The modern mainstream scientific community often discredits sciences such as numerology, astrology and graphology and says that no proof exists of their validity. Traditional scientific “experts” sometimes even call these esoteric, empirically based sciences “pseudo sciences.” Skepticism of numerology and astrology is usually misplaced.

Underwood Dudley, PhD in mathematics and author of “Numerology, or What Pythagoras Wrought,” calls numerology “folly” and says, “…there is nothing wrong with mysticism…on the other hand, everything is wrong with numerology…numbers do not control events…(numerology is) the belief that things happen because numbers make them happen…(e.g., 2 is wet and cold–if your number is 2, you tend to be wet and cold)…I maintain that Pythagoras was a successful cult leader, and that  is essentially all that he was.”

It sounds as if Dr Dudley may feel he’s contributed more to the fields of math and science than Pythagoras. The great philosopher Plato was strongly influenced by Pythagoras’ doctrines, so it’s doubtful Plato would have agreed with Dr Dudley. Pythagoras is known, among other things, for the hypotenuse theorem, or the Pythagorean Theorem. He’s also known as the “father of number ;” he established the scientific foundation for mathematics and the philosophy of numbers.

Aside from excluding from his book virtually all valued comprehensive numerology techniques, Dr Dudley points out the superficiality of some modern numerologists’ methods. This may be justified since too many published numerology books offer only a glimpse into the complex science and, or fail to put it in the best context. However, numerology (otherwise known as number mysticism) is a form of mysticism and anyone who has objectively studied the science comes to understand that events and personality traits are represented by numbers, not controlled by them.

Since his statements against numerology are so strong, one expects Dr Dudley to decisively invalidate the science. Yet, he fails to do this.

It’s important to note that hypothesis or theory cannot be proven, it can only be invalidated. Graphology, numerology and astrology have never been scientifically shown to be invalid. Seasoned numerologists and astrologers consistently predict fated circumstances and accurately identify personality traits.

Although there are few or no documented cases of accredited researchers supporting the science of astrology or numerology, the field of graphology has been investigated by academic investigators.

In order for money to be available to fund research in accredited institutions, a donor or corporation has to make a contribution. Do most benefactors indirectly or directly control and dictate what the funds are used for? Yes. In today’s world it is unlikely an individual or corporate donor will designate funds towards numerology or astrology research; they are not areas that help to directly cure disease or support the marketing of corporate promotional efforts.

Contrary to popular opinion, traditional scientific theories are not unshakable. That which is discarded by the orthodox scientific community today may very well be embraced by the world tomorrow. The history of science is full of widely held notions refuted by overlooked data. Established scientific standards and belief systems today are constantly being challenged by new discoveries. Old paradigms are shattered, and exciting new platforms are established. Some of these new discoveries and data are publicized, but many are suppressed.

The 9,000 year-old Caucasian skeleton found in Washington state crushes countless modern-day anthropological ideals. The Egyptian monuments and hieroglyphics found on South Pacific Islands deeply threaten many modern-day celebrated notions as do the discoveries of tops of pyramids and other ancient man-made edifices that rise up through the sea beds in the depths of some of the world’s oceans. Many of modern science’s cherished ideals are regularly trounced by overwhelming evidence of more valid concepts. Remember the theory that the world is flat or the theory that the sun revolves around the Earth?

Unfortunately, there is a herd mentality developed in any esteemed group and the general population usually places the “science authorities” on pedestals. If a researcher varies from the accepted philosophies (or those that are dictated to them indirectly by their funding sources), they risk becoming an outcast; there’s too much at stake to vary from the customary standards.

How do we “validate” the sciences of numerology, astrology and graphology? For that matter, how do we prove that unconditional love, intuition, or happiness exist? The inability to see the stars during the day does not mean they don’t exist.

We are unable to see water evaporating, yet this does not disprove the cycle of evaporation and precipitation. One must view the sciences of numerology, astrology and graphology from an intuitive, unconventional perspective to begin to understand their inherent validity. Yes, newspaper horoscopes are like poetry–meant to be amusing, and applying only a few numerological aspects towards personality analysis or prediction is like expecting to get in shape with one minute of exercise each week; a more thorough approach is necessary for results.

Copyright © 2004 Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo