ALI R SMITH

WHAT THE DIAMOND CHART REVEALS

The Diamond Spirit Guide is one of the oldest number-based methods of divination and perhaps the most powerful tool numerology has to offer. It reveals the chain of cause and effect that connects your physical and non-physical planes. It tells us how your experiences, choices, and priorities in the physical world affect your internal/spiritual growth, and how, in return, this affects the quality of your life on the physical plane.

An incomplete, rudimentary version of the Diamond was brought back from obscurity by the late Kevin Quinn Avery and later completed and re-birthed by Hans Decoz.

Each Diamond pattern consists of four numbers. The first is called the Challenge. Your Challenge is a lesson or test that, once learned, will benefit you for the rest of your life.

The second number is the Root or Cause and explains the underlying reason that lesson has emerged. The third number, the Recommended Action (also called Action Key), gives advice on the best approach for a successful outcome. The final number - aptly named the Outcome - reveals what the likely result of your efforts will be, and how it might affect your future.

Except for ages 0 through 7 and 75 through 81 we experience two Diamonds per year from birthday to birthday. These two Diamonds overlap and are equally important; they fit together as if working on one helps us understand the other.

Although most Diamonds are in place only for one year, it's not uncommon for one or both Diamonds to repeat the following year. Often one number - usually the Challenge number - lasts for more than one year, while the other three numbers change. Finally, a number that is the Cause one year becomes the Action Key for the next. The Diamond's structure is complex but also logical and beautiful.

A word of advice: getting the most out of your Diamond requires some measure of self-reflection, not unlike the I Ching. I recommend that you read it more than once, then let it simmer. You may be surprised at the amount of insight you gain.

Your report covers two years/ages from birthday to birthday. To avoid distraction, you may want to postpone reading the Diamonds for the second year until a couple of months before your next birthday, or if you do read them, go back to the two for your current age and focus on those.

THE FIRST DIAMOND

The first number in your Diamond is of a decidedly spiritual/inner nature. It's offered to you in the form of a challenge; something that needs to be learned or acquired to help you grow and mature. It reveals the true purpose of your struggle on the physical plane from a broad vantage point.

Your First Diamond Challenge for age 13 is 0

A Challenge is one of the few calculations in a numerology chart that can produce a zero. Of the nine possible challenges, the zero challenge is perhaps the most important because it directly affects the well-being of humanity on a global scale. As if to emphasize this, it is also the most commonly found lesson and very likely to occur more than once during your lifetime (an average of three to six times).

Compassion, empathy, brotherhood/sisterhood, and unity lie at the foundation of your 0 Challenge. However, this challenge has less to do with emotionality than with an intellectual and basic recognition that every human being deserves your respect, your love, and perhaps at some point, your personal sacrifice. The potential growth and fundamental improvement inherent in this challenge has the potential to affect not only you, but also the global community.

You will likely experience more than your share of confrontation and turmoil. Events and circumstances require you to choose between opposing energies, such as love or hate, empathy or cruelty, sacrifice or apathy. You witness incidents of injustice and are challenged to choose between getting involved or walking away.

The zero challenge is about taking a stand and responding with courage, more than it is about good and evil. The choices you make during this period define you in countless ways.

The 0 challenge in a Diamond reflects the most primal struggle any man or woman can face. It makes this both difficult and easy; difficult because the easy way out can be tempting; easy because there is nothing subtle about the choices facing you.

YOUR FIRST DIAMOND CAUSE

The second number in your Diamond reflects the underlying cause of the challenge you face this year. It is the catalyst that sets things in motion, the root of the issues confronting you during this period.

The Cause for your First Diamond is 3

This root cause indicates difficulty with communication. This could contribute to an emotional, intellectual, and/or spiritual bottleneck.

It may feel as if your ability to express yourself has diminished in the past few years, causing miscommunication, frustration, or lost opportunities. You probably do fine on a superficial level but when the talk turns to deeper, more personal issues, you may find yourself stumbling. It's not a matter of your strength or confidence but a fear of intimacy, something you have an opportunity to confront as this Diamond puts pressure on you.

Self-expression and communication are at the root of this Diamond.

