How should an Orthodox believer relate to the number 666?

What do numbers and dreams mean in the Bible? Research by theologians shows that this is a very important part of God's message to man. Also in the Bible we find that almost a third of it talks directly or indirectly about dreams or visions. If you take into account the fact that we sleep 8 hours a day, then this is a third of our life. When a person turns 60 years old, the part of his life devoted to dreams is equal to 20 years. God can say a lot in 20 years.

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The book of Acts, which marks the beginning of the early church's contact with the living Christ, shows us that almost every major decision was made either as a result of a dream, prophecy, supernatural visitation, or some other divine intervention.

Zero and one

Following the traditional order, it is worth starting with these numbers. Zero is the absence of something, emptiness, nothingness. But not in Jewish Kabbalah (an esoteric and religious-mystical movement of the 12th century). If you believe him, then zero is the personification of everything that has no boundaries and is not subject to control. It is worth taking a closer look at the figure of the number: it has neither beginning nor end. And its elliptical elongation can symbolize fall and rise.

But in Egyptian culture, the symbol of zero represented the omnipresent deity. The Incas considered it to be something that symbolized earthly rulers and gods. For Pythagoras, who was not only a mathematician, but also a mystic and the creator of a religious and philosophical school, zero was the perfect form. In Buddhism, this figure is considered to be a reflection of emptiness and immateriality. In Islam, zero symbolizes the Essence of the Divine, and in Taoism it symbolizes nothingness and emptiness.

The symbolism of the number 1 is of particular interest. In almost all cultures, it symbolizes the beginning, the primary unity, something central and inseparable. The Pythagoreans believed that unit was the primary point of every calculation. Adherents of Confucianism consider the number 1 to be the mystical center from which our world originated. It is also generally accepted that this figure applies to all people born on the 30th, 27th, 24th, 21st, 18th, 15th, 12th, 9th, 6th, 3rd, and 1st. Those whose date of birth adds up to one are characterized by numerologists as leaders by nature. For example, 03.10.1995: 0 + 3 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 5 = 28 = 2 + 8 = 10 = 1+ 0 = 1. And if you pay attention to how the symbolism of numbers is explained in the Patristic exegesis, then you can find that even there 1 symbolizes the Creator and the beginning of everything that exists on Earth.

Since ancient times, numbers have played an important and multifaceted role in human life. Ancient people attributed special, supernatural properties to them; Some numbers promised happiness and success, others could cause a blow of fate.

