Numerology Number 1: The Leader

People who are governed by number 1 are independent, determined and full of original ideas. They prefer to start things on their own rather than follow a path that someone else has set, and they carry a natural confidence that makes others want to follow their lead. A clear sense of who they are, along with a strong will to reach their goals, is the quality that stands out most in them.

Like every number, though, number 1 has another side. These people can become stubborn when things do not go their way. They do not enjoy being told what to do, they often take criticism more personally than they should, and when their strong drive is left unchecked it can turn into pride — or into a habit of trying to do everything alone instead of asking others for help.

• ✓A born leader who naturally steps forward and takes charge when something needs direction
• ✓Once they settle on a goal, their determination keeps them going long after others would have given up
• ✓An original, independent mind that would rather find its own way than follow what everyone else is doing
• ✓Self-reliant and ambitious — they trust their own effort and aim high in whatever they take on
• ✓The courage to begin something new and lead from the front, even when no one else is willing to go first

• •Can dig their heels in and insist on doing things their own way, even when someone else has a better idea
• •Takes criticism and failure to heart, and may dwell on a setback far longer than it really deserves
• •When their confidence goes unchecked, it can harden into pride, arrogance, or impatience with slower people
• •Would rather carry everything alone than admit they need help, which often leaves them stretched too thin

Number 1 people do their best work in roles where they can lead and create something of their own, rather than simply follow instructions. Fields such as running their own business, management, administration, government service, the armed forces, or any pioneering work where they can break new ground tend to suit them very well.

For them, money usually comes through their own initiative and the courage to make bold decisions. The most useful lesson for number 1 is to stay with one plan and see it through to the end, instead of leaving it half-finished and rushing towards the next exciting idea.

In relationships, number 1 people are loyal, protective and generous towards those they love, but they naturally like to take the lead. They are happiest with a partner who respects their independence and supports their ambitions rather than competing with them, and there is a great deal of warmth hidden beneath their confident exterior.

The main thing for them to work on is gentleness — learning to soften the urge to always be in charge, and allowing their partner to stand beside them as a true equal instead of a follower.

Whether two numbers get along comes down to their ruling planets. Here is how the other numbers relate to 1: