"In Arithmetic, numbers have become shadowy things. To be able to feel their significance we must try for a moment to forget everything connected with modern reckoning (left brain). Pythagoras could recognize forces in numbers in which the secrets of the divine world were hidden. In history they are the signs of a SPIRITUAL GEOMETRY which points to the foundations of our human existence" Maria Schindler "Europe: A Cosmic Picture"

WHICH COMES FIRST, ONE OR ZERO?

Scientific and Spiritual thinking agrees on one point: the one point from which everything began! The scientists call this point the point of Singularity, while the Spiritualists call this point Oneness, Unity or the Source. And both points of view suggest that this point existed in a void of nothingness. Already we are tied up in a paradox of semantics that logical, linear thinknig cannot make sense of. By definition, a void is nothing, devoid of space, direction and content. So how can anything exist there? At the start of things, the rational left-brain loses its grip on reality. It seeks to know how anything can exist in a void, and it creates the archetype paradox of… "Which came first, the chicken or the egg"? This old chestnut is the epitome of linear, left-brain thinking, and it forms the basis of POLARITY consciousness as opposed to UNITY consciousness. The Universe is infinite, and yet it appears to have had a starting point.

"At the origin of all things we are faced with an infinite containing a mass of unexplained finites; an indivisible full of endless divisions, an immutable teeming with mutations and differentiations; a cosmic paradox is at the beginning of all things. This paradox can only be explained as ONE, but this is an infinite oneness, which can contain the hundred and the thousand and the million and the billion. This does not mean that the One is plural, or can be limited or described as the sum of the many. On the contrary, it can contain the infinite many because it exceeds all limitation or description by multiplicity, and exceeds at the same time, all limitation by finite, conceptual Oneness." SRI AUROBINDO

Probably the most powerful concept that negates this perception of ONE, the absolute Unity, is the Left Brain's acceptance of using ZERO as a starting point. In Nature, Numerology and Sacred Geometry, everything begins and grows from 1. In the mercantile consciousness of the 3rd dimension, everything starts with zero. Zero is not the enemy here, but our conditioned understanding of it, is.

The Mayans and Greeks used a symbol to denote an empty column in their arithmetic calculations, but they drew zero more like an egg shape, because in their consciousness the empty vessel always contains the potential seed of growth, just like an egg. However, when we became mercantile, and when the notion of banking manifested, suddenly our perception of zero changed. Now zero was just understood as an absence of quantity, and there is no quality achieved with nothing, in the money-minded world. For the first time the idea of lack really anchored itself to our consciousness, as did the notions of nothing equating with annihilation, and a void meaning empty. In the mercantile world, non-value means non-being, and so to put zero at the beginning of everything HAS NO VALUE. As Robert Lawlor puts it:

"The invention of zero permitted numbers to represent ideas which have no form. This signals a change in the definition of the word idea which in antiquity was synonymous with form, and implies geometry".

There is no zero in the natural world, everything starts with ONE, the SEED and EGG with the potential to grow into a tree, a baby or a Universe. Logical, linear analysis tends to split things apart in order to understand how things work, so it will always chase its own tail with trying to separate the chicken from the egg. They can never be separated because they reflect the CYCLIC motion of life, and it's these cyclic and holistic conceptual spaces that the left-brain has a problem accepting. The chicken is in the egg and the point is in the void. This is the image of the Monad: Everything starts with 1, but all comes from NOTHING:

1The Point & the Circle: The MONAD.

"The Monad was depicted as a point inside a circle. In order for it to reach out and take form, it had to cast its' own reflection." SHIRLY BLACKWELL LAWRENCE

The geometric form that expresses the energy of the vibration of 1 is the circle.The symbols of the number 1, the first letter of the english alaphabet, A and the letter I are all associated with expressing the Life/Light force, and this vibration is often symbolized by the SUN, radiating light and love out from the centre of its perfect circle of Unity.

NUMBER 1 CHARACTERISTICS:

1 is the First Cause, the all-encompassing unity, and the one who chose to go forth and create. This is the vital energy and life force that created creation. The energy of 1 brings with it supreme self-confidence and faith and belief in the self. A positive 1 is a winner, a leader and a trailblazer. With 1 as your root essence vibration, you are VERY independent and self-sufficient. You are strong-willed and innovative, the one who goes forth and initiates things. You are courageous and fight fear with love and faith. You have the courage to let go of the old and embrace the new, to look toward the future with faith and enthusiasm. You are also willing to take on the responsibilities of a leader.

