NUMBER 8 IS INFINITY
EPISODE 1:
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Transcript with timestamps:
Transcript For Podcast Episode 1
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Welcome back to The Deep Dive. This time we’re taking you on a journey into the world of numbers, but not just any numbers. Numbers with hidden meanings, mystical powers, and a whole lot of history.
That’s right. We’re going beyond simple arithmetic and diving deep into numerology where numbers are more than just quantities. They’re symbols, they’re archetypes, they’re keys to understanding the universe.
Our guide for this deep dive is a fascinating book titled Numbers, Their Occult Power and Mystic Virtues. It’s packed with insights from various traditions like Pythagoreanism and Kabbalah, and even some intriguing anecdotes from the Talmud. It’s amazing how much weight different cultures have given to numbers over the centuries, from shaping religious beliefs to influencing architectural principles.
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Numerology has had a pretty profound impact. It has. So to kick things off, let’s travel back to ancient Greece and meet the Pythagoreans, those mathematical pioneers who were practically obsessed with numbers.
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The Pythagoreans believed that numbers were the very foundation of reality. They saw mathematical ratios and patterns everywhere, from music harmony to the movements of the planets. They even had a secret society devoted to exploring these numerical mysteries.
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A secret society? Sounds like a mathematical cult. What kind of specific beliefs did they hold? Well, one of their core concepts was the duality of even and odd numbers. They believed that even numbers represented female principles, while odd numbers represented male principles.
It’s a bit like the concept of yin and yang, this idea of balance between opposing forces. I see the connection. And how did they apply these numerical interpretations to their lives? Did it influence their daily activities? It did.
For instance, they believed that children born in the seventh month were more likely to survive than those born in the eighth, based solely on their numerical interpretations. That’s pretty surprising. Were there any other unique symbols or concepts associated with the Pythagoreans? Absolutely.
They were particularly fascinated by the number 10, which they considered the perfect number they represented it. With the tetractys, a triangular figure composed of 10 dots arranged in four rows, it symbolized the harmony and completeness of the universe. The tetractys sounds incredibly symbolic.
Did it hold any specific meanings or interpretations within their teachings? It did. The four rows represented the four elements, fire, air, water, and earth. And the sum of the first four numbers, 1 plus 2 plus 3 plus 4 equal 10, further reinforcing its perfection.
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Fascinating. So the Pythagoreans laid the groundwork for seeing numbers as more than just quantities. But let’s shift gears a bit and explore another tradition that takes numerology to a whole new level, the Jewish Kabbalah.
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The Kabbalah takes this idea of numbers as a language and runs with it, developing a complex system called gematria. In gematria, each Hebrew letter is also a numeral. So words with the same numerical value would be connected in some way, like a secret code.
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Exactly. Gematria is all about deciphering those codes and uncovering hidden layers of meaning in the text. For example, the name Abram has a numerical value of 243, but when God changes his name to Abraham, adding the letter H, the value becomes 248.
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So the addition of one letter with a numerical value of 5 significantly changes the name’s interpretation. What kind of change does it represent? The H represents the divine breath, the presence of God. So changing Abram to Abraham signifies a spiritual transformation, a deeper connection with the divine.
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Wow, that’s a pretty powerful example of how a single letter can shift the entire numerological interpretation. What other techniques does the Kabbalah use to explore the meaning of numbers? Besides gematria, they also use techniques like noterikon, which focuses on the initial or final letters of words, and timura, which involves permutations of letters. They were masters of manipulating language and numbers to reveal hidden truths.
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It sounds like a complex and fascinating system. But before we get too deep into the Kabbalah, I’m curious about those intriguing anecdotes from the Talmud you mentioned earlier. Can you give us a taste of what we’ll be exploring? Oh, the Talmud is full of wisdom and wit.
There are stories about why it was unwise for a man to sleep alone in a house, and tales about the woman who preferred fun over pharisaic goodness. That sounds like a pretty lively collection of stories. I’m eager to hear more.
But before we dive into the Talmud, I think it’s important to acknowledge the broader cultural significance of certain numbers, like the number seven, which appears across many traditions. The number seven pops up everywhere. Seven days of creation, seven planets known in ancient times, seven chakras.
