09-09-09 ~ Ancient and Modern Beliefs

“9/9/9 - Cower in its path, only weeks away, no hiding from its wrath. Magic in this number reverts upon itself.” ~ Peter Schlosser (excerpt from his poem “Nine Nine Nine)


Since ancient times, the number nine has been the object of reverence and mystical speculation. Although the meanings associated with it vary slightly from one belief system to the next, the general consensus is that number nine symbolizes completion, finality and judgment.

Within the Bible, the number nine is quite prominent: Nine persons stoned, nine widows, nine people affected with blindness, nine more afflicted with leprosy. Furthermore, it is a factor of 666, which is 9 times 74. The number 999 is a mirrored image of 666, the number associated to the beast, thus representing the powers above and the divine judgment after the earthly illusion. The gematria of the word "Dan," which means a judge, is 54 (9x6). "" (tee orgee mou), my wrath = 999 (Hebrews 3:11). The solemn  (ameen), amen, or "verily," of our Lord, amounts also to 99, summing up and ending His words.

As one ponders on the meaning of ‘as above so below’, something else strikes the mind: if we add the digits of the diameter of the earth, moon and sun, they each add to 9. The sun - 864,000: 8+6+4+0+0+0=18=1+8=9. The moon - 2,160: 2+1+6=9. The earth - 7,920: 7+9+2+0=18=1+8=9.

Historically, ancient Chinese emperors associated themselves closely with the number nine, which appeared in architecture and royal attire, often in the form of nine dragons. The imperial dynasties were so convinced of the power of the number nine that the palace complex at Beijing's Forbidden City is rumored to have 9,999 rooms.

It is also quite interesting that on modern business recordings the number nine is used to end calls, and that September 9, 2009 is the 252nd day of the year (2+5+2=9), and even more mind boggling is the fact that no matter what number 9 is multiplied by, if one adds the digits of the result, the final number obtained by the addition is always 9.

Being raised in an eclectic spiritual home, the number 9 has always had great significance for me, as it represents the end of human judgment and the advent of divine law. A new beginning naturally follows the completion of a cycle, and it is meaningful that in Latin-derived languages, the words ‘nine and ‘new’ are extremely similar.

A date predominantly dominated by the number nine indicates a time when one can let go and let God; a time of renewal and hope; a moment to put unresolved issues to rest and finally reach closure. As the ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year, today is the perfect opportunity to release unneeded baggage. And when our hands will finally be free from the weight we carry, maybe it will be easier to reach out to our fellow humans and lay a lasting foundation for new beginnings ahead.