Negative 1's are very good at alienating people due to these characteristics. They also come across as over-confident, even arrogant. This over-confidence can lead them to take on much more responsibility than they can handle, causing them to work themselves into the ground to avoid losing face. As a 1, you are very good at telling others what to do, but you won't take authority from anyone! Your strong will will ensure you take your own path in all that you do.

2: The Line/ The Vesica Piscis.

"The number 1 is only definable through the number 2: it is multiplicity which reveals Unity. The intelligence of things exists only through what we may call an original fractioning and the comparison of these fractions to one another, which is then only an enumeration of the aspects of Unity. Thus, unthinkable though Unity may be, both reason (Left Brain) and spiritual (Right Brain) experience compel the traditional thinker to place it at the beginning. Everything that exists in her mathematical problem or in her Universe is a fraction of the unknown ONE, and because these parts can be related proportionately to one another they are knowable". R.A. SCHWALLER de LUBICZ

The vibration of 2 carries the creative power of POLARITY, and deals with issues of unity and separation. In the beginning was the ONE who wanted to know itself experientially. All creation stories across the religious divides, begin with the source of ALL-THAT-IS existing as a point beyond time and space within a void where nothing else exists, not even light. Then, creation begins by God's desire to know itself experientially. To know what it was it had to know what it wasn't and so the themes of opposites, difference, and polarity were born. This awareness created a movement, a vibrational thought-form that divided the God self into 2. To know itself, it had to see itself for what is, and to see is to gaze upon a REFLECTION of itself. Reflection is the mirroring of light.

As an example, let's look at and understand the words of the first verse of Genesis in the Bible:

IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH.

AND THE EARTH WAS WITHOUT FORM AND VOID, AND DARKNESS WAS UPON THE FACE OF THE DEEP.

AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED UPON THE FACE OF THE WATERS, AND GOD SAID: "LET THERE BE LIGHT, AND THERE WAS LIGHT"

So Creation began from the first MOVEMENT, or the first VIBRATION that was issued forth from the Source. In sacred geometry the form that creates light and depicts the division of unity that begins creation is known as the Vesica Piscis. The Vesica Piscis is the image of reflection and by that essence of intent creates light itself. It shows two circles intersecting each other through their centres, which creates a third form that joins the two circles. In this space that joins the two to birth the third, the joining of male and female energy, is found the mathematical ratio that creates the synergy of MAGNETIC (female) energy and ELECTRICAL (male) energy that actually creates the electromagnetic spectrum, or light itself. Is it any wonder, then that this intersection shape is the shape of the eye? After all, it is the window through which we can see creation. In Occult Science, it is recognized that when any force begins to work in the universe, another force, opposed to the first, arises at the same moment: i.e.: electricity and magnetism, together produce electro-magnetism, LIGHT. We spend a great deal of time analysing and working with the Vesica Piscis in the workshops.

"Light cannot reveal itself alone and on its own; shadows or darkness must be present as well- here, therefore, you have a duality. The Good could never reveal itself if Evil were not there as it's shadow-picture. The duality of Good and Evil is an essential in the manifested world" RUDOLPH STEINER

The Vesica Piscis explodes the myth of polarity. It shows that with two opposites, the birth of the power of three, the creativity of the Holy Trinity, is always waiting in the wings. And the creative principles that transform spirit into matter are also contained within the ratios that this image creates. Here we find the ratios of infinite growth and expansion expressed by the sacred Square Roots of 2, 3 and 5. Again, this is an area examined in great detail in the workshops.

NUMBER 2 CHARACTERISTICS:

As a 2 you are very receptive and reflective. Your powers of imagination are immense, you can peer behind the mirrored reflection and see the hidden aspects of reality. And as a 2 you will be very conscious of opposites, you are well aware that there are always two sides to a story.

A 2 is a natural diplomat, a peacemaker, and a go-between who can sort out people's differences for them. A 2 always weighs up all the pros and cons before coming to a just and fair decision. A 2 is a people-person, and will tend to gather ideas and experience through others, so they COOPERATE, and promote cooperation between opposing factors. The 2 is well aware that opposites have a lot more in common than first appears. Its' best service is through cooperation, and they are well respected for their peace-brokering skills.

The negative aspects of 2 all revolve around secrets, insincerity and generally keeping things hidden. The top of the 2 is open, but the bottom half is hidden, rooted in the dark earth. Negative 2s are deceitful and sneaky and present a very sincere and "nice" image, only to deceive and cheat people behind their backs. The negative 2 may lack self-confidence, and become oversensitive and easily depressed if their surroundings are unharmonious.

3: The Triangle/ The Trinity.

