HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: If I had a dollar for every time I see 9:11 on the clock, or 12:34, or 11:11, I’d be so rich! I see my birthday, too, 10:17. SO often!
Is it that I just don’t remark on the other numbers, and only remember the special ones?
My parents had a tradition that when either saw 11:11, no matter where they were,they'd think of each other. Jonathan and I do that, too.
Do you see certain numbers?
Do you think it’s random or coincidence or selective notice?
Angel Numbers
Has it ever happened to you? Everywhere you look, you seem to see the same sequence of repeated numbers. Wake up in the middle of the night, it’s 4:44. Glance at your cellphone: 4:44. Walk the dog and notice a car drive by with a license that begins or ends with 444. At first, you dismiss it as coincidence, but then it keeps on happening. There’s a brochure for the new pizza takeout in your mailbox and their address is 444 Pine Street. And you begin to wonder, could it mean anything?
That depends. To believers of numerology, every number, from our date of birth to our house number, has a unique meaning and holds significance in our everyday lives. And because we are surrounded by numbers, those who believe in spirit guides also believe numbers allow them to communicate with us, which is why they are referred to as “angel numbers.”
Of course, not everyone believes in spirit guides, and skeptics have been known to call numerology a pseudoscience—a practice or belief that claims to be factual but is incompatible with scientific method.
They will tell you that angel numbers are nonsense, or that your repeated sightings of 4-4-4 are nothing more than coincidence created by confirmation bias. In other words, you are looking for, and therefore noticing, incidents of 4-4-4 in the same way you might be noticing white Honda Civics after buying one. That there were always plenty of white Honda Civics, but you just didn’t pay attention because there had been no reason to do so before you owned one.
In my latest Marketville mystery, Before There Were Skeletons, my protagonist, cold case private investigator Calamity (Callie) Barnstable finds herself seeing a whole lot of 5-5-5s. Could it be some sort of sign?
She’s not superstitious by nature, but business has been slow and she’s willing to grasp at any straw.
And so, she emails Misty Rivers, a self-proclaimed psychic and Tarot card reader who has helped her with cases in the past, but has since married and moved to British Columbia, two thousand-plus miles away.
Misty answers promptly, providing an explanation of both numerology and angel numbers, and, to her credit, the admission that some folks view the latter as confirmation bias, but concludes with the following message: “Just as in Tarot, there can be many interpretations for the same sequence of numbers. In the case of 5-5-5, however, the most likely message is that significant changes are coming your way.”
Misty goes on to remind Callie that change is inevitable and that without it our lives would be stagnant, and concludes with, “Facing change and new opportunities with an open mind will allow you to view things from a different perspective.”
Callie’s not sure whether she sides with the skeptics or the spirit guides, but she’s about to find out one thing: plenty of changes are coming her way, and they all start with a single cold case.
Do you believe in angel numbers?
HANK: You must notice, at least, right? Tell us what you see!
About Before There Were Skeletons
The last time anyone saw Veronica Goodman was the night of February 14, 1995, the only clue to her disappearance a silver heart-shaped pendant, found in the parking lot behind the bar where she worked. Twenty-seven years later, Veronica’s daughter, Kate, just a year old when her mother vanished, hires Past & Present Investigations to find out what happened that fateful night.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable is drawn to the case, the similarities to her own mother’s disappearance on Valentine’s Day 1986 hauntingly familiar. A disappearance she thought she’d come to terms with. Until Veronica’s case, and five high school yearbooks, take her back in time…a time before there were skeletons.
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqXVze
About the Author
A former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the bestselling author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries and the Marketville Mysteries. Her short crime fiction appears in several collections, including the Superior Shores Anthologies, which she also edited.
Judy is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she served as Chair on the Board of Directors. She lives in Northern Ontario on the shores of Lake Superior. Find her at judypenzsheluk.com.
Congratulations, Judy, on your new book . . . I’m definitely looking forward to discovering how Callie’s latest case works out . . . .
