Does it seem like a specific number is following you around, appearing in the most mundane places? Say you take a peek at the clock at 2:22 p.m., and then an avocado rings up to $2.22 at the grocery store. Later that night, you watch a TikTok that’s two minutes and twenty two seconds long. You reason with yourself that at this point, you must be consciously searching for the number. But then, it appears once more: This time, you open a book to a random page…222, to be exact. Weird, but kinda cool. Could this be more than a coincidence?

Yep, it could be an angel number—meaning, a repetitive number, pattern, or sequence within numerology said to carry messages from the universe. "We all have energy around us," says Mystic Michaela, aura reader, psychic medium, and author of The Angel Numbers Book: How to Understand the Messages Your Spirit Guides Are Sending You. She refers to the spiritual messengers as angels, but you can think of it as whatever you ascribe to, say the universe, the divine, the powers that be.

"Angels are in constant communication with you, and their purpose is to keep you on track," she says. "When you do things that align with your soul goals, you feel more aligned, whole, happy, and at peace in your life." Angel numbers can help steer you there.

Below, Mystic Michaela helps make sense of these spiritual, guiding digits—what the different angel numbers mean, where to find them, what to do when they start popping up in your life, and what you can get out of angel numbers—even if you don’t identify as a spiritual person.

What do angel numbers mean?

Think of angel numbers as little pokes from your personal spirit guides. It's a subtlety meant to grab your attention and prompt you to a) affirm you’re on the right path, b) to reflect, or c) refocus and reframe something you’re currently struggling with or something on your mind. And even if you’re not spiritual, you can treat angel numbers as a kind of mindfulness exercise.

Mystic Michaela notes four ways angel numbers can communicate a message about your present moment:

  1. Personalized number sequences, like your birthday or your sports jersey number, are "angel winks," or reminders that your angels are around and supportive.
  2. Stepping stone numbers, like 123 or 456, signify a small step along the life path you’re on.
  3. Backwards numbers, like 321 or 654, mean it’s time to set boundaries.
  4. Repetitive numbers, like 111 or 444, are most effective in getting your attention. Depending on the combo you see, it might hint at something in your life coming to an end, luck coming your way, or a sign you need to be more trusting—more on this in a sec.

If repetitive numbers are catching your eye on repeat, here are the general meanings for some of those angel numbers:

  • 000 - Seeing this angel number can signify new opportunities on the horizon or a new beginning, says Mystic Michaela.
  • 111 - Mystic Michaela says 111 is a "screenshot number," meaning it "takes a screenshot of your frame of mind right now—everything that’s going on, all the thoughts, visualization, goals, and dreams will be replicated." Take a moment to practice gratitude or set a new intention. The universe has your back.
  • 222 - Mystic Michaela calls 222 an angel trust number. Reflect on the situations where you should practice trust or the places where you’re failing to trust the process.
  • 333 - This is a great sign to lean hard into your talents, says Mystic Michaela, and explore your creativity in a new way. Harness that inner magic!
  • 444 - The repetition of fours symbolizes grounding and finding stability, per Mystic Michaela.
  • 555 - "Something in your life is undergoing a major change, and your angels are alerting you to that," Mystic Michaela says.
  • 666 - Dispel any thoughts about demonism in association with 666 in numerology—it actually serves as a reminder to go easy on yourself and practice self-compassion, says Mystic Michaela.
  • 777 - This is a lucky number to see—especially financially—and can be a nudge to break out of your comfort zone, Mystic Michaela says.
  • 888 - This is a goody, according to Mystic Michaela. 888 symbolizes a deep connection to the spiritual universe and, of course, infinity.
  • 999 - Similar to 000, the repetition of 999 signifies that a life chapter could be coming to an end, says Mystic Michaela. But, whenever one door closes, another opens.

Beyond these general meanings, notice the instinctual feeling you get when an angel number shows up and stands out, she says. That can also help clue you into a deeper, more specific meaning. "You can look up every single number, but at the end of the day, it’s about you and what’s going on in your life. It’s, 'What does this mean to me?' 'How did it feel when I got it?' 'What is my intuition saying?'"

Where can you find angel numbers?

The simple answer? Anywhere, especially if you’re open to it. They usually appear in ordinary places like bank statements, license plates, phone numbers, receipts—you get the gist. The angel number will pop up so many times it’s impossible to ignore or write off as coincidence, Mystic Michaela says. "Synchronicity is your key. It’s the point where coincidence doesn’t make sense anymore—and that synchronicity is the language of your angels," she says.

The location can set the tone for the message’s meaning, too. If you spot the number at home, it can signify reflecting on your connection to self. Angel numbers at work could be about your impact on society.

How should you respond to seeing angel numbers?

"It’s a two-way conversation between you and your angels. When you start seeing a number, talk back," Mystic Michaela says. Interact with it, doodle it, use the number as your gym locker combination, say it out loud.

Then, it’s time to step back and see what meaning resonates with your situation. Write about your thoughts, feelings, or any ideas that pop up when you notice this number. The more familiar you become with your angel number, the better it can help guide you through life.