"Without a conception of the true Trinity in humankind, we must fall into the snares of the modern psychological doctrines. The lack of perception of this primal "secret of number" has brought much confusion into the world for a thousand years. Man needs to get to know himself in the constant interplay of the three systems, the Sense-Nervous system, the Rhythmic system, and the Metabolic system." The 3 is nothing else than the Two and The One: the Revelation and the Godhead behind the revelation. The One and also the Three are the numbers denoting God". RUDOLPH STEINER

The image of the Vesica Piscis shows us that with the initial division of Unity, there are not only two polar aspects, but there is the birth of the 3rd space/power that both holds together and separates the two. This is where the myth of polarity is exploded, and if we examine descriptions of polar opposites, we can quickly see that the natural three-fold nature of things runs through all natural life. Hot, Warm, Cold. Mother, Child and Father. Sun, Moon and Earth. Length, Breadth and Depth. Numbers, Letters and Sounds.

The concept of the trinity is fundamental in nature and creation and we see the trinity mirrored in all the mystery teachings of the ancients. 3 was regarded as the perfect number to represent the true nature of the Godhead because it expressed the Beginning, the Centre and the End of all things. The trinity symbolizes the divine expression of self that is achieved when a balance and joining of the Male (Left Brain), and Female (Right Brain), happens, and our perceptual ability is re-born and we become enlightened.

With 3 there is a big transition from the Point, to the Line, to a Surface, a contained form. All forms are a synthesis of the three ideal geometries: POINT, LINE and PLANE. The Triangle is the first enclosed form that appears in Creation, and is therefore often referred to as the "Membrane of Creation", because it is the geometric surface through which all other shapes are birthed into creation. The triangle is called the Mother in India, because it is the form through which the transcendent powers of Unity and its initial division into Polarity must pass before it manifests the surface of form. The triangle, the Membrane of Creation is the birth canal between the transcendent and the manifest realms. In this sense 3, the Holy Trinity and the Triangle form the principle of creation that can then go forth and manifest all the tangible forms in the Universe.

A core understanding of Anthroposophical teachings is the three-fold nature of the Human Being. In fact it is true to say that this concept formulated by Rudolph Steiner founded the Anthroposophical movement itself. Steiner stresses that understanding the meaning of the Trinity is fundamental to our perception of the true reality:

" We have not to content ourselves with vaguely humanistic dreamings, looking only for the unity in all things…It is essential for us human beings to partake in the World-process that we experience the living passage from unity to trinity - from the One to the Three - and then again from the Three to the One. For in achieving the faculty… to apprehend the archetypal Three in all existence, we receive this into the prevailing mood and condition of our soul. We realize that all life is based on the activity and interplay of primal trinities of being…And then we have an inspiration - an impelling force at once of Nature and of the Spirit - to bring the three-fold ordering into all life, the life we see and recognize around us and too the life which we ourselves bring forth in action. In the last resort it depends on the bringing-in of this Threefold Impulse, whether the forces of disintegration and decline in mankind's evolution can now be transmuted into forces of new life and resurrection". Lecture: "Easter and Michaelmas: The Three in One and the One in Three" 1923: RUDOLPH STEINER

NUMBER 3 CHARACTERISTICS:

So the triangle and the vibration of 3 initiate powerful creative forces that go forth and multiply! The TRIANGLE is the ancient symbol for the element of FIRE. We talk about the creative fire within, that when expressed outwards, spreads warmth and light and inspiration. With 3 you have a variety of creative talents at your disposal, and one of the best talents you have is inspiring confidence in others by uplifting them through your creative expression. As a 3 you will be able to freely express yourself, in fact you demand freedom of expression: you always have to speak your mind and you expect others to do the same, too. A 3 likes to spread joy wherever it goes - it's a fun-loving vibration, and those with 3 as their Soul number or Personality number are usually very gregarious and out-going.

Sometimes a 3 can be a little too fun-loving. Notice how the symbol of 3 is open at the top and bottom, on the left? This tells us that 3 is very open and outgoing and expressive, but it also shows us that a 3 can scatter its energies wastefully in its pursuit of fun. Sometimes self-discipline is lacking; a 3 likes to do as it pleases, it's not interested in working too hard for a living. On the negative side, a 3 can also dissipate its energy and waste it by becoming too attached to its sensorial pleasures. 3 is very expressive, but it can scatter its creativity over too wide an area, which lessens its creative impact and success considerably.

As a 3 you need to learn to harness and control this fiery creative energy, and focus it with clear intent into constructive outlets. A controlled fire provides warmth and enlightenment and sustains life. But a fire that is allowed to burn out of control creates havoc and damage before eventually burning itself out. You must learn to focus your creative energy on worthwhile projects - spreading yourself too thinly will dull your creative impact. A 3 is offered many choices in life due to its' multiple expressive talents. As long as the 3 can pull them all together in a focused, disciplined and intended goal they can achieve great success.

