What are angel numbers? A guide to the numeric sequences and what they mean

Whenever you look at a clock, do you always see the same time? It might be 11:11 or 3:33.

Maybe repeating numbers have made their way into other aspects of your life, such as a receipt that totaled $22.22.

These may seem like mere coincidences, but for some, recurring numerals are no accident. Commonly called "angel numbers," these repeating numeric sequences are often taken as signs of confirmation and directionality.

But what do angel numbers mean, and what can they teach us? Here's what you need to know about angel numbers to get you started on your numerological journey.

What are angel numbers?

Angel numbers are repeating number sequences, often used as guides for deeper spiritual exploration. Ranging from 000 to 999, each sequence carries its own distinct meaning and energy.

"Most of what I see is that they bring confirmation and empowerment," Novalee Wilder, professional numerologist, tells USA TODAY. "I think lots of people are looking for signs. But sometimes, there's like a fork in the road."

Seeing angel numbers can signal "green lights" toward whatever path you are taking, explains Wilder, whether it's in relationships, job opportunities or other areas of life.

In numerology, patterns always come in sets of three's. The more repetition of a number, the better. "Whenever we see one number repeated more than once, the more it gets repeated, the stronger it gets," Wilder says.

If you see your angel number three times in a row, this may be the push to apply for a new job or put yourself back out into the dating world, she expands.

"If numbers start showing up, it's like empowerment, confirmation," Wilder continues. "We're like, 'OK, I'm in the flow. I'm aligned, I feel empowered.'"

What does 333 mean? How this angel number that will help you get unstuck.

What is numerology?

Numerology is an ancient esoteric science dealing with numbers and letters and the energy, intention and vibration associated with them, says Wilder.

"Before there was even language, there were numbers," she explains. "Before we had named things, we had counted them, and we had assigned meaning to that count."

In short, numerology is a system where numbers and letters have symbolic or mystical meanings. There are many different schools of numerology, such as the Pythagorean system and Chaldean method.

Wilder, who uses Chaldean numerology, says most esoteric sciences or spiritual fields – including palm reading or astrology – are based in numerology. Astrological signs derive from the numbers related to someone's birthdate and time. Enneagrams assign personality types and traits depending on which number, from one to nine, someone is.

"You will see at the bases, there is a system of numbers," Wilder says. "We identify it like, 'You're this number in the sequence.'"

What does 555 mean? Change is coming to your relationships and career.

Why do I keep seeing angel numbers?

Angel numbers show up in many places, such as on receipts, license plates, clocks and even bank statements. Since angel numbers appear in everyday life, they might be seen as the spiritual universe guiding you toward something or offering reassurance that you're on the right path, Wilder shares.

Also, angel numbers are not just coming from angels. Some believe they can be sent from loved ones who have died or other spiritual guides, says Wilder.

"The last couple of years have not, in any way, dampened the anxiety in the world, in people," Wilder says. "Seeing the signs and patterns make me feel like there's still something guiding me, something supporting me."

Angel number meanings, explained

000 | 111 | 222 | 333 | 444 | 555 | 777 | 888 | 999

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What's my Zodiac sign?" to "Is manifestation real?" to "What is my birthstone?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angel number meanings: Everything you need to know