What Angel Numbers Mean — And What You’re Supposed to Do When You See Them

You’re meant to take certain actions over the course of your lifetime, and angel numbers are the signs pointing you in the direction of just exactly what those actions are, explains Mystic Michaela, author of The Angel Numbers Book. “Angel numbers are the messages your high vibrational being support team, otherwise known as your guardian angels, send you in order to give you support, guidance, or a nudge to go in a different direction,” she notes.

Here, the basics on angel numbers, how to decipher what your angels are telling you, and how to incorporate that wisdom into your life.

There’s no doubt synchronicity is a powerful tool, as patterns can’t help but stand out as unique or meaningful. That’s why repetition is one of the main hallmarks of angel numbers.  “When numbers occur more than one could consider a coincidence, synchronicity is at play,” says Michaela. “You’re going to see angel numbers often and repetitively. This is the language of your angels.”

Novalee Wilder, a professional numerologist and founder of The Numerology School and host of The Numerology Podcast, adds, “Seeing both repeating numbers and angel numbers are often part of a spiritual awakening, a period of time where our intuitive gifts start showing up or intensify in some way.”

You might see them on license plates, house, phone, and bank account numbers as well as in prices and on clocks, time stamps, etc., explains Wilder. “They could also be part of your birth date, favorite, or lucky numbers,” she says. “Getting messages from the spiritual realm is not reserved for psychics — 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 while noticing angel numbers might sound like a magical — and therefore, welcome — experience, it’s normal to feel a bit stressed out when you notice them. “When seeing any messages from your angels, you can expect a little jolt of fear from your ego-self — simply because it means higher self-change is coming,” says Michaela. “And that can make you feel unsafe.” Nonetheless, she reassures people that the message you’re receiving is “all for the good.”

Each angel number sequence has its own special meaning. Here’s what you need to know about them.

Repeating ones are the most common number sequence repeatedly experienced, according to Josh Siegel, a master numerologist who has been in practice for over two decades. “Essentially, the 11 signifies awakenings, illumination, and a potential quantum shift of awareness,” he says.

It’s time to shift out of old patterns or limiting beliefs. You may be ready to make a bigger move toward your higher purpose or challenge yourself as to what you can accomplish, explains Siegel. It’s also possible you’re gradually awakening to a more enlightened way of thinking.

Michaela adds that seeing repeating ones is a beautiful message of manifestation. “When you see it, the universe is going to take a screenshot of your mindset to replicate it all around you,” she notes. “Whatever is going on — all your thoughts, energy, goals, and dreams — they are going to be replicated.”

She recommends seeing ones as an opportunity to adopt a positive, proactive mindset. “No matter what is going on in your life, quickly start focusing on something, anything small you can be grateful for,” says Michaela. “Or you could start repeating a mantra a few times just to ‘reset’ yourself, such as, ‘I am enough’ or ‘I am thankful for love in my life.'”

In short, you want to be thinking about something you’d like to see the universe recreate for you — be that love, career opportunities, gratitude, abundance, etc. This way, you can manifest your best life moving forward, says Michaela.

This is what Michaela refers to as an “angel trust fall.” “Your angels ask you to trust your place in life right now,” she explains. “You are in the right place at the right time. Take a look around and enjoy the moment. It’s all where it’s supposed to be.”

Threes speak to equilibrium. “Your angels remind you to balance your mind, body, and spirit connection,” notes Michaela.

If you see threes, start meditating, try a new workout routine, or start that vision board you’ve been procrastinating on, because your angels want you to look at the areas of your life that are not fully in balance — and self-correct, she explains.

Siegel adds that speaking and writing, as well as creative expression, fall under the three. “Are you owning your creative talents or suppressing them?” he asks. “Is there a cause you can speak up for or do you have a powerful story to tell about your life experiences? You are being asked to use your voice in a way you may not have before. Find a way to integrate this message into your life.”

Fours signify protective magic, says Michaela. “This number assures you that you are being heard,” she notes. “Your angels are guiding you, surrounding you, and answering your prayers of protection. It may be a time of struggle, but you are being led into the light by your guardians. Take a moment to thank your angels for their protective presence in your life.

If you’re seeing fives, you’re receiving a strong message from your angels that big change is headed your way. (No doubt plenty of people are seeing this one ahead of this week’s solar eclipse.)