In many cultures, especially Babylonian, Hindu and Pythagorean, number is the beginning of all things. The ancient Indians, Egyptians, and Chaldeans were recognized experts in the use of numbers. For the Chinese, odd numbers are yang, heaven, immutability and auspiciousness; even numbers are yin, earth, volatility and inauspiciousness. In Christianity, before the teachings of Saints Augustine and Alexander, the symbolism of numbers was poorly developed. Classical or Pythagorean school. The founder of the European doctrine of numbers was Pythagoras, who is credited with the saying: “The world is built on the power of numbers.” In his school, knowledge of the properties of numbers was the first step on the path to esoteric knowledge. Numbers, according to Pythagoras, have both quantitative and qualitative features. Studying the properties of numbers, the Pythagoreans were the first to pay attention to the laws of their divisibility. They divided all numbers into even - “male” and odd - “female”, or otherwise “gnomons” and, what is very important, into simple and composite. The Pythagoreans called composite numbers, representable as the product of two factors, “flat numbers” and depicted them as rectangles, and composite numbers, representable as the product of three factors, “solid numbers” and depicted them as parallelepipeds. They called prime numbers that cannot be represented as products “linear numbers.” The Pythagoreans considered perfect numbers to be numbers that were equal to the sum of their divisors (excluding the number itself), such as 6=1+2+3 or 28=1+2+4+7+14. There are not many perfect numbers. Among single-digit ones there are only 6, among two-digit, three-digit and four-digit ones there are only 28, 496 and 8128, respectively. Two numbers having the property that the sum of the divisors of one of them is equal to the other were called “friendly”. Subsequently, the Greek numerological system was borrowed by Europeans, and later was transferred to Russia. Almost every world religion has its own “sacred numbers”, and each number symbolizes a certain meaning. THE NUMBER "0" has the same symbolism as an empty circle, indicating both the absence of death and the absolute life found within the circle. For Pythagoras, zero is the perfect form. In Taoism, zero symbolizes emptiness and nothingness. In Buddhism it is emptiness and immateriality. In Islam, it is a symbol of the Essence of the Divine. In the teachings of Kabbalah there is boundlessness, boundless light, oneness. NUMBER “1” means primary unity, beginning, Creator. NUMBER "2" means duality. According to Pythagoras, a dyad is a divided earthly being. In Buddhism, the two is the duality of samsara, male and female, wisdom and method, the blind and the lame, united in order to see the path and follow it. In China it is yin, feminine, earthly, unfavorable. In Christianity, Christ has two natures: God and man. In Jewish tradition - life force. In Kabbalah there is wisdom and self-awareness. In Hinduism - duality, shakta - shakti. In Islam it is spirit. DIGIT "3" . The idea of ​​trinity forms the basis of many ancient philosophical and religious teachings. The three-dimensionality of space is associated with three: length-width-height; three-phase substance: solid-liquid - vapor; trinity of time: past - present - future; human (body, soul and spirit), as well as birth, life and death; beginning, middle and end; past, present and future; three phases of the moon; trinity of the World; In many religions, the upper World is the sky, the middle World is the earth, and the lower World is water. Three is a heavenly number symbolizing the soul. This is the number of luck. In Christianity: Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; unity of body and soul in man and the Church. The three hypostases are the dogma of the trinity, which is a distinctive feature of Christianity from Islam and Judaism. Therefore, the number “3” is the sacred number of Christianity. The Bible talks about three gifts of the Magi to Christ as God, King and Redemptive Sacrifice, three images of the Transfiguration, three temptations, three denials of Peter, three crosses on Calvary, three days of Christ's death, three appearances after death, three qualities, or theological virtues: Faith , Hope, Love. In Kabbalah, the three symbolizes understanding, as well as the trinity of the masculine and feminine principles and the mutual understanding that unites them. In Hinduism - Trimurti, the triple power of creation, destruction and preservation; various triplets of deities; The moon chariot has three wheels. In Japan, the Three Treasures are a mirror, a sword and a gem; truth, courage and compassion. In the Chinese character “wan” (three horizontal lines connected by a vertical one), which means the word “prince”, the upper horizontal line symbolizes the sky, the bottom - the earth, the middle - the person who, on behalf of the sky, rules the earth. In folklore there are three wishes, three attempts, three princes, three witches, fairies (two good, one evil). Toasts come three times. Three also means fulfillment. Countless are the triplets of deities and powers. Triune lunar deities and trinity goddesses abound in Semitic, Greek, Celtic and ancient Germanic religions. The main symbol of three is a triangle. Three interlocking rings or triangles symbolize the indissoluble unity of the three faces of the Trinity. Other symbols: trident, fleur-de-lis, trefoil, three lightning bolts, trigrams. Lunar animals are often tripods, representing the three phases of the Moon. NUMBER “4” means wholeness, totality, completeness; four cardinal directions, seasons, winds, sides of the square. In Pythagoreanism, four means perfection, harmonious proportion, justice, earth. Four is the number of the Pythagorean oath. In Christianity, the number four is the number of the body, while the number three symbolizes the soul. The four rivers of heaven, the Gospel, the evangelist, the main archangel, the main devil. Four church fathers, great prophets, cardinal virtues (wisdom, firmness, justice, moderation). Four winds carrying the One Spirit, four apocalyptic horsemen, tetramorphs (synthesis of the forces of the four elements). Four is a symbolic number of the Old Testament. The four rivers of paradise forming a cross, four parts of the earth, etc. are found almost everywhere in symbolism. The four can be represented by a quatrefoil, as well as a square or a cross. In Buddhism, the Tree of Life Damba has four branches, from its roots flow the four sacred rivers of paradise, symbolizing the four limitless desires: compassion, affection, love, impartiality; four directions of the heart. In China, four is the number of the earth, symbolized by a square. Four rivers of immortality. Four is an even, Yin number. In Chinese Buddhism, there are four celestial guardians who guard each cardinal direction. In Egypt, four is the sacred number of time, the solar measure. The vault of heaven rests on four pillars. Four funerary urns, placed on the four sides around the deceased, are guarded by the four sons of Horus, who are associated with the four cardinal directions. In the Jewish tradition, this is measure, beneficence, understanding. Among the American Indians, this number is most often used as the four cardinal directions. The four winds are represented by a cross and a swastika. Ritual and ceremonial actions are repeated four times. In Kabbalah, four means memory. The four worlds of Kabbalah, the four directions in space and the four hierarchical levels of the Torah. In Hinduism, four is totality, completeness, perfection. The Creator, Brahma, has four faces. The temple stands on the four sides of a square, symbolizing order and finality. Four tattvas, four human bodies, four kingdoms of nature (animal, vegetable, mineral, kingdom of mind), four yugas. In a game of dice, a four means a win. Four castes, four pairs of opposites. The Islamic quartet includes the principle - the creator, the world spirit, the world soul, and primordial matter. They correspond to the four worlds of Kabbalah. There are also four angelic beings, four houses of death. NUMBER “5” is the number of sacred marriage, since it is the sum of the female (even) two and the male (odd) three. In the Greco-Roman tradition, five is the number of marriage, love, unity; the number of Venus, with the years of Venus forming groups of five years. Apollo, as the god of light, has five qualities: he is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal, one. In Christianity, the number five symbolizes man after the Fall; five senses; five points forming a cross; the five wounds of Christ; five fish, which fed five thousand people; Pentateuch of Moses. In Buddhism, the heart has four directions, which together with the center form a five and symbolize universality. There are five Dhyani Buddhas: Vairocana - Sparkling, Akshobhya - Equanimity, Ratnasambhava - Gem, Amitabha - Limitless Light, Amoghasiddhi - Constant Luck. The Chinese have five elements, five atmospheric substances, five states, planets, sacred mountains, grains, flowers, tastes, poisons, powerful amulets, cardinal virtues, initiations, eternal ideals, five kinds of relationships within humanity. In the Jewish tradition, five is strength and severity, understanding the essence. In Kabbalah, five means fear. In Hinduism, these are five-membered groups of the world, five elements of the subtle and gross states, five primary colors, feelings, five faces of Shiva and twice five incarnations of Vishnu. Islam has five pillars of faith, five divine presences, five fundamental tenets, five actions, five daily prayers. DIGIT "6" . Means balance, harmony. The most prolific of all numbers (Philo). In numerology, the number 6 means the union of two triangles - male and female, one of which stands on the base, and the other is turned upside down. This symbol is well known as the Shield of David, a hexagon that appears on the flag of the State of Israel. NUMBER "7" is considered sacred, and divine, and magical, and lucky. The Seven was revered many centuries before our era, in the Middle Ages, and is still revered today. In Babylon, a seven-tiered temple was built in honor of the main gods. The priests of this city claimed that after death, people, passing through seven gates, enter the underground kingdom, surrounded by seven walls. In ancient Greece, the number seven was called the number of Apollo, one of the most important gods of the Olympian religion. It is known from mythology that the inhabitants of Athens annually sent seven young men and seven young women as tribute to the man-bull Minotaur, who lived in the labyrinth on the island of Crete; Tantalus' daughter Niobe had seven sons and seven daughters; The nymph of the island of Ogygia Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years; the whole world is familiar with the “seven wonders of the world,” etc. Ancient Rome also idolized the number seven. The city itself is built on seven hills; The river Styx, which surrounds the underworld, flows seven times around hell, which Virgil divides into seven regions. Islam, Christianity and Judaism recognize a seven-stage act of creation of the universe. However, in Islam the number “7” has a special meaning. According to Islam, there are seven heavens; those who enter the seventh heaven experience the highest bliss. Therefore, the number "7" is the sacred number of Islam. In the Christian holy books, the number seven is mentioned many times: “Whoever kills Cain will be avenged sevenfold,” “...and seven years of plenty passed... and seven years of famine came,” “and count yourself seven Sabbath years, seven times seven years, so that in seven Sabbath years you may have forty-nine years,” etc. Lent for Christians has seven weeks. There are seven ranks of angels, seven deadly sins. In many countries, there is a custom to place seven dishes on the Christmas table, the names of which begin with the same letter. In Brahminical and Buddhist beliefs and worship, the number seven is also sacred. The Hindus began the custom of giving seven elephants - figurines made of bone, wood or other material - for good luck. The seven was very often used by healers, fortune tellers and sorcerers: “Take seven bags with seven different herbs, infusion of seven waters and drink seven days in seven spoons...”