THE RECOMMENDED ACTION FOR YOUR FIRST DIAMOND

The third number in the Diamond pattern suggests a possible course of action to resolve successfully the issues facing you during this period.

The Recommended Action for this Diamond is 3

Ali, if you have ever watched children responding to adults, you have probably noticed they usually say exactly what they think. Although many of us could use at least some of that candor, this is generally not considered a healthy approach for adults (it can get one into a bit of trouble). A 3 in this position suggests you would benefit from being less inhibited and more expressive. The more you disclose your "true self" the better you can avoid obstacles and misconceptions. When you feel like laughing, laugh without reservation. When you feel anger, express it. When you feel like hugging, hug. Share your true feelings.

Becoming less inhibited is far from easy. In fact, it is quite difficult and requires great courage, but it could help release blocked potential, whether conscious or subconscious.

The hardest part of becoming less inhibited, is that you also must be less self-conscious. It's a chain reaction; self-consciousness and ego go hand in hand. Try not to worry so much about what others think of you.

The main qualities required to successfully deal with this Diamond and to take advantage of the opportunities ahead are courage, honesty, self-expression, and altruism.

THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF YOUR FIRST DIAMOND

The fourth number reveals potential changes in your personality and your environment as a result of your experience with the Diamond in place this year. Naturally, our effort and sincere desire to meet these challenges increases the possibility of a positive outcome

What it means to have an expected Outcome of 6

Ali, a 6 in this position indicates strengthened ties with your family, friends, and community. As you exit this Diamond, you likely feel closer to people you care about, and you may find your sense of responsibility and loyalty has improved. The 6 inspires commitment and a stronger sense of belonging. You may feel a renewed sense of purpose, more at ease with your emotions, and less inhibited about expressing your feelings.

THE SECOND DIAMOND

The first number in your second Diamond is again of a decidedly spiritual/inner nature, offered to you in the form of a challenge; something that needs to be learned or acquired to help you grow and mature.

Your Second Diamond Challenge for age 13 is 4

This Diamond involves building strength of character and trust in yourself. To facilitate this lesson, you may find yourself tempted by troubling choices - pyramid schemes, gambling opportunities, get-rich-quick schemes - or face situations where you have to choose between the easy or the hard way. You will be summoned to find your guiding voice, and to strengthen your sense of fairness, justice, and honesty.

Personal circumstances that can make those choices even more difficult, often accompany this Challenge. For example, you may have family or co-workers who are dependent on you, or other pressures that weigh on you.

YOUR SECOND DIAMOND CAUSE

The second number in your Second Diamond reflects the underlying cause of a distinct challenge you will face this year. It is the catalyst that sets things in motion, the cause of the issues confronting you during this period.

The Cause for your Second Diamond is 4

This root cause suggests you recently moved through a period where you felt a lack of stability or predictability. Your circumstances may have felt chaotic without an obvious reason.

This could lead you to feel you should be more in control of your life - you are, after all, the captain of your ship. However, it probably felt as though the ship's wheel wasn’t connected to the rudder and no matter which way you steered; life would pull you in a different direction. While we all experience this to some extent, recently you have faced it more than most. This is what most likely prompted you to face your current Challenge.

THE RECOMMENDED ACTION FOR YOUR SECOND DIAMOND

The third number in the Second Diamond pattern suggests a possible course of action to resolve the issues facing you during this period.

The Recommended Action for this Diamond is 3

Ali, if you have ever watched children responding to adults, you have probably noticed they usually say exactly what they think. Although many of us could use at least some of that candor, this is generally not considered a healthy approach for adults (it can get one into a bit of trouble). A 3 in this position suggests you would benefit from being less inhibited and more expressive. The more you disclose your "true self" the better you can avoid obstacles and misconceptions. When you feel like laughing, laugh without reservation. When you feel anger, express it. When you feel like hugging, hug. Share your true feelings.

Becoming less inhibited is far from easy. In fact, it is quite difficult and requires great courage, but it could help release blocked potential, whether conscious or subconscious.

The hardest part of becoming less inhibited, is that you also must be less self-conscious. It's a chain reaction; self-consciousness and ego go hand in hand. Try not to worry so much about what others think of you.