4: The Square: Material form.

"The objective picture and symbol for the content and essence of the 4 is to be seen in the combination of the horizontal and the vertical at right angles to each other. The right angle, or combination of right angles is also an objective picture of the world of matter. The right angle and the classical geometry based on it form the key to a conscious, perceptive knowing and grasping of the physical, three-dimensional world. With the experience of the essence of the 4, of physical space as such, rises also man's consciousness of self, ego-consciousness." B. NESFIELD-COOKSON - "Golden Blade" 1965

The number 4 creates the form of the Square, which is the ancient symbol for the element of Earth, the 3-Dimensional plane of existence, and the earth, our home. The square also represents material consciousness, and manifestation. We build our homes on the solid, secure and safe foundations of the square. The earth defines physical space with its 4 directions: North, South, East and West. We talk about the '4 corners' of the earth, and we have 4 seasons that divide the earth year. There are 4 phases to the Lunar cycle: New Moon, 1st Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter.

4 ASPECTS OF SELF: YOUR 4 NUMBERS:

We all have signature vibratory patterns, forms and colours that carry certain qualities that are expressed via 4 aspects of being on the earth plane. By looking at the numbers in our birth date and our birth name, we can determine 4 personal numbers that articulate in great detail our Soul Purpose, Destiny path, Life Lessons and Personality vibration. I use these numbers and integrate the logical and intuitive aspects of these vibrational frequencies to create personal mandalas that make visible your unique vibrational signature. It is these 4 vibrations that anchor our vibratory expression to our earthly existenece.

NUMBER 4 CHARACTERISTICS:

Because the square is equal on all four sides, it has the reputation of being very "FAIR and SQUARE". The 4 can be relied upon to do a good, steady job, and is not afraid of hard work. 4 encourages growth through order and steady, dedicated application. The 4 can clearly weigh up any situation and make clear and sound judgments about it. 4's desire an orderly, practical and stable program of living. You need to build your life on the themes of stability, dependability and sound, rational reasoning. A 4 will use reason to determine reality, and they are the ones to stay calm in a crisis. 4 gives you great organisational and planning ability, and you can build success with a cautiously careful, measured approach to life. 4's are the ones who can turn their ideas into viable, constructive, practical projects, and they know how to fully ground their energy, define the forms and boundaries, and then work hard with total efficiency to bring about the materialisation of their goals.

4's are very good at defining boundaries, and being clear about their limitations. However, sometimes the boundaries they set up to define themselves can create too narrow an expression. They may have feelings of being hemmed in or trapped, on a bad day. Their self-imposed boundaries make them feel secure. They may have an urge to escape sometimes, but then become too fearful of overstepping their secure fences. 4's must learn to open up their boundaries every now and then to allow for their own self-expansion.

5: The Pentagon/ Regeneration.

"In Anthroposophy the number 5 throws light on the whole meaning of man's evolution and destiny. Before the Fall, or descent into matter, man was a four-fold being composed of physical body, life-body, astral-body and soul, with a dim spiritual consciousness. Had he remained a four-fold being he would have been perpetually directed by the Gods - towards Good. Through a fifth number the human being attains the possibility of independence and freedom with the power to choose between good and evil." This fifth principle, with the power of decision and responsibility it brings, is connected with the mystery of the developing ego or individuality. It is called spirit self." LIONEL STEBBING: "The Secrets of Numbers".

5 is the number of regeneration, procreation, and the generator of evolutionary cycles in the natural world. The 5 forms the Pentagon, and its internal form, the Pentagram or Pentacle. This is an extremely powerful and evocative symbol in sacred geometry and in the mass consciousness in general. It is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and maligned symbols due to its negative marketing. It has "always" been associated with Witchcraft, and Satan, the mark and symbol of the Beast. The inverted Pentagram marks out the outline of a horned goat, which of course is the traditional image for Satan. It also depicts a diagrammatical outline of the human form turned upside down, standing on its' head. It symbolizes humankind out of balance.

But the upside down pentagram is the reciprocal form to its opposite, the upward pentacle which symbolizes a balanced human form standing firm on two feet with arms outstretched, welcoming experience, which is one of the major characteristics of the 5. This positive/negative dual nature of 5 outlines the Human challenge of choosing between the influences of good and evil.

