What is gematria used for

gematria is an ancient system of assigning numeric values to words or phrases in order to uncover hidden meanings or symbolic connections between them. Originating in the Hebrew tradition, it has been adopted and adapted by various spiritual traditions throughout the centuries, and continues to be used today for spiritual consideration or exploration.

At its most basic level, gematria works by assigning a number to each letter of the alphabet. In Hebrew gematria, each letter is connected to a numerical equivalent of 1 through 400. For example: Aleph = 1, Beth = 2, Gimel = 3, etc. By adding up the numerical value of all the letters in a word or phrase, you can arrive at a total which can then be used as a key to explore deeper into the text's potential meaning. If two words have identical numerical values — such as Rachamim (compassion) and Shabbat (the Sabbath) which both equal 529 — they are said to be "equivalent" and related in some spiritual way.

In addition to the simple mathematical equation of gematria, many interpretive techniques for further exploration have developed over time — such as reading across multiple lines in a text with equal numerical value — allowing for ever more complex and far-reaching interpretations of scripture or other sacred texts that use gematria. For example, gematria can be used to draw conclusions about how one phrase may relate or point towards another phrase within a Bible passage when involving these multi-dimensional applications that read between lines or across verses.

Today, many people still practice gematria as it is seen within some religious frameworks as a form of mysticism and theorizing on sacred texts using numerical equations similar to that found within astrology. By further examining concepts on literal versus allegorical levels — such as what type of insights into character might come up when looking at someone's name through gematria — many view such methods as a nuanced way exploring deeper aspects related to identity and personality while also building connections between different religious texts worldwide.