This is a properly mystical book, full of unusual and not-at-all-obvious linkages that makes for some pretty heavy going at times. The author draws extensively on her grounding in Biblical studies, using frequent example of words relating to Genesis and Yahweh, and the sayings of Jesus. This could be a problem for some readers, but it shouldn’t be. After all, we all choose examples from systems we are comfortable and conversant with. The reader is free to choose words and examples s/he is comfortable with; reduce them through numerology; and draw their own meanings and conclusions.
Part One: The Search for the Science behind it All. The "science" behind numerology. This section includes the power of a name, of a word, the power of thought, and the fourth dimension to the influence of music.
Part Two: Tracing the Roots gets into Pythagoras and his school: disciplines, mathematics, music, astronomy/astrology (yes, they used to be studied together, bringing together the two sides of the brain, science and spiritualism), divination and freemasonry. The origin of the alphabet and an introduction to the mysteries including what that drawing of the mystical tree of life actually means.
Part Three: Mystical Letters introduces you to the letters by their number, 1 through 9. (For example, the 1 letters are A, J, and S. 5 letters are E, N, and W.
Part Four: Number Groups and Numbers continues the lessoning by revealing word meanings.
Part Five: Keys to Self-Knowledge and Word Analysis looks at how to chart your own name, the letters W and Y, and ends with word analysis. Bonus for revealing the truth of the number 666!
Part Six: The Inner Guidance Number introduces this number and discusses the "Beta state," "Alpha state" which is based on the creative principle of the Tree of Life, as well as how inner guidance takes form, and your color wheels.
This is not a work I would recommend to a complete a beginner. One needs to have a basis of understanding before making an attempt at this work. It is, however, definitely a reference book to have in your bookcase. I found the section on the actual numbers to be the most valuable.
Here is an excerpt:
Three: “Let's Spread Joy”
Man is a threefold creature having spirit, mind, and body. Likewise, every system has a first, middle, and a last part; so 3 was considered the first perfect number.
Pythagoras called 3 “the One and the Many,” meaning a limited expression of both 1 and 2, and a number of talents because 3 is the Creative Principle in the Godhead, the number of self-expression, the artist and entertainer.
The 3 is an 8 with the left side open, so 8 makes its own boundaries by organizing its affairs. The 3 is open to scatter its energies. Both are moneymakers, but 8 strives to keep money growing. The 3 doesn’t want to think about organization, but do as it pleases. It wants fun, not work.
Please note that this is a pretty much-not-changed republish of The Secrets of Numerology, published in 2001.
~review by Lisa Mc Sherry
Author: Shirley Blackwell Lawrence
Red Wheel Weiser, 2019
pp. 288, 24.95
Link to:
The Big Book of Runes and Rune Magic
The Big Book of Tarot
The Big Book of Chakras and Chakra Healing
