Have you found yourself spotting 111, 11:11 or any series of repeating digits? That might not be a coincidence.
Some believe repeating numbers could be a powerful message from the universe or a higher power. The awareness of these synchronicities could be giving new meaning to your life, a situation or opportunity.
The term “angel numbers” is frequently used to describe these sequences, which can appear at any time in the most ordinary of places.
So what are angel numbers and how can they impact your life? Here's what we know about angel number 111:
What are angel numbers?
Angel numbers are known as sequences of repeating digits that can be spotted anywhere, according to numerology expert Novalee Wilder. These numbers are believed to be associated with a message from a higher power.
However, angel numbers technically don’t have to solely be numerical sequences, but can also be repeating patterns. For example, Wilder said there could be a message behind seeing three black cats in a row.
Psychic medium and best-selling author Laura Lynne Jackson tells TODAY.com that repeating numbers like 111 can be signs from your spirit team, which she calls your “Team of Light,” or a higher power.
“Those types of numbers are your Team of Light’s way of saying you are in the flow of light of the universe,” she said. “It means you’re exactly where you’re meant to be on your path in that moment.”
Jackson explained that through her readings, she’s found that spirit teams can manipulate numbers to send a message, which is why they often choose this format. She noted, however, that angel numbers don’t necessarily have to have a specific meaning to send a message.
“When we go through challenging times or difficult times, you’re usually exactly where you’re meant to be,” Jackson said.
Professional aura reader Megan Firester echoed Jackson’s message, telling TODAY.com that though there could be meaning associated with some number patterns, she considers repeating sequences to be more like “angel winks” — a nod that your spirit guides and passed loved ones are with you both in support and encouragement.
Angel number 111 meaning
If you see 111 or any sequence of 1's, it could be a sign that new opportunities are on the way or that this is the start of a new beginning. It's likely a sign to trust what's happening in your life and recent ideas you've been having.
A series of 1's could also be asking you to pay attention to your thoughts and actions in that very moment because you're manifesting your future.
Firester shared her own explanation behind 111 in “The Angel Numbers Book: How to Understand the Messages Your Spirit Guides Are Sending You.” In the book, she reviews hundreds of number patterns, but explains that most derive from a base number — in this case, the number 1.
“Architect: You have the ability to create,” Firester wrote of seeing the number 1. “Your world is shaped and altered by your thoughts and words. Right now you are creating, and the powerful forces of the universe are working with you.”
Firester encouraged those spotting 1’s to repeat this mantra: “I am the universe, the universe is me.”
She refers to the number 11 as “The Awakening,” and points out that seeing two 1’s could be a call to attention.
“Your angels want to send you signs, but first they need to make sure you’ll be paying attention. This number asks you to notice the world around you so you don’t miss the important messages coming your way.”
When the 1's repeat three times to make 111, this could also be a sign to pause and check in with your thinking, as whatever is on your mind is likely what you're manifesting into your life.
“When you see 111, think of the universe as taking a ‘screenshot’ of your frame of mind right now,” Firester wrote. “Everything that is going on — all your thoughts, feelings, goals, and dreams — is going to be replicated. Get in a high vibration quickly, so you can manifest your best life moving forward.”
The mantra Firester wrote for those seeing 111 goes as follows: “I am in alignment with my authentic self.”
What should you do if you keep seeing 111?
If you see 111 or any variation of this, spiritual practitioners advise you to make sure you've set an intention and goal that you're working towards. They also note that this is a sign to trust that a higher power has a plan for you and is working through things for your greater good.
Angel numbers in general, not specifically 1’s, could be asking you to stop and refocus yourself. They could be a sign to think about your current spiritual connection or an invitation to meditate and re-center your thoughts.
If you're doubting that the angel number is a true spiritual sign, as opposed to a coincidence, both Jackson and Firester encourage people to ask a higher power, their spirit team or the universe to see the number pattern again or for another sign altogether.
How long have angel numbers been around?
Long before angel numbers came numerology — the study of number patterns relating to events. There’s reportedly no confirmed date in which numerology began, but the oldest practice, called Chaldean numerology, dates back to about 3000 B.C.E., developed in what is now Iraq.
In the early 2000s, according to TODAY’s resident astrologist Lisa Stardust, author Doreen Virtue published the first known book on angel numbers, coining the now popular term.
Where should you look for angel numbers?
Anywhere! Angel numbers are often seen on items like clocks and receipts that constantly display digits. The time may read 11:11 or your lunch could have cost $11.11.
License plates, price tags, addresses and phone numbers are also common places to spot these patterns. As Wilder said, angel numbers can also be seen in sequences of events that appear to happen in a recognizable pattern.
