Welcome to the world of “Message Medicine” – a space where Spirit speaks to us through the ordinary details of life. Medicine makes us feel better, right? Well, the same goes for message medicine. It can soothe our souls and guide us toward greater well-being. This article explores how synchronicities, numbers, and the natural world around us hold profound guidance.

By tuning into this universal conversation, we open ourselves to spiritual insights and personal growth that go beyond the everyday, leading us down a more enlightened path. Let’s dive into the mystical and uncover the messages waiting for us in the most unexpected places.

The Power of Synchronicity

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung said synchronicity is “meaningful coincidences” that seem to happen by chance but carry deeper significance. This concept suggests that the universe communicates with us in a weird yet wonderful way. To dive deeper into how synchronicity can influence your life, check out my two-part series (part 1) and (part 2), where I explore its power and how to recognize it in your own experiences. By paying attention to these moments, we can tap into the universe’s wisdom and find direction in the most unexpected ways.

Number Medicine

This is how Spirit communicates through numerology, often referred to as Angel numbers. Each number carries unique energy and guidance, so when certain numbers show up in your life, it’s Spirit’s way of nudging you to pay attention to their deeper meaning. Angel numbers can appear in all sorts of combinations, not just the repeating ones we often hear about; a classic example being 1111, which many recognize as a call to embrace a more spiritual outlook on life.

For those interested in exploring number medicine further, listen up. Here are two insightful resources I’ve relied on for years: Alana Fairchild’s book Messages in Numbers and Joanne Walmsley’s Sacred Scribe blog. Both are great resources to use with your intuition to shed light on things.

Personal Example: 9 and 1

I’ve noticed different combinations of 9 and 1 showing up for a while now. As a numerologist, I receive many messages through numbers, but the persistence of 9 and 1 has really caught my attention. They mostly appear on the clock at 9:11, 9:10, or 9:01, but also appear in addresses and license plates that cross my path. A few years ago, I took the leap to start my own business as a spiritual life coach and numerologist dedicated to helping others enhance their personal and spiritual growth. While waiting for that to fully take off, I still work as a virtual assistant for mental health counselors as a “day job.”

The constant appearance of 9 and 1 feels like a gentle reminder from Spirit that this transition is ongoing, preparing me for a new beginning. According to Fairchild’s book, my personal development is going through an “upgrade,” urging me to nurture what I want to thrive in my life. Maybe I keep seeing these numbers because I’m still working on fully embracing this new chapter. They’re definitely a sign that I’m on the right path, even if it’s taking longer than I expected.

Animal Medicine

This is the practice of recognizing and interpreting the spiritual messages that animals bring into our lives, often through unexpected encounters or persistent appearances. These creatures act as guides, offering wisdom and insight tailored to our personal journeys.

Personal Example:  Sharks

The shark swam into my life in the most unexpected way: through a string of TV promos for shark-themed shows and movies that kept catching my eye, one after the other. It was a bit surprising, really, because sharks were never creatures I felt particularly drawn to. But suddenly, I found myself captivated, so much so that I insisted to my husband that we had to go see them at the aquarium. In a beautiful twist of synchronicity, we unknowingly planned our visit during “shark week,” making the experience even more special and meaningful.

The sharks brought me a powerful message of personal strength and confidence, urging me to stay focused on my goals and face whatever was holding me back with courage. After our visit, I took a moment to express my gratitude for their guidance, and just like that, they gracefully exited my life. Now, whenever I find myself at a crossroads, trying to decide which way to go, I remember their message: stay focused and keep moving forward, no matter what.

Song Medicine

This is the way Spirit communicates through music, using lyrics, melodies, and the timing of a song to deliver messages that resonate deeply with our souls. These songs often appear just when we need them most, offering comfort, guidance, or a nudge in the right direction.

Personal Examples: “Sara Smile” and “Turn Me Loose”

During our lengthy search for a new home, I kept hearing two songs that seemed to follow me everywhere: “Sara Smile” by Hall and Oates and “Turn Me Loose” by Loverboy. The process was frustrating – it took us about eight months to find the right place, and I was starting to lose hope. “Sara Smile” really caught my attention, not just because it was a song I wasn’t all that familiar with, but because my mom, who’s now in spirit, used to call me “Sister Sarah” even though my name is Brandi. So, it felt like, as that song played, that she was offering me reassurance, reminding me that everything would work out.

“Turn Me Loose” struck a chord for a different reason. Even though I was ready to move, I also felt a deep hesitation because we were leaving a generational family home that had been in my family for 50 years. The song was a bittersweet reminder from Spirit that it was time to let go and move forward, even if it wasn’t easy.

For those eight months, I heard these songs constantly – sometimes even back-to-back – whether driving in the car or shopping in stores. It was like they were following me, carrying messages from Spirit to keep me going. But, you know what? After we finally found our new home and settled in, the songs stopped playing as frequently. Now, when I do hear them, which is rare, I can’t help but smile. They remind me of the journey, the guidance, and the support I felt during that time.