. The number seven is associated with many riddles, signs, proverbs, sayings: “Seven spans in the forehead”, “Seven nannies have a child without an eye”, “Measure seven times, cut one”, “One with a bipod, seven with a spoon”, “For seven miles is not the outskirts of a beloved friend”, “For seven miles to sip jelly”, “Seven troubles - one answer”, “Beyond the seven seas”, etc. NUMBER “8” is the number of newly found paradise, as well as renewal, restoration, happiness. The eighth day gave birth to a new, perfect man. After seven days of fasting and repentance, spiritual renewal begins on the eighth. For the Pythagoreans, eight means three-dimensionality and stability. In the Sumerian-Semitic tradition, eight is the magical number of Heaven. For Buddhists, number eight is completeness, the totality of all possibilities. Eight symbols of good omen. For the Chinese, it means the whole, all possibilities in their manifested form, good luck. The Ba Gua are the eight trigrams and pairs of opposites, usually arranged in a circle, symbolizing time and space. Eight joys of human existence. In Christianity it means restoration and rebirth. The baptistery is usually octagonal, which symbolizes the place of rebirth. The Eight Beatitudes. In Egypt, eight is the number of Thoth. For the Jews it is the number of the Lord; The Temple was consecrated for eight days. In Hinduism, 8x8 means the order of the heavenly world established on earth. The structure of the temples reproduces the mandala, which is characterized by the same symbolism - 8x8. There are eight regions of the world, eight suns, parts of the day, chakras. In Islam, the throne that rules the world is supported by eight angels, corresponding to the eight directions and eight groups of letters of the Arabic alphabet. For the Japanese, eight means many; there are eight gods in the sky. NUMBER "9" means omnipotence, and represents the Triple Triad (3x3). This is the number of a circle, hence the division into 90 and 360 degrees. For the Pythagoreans, nine is the limit of all numbers, within which all others exist and circulate. This is a heavenly and angelic number, heaven on earth. Nine is a sacred number in Scandinavian and ancient Germanic symbolism. The number nine rarely appears in Christian symbolism. There are triple triads of angelic choirs, nine spheres and circles around hell. For Buddhists, nine is the highest spiritual power, a heavenly number. For the Chinese, 3x3 is the most auspicious of all numbers, also meaning the eight directions plus the center as the ninth point, as in the Hall of Light. There are nine fundamental social laws and nine classes of officials. In the Greco-Roman tradition there are nine gods, and later nine muses. For the Jews, nine is pure understanding, truth, since nine reproduces itself when multiplied. In Kabbalah it symbolizes the foundation. THE NUMBER “10” is the number of the cosmos, it contains all numbers, and therefore all things and possibilities, it is the basis and turning point of the entire account. It means something all-encompassing, law, order, power. 1+2+3+4=10 - symbolizes the divine; one means a point, two means extension, three (triangle) means a plane, four means volume or space. For the Pythagoreans, ten is the renewal of a series, perfection. In Rome, this number was represented by the sign X - a perfect figure, signifying completeness. Ten is also the number of completing journeys and returning to the starting point. Odysseus wandered for nine years, and returned in the tenth year. Troy was under siege for nine years and fell in the tenth year. Among the Chinese, the ten is depicted in the form of a cross, the center of which is formed by the hieroglyph chi, which symbolizes the human Self, in front of which lie both paths, yin and yang, this is a perfect figure. The Ten Heavenly Stems (Gan) may be associated with the ten-day week of the most common cycle. Christians have the Ten Commandments of the Decateuch, the parables of the ten lamps, virgins, and talents. The tithe was dedicated to God. In Kabbalah, ten is the numerical value of the letter J-yod - the Eternal Word, the first letter of the name of God. Symbolizes brilliant ability to understand, divine support. In Islam, ushr (tithe), a tax on land holdings, plays an important role, which should go to the general needs of Muslims. NUMBER "11" . Since ten is a perfect number and a law, eleven symbolizes going beyond both and means sin, breaking the law, and danger. THE NUMBER “12” represents cosmic order. This is the number of zodiac signs and months of the year (six male and six female). Twelve o'clock day and night. Twelve fruits on the Cosmic Tree. Additionally, the twelve days of return to chaos at the winter solstice, when the dead return, were celebrated in Rome during the Saturnalia. The twelve days before Christmas have the same symbolism. This figure is found in Vedic, Chinese, pagan and European symbolism: 12 members in the council of the Dalai Lama, 12 paladins (peers) of Charlemagne, 12 knights of the Round Table. Christians have 12 fruits of the spirit, stars, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles, 12 gates and stones at the foundation of the Holy City, 12 days of Christmas celebration. The Egyptians have 12 gates of hell, in which Ra spends his night hours. The Greeks on Olympus had 12 gods and goddesses, 12 titans. In Jewish tradition - 12 fruits of the Tree of Life; 12 gates of the Heavenly City; 12 cakes on the temple table, representing the months of the year; 12 precious stones in Aaron's breastplate; 12 tribes of Israel, sons of Jacob. In Islam, 12 imams, descendants of Ali, rule over the twelve hours of the day. NUMBER "13" . The attitude to this number was always special: it was considered either unhappy, or, conversely, bringing good luck. In Christianity, during the evening services of the last week of Great Lent, thirteen candles (among Catholics they are called Tenebrae) they extinguish one after another, which symbolizes the darkness that came on Earth after the death of Christ. The number thirteen is considered unhappy, since this number of Judas, together with Jesus and apostles. In addition, this is the number of shabash witches. Among the Aztecs, this mysterious number was associated with the concept of time, namely, meant the completion of the temporary cycle. They believed that the number “13” was somehow connected with heaven. In the hair of one of their main deities there were thirteen curls, and in the beard - as many strands. The ancient Chinese erected numerous temples in honor of God Juan Dee. The servants of the emperor made sacrifices in these temples on the 13th of the first and fifth months of each year. The Holy Book of Kabbalah mentions thirteen evil spirits, the number “13” means a snake, dragon, Satan and a killer. The thirteenth head of the Apocalypse concerns the Antichrist and the Beast. This number is used for fortune telling. Many superstitions are connected with it. In many US hotels, there is no thirteenth floor or the thirteenth room. In addition, in the aircraft of American airlines there is no chair No. 13. In a number of large cities in France, houses, which should have a serial number “13”, are indicated by the 12-bis code. Mistresses areware of planting 13 guests at the table. It is assumed that this is due to the memories of the secret evening; When, during the last meal of Jesus Christ, in addition to the twelve of the Apostles surrounding him, the thirteenth was the traitor of Judas. "40" . Means sample, testing, initiation, death. Of particular importance of forty days, apparently, to Babylon, where the forty -day period of disappearance of the Pleiades from the sky was a time of rain, storms and floods and was considered dangerous. For forty days, the Romans kept arriving ships in quarantine, and this word itself was made from the word "forty". The temples of the Persians, Tatars, in Baalbek, the temples of the Druids, the temple of Ezekiel had forty columns. In Christianity, forty days from Easter to Ascension - the period of immunity and the time of the right to asylum. In the Old Testament for forty days, Moses spent in Sinai; For forty days, Elijah was hiding; Forty days pouring a flood rain; Forty days of the test of Nineveh at Jonah; For forty years, Jews wandered in the desert; For forty years they went under the yoke of the Philistines; For forty years, David and Solomon reigned; For forty years, Elijah judged Israel. The book of the Prophet Ezekiel speaks of a vision in which God commanded the Prophet for forty years of lawlessness of the house of Judin for forty days to lie on the right side. In Egypt, forty days after death, there was no Osiris, this is the period of fasting. In Islam, forty is the number of changes and death, but also reconciliation and return to the principle. Magomet was called up at forty. The Qur'an is read every forty days. In Mitraism, forty is the number of days of the rite of initiation, festivities and sacrifices. "60" . The number of time (60 minutes and 60 seconds). In Egypt, it symbolized longevity. In China, it is a cyclic number symbolizing the sixty -core cycle, known in the past in the West as a Chinese cycle. The interaction of the alternating ten celestial stems and twelve earth branches is built in such a way that the cycle ends in the sixtieth year, when all combinations are exhausted, and then repeated again. Six cycles are approximately equal to the tropical year. "70" . In Jewish symbolism, seventy branches of Candelabrov are depicted by deans - twelve zodiac divisions of seven planets for dozens. Seventy years is the duration of human life. "666" . In Christianity - a sign of the beast, Antichrist. In Kabbalah 666 - the number of Sorata - a solar demon opposing the Archangel Mikhail. "888" . According to the numerical value of Jewish letters, this is the number of Jesus in contrast to 666 - the number of the beast.

