The lucky numbers given for each zodiac sign come from folklore rather than calculation, and most lists draw on two simple ideas: the number traditionally linked with the sign's ruling planet, and the sign's position in the zodiac, from Aries at 1 to Pisces at 12. That's why Leo is so often given 1 (the Sun's number) and 5 (the fifth sign). None of these numbers can change the odds of anything. They're a bit of old symbolism to enjoy, and below we show exactly where each one comes from.
The two sources most lists use
Planet numbers
An old scheme, popularized in the early twentieth century by the palmist and numerologist Cheiro and used in Chaldean-style numerology, links each number from 1 to 9 with a planet:
- 1: the Sun
- 2: the Moon
- 3: Jupiter
- 4: Uranus
- 5: Mercury
- 6: Venus
- 7: Neptune
- 8: Saturn
- 9: Mars
Indian numerology uses a similar list with Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes, in the places of Uranus and Neptune. Since every sign has a ruling planet, every sign inherits a number. (Our comparison of Chaldean and Pythagorean numerology explains where Cheiro fits in.)
Zodiac order
The second source is simpler: Aries is the first sign, Taurus the second, and so on to Pisces, the twelfth. Numbers above 9 are either kept or reduced, so Capricorn's 10 becomes 1, and Pisces's 12 becomes 3. Aquarius, the eleventh sign, lands on 11, a master number.
Lucky numbers sign by sign
Here's each sign with its planetary number and its zodiac position. Where a sign has both a modern and a traditional ruler, both are given. For the traits behind each sign, our guide to the zodiac signs has a page for every one.
Aries: 9 and 1
Ruled by Mars, whose number is 9, and first in the zodiac. Fitting for the sign that wants to be first in line and has already started before the instructions are read.
Taurus: 6 and 2
Ruled by Venus, number 6, and the second sign. Six is numerology's number of home and comfort, which suits a sign that takes its pillows seriously.
Gemini: 5 and 3
Ruled by Mercury, number 5, and the third sign. Both numbers belong to curiosity and conversation; it's hard to imagine a better pair for Gemini.
Cancer: 2 and 4
Ruled by the Moon, number 2, and the fourth sign. Two is the number of closeness, four of foundations: a fair summary of a sign that builds a home around the people it loves.
Leo: 1 and 5
Ruled by the Sun, number 1, and the fifth sign. One for the center of the room, five for the fun that happens there.
Virgo: 5 and 6
Ruled by Mercury, number 5, and the sixth sign. Mercury's quickness meets six's sense of service, which is Virgo fixing the shared spreadsheet before anyone asks.
Libra: 6 and 7
Ruled by Venus, number 6, and the seventh sign. Six for harmony, seven for weighing every side before deciding, which may take a while.
Scorpio: 9 and 8
Scorpio's modern ruler is Pluto, which has no number in the old scheme, so lists use its traditional ruler, Mars, at 9. Scorpio is the eighth sign, and 8 is a number of power and resources. Neither number is a light one, which Scorpio would probably prefer. More on the sign's dual rulership is on our Scorpio traits page.
Sagittarius: 3 and 9
Ruled by Jupiter, number 3, and the ninth sign. Three for the stories and nine for the wide horizons; Sagittarius is the friend with a passport in one hand and a tale in the other.
Capricorn: 8 and 1
Ruled by Saturn, number 8, and the tenth sign, which reduces to 1. Eight is ambition and one is initiative, the numbers of someone who has a five-year plan and is already on year two.
Aquarius: 4, 8 and 11
Aquarius's modern ruler is Uranus, number 4, and its traditional ruler is Saturn, number 8. It's the eleventh sign, which gives it a master number, 11, linked with ideals and insight. Our page on Aquarius traits covers both rulers.
Pisces: 7 and 3
Pisces's modern ruler is Neptune, number 7, and its traditional ruler is Jupiter, number 3. It's the twelfth sign, and 12 reduces to 3, so Pisces gets 3 twice over. Seven for dreams, three for imagination. See our Pisces traits page for more.
Why lists online disagree
If your sign has different lucky numbers somewhere else, the most likely reason is that the source uses another scheme. Some lists take the ruling planet's day of the week, some add the dates the Sun spends in the sign, some draw on Chinese or Vedic traditions, and many copy each other without saying where the numbers came from. None of them is more correct than the rest. When folklore doesn't agree with itself, the honest move is to say so.
A more personal number
A Sun sign is shared by everyone born in the same month-long stretch of the year, so a lucky number based on it isn't very personal. Numerology offers numbers that are yours alone. Your life path number, from your full birth date, is the one most people start with. Your birthday number, simply the day of the month you were born, is another favorite.
If you want a "lucky number" to enjoy, either of those has more of you in it than your sign does.
Using lucky numbers sensibly
Lucky numbers are best used where nothing is at stake: picking a locker, choosing a seat, setting a date for a party, naming a sourdough starter. They're a small, pleasant ritual of attention.
They don't belong anywhere money or safety is involved. No number improves your chances in a lottery, a casino or an investment, and every number has exactly the same odds as any other. If you ever find yourself choosing a bet because of a lucky number, treat it as a cue to step back.
Questions readers ask
What is the luckiest number in numerology?
Numerology doesn't rank numbers by luck. Different cultures have favorites: 7 is widely considered lucky in many Western countries, and 8 is prized in Chinese culture because its word sounds like the word for prosperity. Those are cultural associations, not numerological findings.
Do zodiac lucky numbers work for the lottery?
No. Lottery numbers are drawn at random, and no sign, planet or birth date changes that. If you enjoy playing, pick numbers you like, spend only what you're happy to lose, and expect nothing back.
Does my rising sign or Moon sign have lucky numbers too?
By the same logic, yes: you could use the planet that rules your rising or Moon sign. Some astrologers prefer the rising sign's ruler, often called the chart ruler, as the more personal planet. It's still folklore, but at least it's your folklore.