The Rule of 3

They say the third time’s the charm, and when it comes to “Message Medicine,” the number three packs a punch. It’s like the universe tapping you on the shoulder, saying, “Hey, pay attention!” When a sign or symbol shows up three times, it’s a clear message that there’s something important you need to acknowledge. In numerology, the 3 is a catalyst that changes things without changing itself.

This pattern of three is a key element in understanding how Spirit communicates, signaling those moments when the cosmos aligns to deliver a message just for you.

A perfect example of this happened to me a few years back. Within 18 hours, I received three butt dials from three different people – one of whom never calls me. While we all get butt dials from time to time, it caught my attention because of the rapid frequency.  This was the rule of three in full effect. What was I supposed to make of it? After some research and reflection, I realized it was a multifaceted message – a bit of congratulations and also a nod toward transition.

Whether it’s the same number sequence catching your eye, a specific animal crossing your path, or a symbol that keeps popping up, these moments of threes are like the universe saying, “Listen up!” They remind us that our lives are woven with threads of mystical guidance just waiting to be unraveled. By tuning into these signs, we start a deeper conversation with the universe, where we’re not just drifting along but are consciously connected to the spiritual messages around us.

Everyday Practices for Tuning into Message Medicine

Incorporating a few simple practices into your daily routine can help you stay attuned to Spirit’s messages. These habits will deepen your connection and make recognizing and interpreting the guidance always available to you easier.

• Keep a Journal: Regularly jot down any synchronicities, dreams, or symbols that stand out to you. Over time, patterns may emerge that reveal deeper meanings or messages. A journal also helps you track your spiritual growth and the evolution of your connection with Spirit. I love rereading my old journals to remember how connected everything is.

• Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Approach the world with a sense of curiosity. Instead of dismissing coincidences or unusual occurrences, explore them. Ask yourself what these experiences could mean and how they might relate to your current life situation. Remember, they’re happening for a reason, and they’re happening to YOU for a reason.

• Trust Your Intuition: Pay attention to your gut feelings and inner knowing. Often, Spirit messages come through as intuitive hits or sudden insights. Trusting your intuition helps you discern the messages that are meant for you. Don’t overthink it.

• Engage with Symbols: Learn about common spiritual symbols and their meanings. Familiarize yourself with numerology, animal totems, or other symbolic systems that resonate with you. The more you understand the symbols, the easier it becomes to recognize and interpret messages from Spirit. Start your very own “sign dictionary” to become acquainted with what the symbols mean. Every time you get a new medicine message, take note of it and write (or draw) out what it means, both from your intuition and research.

• Be Patient: Sometimes, messages from Spirit aren’t immediately clear. Trust that the answers will come when the time is right. Patience allows you to remain open and receptive without forcing interpretations. Asking Spirit for a message is one thing, but actively looking for it is another.

• Express Gratitude: When you receive a message or experience a synchronicity, express gratitude. A simple “thank you” reinforces your connection with Spirit and encourages more communication in the future. “Thank you, Spirit!”

Bottom Line

Staying attuned to the metaphysical messages around us is crucial for personal and spiritual growth. Just like taking medicine helps us heal physically, embracing “Message Medicine” nurtures our soul, guiding us toward deeper understanding and fulfillment. When we view our environment and experiences as interconnected and meaningful, we open ourselves up to the profound guidance Spirit always offers.

Remember, what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. When a message is destined for you, it will find its way to you – no need to stress about missing it. You can’t. Spirit’s got your back and wouldn’t let that happen. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to stay open to receiving them because sometimes, they’re subtle and easy to overlook. Like Ferris Bueller wisely said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Same with Spirit signs. Embrace message medicine, and let it enhance your journey in ways you never imagined.

Thanks for reading!

The post Message Medicine: How To Better Understand Spirit Signs first appeared on Brandi Lei.

If you’ve ever tried to calculate your Soul Urge Number and gotten stuck on the Y in your name, you’re in good company. We learn A, E, I, O, U — and sometimes Y. Then you start reading about numerology and find out some people count W as a vowel, too.

It can get confusing pretty quickly.

Y and W also have some interesting symbolism behind them. I associate Y with questions and choices, and W with reaching toward Spirit when life gives you a reason to look a little deeper. If either letter is in your name, here’s how I look at it.

Are Y and W Vowels or Consonants?

In numerology, that distinction affects two of your name numbers:

• Your Soul Urge Number comes from the vowels and describes your inner wants and motivations.
• Your Personality Number comes from the consonants and describes qualities other people tend to notice about you.

Y can go either way. In a name like Lynn, it acts as a vowel. In Yolanda, it acts as a consonant.