Source - RIA Novosti

Two

In a general sense, this number symbolizes duality. Just like in Buddhism, by the way. But there are other options. Chinese philosophy says that 2 is yin, the feminine principle. But the symbolism of numbers in Patristic exegesis interprets this number differently - as the dual nature of Jesus, who was not only God, but also a Man with a capital letter.

Jewish philosophy says that the two represents life force. In the notorious Kabbalah, the number 2 is designated as the personification of self-awareness and wisdom.

The symbolism of the number 2 is displayed very interestingly in literature, to be more precise, in the works of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. And every person who read his works will understand what we are talking about. Much of his work was based on the idea of ​​duality. Take, for example, the story “The Double.” The theme is already implied in the title itself. Although references to the phenomenon of duality can be traced back to “Poor People”. However, there he is depicted in the image of one character (Makar Devushkin), in his external and spiritual state. And in the story of 1846, this phenomenon is shown physically. A real double of the main character appears there. However, this theme is reflected in “Notes from Underground”, “The Idiot”, “The Brothers Karamazov”, and in the socio-psychological novel “Crime and Punishment”. The symbolism of numbers can be seen in many other stories. For example, in “A Hero of Our Time” by M. Yu. Lermontov, in “Alice Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll and in other literary works of various eras.

Other religions

In Tengrism , the pre-Muslim religion of Central Asian nomads, there were twelve heavenly lords who controlled the elements of the Universe, headed by the Lord of Heaven.

In Buddhism, the process of rebirth of living beings is the Wheel of Samsara, consisting of twelve nidanas (steps):

In Shiism (one of the directions of Islam) there are twelve imams, spiritual and political successors of the Prophet Muhammad.

