Ruth Drayer

Sarah Joanna Dennis Balliett, writing under the pen name Mrs. L. Dow Balliett, was an American author and influential figure in numerology. Born in New Jersey in 1847, she was deeply involved in civic and philosophical pursuits throughout her life. Balliett was a dedicated clubwoman, founding and leading several organizations, including the Women's Research Club and the Atlantic County Historical Society. Her involvement extended to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the School of Psychology and Physical Culture. Balliett's contributions to the field of numerology were significant, leading to her being referred to as "The First Mother of Numerology." She passed away in Atlantic City in 1929.

Her literary output focused on themes of mysticism, philosophy, and the esoteric power of numbers. Balliett authored several books that explored the principles of number vibration, its connection to success, and its philosophical implications. These works, such as "How to attain success through the strength of vibration" and "The philosophy of numbers; their tone and colors," established her as a key voice in the development of modern numerology. She also co-edited a historical record of Atlantic County. Beyond her numerological writings, she also created portraits and was recognized for her artistic contributions.

Sarah Joanna Dennis Balliett is widely recognized as the creator of the modern style of numerology. Her extensive writings on the subject, particularly focusing on "number vibration," explored the philosophical and practical applications of numbers. Works 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 the groundwork for her system. These books delved into the concept that numbers possess inherent tones and colors, influencing success and understanding. Ruth Drayer has referred to Balliett as "The First Mother of Numerology," highlighting her foundational role in the field. Her later book, "The Balliett Philosophy of Number Vibration in Questions and Answers: A Text Book" (1930), further codified her teachings.

Beyond her work in numerology, Balliett was a prominent and active community leader. From her early days, she was involved in club activities and devoted herself to civic affairs. She founded and served as the first president of the Women's Research Club in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was also the first president of the Atlantic County Historical Society. Her leadership extended to being president of the Women's Homeopathic Club of Atlantic City for seven years. In DuBois, Pennsylvania, she held the position of the first president of The Round Table Club. Balliett also served as the principal of the School of Psychology and Physical Culture of Private Pupils in Atlantic City and was involved with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, where she organized the first Temperance Cadets.

Balliett's literary contributions extended beyond numerology to include writings on music, mysticism, and movement therapies. Her book "The Body Beautiful: According to the Delsartian Philosophy" (1901) explored physical culture through a philosophical lens. She also co-edited "Early History of Atlantic County, New Jersey: Record of the First Year's work of Atlantic County's Historical Society" in 1915. In addition to her writing, Balliett was also an artist. She created portraits and received recognition for her work, including an invitation to exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Her diverse talents and intellectual pursuits marked her as a multifaceted figure of her era.

“The First Mother of Numerology”