W gets a little more debate. Many numerologists always count it as a consonant. In my approach, I also consider its vowel role in certain names. Owen, where W sits between two vowels, is an example. In William, I count W as a consonant.

So if two numerology readings give you different Soul Urge or Personality Numbers, check how each one handled those letters. That could explain the difference.

Now, let’s look at what these letters can mean beyond the calculation.

The Meaning of Y in Numerology: Questions and Choices

Look at the shape of Y. One line reaches a point where it splits into two directions. It’s easy to see a choice there.

I think of Y as the part of you that wants to stop and ask why. Why am I doing this? Do I still want it? Am I choosing it because it matters to me, or because it’s what everyone expects?

Using the Pythagorean number chart, Y has a value of 7. That connects it with reflection, questions, and the need to understand things for yourself.

Sometimes, all that thinking helps you make a thoughtful choice. Other times, you can spend so long weighing everything that you struggle to make one at all.

The Two Paths of Y

The two branches are often described as the material path and the spiritual path. I think of the material side as your everyday concerns: work, money, security, and the life you’re building. The spiritual side brings up your beliefs, values, and what gives that life meaning.

Both matter. You still have bills to pay while you’re figuring out what makes you happy. And wanting financial security doesn’t stop you from caring about other people or growing spiritually.

The useful part is noticing how you’re making your choices and whether they still work for you.

How That Can Show Up in Everyday Life

These choices don’t always involve quitting your job or moving across the world. They can look pretty ordinary:

• Work: A promotion sounds great, but you want to know what the extra hours would mean for the rest of your life.
• Creativity: You love painting, writing, or making things. You’re deciding how to give it some time alongside your other responsibilities.
• Learning: You’re interested in a subject you never studied in school. You start looking for a class, a book, or someone who can teach you more.
• Money: You want to feel secure and have something set aside. You also care about helping, sharing, or supporting a cause that matters to you.
• Relationships: You’ve been saying yes to keep things easy. Lately, you’ve started paying attention to what you actually want before you answer.
• Your lifestyle: You’re noticing which things you enjoy and which ones you keep doing simply because you’ve always done them.

Y gives you a way to think about those moments when you pause, question something, and decide what comes next. You can learn quite a bit from noticing which choices keep coming up.

The Meaning of W in Numerology: Reaching Toward Spirit

When I look at W, I see a shape that reaches upward. Compared with the grounded shape of M, W reminds me of looking up, asking for help, or trying to understand something bigger than what’s right in front of you.

That can happen during a loss, a major change, or a time when the answers you’ve always relied on don’t feel like enough anymore.

You start asking different questions. You get curious about a spiritual practice. You reach for a book you wouldn’t have picked up a few years ago. Or you start spending more time with something creative because it helps you feel calm and connected.

That’s the kind of reaching I associate with W.

In the Pythagorean number chart, W has a value of 5, which is symbolic of change, experience, and adaptability. You try something, learn from it, and make adjustments as you go.

William and Owen: Two Ways to Picture It

Imagine someone named William who has spent years focused on work and everyday responsibilities. After a difficult experience, he starts looking for something that helps him make sense of it. He begins meditating, reading about spirituality, or spending more time reflecting on his life. That’s one way to picture W’s connection with reaching toward Spirit.

Now imagine Owen, who has always enjoyed painting or writing. During a stressful period, he makes more time for those interests because they help him feel like himself again. In the way I interpret W’s vowel role, that connection can feel more like an inner need he’s already familiar with.

These are imagined examples to help explain the symbolism. The rest of someone’s name and chart gives us much more to work with.

What If You Have Both Y and W in Your Name?

Names like Gwyn, Wayne, Wesley, Wendy, Wyatt, Whitney, and Wynona contain both letters.

Together, I see them as a connection between questioning something and doing something with what you learn. Y takes time to think it through. W brings in the willingness to try, adjust, and keep learning from the experience.

For example, you could spend months wondering why you’re unhappy at work. You realize you miss being creative, so you sign up for a weekend class. That small step gives you something to work with beyond thinking about the problem.

There’s also a little wordplay I enjoy here. We say Y as “why,” and the question words who, what, when, where, and why all begin with W. It fits the connection I see between these letters and the desire to understand more.

Taking a Look at Your Own Name

If you have a Y or W in your name, think about where these ideas show up for you. Notice the choices you keep coming back to, the questions you’re asking, and what helps you feel connected when life gets a little wonky.

You could recognize a familiar pattern or find something you hadn’t thought about before. Looking at the other letters in your name can add more to the picture, too.

If you’re curious about those other letters, I’ve put together a Letters A–Z numerology guide. It walks through the meaning and symbolism of each letter so you can take a closer look at your own name. You can download it from my Etsy shop and read it at your own pace.

Thanks for reading!

The post What Special Letters “Y” and “W” Really Mean in the World of Numerology first appeared on Brandi Lei.