Baha'ism is based on twelve central ethical principles in the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

Three

The symbolism of the number 3 also deserves special attention. Because this figure personifies the idea of ​​trinity, which is the basis of many religious and philosophical teachings. Even the three-dimensionality of our space, that is, height, length and width, is associated with the number 3. And the three-phase state of matter - solid, liquid, vapor. This also includes birth, life and death; beginning, middle and end; and also the past, present and future. It is also believed that 3 is the personification of luck.

And again it is worth turning to such an interesting topic as the symbolism of numbers in literature. Because the troika also occupies a certain place in it. In “The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish,” the old man was offered exactly 3 wishes. In "The Little Humpbacked Horse" the peasant had 3 sons. And “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”? After all, it was in it that three girls under the window were spinning late in the evening.

What about popular expressions? “To lie like crazy,” “to cry like crazy,” “to bend like hell”... Everyone is familiar with these phrases. And God, as they say, loves a trinity. Why was so much attention paid to this figure? She was considered magical. But because it was the sum of the two previous numbers - one and two. And in magical rituals the troika played its role. Even now, many people habitually “poop” over their left shoulder 3 times, followed by the same number of knocks on the wooden surface if they do not want an accident to happen.

In general, the generally accepted symbolism of numbers says: three is the first perfect strong number, since when it is divided, the central point of equilibrium is preserved. Therefore, it is considered to be favorable, complete, complete and harmonious. Representatives of almost all cultures and beliefs came to this conclusion.

Number 12 in the Old Testament

Consider the places in the Old Testament (Tanakh), the Jewish part of the Bible, where the number 12 appears.

12 princes of Ishmael

And concerning Ishmael I have heard thee: behold, I will bless him, and will make him great, and will multiply him greatly, greatly; twelve princes will be born from him; and I will make him into a great nation. (Genesis 17:20)

12 sons of Jacob

While Israel was in that country, Reuben went and slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine. And Israel heard. Jacob had twelve sons. (Genesis 35:22)

12 tribes of Israel

These are all the twelve tribes of Israel; and this is what their father said to them; and blessed them, and gave them a blessing, each his own. (Genesis 49:28)

Let us dwell on the twelve ancestors of the tribes of Israel. Is it possible to draw correspondences between the twelve sons of Jacob and the twelve signs of the Zodiac? Yes, by first reading the blessing given to each son by the father before his death. Moreover, knowing the astrological characteristics of all the signs of the Zodiac, this will not be difficult to do.

Earlier in the article Spring Full Moon and the number 13, where the biblical lunar myth about Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, was considered, we found which two zodiac signs her two brothers correspond to. Simeon is the sign of the Bull, and Levi is the sign of the Crab.

So, below is a list of correspondences between the twelve sons of Jacob and the twelve signs of the Zodiac. The names of the sons in the list are arranged according to the order of Jacob's blessings recorded in Genesis 49.

1. Reuben is the sign of the Ram;
2. Simeon is the sign of the Bull;
3. Levi is the sign of the Crab;
4. Judas is the sign of Leo;
5. Zebulun is the sign of Gemini;
6. Issachar is the sign of Capricorn;
7. Dan is the sign of Scorpio;
8. Gad is the sign of Sagittarius;
9. Assir is the sign of Libra;
10. Naphtali is the sign of Virgo;
11. Joseph is the sign of Pisces;
12. Benjamin is the sign of Aquarius.

12 water sources

And they came to Elim; There were twelve springs of water and seventy date trees, and they encamped there by the waters. (Exodus 15:27)

12 stones around the altar

And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and, rising early in the morning, he built an altar and twelve stones under the mountain, according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Exodus 24:4)

12 stones of the high priest's breastplate

The stones were according to the number of the names of the children of Israel: there were twelve of them, according to the number of their names, and on each of them was carved, as on a seal, one name for the twelve tribes. (Exodus 39:14)

Above were quotes from Jewish writers of antiquity about the meaning of the stones of the high priest's breastplate. Josephus in the same book (book 3, chapter 7) described twelve stones.

Also on the breastplate are twelve precious stones of amazing size and beauty, which represent an adornment of such significant value that a person would not be able to purchase one for himself. These stones are firmly embedded in the fabric in four rows of three in a row. Each of the stones is set in a gold frame, the ends of which penetrate the fabric so that they cannot fall out. The first row of stones consists of sardonyx, topaz and emerald; the second is made of ruby, jasper and sapphire; the third is made of yakhont, amethyst and agate; in the fourth, finally, peridot takes first place, then comes onyx, and beryl closes the row.

It should be noted that twelve stones symbolizing the twelve signs of the Zodiac are arranged according to astrological teaching - four stones in three rows: the four lower elements of the universe (earth, water, air, fire) and three astrological crosses of signs (main, permanent, changeable).

Reconstruction of the breastplate of the Jewish high priest.

12 loaves in the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle

And take some wheat flour and bake twelve loaves of it; each loaf should contain two-tenths of the basket. (Leviticus 24:5)

In the same Antiquities of the Jews (book 3, chapter 7) Josephus writes:

The twelve loaves of bread lying on the table represent the year, divided into the same number of months.

In the article The Biblical Tabernacle - the Image of the Universe, it was discussed why the twelve loaves in the Sanctuary were arranged on the table in two piles. Because in astrology, the twelve signs of the Zodiac are also divided into two parts - day and night.