Notice how many flowers have 5 petals. In fact in Nature, all plants that bear fruits have 5-petalled flowers. The flower transforms into the fruit, which contains seeds. An apple blossom has 5 petals: when you cut into an apple horizontally, you will see that the seeds are also arranged in a 5-pointed, or PENTAGONAL star formation, the same form as the flower. So 5 is connected with the Earth, the proliferation and variety of different organic forms on the earth are a direct result of 5's vibration.

The symbolism of the apple in the creation story of Eve and Adam has a deep esoteric meaning, refering to the development of human consciousness and procreation. Both Pythagoras & Rudolph Steiner take these understandings much further, and we discuss their doctrines in greater detail in the workshops.

The 5 as the number of humankind, places us in the microscopic world, but its reflection is in that of the macroscopic world, and as such relates the human form to the divine form of God and the Universe as the expression of God. After all we are told that we were created in His/Her image. The form and reciprocal nature of the Pentacle inside the Pentagram sets up the Phi ratio, which generates infinite growth. We see the Phi ratio all over the Human body, and throughout the natural world, and when the ancients found this out, they considered the human form to be the archetype form and this prompted the famous saying: "Man is the measure of all things". They used the human form as their universal measuring stick, and were able for example, to accurately plot the orbital pathways and spatial relationships of the planets to each other just by observing and measuring the ratios found in the Human form.

NUMBER 5 CHARACTERISTICS:

5 is a vibration of motion, messages and communication. Mercury rules this number, and Mercury is the cosmic messenger who expresses his sharp intelligence swiftly and clearly. This energy imbues you with a very high degree of intelligence. You as a 5, love to travel and to educate and inform yourself with what is going on in the world. You are a natural researcher, tracking down information and piecing together your jigsaw puzzle of knowledge. You are curious about everything and will go to great lengths to satisfy your curiosity. Mental development leading to transformation is the 5 soul's aim, you will never stop learning: this is the vibration of the well-educated.

As a 5, you need variety in your life; 5's are not usually cut out for routine work. You as a 5, demand freedom at all costs, freedom of thought, speech and action. You cannot stand to be limited or censored in any way; you must be free to express yourself at all times. You do not like to be fenced in, you have a naturally restless nature that will drive you to explore, quest and travel, physically and mentally, too. You will always have more than one project on the go at any one time, encompassing your varied interests.

6: The Hexagon/Star of David: As Above - So Below: Balance.

"The cycle of life has 6 periods which are: birth, growth, decay, death, absorption and metamorphosis. The hexad is the form of forms, the articulation of the Universe and the maker of the Soul". PYTHAGORAS

The geometrical form that the 6 vibration generates is the Hexagon, and its internal form, the Star of David: two perfectly balanced, interlocking equilateral triangles. Since ancient times the Star of David, called by the Hindus the "Sign of Vishnus" has been the most evocative symbol of the spiritual axiom, "AS ABOVE - SO BELOW". This sacred form represents the concept that the material world is but a reflection of the greater reality, the unseen spiritual reality. The upward-pointing triangle represents the heavens, the cosmic source of the divine, while the downward-pointing triangle represents the earth, the birth-place of material form where cosmic energy can manifest itself and look back at its' reflection in the mirror.

The Hexad is a double trinity: the upward triangle symbolising God, and the downward triangle God's reflection, creation and the Human form. The Kabalists say that the upper triangle is a symbol of Gods eyes and third eye open and the lower triangle is his reflection in the waters, which formed the beginning of creation. A duality of trinities, it points to completeness, since it adds duality to three, reflecting the ideas represented by the triad.

So this image tells us that a perfect balance must be created between the perception and awareness of the material and spiritual realms, and maintained, if we are to fulfill our destiny as human beings. There has to be an integration of consciousness, a balancing of our perceptual awareness if we are to know ourselves as co-creators. The 6 illustrates the relationship of the divine and the human, indicating that humankind's spiritual path lies in the balance of the spiritual and the physical, the eternal and the transitory. This is the founding principle of Sacred Geometry, to address and present the laws of vibration to both sides of the brain equally so that we can begin to perceive with Unity consciousness. The idea is that the human form fits inside the Star of David and integrates both the material and spiritual energies in one form, making us magicians in the field of creation.

NUMBER 6 CHARACTERISTICS:

The vibration of 6 relates to groups, collections, or bodies of things. This is where the family-mindedness in a 6 comes from. The 6 gathers together and creates strength in unity of purpose and unity of voice. This is why 6 is so effective working in groups, especially ideological organisations that promote better quality of life and equal opportunities for all. Although a 6 can lead you to abundance and material wealth, if you are a positive 6, you will be more interested in abundance of the spirit, which is gained through selfless giving and involving yourself with humanitarian projects. 6 is very sensitive to the needs of others and it wants to support and help humanity in making the world a better place in which to live. It knows that true fulfilment is gained by giving loving service to the human family.

