Ruth A. Drayer

Sarah Joanna Dennis Balliett, born in 1847, is recognized as the originator of the modern form of numerology. Throughout her life, she was deeply involved in civic and philosophical pursuits, embodying her Quaker mother's motto to improve the places she visited. Balliett's influence extended to various community organizations, where she held leadership roles. She was the founding president of the Women's Research Club in Atlantic City and also led the Atlantic County Historical Society and the Women's Homeopathic Club. Additionally, she served as principal of the School of Psychology and Physical Culture.

Her literary contributions focused on themes of mysticism, philosophy, and the occult, particularly concerning numbers and their vibrational qualities. Balliett authored several books exploring these concepts, including "How to attain success through the strength of vibration; a System of Numbers as Taught by Pythagoras" and "The philosophy of numbers; their tone and colors." She also co-edited a historical record of Atlantic County. Ruth A. Drayer has referred to Balliett as "The First Mother of Numerology," highlighting her foundational role in the field. Balliett passed away in 1929.

Sarah Joanna Dennis Balliett is credited with developing the modern approach to numerology. Her extensive writings delved into the esoteric and philosophical dimensions of numbers, exploring their inherent vibrations, tones, and colors. 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) illustrate her dedication to this subject. She presented her ideas in a question-and-answer format in "The Balliett Philosophy of Number Vibration in Questions and Answers: A Text Book" (1930). Her work positioned numbers not just as mathematical entities but as forces influencing life and success, a concept that laid the groundwork for contemporary numerological practices.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Balliett was a highly active community figure. She was instrumental in establishing and leading numerous clubs and organizations. In DuBois, Pennsylvania, she served as the first president of The Round Table Club. Upon moving to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1894, her civic involvement intensified. She founded and led the Women's Research Club, was the first president of the Atlantic County Historical Society, and presided over the Women's Homeopathic Club. Her leadership also extended to education as the principal of the School of Psychology and Physical Culture. Balliett's commitment to civic affairs and women's organizations marked her as a prominent and influential individual in the communities she inhabited.

Balliett's talents were not confined to writing and organization; she was also a visual artist. She created portraits and was recognized for her artistic contributions with an invitation to exhibit at the prestigious World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Her early life was shaped by the principles of her Quaker mother, whose motto, "Leave the place where you stop the better for your having been there," guided Balliett's life and career. Educated in both public and private schools, she developed a broad foundation that supported her diverse interests in philosophy, civic engagement, and the esoteric arts.

“The First Mother of Numerology”