12 rulers of Israel

These are the ones who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered—twelve men, one man from each tribe. (Numbers, 1:44)

12 oxen for the tabernacle

and they presented their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons and twelve oxen, one wagon from the two captains and one ox from each, and they presented it before the tabernacle. (Numbers 7:3)

12 dishes, 12 bowls and 12 censers

These are the offerings from the leaders of Israel at the dedication of the altar on the day of its anointing: twelve silver dishes, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden censers. (Numbers, 7:84)

12 bulls, 12 rams, 12 lambs and 12 goats

for the burnt offering in all, twelve bullocks, twelve rams, twelve lambs a year old, and their grain offering, and twelve male goats for the sin offering. (Numbers, 7:87)

12 rods of the rulers of Israel

And Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and all their rulers gave him a rod from each ruler, and according to their tribes twelve rods, and Aaron's rod was among their rods. (Numbers 17:6)

12 stones from Jordan

And the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded: they took twelve stones from the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them with them to lodge for the night, and laid them there. (Joshua 4:8)

12 cities

Kefar Ammonai, Afni and Geva: twelve cities with their villages. (Joshua 18:24) further: Kattaf, Nagalal, Shimron, Ideala and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. (Joshua 19:15) to the sons of Merar, according to their families, from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun - twelve cities. (Joshua 21:7) Of all the cities of the sons of Merari according to their tribes, the rest of the tribes of the Levites received twelve cities by lot. (Navin, 21:40)

12 body parts of a concubine

Having come to his house, he took a knife and, taking his concubine, cut her according to her limbs into twelve pieces and sent her to all the borders of Israel. (Judges, 19:29)

12 servants of David

And they arose and went out twelve in number from the side of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. (2 Samuel 2:15)

12 Solomon's messengers

And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, and they provided food for the king and his house; each had to supply food for one month of the year. (1 Kings 4:7)

12 lions of Solomon

and twelve more lions stood there on six steps on either side. This has never happened in any kingdom. (1 Kings 10:20)

12 pieces of Jeroboam's clothing

And Ahijah took the new garment that he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. (1 Kings 11:30)

12 stones of the prophet Elijah

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the Lord said thus: Israel shall be your name. (1 Kings 18:31)

12 copper oxen of Solomon

also two pillars, one sea and twelve copper oxen, which served as stands that King Solomon made in the house of the Lord - the copper in all these things could not be weighed. (Jeremiah 52:20)

Four

Completeness, integrity, totality - this is what this number is synonymous with. And it is considered so for a reason, as in all other cases. A square, the most regular figure, has four sides. And everyone is equal. There are also four cardinal directions. Just like the seasons. In the traditions of all initiations and religions, there is a 4-fold division of the world. In Egypt it was believed that the vault of heaven rested on pillars, of which there were only four. And in Pythagoreanism it is customary to consider this figure as the personification of perfection and harmonious proportions. And this can be seen even in chaos. They are available in the form of “the four horsemen of the Apocalypse” - a term that describes the characters (of course, in what quantity) from the 6th chapter of the Revelation of John the Theologian.

In art and literature, the symbolism of the number 4 is also often found. The greatest Italian architect Andrea Palladio wrote a work called “Four Books on Architecture”. This is a serious body of knowledge and rules on classical architecture, including 4 books. In China, there is a literary tradition of calling the 4 most famous works from different eras the “four classic novels.” There are many other examples, but I would like to turn to painting. German graphic artist and artist of the 15th century, Albrecht Durer, painted the painting “The Four Apostles”. And Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch painter of the same time, owns the creation “The 7 Deadly Sins and the 4 Last Things.”

What about people whose patron number is four? They have an extremely unique character. In disputes, they most often take the side of the opposition. These people are real rebels, capable of rebelling against the system. They have a mind and worldview that is not limited by boundaries, thanks to which they are able to achieve unprecedented heights. They can be described as practical, focused and determined individuals. True, they are also stubborn, which is why they sometimes seem unbearable.

Twelve Zodiac Signs

The zodiac is a belt extending 8 degrees on either side of the ecliptic, within which the visible movement of the sun and planets of the solar system occurs. The circle of the Zodiac is divided into twelve equal 30 degree segments called signs.

The 12 signs of the Zodiac in the 6th century synagogue in Beit Alfa, Israel. In the center, on a solar chariot, symbolizing the 4 seasons, is the Sun God.

Famous Jewish writers of antiquity, describing, for example, the vestments of the Jewish high priest, wrote that the twelve stones of his breastplate symbolize the Zodiac.

Thus, the historian and military leader Josephus (c. 37 - c. 100 AD) in his book Antiquities of the Jews (book 3, chapter 7) writes the following:

The sardonyx on the shoulders of the high priest signify the sun and the moon, and the twelve stones [of the breastplate] may be taken either to represent the months, or to represent the same number of stars, the group of which the Greeks call the zodiac. Both assumptions will not be wrong.

Even earlier, the theologian and apologist of Judaism Philo of Alexandria (c. 25 BC - c. 50 AD) wrote in his work On the Life of Moses (chapter 12):

Then twelve stones on the chest, which are not alike in color and which are divided into four rows of three stones each, what else could they be symbols of, besides the circle of the zodiac?

Five

This number is considered the most important ordinal beginning. This is especially emphasized in the symbolism of the pentagram. In general, 5 is something human. This is considered in many cultures, associating the number with the hand, five fingers. It is also an important symbol of the universe in Celtic, Japanese, Chinese and other traditions. Love, sensuality, health, meditation, strength - all of the above are usually personified with a five. This is also evidenced by the traditional symbolism of numbers.

The Pythagoreans believed that 5 was a sacred number, since it combined the three, personifying the sky, and the two, meaning the earth.

By the way, from ancient times to the present day, the five-pointed star has been a military insignia. This is no accident. After all, in Akkadian mythology there was a goddess of war, strife, carnal love and fertility, known as Ishtar. It was her symbol that was the 5-pointed star.

But in Christianity, this figure represents a person after the Fall. I remember the Pentateuch of Moses, the 5 senses, the 5 points of formation of the cross, the 5 wounds of Jesus Christ, as well as the 5 fish that fed 5,000 people.

The Chinese attach particular importance to this number. In their culture, everything truly important and fundamental exists in this quantity: elements, atmospheric substances, states, planets, sacred mountains, flowers, grains, tastes, poisons, amulets, cardinal virtues, initiations, eternal ideals.