Communication is a big part of the 6 vibration; they must communicate their intuitive ideas because they can be so inspiring to the rest of us. The 6 vibration carries themes of clear communication, using the voice especially, and the written word, in evocative ways. The 6 is here to integrate the conscious, subconscious and superconscious minds. 6's will know that when all aspects of the mind work together, through meditation, visualisation and clarity of intention, they can achieve and materialise anything they desire. This vibration initiates the urge to make and create things, but to not get attached to ownership. The theme of manifestation is strong with this vibration. 6's are very conscious of the need to apply spiritual concepts in ways that are of practical benefit in the material world. The 6 is a very creative person too, someone who has a very well-developed aesthetic sense, they recognise harmony and beauty when they see them, and they love the harmony and peace of the natural world.

7: The Heptagon: Rhythm of Spirit

"When man will have developed everything that he has in him as a seed, then he will be, of his kind a seven-membered perfect being … Everywhere, in every sphere of life, you can find the seven as a kind of number of perfection". RUDOLPH STEINER

The number 7 expresses the divine spiritual energy, which lies at the core of all creation. 7 relates to Time, in the changing positions of the Sun and the planets. It refers to cycles of time/age, and expresses the rhythm of EVOLUTION, the 7 days of the week being an obvious example. The essence of 7's vibration is experienced not in Space, but in Time, Evolution and Transformations. Time does not stem from the physical world; in a certain sense, 7 is a messenger from the Spiritual world, and is related to the heavenly, and is the number of creative, mental activity and spiritual evolution.

In Mayan Numerology, the 7 represents the magic by which the whole holds together. It represents the void at the centre of the Universe around which everything spins into form. The Mayans call 7 the pulsation ray of MYSTIC POWER, which holds the centre and reflects total order: it is the axis of symmetry in the Mayan numerical system. 7 represents the VOID, the dark immeasurable depths from which consciousness emanates. 7 relates to the spiritual origin of all things. 7 features in every ancient religion and occult science.

This sevenfold system of evolutionary development ties in with the chakric system of eastern philosophy. The evolved human has her 7 chakras (meaning "Wheel" in Sanskrit), open, spinning healthily and giving and receiving information from the Universe. The 7 Chakras correspond with the 7 spectral colours we see in Light, and we can note that wherever the heavens interweave with human life the 7 occurs in a subtle way: The RAINBOW is the most supersensible sight we can behold on the earth with the physical senses and reflects the full realm of the human perceptual bandwidth.

There are many interesting aspects of the working of the seven rhythms in Anthroposophy and in many ancient doctrines. The stages of individual human development are regulated in accordance with the rhythm of seven: 7 - the child loses its milk teeth and gains the adult teeth 14 - reaches puberty 21 - completes her growth and is regarded as an independent personality in social life. The ancients divided man's life into seven-year periods, recognizing that this number has to do with the spiritual rhythms of humankind, the Universe, and musical harmony. We address this in great detail in the workshops.

"Pythagoras calculated the tones of the planets according to their distance from each other, reasoning that their movement creates a vibration which in turn creates a musical sound." SHIRLEY BLACKWELL LAWRENCE

NUMBER 7 CHARACTERISTICS:

Those with 7 in their chart are natural Philosophers, deep thinkers who ponder on the mysteries of life. 7 develops the mind, expanding awareness of reality by looking within to seek the answers to many questions. 7's are often assumed to be loners, because their inner wisdom sets them apart from the crowd. The real power with 7 comes through with the intuitive, right-brain awareness. 7's can un-nerve people with their psychic ability. They can pick up the truth of any situation, and if anyone is trying to keep something secret from them, they will inevitably find them out. They themselves can be described as secretive. In fact, the word SECRET actually has a letter root total of 7. A 7 must always trust their intuition 100%; it will never let them down.

7's prefer to be the listener, so it should be no surprise that the word LISTEN also has a root total of 7 as well. This is where 7's are quite often misunderstood as being distant and unapproachable. This is because it takes time for them to truly trust someone enough to open up to them. They are seen as being more interested in intellectual pursuits, rather than in matters of the heart. 7's don't seem to be gregarious because they are not "chatters"; they quite often only speak when they have something important or profound to say.

A child born with a 7 Soul number was immediately offered a place at Pythagoras' Mystery School, because those with the 7 vibration are naturally psychically receptive, they are able to perceive a wider and higher vibrational bandwidth. 7's are often much more in tune with the less physical realms than with the density of the 3rd dimension, and they will feel the need to regularly retreat into a natural environment where they can align with the frequencies of Mother Earth, whose vibration stimulates their receptivity.