Even the Romans were drawn to it, believing that Rome, built on seven hills, was destined for greatness because of that lucky number. It’s interesting how some numbers seem to transcend cultural boundaries and carry universal significance, like everyone knows the number 13 is unlucky, right? Well, not everyone. While it’s considered unlucky in many Western cultures, the Mexicans and some North American Indian tribes actually revere it.
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That’s a great example of how cultural context shapes our interpretation of even the most fundamental symbols. Okay, so we’ve got these individual numbers, but our book also dives into some specific numbers with a special significance, like the number 33. What’s the story there? The number 33 is often associated with significant life events or spiritual milestones, for instance.
Jesus was 33 at the time of his death. King David also reigned in Jerusalem for 33 years. It’s intriguing how seemingly unrelated things can be linked through a single number.
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And what about the number eight? What makes it stand out? The number eight being the first cube was associated with the earth by the Pythagoreans. It also connects to powerful earth mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele figures who embody creation, nurturing, and abundance. There’s definitely a sense of power and grounding associated with the number eight.
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Yeah. Okay, so we’ve explored some key concepts and specific numbers. What else can our listeners expect as we continue our deep dive? Welcome back to our numerical journey.
We’ve just scratched the surface of how different cultures have interpreted and used numbers throughout history. It’s incredible how these ancient systems of thought still resonate today. I feel like we’re only just beginning to unlock their secrets.
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We are. And there are so many fascinating layers to uncover. For instance, we talked about the significance of individual numbers like seven and 13, but what about the foundational numbers like one and two? Those seem pretty basic.
What kind of hidden meanings could they possibly hold? More than you might think. The number one, for example, has been seen as representing the ultimate source, the divine spark from which everything originates. The very beginning of everything.
I can see how that would be a powerful concept. Exactly. The Pythagoreans called it the monad, the first of all things, the maker of all things.
They associate it with intellect, the source of all ideas, and also saw it as the first odd number, unable to be divided into two equal parts. So indivisible and the origin of everything, that definitely elevates the number one beyond just a simple quantity. And what about the number two? How do they interpret that? The number two is all about duality, a concept that resonates across countless philosophies and religions.
It’s the principle of opposites, light and dark, good and evil, male and female. It seems like duality is fundamental to how we understand the world. Are there any specific examples of how the number two was symbolized or used in ancient cultures? Absolutely.
The two pillars, Jichen and Boaz at the entrance of King Solomon’s temple are a great example. They represent strength and stability through the balance of opposites. That makes sense.
And of course, we can’t forget the Chinese concept of yin and yang, which we mentioned earlier, that’s another powerful example of duality in action. But let’s get back to the Talmud and those intriguing anecdotes you mentioned. What gems did you uncover about the number two? Well, there’s a saying in the Talmud, two are better than three.
It refers to the idea that youth is preferable to old age because old age often requires a staff for support, creating a third leg. So it’s a reminder to appreciate the vitality and independence of youth. Exactly.
The Talmud also includes a story about a man with two wives, one young and one old. The young wife plucked out his gray hairs, while the old one plucked out his black hairs, leaving him completely bald. Ouch.
That sounds like a cautionary tale about trying to please everyone. Or maybe it’s a commentary on the conflicting desires of youth and old age. But speaking of duality, we can’t forget the most fundamental example of two, the two sexes.
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Absolutely. The two sexes are the foundation of biological reproduction, the interplay of male and female energies that perpetuates life. And the Talmud even suggests that Adam might have been both male and female, initially further emphasizing this concept of duality within a single being.
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It’s a thought provoking idea that challenges our traditional understanding of gender and creation. But moving on from two, let’s explore the number three. It holds immense significance across various cultures and belief systems.
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Number three does seem to pop up everywhere. What makes it so special? The Pythagoreans considered three to be the first perfect number representing harmony and balance. It’s also no coincidence that oracles were often delivered from tripods, like the famous oracle at Delphi.
The three legs symbolize stability and connection to the divine. Right. And in music, three is crucial to harmony.
The Christian trinity and the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva also come to mind. Exactly. These triads represent the fundamental forces at play in the universe.
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Creation, preservation and transformation. This idea of a three person family relationship, like the Egyptian triad of Osiris, Isis and Horus, further reinforces the concept of completeness and interconnectedness. It’s like the perfect family unit representing the cycle of life and death.
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Yeah. But we also see the number three in mythology and folklore. Neptune’s Cridon, Cerberus’s three heads, the three wishes granted by a genie Goldilocks and the three bears.