ReplyDeleteA while ago, I read something somewhere about angel numbers, but I must admit I don’t really remember much about them. However, this number thing is quite fascinating, but I have to ask if there is a reason that all the numbers are palindromes [which I always notice] . . . .
Thanks Joan on the congrats. As far as palindrome numbers, I've read that numbers like 111, 222 etc. are considered lucky in some cultures -- that's why folks might pick 2/2/22 for a wedding day. When you see numbers like 808 or 909, that's apparently a sign to go back and reset/change something in your life. There are a lot of interpretations, and it is fascinating. It worked well to get Callie on the case!
DeleteOhhhhh—good point! So it draws our attention?
ReplyDeleteI do notice that I see "angel numbers" quite often. I didn't know they were called angel numbers though. The two that I seem to see a lot are 11:11 and 3:33 on the clock. I've wondered if that sort of thing makes someone more susceptible to spiritual connections. I know that some people, including my husband, never think about seeing numbers like this. But, I don't seem to have any pipeline to the deceased, so I maybe I just look at the clock too much.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I seem to be really into cold case stories lately, so I think your new book is right up my alley.
Thanks Kathy, I hope you'll check it out. The entire Marketville series deals in cold cases, though you don't have to read in order (or all) to figure things out. I will say that with each book, the plots get a bit more complicated.
DeleteAs for 1111, there are a few theories, but one is that it foretells a positive event, another that you are in for a spiritual awakening. 333 is supposed to be a sign of accepting mind, body and soul and embracing your life. Again, all of this is subjective.
Re your husband comment -- I just asked me husband if he believed in angel numbers. He said "age numbers?" No, I tell him, angel numbers. "Never heard of them so how can I believe in them." Too funny.
So funny, whenever I mention it, my husband looks sweetly baffled. I think it is so out of his realm that he cannot even comment, and just lets me talk. :-)
DeleteKathy, when you see 11:11 on the clock, you're supposed to make a wish!
DeleteJudy, thank you for that interesting information about those two numbers. And, I think it's time I started reading your series. Hank, I'm going to mention it to my husband to see just what his reaction is. Julia, I've missed a lot of wish opportunities. Now that I know that, I'll probably never see it again.
DeleteI do wonder if it is more that we are thinking of these numbers and that's why we notice them.
ReplyDeleteFor years, I noticed 157 quite a bit, which was one of my first apartment numbers after college. But I don't see it nearly as much as I used to.
Mark, I find it interesting that you used to see the number of your first apt, and now not so much. To me it would be a sign that you have moved on from the past, whereas earlier you were still nostalgic.
DeleteSure, that makes sense… Because it’s a meaningful number!
DeleteCongratulations on the new book, Judy - it's on my pile!
ReplyDeleteAngel numbers. Huh. I've never heard the term. The sequences I notice are when dates are in beautiful symmetry: 11/11/11, for example, and then if you catch 11:11 on that day, you are all lined up! Once the year got beyond 2012, those got harder, unless one writes dates European style with the month in the middle. Coming up in November will be 22/11/22.
We also write our dates the same way in Canada, Edith.
DeleteThanks Edith! And Grace is right, in Canada we write dates as 22/11/22, I suspect a British influence holdover.
DeleteYes, the European style gives us so many more possibilities for fun numbers!
DeleteNot numerology - much - but I keep all emails about book club talks, signings, conferences, etc. in their own subfolders under the label "Appearances." I head each one up with the date, and of course I started with the American system: 10/26/19 and so on. I very quickly realized the superiority of the European version after a few years when I had to scroll through a bunch of October dates from different years to get to the event I was currently working on. So I switched my headers to 22/10/26 and now it's much easier to find what I need.
DeleteJudy, congrats on the new book!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I've ever even heard the term "angel numbers" before now. However, I do seem to notice the time of 9:41 (usually in the a.m.) a lot. But I think my reason for noticing that is that my favorite radio station is 94.1 WHJY out of Providence, RI.