8: The Octagon/ Lemniscate: Infinite Flow, The karmic weave of Cause & Effect.

"The mathematical curve which comes very close to picturing the interpenetration of centric and peripheral worlds, which Steiner was in the habit of using to illustrate his descriptions of the relationships of earthly and spiritual worlds and processes, is the Lemniscate, the figure of 8. The picturing of polar processes is almost always what he has in mind in using this geometrical form or symbol." OLIVE WHICHER: SUNSPACE

The shape of the 8 symbol, known as the Lemniscate, depicts the rhythm of energy that flows around and within two polar opposites. The material realm is a reflection, the polar opposite of the Spiritual world. The 8 shows us how these polar opposites pass through the same point of unity before measuring their differences. The crossing point of the figure 8 suggests the crossing-point from the material realm to the spiritual realm, the "needle's eye" through which it is difficult for those chained to materialism to pass.

Esotericism sees the 8 as signifying a resurrection into a higher consciousness, and representing the eternal and spiral motion of cycles. If we look at the 8 symbol, we see that it forms an endless looping in and out, a giving and receiving of energy in a never-ending cycle. Along with zero, the 8 is the only number that can be drawn over and over without taking your pen off the paper. It symbolises the endless cycle of cause and effect, which generates the laws of karma and the cycle of life in general. The karmic cycle is what keeps us focused on the earth plane, and underpins the physics of gravitational attraction, something the figure 8 displays graphically.

Pythagoras called the 8 "Light and Darkness". We can submerge ourselves in the density and greed of the material realm, in the lower half of the 8, (the dark aspect), or we can move up to the spiritual realms of light that exist above the material, symbolised by the top circle of the 8 symbol. The 8 teaches us to keep a foot in both camps and balance the knowledge of spirit and matter. We are here to find the light in the darkness, illuminate ignorance and become wise. The vibration of 8 generates an infinite cycle of energy that can bring spiritual inspiration to the planet, empowering consciousness in the process.

The symbol of 8 is the infinity symbol, and is a vibration of great power, strength, endurance and stamina. The 8 is also another way of symbolising the ancient spiritual axiom of AS ABOVE -SO BELOW. 8 is constructed from an upper and a lower circle, indicating that the material realm is merely a reflection of the much more expansive spiritual reality. The upper circle represents the heavens or spiritual consciousness, while the lower circle represents objective, 3D consciousness and the earth plane.

NUMBER 8 CHARACTERISTICS:

8's must keep their energy cycling between the two realms to be truly successful and fulfilled.Sometimes, an 8's energy may get "stuck" in either the upper circle, (the spiritual realms), or the lower circle, (the material, physical realm). They may want to stay in one realm or the other, or get trapped in materialism, or be unable to ground themselves in physical reality for long. But they must aim to keep a perceptual balance of both realms, and especially bring their immense spiritual power down to earth, and use it to create any reality they desire.

If we turn the symbol of 8 on its side, we have the image of a pair of balanced scales. Therefore, justice is very important to an 8, and they will always listen to both sides of the story with fairness and clarity and make a sound assessment of the situation and what to do to resolve it. This is why people will always ask an 8 for advice. Although an 8 can amass great wealth in the material realm, they will find that they are always looking for something more. The 8 makes you totally dedicated to your purpose and will work beyond the call of duty to get the job done. It makes you very ambitious and able to implement large projects that reach many people. 8's make excellent executives, and you will find 8's at the head of large companies who are considered to be the best in the business.

9: The Ennaegon: Perfection, Completion, Attainment: The harvest & the seeding of new beginnings.

"The Pythagoreans called 9 "The Ocean and the Horizon", because it had all the numbers within it and none beyond it, as the ocean contained all the water and all that is within the water and continued to the horizon as far as the eye could see. For after 9 is 10. And all numbers following, when added together to the last digit, cannot produce a number higher than 9 as its root. So it returns to itself as water to the ocean." SHIRLEY BLACKWELL LAWRENCE

9 is the last single digit, and it heads the family of the root essence vibrations. It looks back on all the previous single numbers as it's siblings, and thus incorporates their energies within it. This analogy helps to explain why the 9 is known as the Universal Humanitarian. Because 9 is the final single digit in the root essence family, it naturally completes cycles of experience. But it also initiates new cycles, because after 9 comes 10, and a whole new cycle of experience begins. The vibration of 9 resonates with the themes of Attainment, Perfection and Completion.