The main qualities required to successfully deal with this Diamond and to take advantage of the opportunities ahead are courage, honesty, self-expression, and altruism.

THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF YOUR SECOND DIAMOND

The fourth number reveals potential changes in your personality and your environment as a result of your experience with the Second Diamond in place this year. Naturally, our effort and sincere desire to meet these challenges increases the possibility of a positive outcome.

What it means to have an expected Outcome of 7

Ali, you likely emerge from this Diamond with a stronger sense of insight and faith, although this is not always obvious to others. In fact, it's not uncommon for people who have previously been devoutly religious or attended a place of worship regularly, to seem less dedicated. On the contrary, it sometimes means that a deeply personal, internal search has brought further understanding and clarity, while adherence to ritual and dogma has diminished.

In any case, as you exit this Diamond you will likely feel an inner metamorphosis, with an expanded awareness of your intellectual potential, and more analytical, focused, reflective, and contemplative. These traits can bring an increased desire to learn through books, education, and documentaries. Additionally, you may be drawn to meditation or other forms of inner focus to find deeper insight.

THE FIRST DIAMOND

The first number in your Diamond is of a decidedly spiritual/inner nature. It's offered to you in the form of a challenge; something that needs to be learned or acquired to help you grow and mature. It reveals the true purpose of your struggle on the physical plane from a broad vantage point.

Your First Diamond Challenge for age 14 is 2

The lesson of this challenge concerns a perception you have of yourself. You either lack self-confidence and often feel inhibited or the opposite is true and you have an exaggerated sense of self-worth. Regardless of the expression, a 2 in this position points to an imbalance. If this feels true for you, your ability to relate to other people should shift once you have overcome this challenge.

As a thinking person, you are well acquainted with the rumblings of your mind. However, you may not always be aware that you are not your mind, but the entity "listening" to your mind. While this is probably not a new realization, recognizing it consistently provides clarity. It allows you to be skeptical of your ideas and thoughts, and receptive to possibilities that may be of more value.

This subtle yet powerful realization can make a difference in the way you view people who may not share your views. It helps you separate the individual from their (evolving) ideas or convictions, making you less likely to judge them from a superficial perspective.

YOUR FIRST DIAMOND CAUSE

The second number in your Diamond reflects the underlying cause of the challenge you face this year. It is the catalyst that sets things in motion, the root of the issues confronting you during this period.

The Cause for your First Diamond is 1

At the root of your challenge lies a problem that seems only marginally related - the issue of control. Consciously or unconsciously, it is likely you have been in a position of power and dominance for some time, affecting the lives of others.

There are many ways this could have transpired. Others may depend on you financially or emotionally, or you may depend on them; either situation ultimately creates the same imbalance. It may have come about unintentionally as changing circumstances created a pattern of dependence and control. Regardless, you likely have influence over the happiness and well being of others in a way that is less than ideal, creating an imbalance that needs to be resolved.

This situation has the potential to limit your freedom, your creativity, and your ability to make choices that could further your career and happiness.

THE RECOMMENDED ACTION FOR YOUR FIRST DIAMOND

The third number in the Diamond pattern suggests a possible course of action to resolve successfully the issues facing you during this period.

The Recommended Action for this Diamond is 9

Ali, a 9 in this position asks you to devote extra time and attention to your heart, rather than your mind. During this period, you will attain the best results by being less practical and more idealistic. While this may seem a contradiction, it makes sense when viewed from a broader perspective.

Sometimes we set goals for ourselves hoping they will bring comfort and security, but our objectives are often limited by expectations or restrictions we have set for ourselves. This can obscure or curtail potential outcomes. There are times we aren't even aware that the destiny we desire isn't truly what we want, and once we reach our goal, we realize it doesn't measure up to our expectation.

Allow your mind to wander and stay open to alternatives. Additionally, focusing more on higher ideals and less on yourself can expand your world and your possibilities.

Key ingredients for this period are idealism, selflessness, and humility.

THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF YOUR FIRST DIAMOND

The fourth number reveals potential changes in your personality and your environment as a result of your experience with the Diamond in place this year. Naturally, our effort and sincere desire to meet these challenges increases the possibility of a positive outcome

What it means to have an expected Outcome of 8

Ali, of all possible outcomes, this is the one that is most clearly recognizable as either very positive or very negative. There is usually no middle ground.