As an off-topic aside, my local library's Mystery Book Club met in person last night for the first time since March 2020. We talked about Rhys Bowen's HER ROYAL SPYNESS book and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the book a lot and a few people who haven't read the series before said they were going to continue reading the books.
Thank you Jay. And interesting that you see 9:41 a lot. According to angel number lore, 941 is a symbol of perseverance, courage and sincerity. Of interest: Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone at 9:41 on Jan. 9, 2007. Coincidence? Or planned. Who knows?
DeleteWow, that is fascinating, so strange! And Jay, absolutely I have looked at the digital numbers on a radio and thought it was the time. I was listening to 102.5, and thought it was 10:25 AM. my poor brain. :/)
DeleteJudy, congratulations on your latest. You are a new-to-me author and this series sounds like a perfect fit for my TBR list. I will begin with book #1.
ReplyDeleteI do notice numbers and have always felt there was a magical connection of some sort. I remember them easily most of the time, phone numbers, birth dates, library card (14 number sequence), credit cards, name it! I, too, see my birth date on the clock all the time, Hank, and 11:11, "Make a wish."
Thanks so much Judy, I really appreciate that. If you read e-books, your best bet is to buy the Marketville Box Set (first 3 books) for $9.99 vs. paying $4.99 per book.
DeleteI love that you make a wish on 11:11 and I didn't think there was anyone else out there that remembered their bank account numbers and credit card numbers. I do that too and it always seems to surprise someone if they ask for it and I don't have to look it up.
Yes, make a wish! Absolutely. And think of someone you love. xx
DeleteOf course I do. Lately, it seems I have caught 12:34, both times, a lot. If that has an angel message, though, I'm afraid I have not gotten it yet.
ReplyDeleteMore than coincidental numbers, I have so often heard something on the radio and driven past a sign with that same phrase, at the very second is saying it. Some days it happens more than once.
Judy, the book sounds great! So happy to have a new one from you.
Hi Karen, according to my research, 1234 means you are on the right track in life and your goals and ambitions will come to fruition as long as you put in the hard work. Nothing wrong with that!
DeleteThanks for your good wishes and hope you enjoy the book. I am really excited about it.
Oh, yes, I have completely had that happen with words! It is really really strange.
DeleteLove that idea, Judy. It's comforting to think I could be on the right track. To what, though, is the question.
DeleteInteresting! Before everyone had digital clocks it wouldn't have been nearly as noticeable when it was 11:11 or similar. I notice combinations of 4s and 6s because those dates are in my birthdate, which is interesting in itself. My nephew's birthdate is even more interesting: 5-6-78! I doubt seeing numbers mean much of anything really but what do I know!
ReplyDeleteHi Judi, Interesting about your nephew's birthdate. I am sure that would be considered a lucky string or something along those lines if you were a believer. Or a lottery player!
DeleteWhat a perfectly wonderful birthdate!
DeleteAnd yes, it’s all about digital clocks!
DeleteJUDY: Congratulations on the new Marketville book! As a Toronto native, I enjoyed reading the earlier books set in a fictional town north of the big city.
ReplyDeleteHmm, angel numbers is a term I had not heard of. I do notice when I see times on my microwave or laptop such as 11:11 or 3:33.
And I remembered that we recently had the unique palindrome of 22/02/2022 earlier this year. It was the day before my birthday.
Hi Grace and fellow Toronto native! Thanks for reading the series. And now you might be watching for 1111 and 333 more often -- confirmation bias? Or a sign. Depends who you ask.
DeleteI think our brains notice the symmetry, it’s just got to be that. And as for messages, well, what do we know :-) ?
DeleteCongratulations on the book, Judy!
ReplyDeleteI think the one I probably "notice" most often is 11:11, but not so frequently that I think it has any special meaning.
Thank you Liz, and I think 1111 is something we notice because it is easy.
DeleteXxxx!