It is interesting that in our time there is a so-called fifth power. This name denotes an influential political force in society, which is inferior in importance to the executive, legislative, judicial, and even the press.

And when considering such a topic as the symbolism of numbers, one cannot help but note that 5 is a mirror homoglyph of “two”. This also has its own magic.

Six and seven

The perfect number 6 is considered by most cultures to represent harmony and balance. In numerology, this number is called a hexad, which symbolizes symmetry and the creation of something new. “Six” is a union of opposites that forms a single integrity. There is nothing bad associated with her. Although many immediately remember the devilish “three sixes,” otherwise known as the “number of the beast.” There is an opinion that in fact it is 616, and not 666 - supposedly a typo was made when rewriting the Revelation of St. John. So many people consider “three sixes” a superstition. Although even in this case this figure showed its “ideality”. After all, 666, if you believe superstitions, is complete godlessness.

What is the symbolism of the number 7? This number is considered divine, magical, and lucky. And the most common common symbol for all religions. It is also this number that is most often used as the basis for classification. Much in this world is grouped by 7. That’s how many days there are in a week, and how many shades there are in a rainbow. It is customary to distinguish 7 cosmic eras, the same number of heavens and circles of hell. There are also 7 wonders of the world, just like the ages of man. And in all cultures, “seven” means something good. In Islam, 7 symbolizes supreme bliss. In Hinduism - happiness. In Buddhism - something higher, sacred. And the Pythagoreans believed that 7 is a cosmic number, which includes the four of the World and the three of Heaven.

And in culture it is not rare. Take, for example, proverbs and sayings. “Measure 7 times - cut once”, “seven do not wait for one”, “for a beloved friend, 7 miles are no outskirts”, “it is better to burn 7 times than to be widowed once” - these are just a few of them. And in the literature, by the way, this figure is often found. For example, Turgenev said that “even in seven waters, our Russian essence cannot be taken out of us.” And in the work “Stars of the Other Side,” written by Lev Quinn, it was said: “Beyond the 7 oceans, where there are 7 ovens, 7 old women bake 77 pies.”

Modern India

12 Devas of Hinduism

In Hinduism, there are devas (from Sanskrit deva - god and devi - goddess) - deities who, in turn, are servants of the supreme deity. The number of main devas is twelve:

1. Brahma,
2. Shiva,
3. Agni,
4. Prithivi,
5. Kubera,
6. Varuna,
7. Surya,
8. Indra,
9. Pit,
10. Chandra,
11. Vayu,
12. Nirriti.

12 Adityas of the Universal Mother

Aditya is one of the manifestations of Surya, the Sun God, in Hinduism. Every Aditya is considered to be the son of Aditi, their mother.

List of twelve Adityas - manifestations of Surya himself, the son of Aditi:

1. Vishnu,
2. Aryaman,
3. Indra,
4. Tvashtar,
5. Varuna,
6. Dhuti,
7. Miter,
8. Parjanya,
9. Vivasvat,
10. Ansha,
11. Bhaga,
12. Pushan.

In every month of the year, the solar god Surya shines as another Aditya. Like Indra or Vishnu, Surya destroys his enemies. As Dhuti, he creates living beings. Like Parjanya, it rains down. Like Tvashtar, he lives in trees and grasses. Like Pushan, he makes grains grow. Like Aryaman, Surya is the wind itself. As Bhaga, he resides in the body of all living beings. As Vivasvat, he is in the fire and helps in cooking. Like Ansha, Surya is in the wind again. As Varuna, he resides in the waters, and as Mitra, on the Moon and in the oceans.

Surya is the sun god in Hinduism.

12 names of god Surya

Surya, being the ancient Sun God in Hinduism, has been considered one of the main gods since the Vedic period. He has twelve names:

1. Mithraya (Friend of all),
2. Ravaye (Blessed by all),
3. Suryaya (Guide of all),
4. Bhanave (Giver of Beauty),
5. Khagaya (stimulant of the senses),
6. Pushne (Breadwinner of all),
7. Hiranyabhaya (Creator),
8. Marichaye (Destroyer of Disease),
9. Adityaya (Inspirer)
10. Savitre (Purifier),
11. Arkaya (Radiant),
12. Bhaskaraya (Illuminator).

In India, worship of the Sun God still occurs daily. Devotees greet Surya every morning at dawn by facing east. The Essenes and Christians used to pray this way. The reader can learn about this from the article Christianity - the hidden cult of the Sun.

Worship of the Sun God at sunrise in modern India.

12 shrines of god Shiva

Shiva is the supreme god in Shaivism, together with Brahma and Vishnu he is part of the divine triad of Trimurti. The origins of the cult of Shiva go back to the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods. On the territory of the Hindustan Peninsula there are twelve traditional shrines of Shiva - jyotirlingas. In these shrines, Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a linga (phallus) - a jyotirlinga (Linga of light).

List and gallery of twelve shrines of god Shiva:

1. Somnath,
2. Mallikarjuna,
3. Mahakaleshwar,
4. Omkareshwar,
5. Kedarnath,
6. Bhimashankar,
7. Kashi Vishwanath,
8. Trimbakeshwar,
9. Vaidyanath,
10. Nagesvara,
11. Ramalingeshwara,
12. Grishneshwar.

Eight

The symbolism of the number 8 also deserves special attention. It is generally accepted that it symbolizes restoration, renewal, happiness and found paradise. In Christianity, it is the eighth day that gives birth to a new person - purified during a week of fasting. And after the Great Flood, only 8 people were saved.

The Pythagoreans perceived this number as a symbol of stability and three-dimensionality. Buddhists believe that 8 is the personification of all possibilities, completeness and good omen. The same opinion is held in Chinese culture. There is even such a thing as “the eight joys of human existence.”

