that workout routine, and finally start that vision board you’ve been procrastinating on.”

According to Wilder, 333 angel numbers also deal with work, ambition, and luck. “They tell you to own your goals and expertise, to step through the door from student to master,” she says. Think of it like this: “If you believed you had luck on your side and could not fail, what would you do?” asks Wilder.

444

If you’re navigating a challenge, and have been trying to get guidance from your spirit guide or signs from the universe, noticing the number four all around you can serve as evidence that you’re being heard. “Your angels are guiding you, surrounding you, and answering your prayers of protection,” Firester says. In fact, 444 angel numbers are basically a spiritual hug from your ancestors—in good times and bad.

Angel number 4 also relates to change and transformation. “Seeing repeating fours is a sign that you have what it takes and will make it through,” says Wilder. Focus on your support systems, build a foundation, and trust the ride.”

555

When you start spotting angel number 555, that means change is coming. Before you get worried, know that the change is a good thing, even if it might be uncomfortable. “Change can be seen as a negative thing, but with the right mindset and the right alignment to your goals, it’s actually your angel’s way of readjusting your life to fit with what you want to happen,” Firester says. “Life will look different when you get what you want.”

Wilder adds that seeing the angel number five is also indicative of inspiration, which “is coming through other people and your connection to them, however fleeting.” With this particular number, says Wilder, you might benefit from being open to messages from conversations happening around you as well as the lyrics to your favorite song.

666

Though this is often referred to as “the number of the beast,” numerologists say the repeating numbers’ meaning isn’t actually anything to be afraid of. Seeing triple sixes is more of a reality check. “This is a strong message from your angel guardians to take personal responsibility in your own life, and ask yourself in all areas, ‘What do I need to do differently?’” Firester says.

Another way to conceptualize 666 is “love on the deepest level,” says Wilder. “This could be the angels pointing you to family or close relationships, that your ancestors are in the wings waiting to help, or that you need extra protection and guidance in the near future.”

777

Repeating sevens are basically the universe urging you to relax and let go of your fears for the future. “Give up your control of what’s going to happen next,” Firester says. Instead, embrace the present and trust that everything is always working out for you.

Wilder wholeheartedly agrees, calling this angel number “a message from our higher self.” If you see this angel number, Wilder suggests making time to daydream, meditate, and doodle. This might help you be more open to the messages the universe is trying to send you.

888

“The number eight is about infinity, or the endless loop of energy,” Firester says. “Seeing it means that you are effortlessly going with the natural flow and rhythm of what your angels have in store for you.” In other words, it’s like a pat on the back and a reminder to be grateful for how far you’ve come.

Eights also correlate with predestined things and karmic lessons as well as authenticity. “Seeing lots of eights means it is time to be bold and strike,” says Wilder. “There is nowhere to hide, so own your choices and speak your mind.”

999

You’ll likely see repeating nines when you’ve been working on something for a while, and it brings good news in tow. “This number means that the cycle of what you have been doing is reaching completion,” Firester says. “You are at the finish line of your end goals, and it’s time to start leveling up to visualize some new ones.”

A quick Wilder tip for making sure that your visions do, in fact, level up: “Look at boundaries, anger, temptation, and material things. Nines signify endings and sometimes that means being woken up to some harsh truth or injustice.”

Where can you find angel numbers?

One of the best things about these spiritual numbers is that they’re all around you. “Angel numbers can show up anywhere, in both ordinary situations and times of intense emotion or change,” says Wilder. “They can show up as timestamps, the numbers in our birthday, plays on a YouTube video, license plates, totals on receipts, passing conversations, times you see a specific sign… any repeated sighting of a number is a sign that there is a message there.”

That means you don’t need to go out looking for angel numbers—they’ll come to you. But if you’re not seeing them yet and want to, don’t worry. Wilder says it could be because you simply need a break. Perhaps your focus is somewhere else, or you need to “release control of how we connect with the other side.”

But that doesn’t mean your time won’t come. “While seeing angel numbers can be an everyday occurrence for some, for others it’s tied to specific seasons and times of our lives,” says Wilder. If you suddenly go from 0 to 100, seeing angel numbers everywhere when you never did before, get ready: “This is a time of spiritual awakening that can come with more gifts coming ‘online’ for us,” she adds. (And, of course, more exciting opportunities to do a deep-dive into the repeating numbers’ meaning.)