DeleteCongratulations Judy! I have to say, I notice numbers a lot because I had to work with them so much as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. We had to memorize the 100 blocks of the major streets (how our address system works) and the police 10 codes (10-11, going in service, 10-82 lunch break etc..) and special "sensitive incident" codes so we didn't say certain words on the radio. One example that mystery writers and readers might like is that Killingsworth Street is the 5500 block (55 blocks from Burnside which divides north from south) and the sensitive incident code for a dead body was 55K. Coincidence?
ReplyDeleteThe number I used the most in my work was my DPSST number (Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) Mine was 16678. I used it to sign into my computer and it was attached to every keystroke I made, every call I sent up, every officer or medical unit I dispatched on a call. When I look at it today, it feels like my identity. In the '90s I decided to spring for a new Oregon trail license plate for my car. The plate I received was 678 (and then 3 letters). It felt like a gift from the universe. I have kept that plate through several different cars.
Gillian, that is all absolutely fascinating...and I got goosebumps thinking of your license plate. As for Killingsworth Street and 55K -- I've got to think it was someone thinking and linking. Thanks for sharing all that info. It would make an interesting addition to a book.
DeleteWow— you got 678? That is such an amazing… Coincidence?
DeleteThe Universe is with you, Gillian, clearly.
DeleteThanks Hank and the Reds for having me back. I read this blog daily and it's a thrill to be part of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an intriguing topic, right? I also see 911 all the time, I mean— all the time!
ReplyDeleteAnd once I had a very powerful dream, and woke up, and it was 4:11, and I thought “oh, that’s information! It means I should write the dream down.”. And I did. So funny how our minds work!
Hank, you wrote the dream down -- did you ever use any of it in a book? Curious.
DeleteAhh..no. It was just--life lessons.
DeleteJudy, I will definitely be looking for this series! I especially like finding a new series author to read. I don't notice numbers very often. I forgot my own house number one morning--pretty sure that was the universe telling me to de-stress.
ReplyDeleteOh dear! Yes, I fear you are right….:-)
DeleteHi Flora, thank you, I hope you enjoy the series. It has an average rating of 4.3 on Amazon and Goodreads so most people seem to like it (of course, there are always exceptions!). Forgetting your house number is NOT a good sign!
DeleteCongratulations on the new book, Judy! I confess that I'm always boosted when I notice my birthday numbers (918) on the clock, as if the universe (or an angel?) was saying hello. Fun post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gay, and yes, I get a kick out of it if I see 714 (my birthday). No idea if it's the universe checking in though :-)
DeleteDefinitely the universe saying it's happy you were born! xx
DeleteHank, what a lovely thought!
DeleteI thought I was the only one who noticed 11:11 and so forth on the clock. Or 4:44. Whenever I see a balanced number on the clock it stops me a moment and I remember to take a mindful breath.
ReplyDeleteHere's a story, though... I also notice the time on the clock when I get up in the night to use the bathroom. Once as I got back into bed I saw it was 4:47. I thought it was odd because I usually wake closer to 2:30. So I looked again and the clock said 2:23. Okay, so I misread it, right? I woke up some time later (I often wake up a few times in the night) and as I lay in bed, I thought... I bet it's 4:47. I turned my head slowly and looked at the clock....And sure enough it was 4:47.
Did I experience the same time twice? Didn't Einstein propose parallel lives for all of us?? Anyway, if I did experience something amazing, why did it have to happen in the middle of the night on the way to the bathroom?
JC, you're not alone. I too get up in the middle of the night and I always check the clock. Funny, though, I don't really pay it any never mind unless it's 2:22 or 3:33. Confirmation bias?
DeleteI always check the clock. And it's OFTEN exactly the same. 4:43. I thnk that is so weird. As for your experience..Ha! Yes, fine time. xx
DeleteNot sure if I notice numbers, although I do use similarities to remember new numbers - for instance, at our local library, you don't need a physical card if you can tell the librarian your card's number, and mine was one digit off from our street address. (Then our address was changed when we got universal 911 in our area, so now I remember the library card using a defunct home address!)
ReplyDeleteI do have a number I always grab when giving a random example or exaggerating: 57. Maybe a long-retained memory of Heinz ketchup?
Julia, you have a random number you always use? I've never heard of that!