As the last root essesnce number it symbolises the pinnacle of Idealism, the top of the mountain. And it carries the energy of completion because the gestation period of the human foetus is 9 months. So 9 is the number of wisdom through experience, and 9 in your chart is an indication that you are an old soul who has the experience of many incarnations on the earth plane. The energy of 9 helps you to tap into the wisdom you gleaned from your past lives and use it to help, nurture and support those you come into contact with in this life. A 9 likes to involve itself with humanitarian endeavors, it wants to make a difference and make the world a better place. It knows that true fulfillment comes from giving loving service to humanity.

9 and the sun are linked together symbolically, especially in Mayan numerology. The vibration of 9, according to the ancient Maya, generates the vibration of cyclic periodicity, or the cycles of time. The sun governs the cycles of time here on earth; its movements through the sky denote the seasons, the months, the days and the nights. Again, the themes of Evolution, and Ascension are emphasized and utilized with the energy of the 9 in the Mayan philosophies; many of the Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan are Ascension chambers, and they have 9 steps up to the top plateau.

Both 7 and 9 underpin the critical growth periods in human life: Steiner identified the 7 year cycles in his book Occult Science, and he also established that there are 9, 7-year periods which cover the evolution of the human being in an earthly lifetime. Each 7-year cycle governs the development of 9 aspects of consciousness that coalesce to form the evolved human being:

1. 1-7 yrs: Physical body.

2. 7-14 yrs: Life body.

3. 14-21 yrs: Soul body.

4. 21-28 yrs: Sentient soul.

5. 28-35 yrs: Intellectual soul.

6. 35-42 yrs: Consciousness soul.

7. 42-49 yrs: Spirit self.

8. 49-56 yrs: Life spirit.

9. 56-63 yrs: Spirit man.

"Nine multiplied by seven makes 63, regarded as the climateric year; and nine multiplied by nine makes 81, called the grand climateric year. The life of man from birth to 63, divided into nine periods of seven years indicates the working of Aspiration and Wisdom. It falls into three groups of three: The first three from birth to 21, the building up period: the middle three from 21 to 42, the period of maturity; the third three from 42 to 63, the period of gradual physical decline." LIONEL STEBBING: "The Secrets of Numbers".

NUMBER 9 CHARACTERISTICS:

The 9 is a born reformer, and you may be someone who feels the hurts of humanity keenly, and you will do all you can to alleviate suffering and help your fellow human beings, and in fact, any beings that need care and attention. Try not to drown yourself in the sorrow of the world; it is your destiny to help alleviate it by being there and promoting optimism and responsibility for one's life. You would like everything to be perfect, and may get dismayed and upset when results appear less than perfect. 9s have very high ideals and can get very disappointed when those ideals are not met. With 9, often these frustrations and disappointments can be directed at the self; you can be far too hard on yourself at times. You must learn that it takes time to unfold perfection, especially on the dense plane of 3D reality.

Your challenge as a 9 is to not make a big drama over things that do not go quite according to your often meticulous planning. A big part of you actually loves the drama of life, the highs and the lows. However, you must learn to not be constantly at the mercy of your emotions, which sometimes will be over-the-top and over-sensitive. How do you do this? Learn the art of DETACHMENT. We know that the 9 is the universal humanitarian that will find ultimate fulfillment in philanthropic and altruistic endeavors.

11: The Master Number Vibrations.

All the ODD MASTER NUMBERS, 11, 33, 55, 77, and 99 express an "AS ABOVE" vibration, while all the EVEN master numbers; 22, 44, 66 and 88 express the "SO BELOW' vibration. All the master numbers are meant to be of service to humanity in some way: the "As Above's" in a spiritual/professional way and the "So Belows" in a material and physically practical way.

11 is also called the PSYCHIC MASTER because it is a vibration of divine inspiration, and you will feel inspired to channel this energy in all kinds of creative and uplifting ways. Gifted artists, musicians, actors, teachers, philosophers and writers have 11 in their chart somewhere, usually as their Soul or Destiny number. You have a wonderful imagination that coupled with a highly developed intuitive sense, gives you exceptional visionary qualities. You are challenged with the choice of the many vehicles of expression that are open to you; your key is to remain balanced and focused at all times so that you can translate this spiritual energy and manifest it here on earth.

11 is one of the "AS ABOVE" master vibrations, and it will be a challenge for you to ground this powerful and sometimes volatile and unpredictable vibration, and use it to inspire others. 11s' are highly intuitive, sensitive and artistic. As an 11, you radiate LIGHT. The word LIGHT has a letter total of 11, as does the name JESUS. It was Christ's mission to bring light to the world and enlighten humanity with the spiritual reality, and it is your mission, too. Your destiny is to spread light and shine, enlightening the way for others to follow, because 11 is also destined to be a leader.