Numbers have almost magical powers at times.  For instance, when we step on the scale, the number that pops up seems to have the ability to shape our self image in a positive or negative way.  Or when we're in competition, the number one has a greater attraction than does number three.  This fascination with numbers has a long history.  Pythagoras, a Greek philosopher, mathematician and astrologer who was born about 580 BC believed that everything can be expressed as a numerical value, allowing man to understand the structure of the universe a little easier.  He believed each number has its own personality and certain figures are stronger than others.  Odd numbers are considered to be more powerful and therefore, masculine while even numbers are thought to be less strong and therefore, feminine.  Your your life number will remain dominant throughout your lifetime and it indicates the lesson you are to learn in this lifetime.  To compute your life number, add together the numbers of your date of birth.  For instance if you were born on 19th of October 1964, your life number would be 1+9+1+0+1+9+6+4 = 31 (add these numbers together)....3+1 = 4 which is your life number.  Your birth number is another name for life number which in this example is 4.  If the figures come to 11 or 22, these are not reduced any further as they represent Master Numbers and have special significance.  Source: Predicting Your Future by Crescent.