Regular contributor to Business Fit Magazine, Prof. Dr. Irmela Neu, explains the importance of the number 8 in our lives, an ancient traditional symbol it represents constant movement, development and change. The number 8 is an old, traditional symbol which represents the eternal flow. All is interlinked and in communication. Humankind and nature, human beings and animals, plants etc. are connected one with the other like a huge network. We do not always perceive it, because our senses do not detect it so easily, or because this aspect of life is not really in our main focus. In our western culture, we are more used to concentrating on details or aspects we can isolate and investigate following the criterias of what we call “modern science“. Traditional knowledge is based on holistic researches of phenomenons. The number 8 symbolises the philosophy – based upon concrete observations of nature - that life expresses itself as being in constant movement, development, change, following a certain inherent rythm. Constant communication allows this dynamic. We can observe it in our own body: the cells renew themselves, we become older, the cycle of life finds its own expression; on the other hand, we influence this natural process with our lifestyle and the values we put into practice. The more we are well balanced, the more we bring the natural conditions of life and our lifestyle together. The real art consists of finding a good balance, to be equilibrated in whatever we are doing. We are not the centre of the world! Going for our interconnection with broader dimensions, with others, with me, and finding an equilibrium, that‘s it! By entering more into the detail of the symbolic dimension of the 8, we discover the message beyond. Let‘s start with a short look into the old teachings of wisdom transmitted by the so called “Tarot Cards“, the “Rider Tarot“ from Arthur Edward Waite. They transmit in a symbolic way, advising of happiness, wellbeing and joy. Concerning the “Magical 8“, three cards are of special interest in our context.
The first card: “The Magician“
The lying 8 is floating over his head. By stretching his arm and the baton in his hand in the direction of the sky, he connects himself with the Universe.
The 8 is a frequent geometrical structure of being interlinked
The 8 symbolises the constant flow of energies which broaden his perspectives and give him inner strength. His message is to widen our capacity of receiving the impulses we could never have found alone. If we persist in our limited position, viewpoint or strategy, we are stuck fast on a narrow minded, limited path. This happens when conflicts impede constructive solutions, then, we want to “win“, to be right without aiming at the best outcome for a target or a group. “To be connected“ means to be able to create a distance regarding our own judgments. It opens a space for a real dialogue, listening and referring to each other. The “field of possibilities“ needs an open heart combined with the willingness to go for a constructive outcome. The flow between ourself and an open space enables us to be creative – creating first a distance from ourselves, reconnecting at another level. In nature and in the universe, the 8 is a frequent geometrical structure of being interlinked. There is in the centre a point, where both waves come together and join each other. The dynamic needs this point of stillness to be equilibrated. We need it too! A lot of exercices coming from eastern practices like yoga, martial arts, tai chi, chi gong etc. and, of course, meditation aim at reaching at least partially – this point of stillness; it creates a distance to our perception of things, of the way we perceive the world. Overmore, it opens us to new, fresh impulses and perspectives. Then, the flow is continuing... thanks to this point of stillness.
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