“The five is showing you the way to a new life filled with excitement and adventure,” explains Siegel. “Take a chance and sell a new idea, travel to a far-off location or be a dynamic entrepreneur. Dead-end jobs or stifling relationships may need to be looked at. Do you feel restless or trapped? Opportunities may knock at your door but why wait?”

Although change can be seen as negative, acknowledges Michaela, with the right mindset and the right alignment to your goals, it’s actually your angels’ way of readjusting your life to fit with what you want to happen. “Life will look different when you get what you want,” she says.

Sixes send a message related to personal responsibility and self-reflection. “It’s a powerful reminder to stop focusing on the material world so much,” says Michaela. “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?'”

When you see sevens, you’re called to face your fears and trust the divine. “Your angels are asking you to release the fear of the unknown, to trust spirit, and give up your control of what’s going to happen next,” says Michaela. “Your angels are telling you to not fear the future. Embrace it with faith that it’s all in your best interest, perfect in the design brought to you by your most trusted guardian angels.”

Seeing eights means you’re right on track. “You’re doing well, and your angels are proud of you,” says Michaela. “Take a look around, and practice gratitude for how far you’ve come. Abundance in some form is coming to you now. Make space in your life to allow the universe to take things into its own hands. List the fears you have and release them.”

Nines signify fulfillment. “This number means that the cycle of what you have been doing is reaching completion, that you are at the finish line of your end goals, and it’s time to start leveling up to visualize some new ones,” explains Michaela. You’re driven to ask yourself what you can do to tie up any loose ends before you proceed.

No matter which sequence keeps popping up for you, consider the message a sign it’s time to take the following action steps.

Michaela emphasizes the importance of remembering that any angel numbers you’re seeing are from your angels — and their messages are tailored specifically for you. “There are ways to look up the meaning of your angel number, but they will always have to be molded a bit to fit your present circumstances,” she notes. “Your angels will send you numbers which point to a situation you are dealing with presently.”

That said, after you get a general read on what your number means, you can pinpoint the current narrative in your life that it is in reference to, and from there, you can begin to form a game plan.

And it’s essential to bear in mind that you are receiving this message because you are loved, supported, and being shown the light, adds Michaela.

“When you see an angel number, reflect how grateful you are to get one,” says Michaela. “The act of gratitude for the team of angelic beings around you, taking care of you and showing you the way, can be a pivotal step in making the most out of your message.”

Then, you might want to form a new mantra, write out a to-do list that will curb procrastination, or make sure you are carving out time for self-care — whatever action feels right to you based on the message you’ve received.

Erika Gabriel, a spiritual medium and host of the podcast “You Are Not Alone” who has developed a five-week course on unlocking your intuition, recommends the following writing exercise:

• Light a candle, and grab a pen and paper, then get comfortable in a quiet space.
• Close your eyes, put your feet on the ground, sit up tall, and breathe.
• Once you feel centered and calm, open your eyes and ask, out loud, that your most high vibrational guides work with you through your pen.
• Write a question down.
• Once you start to feel an answer, allow your pen to write what you are hearing.
• After you’ve written down the answer that came to you, thank your guides and blow out the candle.
• Bear in mind that you might have short-winded guides, or you might get a lot of information. If you don’t like what came through, throw the piece of paper away, and move on with your day. Remember this is a practice. It may take time to recognize your guides’ voice and perhaps your own ego or anxiety.

If after all of this, you’re left wondering, “What next?” know that the next step will be revealed to you when you’re open to it, says Michaela.

You can also be quite proactive. “It’s not only encouraged for us all to ask our angels for messages — it’s expected,” explains Michaela. “They want you to have a conversation with them. It’s totally appropriate to ask for guidance, messages, and even clarification. Just be open to the signals and signs they send you back.”

Michaela recommends keeping a journal to record the angel number messages you’ve received. It can be reassuring to look back at times in the past when you got the nudge you needed from your guardian angels — and to reflect on how it helped you end up where you are today.

“Experiencing repeating numbers is the universe speaking to you about where you are in your personal development,” concludes Siegel. “However, it is not the entire picture.”

Ideally, you’ll want to get a full numerology analysis in order to gain a comprehensive picture of your overall direction in life, he notes. Then, you can then better tackle any challenges you’re facing and pinpoint the best path to your true self and calling.