The positive result is more common and often shows up as advancement in career, with potential for more authority and responsibility, even improved finances. There tends to be tangible and often surprisingly strong growth across the board: success, respect, and money. The positive traits of the 8 bring balance between the material and immaterial world, and influence ambition, generosity, leadership, visionary qualities, and strength.

The negative side of the 8 is just the opposite - and can result in a stagnated, declining career, or financial difficulty. If you find yourself in diminished circumstances (compared to a few years ago) apply the suggestions offered by the third number in your Diamond, described above, and seek advice to reverse this negative trend.

Unlike other number combinations that speak more decisively about the outcome you will experience from this period; the 8 Diamond is less certain (although you most likely know the answer yourself).

THE SECOND DIAMOND

The first number in your second Diamond is again of a decidedly spiritual/inner nature, offered to you in the form of a challenge; something that needs to be learned or acquired to help you grow and mature.

Your Second Diamond Challenge for age 14 is 6

When the 6 challenge appears in this position, it concerns love, loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice. Existing relationships are tested - some survive, some don't, but the relationships that do survive will be stronger. To use an analogy, this is a time for pruning the branches of your life and your connections.

A relationship may be fragile or solid as a rock, but no relationship is without its difficulties. This period brings an awareness that flexibility is required to live a harmonious life in love and commitment. Circumstances beyond your control often play a role, but there is much you can do to strengthen or heal the relationships you value. It usually requires a measure of sacrifice, be it in taking responsibility for what is amiss, or by giving up something you are attached to on the physical, mental, emotional plane, or a combination of them all.

YOUR SECOND DIAMOND CAUSE

The second number in your Second Diamond reflects the underlying cause of a distinct challenge you will face this year. It is the catalyst that sets things in motion, the cause of the issues confronting you during this period.

The Cause for your Second Diamond is 3

This root cause indicates difficulty with communication. This could contribute to an emotional, intellectual, and/or spiritual bottleneck.

It may feel as if your ability to express yourself has diminished in the past few years, causing miscommunication, frustration, or lost opportunities. You probably do fine on a superficial level but when the talk turns to deeper, more personal issues, you may find yourself stumbling. It's not a matter of your strength or confidence but a fear of intimacy, something you have an opportunity to confront as this Diamond puts pressure on you.

Self-expression and communication are at the root of this Diamond.

THE RECOMMENDED ACTION FOR YOUR SECOND DIAMOND

The third number in the Second Diamond pattern suggests a possible course of action to resolve the issues facing you during this period.

The Recommended Action for this Diamond is 9

Ali, a 9 in this position asks you to devote extra time and attention to your heart, rather than your mind. During this period, you will attain the best results by being less practical and more idealistic. While this may seem a contradiction, it makes sense when viewed from a broader perspective.

Sometimes we set goals for ourselves hoping they will bring comfort and security, but our objectives are often limited by expectations or restrictions we have set for ourselves. This can obscure or curtail potential outcomes. There are times we aren't even aware that the destiny we desire isn't truly what we want, and once we reach our goal, we realize it doesn't measure up to our expectation.

Allow your mind to wander and stay open to alternatives. Additionally, focusing more on higher ideals and less on yourself can expand your world and your possibilities.

Key ingredients for this period are idealism, selflessness, and humility.

THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF YOUR SECOND DIAMOND

The fourth number reveals potential changes in your personality and your environment as a result of your experience with the Second Diamond in place this year. Naturally, our effort and sincere desire to meet these challenges increases the possibility of a positive outcome.

What it means to have an expected Outcome of 3

Ali, a 3 in this position suggests you should feel less inhibited and more optimistic. The 3 brings a newly awakened creativity. This is one of the most strongly felt and desirable outcomes, because it seems to directly affect your ability to experience simple joy and happiness, as if the child in you has re-awakened. You may even recognize this in a change of style and taste; you might dress less conventionally or more colorfully or have a desire to change your environment.

Your sense of humor may be less reserved, and your health is more likely to improve, due to the positive, motivating outlook of the 3.