DeleteI do the same. My number is 14 so I guess I don't exaggerate that much. Although sometimes I use 14,000 if I really want to make a point.
Delete42. Always my random choice. SO funny.
Delete42 is the answer to the secret of the universe! At least the Hitchhiker's version :)
DeleteI've seen a lot of 11:11s and 555s and "changes coming my way" is an understatement :)
ReplyDeleteDamyanti, I'm guessing you're a believer!
DeleteYou are about to be a mega-bestseller! xxxx
DeleteHank, I overslept this morning. Exhausted from a month of writing my murder mystery (short story) which I submitted a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteNumbers have always fascinated me. I noticed that my grandmother, my Mother and I were all born in years ending in 9!
When I was in high school, I remember reading that the American actress Linda Evans was fascinated by numerology.
For me, I notice the number 9:11, 2:34, and the number 13 as in Friday the 13th. Ha ha. I am not sure if it is only in America that 13 is a number meaning bad luck? And I am thinking about the 11th of November (11th month) on the 11th hour when the Armistice was signed. However, I did not think about 5:55.
And what about naval time with 24 hours instead of 12 hours in the AM and 12 hours in the PM?
And I remember that the Chinese language? or something have interesting things to say about different numbers like Seven?
Diana
Hi Diana (also responding to your next comment). I was married on Friday 13th. We celebrated 33 years this year. Lucky or unlucky? Depends on the day you ask me LOL. Hope you enjoy the new book. I loved LCC Vancouver. That was my last conference, cone to think of it, thanks to Covid and travel bans.
DeleteLast conference was LCC in San Diego though I was there for only one day due to my getting sick in hotels if I stay more than one night. I really wanted to go so I compromised by going for one day. My travel planning was BEFORE covid happened.
DeleteCongratulations on your 33 years of marriage!
Diana
My birthday is 10/17/49, and my husband's is 01/17/40. Isn't that funny? And I think in China, 8 is lucky.
DeleteAnd good luck on your story!
DeleteThank you, Hank.
DeleteDiana
Judy, Congratulations on your new novel! I remember seeing you at LCC in Vancouver and I was surprised that you remembered me from other mystery conferences!
ReplyDeleteLook forward to reading your novel,
Diana
I had no idea they were called "angel numbers" and though I was the only one who noticed! And palindrome numbers. And numbers that add or multiply to each other - like 9110 (9+1=10) or 238 (2-cubed is 8) - I think about numbers like that in the middle of the night when I can't fall asleep. Better than thinking about all the niggling little things that are keeping me up. Congratulations on the book, Judy! Delighted to see you here.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason now I can't post as me so...thanks Hallie and you really do take noticing numbers to the next level! Judy PS
DeleteDefinitely 11:11 and 1:11 and 5:55 ! My husband gets airplane numbers (he;'s a pilot) 747, etc. Are they angel numbers? Why not!
ReplyDeleteExactly Kat, why not? Judy PS
DeleteOh, that completely makes sense!
DeleteIn Germany and the German part of Switzerland, Repdigits, like 55, are called Schnapszahlen or (roughly translated) booze numbers, after the idea that drinking too much makes you see double. People here celebrate not just round birthdays like 40, but sometimes also repdigit ones like 33. These numbers are most important for weddings, however. This year so many people tried to get married on 02.02.2022 and 02.22.2022 that city halls all over German and Switzerland had to refuse large numbers of couples.
ReplyDeleteLove that! Yes, it’s fun to have a cool date…
DeleteAnd Kim, why I married on Friday 13th...always seemed lucky to me. Maybe because my parents were German???
DeleteTuning in late... Great to see you featured today, Judy.
ReplyDeleteYeah, 5 is my number. Born 05 05 1950, while living at 55 Beech Ave. I know a lucky number when I'm blessed with it at birth (and it makes it easy to fill in forms with the month and day...)
Thanks for tuning in Susan. And the 5's definitely surround you.
DeleteNever too late! And yes, 5 it is! xx
Delete