Naturally, this number, like many others, is also “involved” in culture. There are many sayings in which it is mentioned. “He was silent for seven years, and on the eighth he cried out” - again, there is a reference to the true meaning of this number. “Spring and autumn - there are eight weather days a day”, “seven, eight - let’s discard laziness”, “next autumn, in eight years” - these popular expressions are probably known to many.

It is also worth noting that this number is often considered as an image of a “double” four. Another “eight” is the first cube. It is for this reason that Plutarch was sure that this number is a symbol of inviolability and reliability. In Egypt, this number personified the cosmic order, as in the East.

Nine

This number also has very interesting symbolism. The meaning of numbers, if we turn to numerology, says: nine is very multifaceted and contradictory. If a character could be assigned a character, it would be charismatic and impulsive.

9 represents cyclicality and constancy. In Taoist, Mohist, Buddhist, and Aztec cultures, this number has always been associated with the idea of ​​heaven. And in the culture of Ancient Greece, as many may know, there were 9 muses.

But many attribute a negative meaning to this number. Someone justifies this by saying that nine is an inverted six (again a reference to the theme with the “number of the beast”). Others remember the 9 circles of hell from Dante's Divine Comedy. And then there is The Curse of the 9th Symphony. It says: every composer must die after creating the 9th symphony. However, this is classified as superstition.

It is interesting that even from a mathematical point of view this figure is unique. If you multiply it by any other number, the result will still be nine. Here is a clear example: 9 x 5 = 45 = 4 + 5 = 9. And here’s another with a 2-digit number: 9 x 13 = 117 = 1 + 1 +7 = 9.

In all cultures, this number is the square of the sacred three, the amazing meanings of which were discussed above. Baha'is consider the number nine to represent human uniqueness and greatness. In the mythology of Ancient Egypt, there were exactly 9 creators of the world. In Chinese philosophy, the number nine represents the dragon, and, as you know, in this culture it is one of the greatest symbols. The dragon is a good start. There is even an annual celebration in his honor.

Ten

This is the number of the cosmos, which contains all the above numbers, and therefore all the possibilities, meanings and values ​​previously mentioned. This was believed in many ancient cultures, and this opinion exists to this day. Ten represents something all-encompassing. This is power, order, law.

The Pythagoreans believe that 10 represents renewal. In Ancient Rome, this number was perceived as a symbol of perfection. This number was denoted by an X. And “X” is a figure that represents completeness. The Chinese, by the way, designate this number in the same way - X. Only the center is formed by the hieroglyph “chi”. This is how “I” is symbolized in their culture.

There are also a lot of other statements that prove that 10 is a symbol of a single whole. For example, a person has 10 fingers on his hand. People use the decimal number system. And taxes, by the way, almost always equaled tithes.

In the culture of Ancient Greece, “ten” was considered a number symbolizing return, completion, the end of something. For example, Odysseus wandered for 9 years. And he returned in the 10th year. However, there is another example. Troy was kept under siege for 9 years, and fell in the 10th year.

Other numbers

Well, a lot of interesting things were said above about the “basics of fundamentals” of numerology. But there is also a lot of other interesting information about other numbers. However, it is impossible to talk about everyone. At least because their number is infinite. That’s why it’s worth “counting” to the devil’s dozen—to 13.

So, what is interesting about the symbolism of the number 11? It is not given the best meaning. “Ten” is perfection, the law. And 11 is something that means going beyond both one and the other. This figure in many cultures is associated with the name of Satan. There is a duality in it - maybe that is why it has become sacred among those who worship demons? By the way, people who were interested in the symbolism of the number 11 found out one very interesting point. If you multiply 111 111 111 by the same value, you get 12345678987654321. It’s worth taking a closer look at the result. After all, these are all single-digit numbers, listed first in ascending order and then in descending order.

What interesting things can the symbolism of the number 12 tell? Contrary to the previous number 11, this is a symbol representing cosmic order. And everyone can understand why. After all, there are 12 signs in the zodiac system. As in the eastern horoscope. And there are also 12 months in the year. Christianity also distinguishes 12 fruits of the spirit, the same number of apostles, and the days on which Christmas is celebrated. But in Egyptian culture it is generally accepted that there are 12 gates of hell. There God Ra spends his night hours. And finally, it is worth noting how the symbolism of the number 12 is deciphered in Jewish culture. It is generally accepted that there are 12 gates of the Heavenly City, the same number of fruits of the Tree of Life and the sons of Jacob.

And finally, a few words about the figure that everyone knows as the devil’s dozen. The symbolism of the number 13 is extraordinary. There has always been a special attitude towards this figure. Some consider it happy, others consider it to bring misfortune. In Kabbalah, this number is the personification of Satan. The holy book even mentions 13 evil spirits. And among the Aztecs, for example, this number is associated with time. It was with the value 13 that the time cycle ended. And in this culture it is generally accepted that in the hair of the main deity there are exactly 13 curls, just like a strand in the beard.

Well, as you can see, every number carries something mysterious and magical. It's hard to disagree with this. And this topic is especially interesting because each statement has a factual basis. However, we can talk about this for a long time. But information about other numbers can be found individually.

Revelations through numbers and dreams

Jacob's Dream
Today, in the age of intelligence, if these are the last days, and if the prophet Joel is to be believed, then God has already determined how He is going to speak to man:

1. Through His word.
2. Through science.
3. God reveals himself through signs and wonders.
4. Through dreams, visions and prophecies.

If we downplay these experiences, then we become guilty of downplaying God's omniscience and foreknowledge.

Why God chose dreams and visions to communicate

When God speaks in a dream or in a vision, people do not always immediately understand their meaning, the Bible speaks about this (1 Samuel, the formation of Samuel) and today.

This misunderstanding is partly due to our culture and partly because God wants people to seek Him.

(Prov 25:2)

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings is to investigate a matter.

There is no better example of researching a matter than resorting to God for this research in order to understand what certain numbers and dreams that He gave mean.