It’s everywhere. It is. It seems like the number three has woven itself into the fabric of storytelling and belief systems across cultures.
And of course, the Talmud has something to say about the number three as well. Of course it does. What wisdom do the rabbis offer about this powerful number? According to the Talmud, three things can calm a man.
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Melody, scenery and sweet scent. And three things can improve a man. A fine house, a handsome wife and good furniture.
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Sounds like a recipe for a good life. Although those definitions might need a little updating for our modern times. Agreed.
But beyond the late hearted, there are also more profound reflections. The Talmud mentions that three types of people despise their fellows. Cooks, fortune tellers and dogs.
And three types love their fellows. Proselytes, slaves and ravens. Interesting.
It’s a glimpse into their social dynamics and values. And then there’s the belief that if a woman steps over nail clippings, it could bring mischance to avoid this. A pious man buries his clippings, an orderly man burns them and a wicked man throws them away.
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It’s a reminder of the power of superstition and the importance they placed on seemingly insignificant rituals. And finally, the Talmud describes three keys that God keeps to himself. The key of life, the key of ran and the key of the resuscitation of the dead.
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That’s a powerful image that speaks to the ultimate power and mystery of the divine. These forces are beyond human control. But moving on from the mystical three, let’s explore the symbolism of the number four.
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The number four is often associated with the physical world. The four elements, the four cardinal directions, the four seasons. The Pythagoreans saw four as representing justice and completeness being the first evenly even number.
They also connected it to the concept of a square with its four equal sides and four angles. It’s all about stability, structure and balance. And let’s not forget the Hebrew tetragrammaton, the four letter name of God that’s considered too sacred to pronounce.
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Right. It’s a powerful example of how the number four is linked to the divine and the unknowable. Interestingly, the Pythagoreans also believe that the number four held the key to understanding the soul.
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The soul. How did they connect the number four to something as intangible as the soul? They believed that the soul consisted of four parts, the rational, the irascible, the epithematic and the body. So they saw the soul as a complex interplay of intellect, emotions, desires and the physical vessel.
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Exactly. And they believe that this same four part structure was reflected in the cosmos as well. They saw a connection between the microcosm of the individual soul and the macrocosm of the universe.
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It’s fascinating how they were able to weave together such complex ideas using numbers as their building blocks. But let’s move on to the number five. It’s often associated with humanity balance and the five senses.
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The pentagram, the five-pointed star is a powerful symbol that’s been used for centuries to represent protection, harmony and the human form. And the Pythagoreans considered five to be the symbol of marriage, representing the union of the male principle three and the female principle two. This is another example of that perfect blend of opposites creating a harmonious whole.
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They also associated five with health and vitality, symbolized by the goddess Hygieia. And of course we have the five elements, earth, air, fire, water and ether. The fundamental building blocks of the physical world, the number five seems to touch upon every aspect of human experience.
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It does. But I’m also curious about what the Kabbalah has to say about the number five. Did you come across any interesting interpretations in our book? I did.
According to the Kabbalah, the number five is associated with the fifth Sefirah Geburah, which represents strength, discipline and judgment. Judgment. That sounds a little intimidating.
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It can be, but it’s a necessary force. It’s the counterbalance to choose the fourth Sefirah, which represents mercy and expansion. So it’s about finding that balance again, that equilibrium between opposing forces.
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Right. The Kabbalah is all about understanding the interplay of these divine emanations, the forces that govern the universe in our lives. Exactly.
And it all comes back to those fundamental numbers and their symbolic meanings. We’re just beginning to explore the depth and complexity of numerology. There’s still so much more to uncover.
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Welcome back to the Deep Dive. We’ve been on quite a journey through the world of numerology, exploring how numbers have been imbued with deep meaning and symbolism across various cultures. It’s fascinating how something as seemingly simple as a number can hold so much power and significance.
We’ve seen how numbers have shaped religious beliefs, influenced philosophical thought, and even played a role in everyday superstitions. It’s definitely made me look at numbers in a whole new light. So for this final part of our Deep Dive, I’m excited to explore a few more of these numerical powerhouses and see what secrets they hold.
Where should we go next? Well, let’s talk about the number six. It’s a number that’s often associated with creation, balance and harmony. I can see the six days of creation in the Bible, six points on a Star of David.
