Caroline Dow

Sarah Joanna Dennis Balliett, also known by her pen name Mrs. L. Dow Balliett, was an American writer and organizer who is recognized as the creator of the modern style of numerology. Born in New Jersey in 1847, she was deeply influenced by her Quaker mother's motto to improve the places she visited. Balliett was an active participant in various clubs and civic organizations throughout her life, serving as president for numerous groups, including The Round Table Club in Pennsylvania and the Women's Research Club and Atlantic County Historical Society in New Jersey. She also held leadership roles in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Women's Homeopathic Club. Balliett was a prolific author, with her writings focusing on subjects such as mysticism, movement therapies, occultism, and particularly, number vibration. Her work in numerology earned her the designation "The First Mother of Numerology." She passed away in Atlantic City in 1929.

Sarah Joanna Dennis Balliett is widely credited with developing the modern system of numerology. Her extensive writings explored the philosophical underpinnings of numbers, their perceived tones, and colors, and their connection to universal vibrations. Books like "How to attain success through the strength of vibration; a System of Numbers as Taught by Pythagoras" (1904), "The philosophy of numbers; their tone and colors" (1908), and "Nature's Symphony, Or, Lessons in Number Vibration" (1911) laid out her theories. She presented these ideas as a comprehensive system, notably in "The Balliett Philosophy of Number Vibration in Questions and Answers: A Text Book" (1930). Balliett also delved into related esoteric subjects, including mysticism and movement therapies, viewing these practices through a lens of spiritual and personal development. Her work positioned numbers not just as mathematical concepts but as dynamic forces influencing life and success.

Beyond her contributions to numerology, Balliett was a dynamic force in community organizing and women's advancement. From her early days, she was dedicated to civic and philosophical pursuits. She was instrumental in founding and leading several prominent women's clubs. In DuBois, Pennsylvania, she established and presided over The Round Table Club. Upon moving to Atlantic City, New Jersey, her leadership expanded significantly. She founded the Women's Research Club and served as its first president, and was also the first president of the Atlantic County Historical Society. Furthermore, she led the Women's Homeopathic Club of Atlantic City for seven years and directed music for the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs. Her involvement extended to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, where she helped organize local chapters and founded the Temperance Cadets.