How to decipher angel numbers’ meanings with your intuition

Having awareness and noticing angel numbers pop up is the first step in working with them. The second is deciphering angel numbers’ meanings. While looking up their meanings online can be helpful, they can’t necessarily tell you the whole story. “A Google search of the numbers can give you a jumping-off point, but they won’t tell you what they mean specifically for you,” Wilder says. “That’s all intuition.”

That’s because the messages that angel numbers are conveying can be specific to the person, where they are on their individual path, and what guidance or answers they’re looking for. One person might be undergoing professional shifts, so they may be ruminating on their job or what move they want to make next. Someone else might be mulling over a specific relationship on their mind. So while these two may encounter the same angel number, and the generic messaging may be similar, because the themes are different, the message in its entirety could be different.

To better understand the tailored message the universe is trying to tell you, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Create quiet and stillness

To tap into your intuitive powers, Zalucky recommends getting quiet and asking what angel numbers mean to you specifically—then listening for the answer. Wilder adds this can be done through meditation or another mindfulness practice.

“Our intuitive gifts aren’t a one-way street where all we can do is interpret the symbols we’re given,” says Wilder. “You can meditate on a question or challenge, ask for specific signs, and engage with your intuition in whatever way feels right to you.”

2. Notice when the angel numbers show up

Keep track of your environment when you run into an angel number. “We call them angel numbers because they signify that you’re being helped or guided from up high and to follow the impulses and path you’re on,” says Wilder. “Most of them are tied to a specific state or energy that’s available to you in that moment.” Read: The angel number’s timing is no coincidence.

That’s why Wilder recommends noticing the context of when spiritual numbers show up. What’s happening in those moments? Were you thinking about something specific? Did something happen before or after? This is how the universe helps you tune into the frequencies of specific angel numbers, and noticing those details can provide clues to their meaning.

3. Pay attention to how you feel

Being aware of your emotional state at the moment you see angel numbers is a key component to deciphering its message. “Take note of how you feel in your body,” Zalucky says of when you see these spiritual numbers come up. “It doesn’t lie.” Did your body respond in a certain way? Did you get butterflies, feel uneasy, or excited when you noticed it?1

Wilder notes that this may be tricky for some people, especially if they’ve been disconnected from their intuition, but stick with it. It just takes some practice. Once you pinpoint the feeling, Wilder also advises cultivating more of that feeling, whether it’s flow, love, trust, faith, or something else to help bring the messages to light.

Why do I keep seeing angel numbers?

If you keep seeing angel numbers everywhere you go, take it as a very clear message from the universe. “The numbers we see can hold general or specific meanings and messages. They are often confirmations and positive affirmations of where we are going and what we are currently doing,” says Wilder. “They can be immediate feedback on a situation or pattern we’re experiencing. They could be a message from our specific angels, passed loved ones, or our higher selves. We see angel numbers when we are opening up to our inherent spirituality and if we are leveling up in some way.”

Another thing to note about angel numbers is that they’re not just messages but rather calls to action. Implementing and acting on the nuggets of wisdom angel numbers provide is how you can harness their power to improve your life, Wilder says.

If the action step is unclear, Zalucky recommends simply coming back to stillness and asking what you should do next. “You will be surprised how easily the answer comes to you,” she says. “Many don’t trust their own [intuitive] downloads because they believe it can’t be that easy.”

Furthermore, the message may not always be a specific thing you have to do, per se. Zalucky says maybe it’s about changing your perception in some way or shifting your beliefs about something. “You get to choose how you use those messages,” she says. (Isn’t intuition fabulous?)

How to ask for angel numbers as a sign from the universe

Not only are you the sole interpreter of the messages delivered by angel numbers, but you can also petition the universe to see angel numbers as a sign (!!!). According to Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times best-selling author and spirituality expert, you can ask for signs for confirmation or guidance on pretty much anything. She recommends being clear about what you’re asking for:

1. 1.
   Decide what your sign will be (in this case, a repeating sequence of angel numbers)
2. 2.
   Specify when you’d like to receive the sign
3. 3.
   Wait for it to show up

Once you see the angel numbers as your sign, though, Wilder emphasizes that it’s important to act on them as soon as possible. Don’t ask for five more signs as a confirmation. Delaying action, Wilder says, isn’t good for cultivating trust in your own intuition or for your spirit guides who are trying to help you.

If you have an interest in numerology and want to learn more, you can even take things to the next level by finding your numerology compatibility. There’s so much to cover, and this is truly just the beginning of your journey.