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Numbers and Symbolism 1 - As the beginning of the counting numbers, 1 is unique. Any number multiplied by 1 remains unchanged; any number divided by 1 remains unchanged, too. Geometrically, 1 is related to the point. The number symbolizes beginnings and often is thought to represent balance: male and female, good and bad, light and dark. 2 - Unlike 1, the balanced point, 2, like the line which passes through 2 points and extends forever into space in opposite directions, represents contradictions. The ancients believed the number 2 symbolized truth and falsehood. We've all heard second opinions. 3 - 3 is symbolic of the triangle. In ancient mythology there were 3 Fates, 3 Graces, and 3 Furies. For Christians, 3 symbolizes the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Peter denied Christ 3 times. Hindu priests represent their god with 3 heads. 4 - The ancients believed the number 4 represented the 4 directions: North, East, West, and South. It also symbolized the ancient elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The 3 sides and 1 base of a pyramid equal 4, which is apparent in the cross and the square as well. The number also represents the 4 basic operations of mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 5 - The ancient Greeks used a 5-pointed star as a secret symbol. Even today a pentagram is considered by some to hold magical properties. 6 - It was believed that God created the universe in 6 days. 6 represents two triangles and their bases, as well as the cube. It is a number associated with strength and harmony. The star of David, a 6-pointed star, is a symbol of the state of Israel. 7 - 7 appears often in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. During the days preceding the end of the world 7 plays a prominent role: 7 stars, 7 churches of Asia, 7 spirits before God's throne, 7 horns, 7 vials, 7 plagues, a 7-headed monster, and the Lamb with 7 eyes. Scholars have been trying to figure out the meaning of the 7s for centuries. There were also Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; Shakespeare wrote about the 7 ages of man, and Seventh Heaven means complete joy. In Japan, according to folklore, there were 7 Gods of Luck. 9 - Mystics believed that 9 symbolized wisdom and knowledge. 9 planets revolve around our sun, a fact that some astrologers find significant. 9 also possesses regenerative properties. Multiply 9 by any number and the sum of the digits of the answer will be 9. 12 - Many numerologists believe 12 to have special qualities. After all, there are 12 signs of the Zodiac, 12 months in a year, and 12 hours in a day (the other 12 are at night). There were also 12 knights of the Round Table. The Bible speaks of the 12 Tribes of Israel and, in the New Testament, the 12 Apostles. 13 - In the minds of many, 13 is the most unlucky of numbers. Much of the superstition comes from the beginnings of Christianity. 13 represents the number present during the Last Supper, Jesus and the 12 apostles. 40 - This number appears throughout religion. The deluge reported in the Old Testament lasted 40 days, and another 40 passed before Noah opened the Ark. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan. 666 - According to Christians, this is the Number of the Beast as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Some scholars believe that 666 referred to Nero, the mad Emperor who ruled Rome at about the time the Book of Revelation was written. They believe that the author of the text assigned number values to the Hebrew words that represented Nero and these equal 666. Perhaps fearing for his head should he be found out by the authorities, the author named Nero (who was certainly considered a beast for the brutality of his rule) by a secret number. |