It’s like the number six is setting things up for something big. Precisely. It’s the foundation, the blueprint, the structure upon which everything else is built.
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The Pythagoreans referred to it as the perfection of parts because it’s the sum of its divisors, one, two and three. Well, that’s neat. It’s like the number six has this inherent sense of completion and wholeness.
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Exactly. And this concept of wholeness is further emphasized in its association with the hexagram or the six-pointed star, which is a symbol of balance and the union of opposites. Right.
Like that Star of David we mentioned, it’s a powerful symbol in Judaism representing the connection between heaven and earth, the divine and the human. Absolutely. And the number six also has connections to some intriguing figures throughout history.
Our book mentions a list of 10 messengers sent by God to humanity. And guess who the sixth one is? I’m intrigued. Who is it? Emosis, or Moses, the Jewish lawgiver.
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Wow, Moses. That’s quite a significant figure to be associated with the number six. It speaks to the idea of divine revelation and the establishment of spiritual order.
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It does. And it highlights how the number six can represent a pivotal point in a narrative, a moment where things shift and a new chapter begins. Okay.
So we’ve explored the foundational power of the number six. What other numerical insights await us? Let’s jump to the number eight. Now, this number is particularly interesting because it represents a kind of new beginning, a step beyond the initial creation represented by the number six.
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I’m all ears. Tell me more. Well, think about it.
Eight is the first cube, which symbolizes stability and the material world. It’s like taking that blueprint of six and turning it into something tangible, something real. I see.
It’s like moving from the realm of ideas to the realm of form and manifestation. Exactly. And this concept of new beginnings is further reinforced by the story of the eight survivors of the flood of Caesarus.
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Right. It’s like a symbolic washing away of the old world, making way for a fresh start. Precisely.
And the number eight also has connections to powerful feminine deities like Rhea Sibyl and other earth mother goddesses. So there’s a definite theme of rebirth, renewal, and feminine energy associated with this number. Absolutely.
It’s like the number eight is saying, okay, the foundation has been laid. Now let’s build something amazing. I love that.
It’s so optimistic and empowering. Okay, so we’ve covered six and eight. What’s our final stop on this numerical adventure? Let’s finish with the number nine, which is often seen as a number of completion, fulfillment, and spiritual enlightenment.
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Interesting. Nine is a powerful number. I’m thinking of Dante’s nine circles of hell.
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That’s one interpretation, but the number nine is also associated with more positive concepts like wisdom, compassion, and the culmination of a cycle. The Pythagoreans called it the Ennead, and they saw it as a symbol of the horizon encompassing all the numbers within the decade. So it’s like the number nine represents reaching a peak, the ultimate goal, the full realization of potential.
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Exactly. And it’s often associated with the nine muses in Greek mythology who represent the different arts and sciences. They embody the fullness of human creativity and inspiration.
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Right, the muses. They’re like the embodiment of that creative spark. And there are also the nine orders of angels in Christian tradition, each with its unique role and purpose.
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It’s a reminder that there are many paths to spiritual enlightenment, many ways to connect with the divine. And speaking of divine connection, some Jewish traditions believe that God has descended to earth nine times with the tenth and final coming being the arrival of the Messiah. It’s fascinating how the number nine is used to mark these significant events, these turning points in human history.
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It is. It’s like the number nine is setting the stage for a grand finale, a culmination of all that has come before. And in a way, that’s what this whole deep dive has been about, hasn’t it? Exploring the culmination of centuries of human thought and belief as expressed through the language of numbers.
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Exactly. We’ve journeyed from the foundations of reality with the Pythagoreans to the intricate system of Gematria in the Kabbalah, uncovered ancient wisdom and secret codes and even chuckled at those quirky Talmudic tales. It’s clear that numbers have always been seen as more than just quantities.
They’re symbols, they’re archetypes, they’re keys to understanding the universe and our place within it. I feel like I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for the power and significance of numbers. They’re not just abstract symbols.
They’re woven into the very fabric of our existence. They are. And I hope that this deep dive has inspired you to look at the numbers in your own life with a fresh perspective.
Perhaps there are hidden meanings and messages waiting to be uncovered. Who knows what secrets we might find. Thanks for joining us on this numerical adventure, and we’ll see you next time on the Deep Dive.: Faith Journey Source Official PODCAST now Avaliable! “NUMBER EIGHT IS INFINITY”