The significances of the 1 – 9 primary numbers were detailed in: “De Occulta Philosophia” (The Occult Philosophy) of Cornelius Agrippa (first published in 1531), in which he listed them as possessing the following correspondences:
1. Number one is the number of purpose, evidenced by aggression, action and ambition, all beginning with the letter “A”, the first letter alphabet. Its aim is to acquire fame or to rule by night.
2. Number two is the number of antithesis, with such extremes as day and night. It stands for balance as well as contrast, and maintains its equilibrium through an admixture of positive and negative qualities.
3. Number three is the number of versatility, as symbolised by the triangle, which represents the past, present and future. It combines talent with gaiety, making it the most adaptable of numbers.
4. Number four is the number for steadiness and endurance. The square, the points of the compass, the seasons of the year, and the ancient elements of earth, air, fire and water represent its solidity. It is the most primitive of numbers.
5. Number five is a number that symbolises adventure, that which is attained through travel and experience. Its lack of stability may produce uncertainty, but it is the keystone of the group and therefore is the luckiest though most unpredictable of numbers.
6. Number six is the number of dependability. It is in harmony with nature, representing the six colours of the rainbow. It is the perfect number, being divisible both by 2, an even number and 3,an odd number, thus combining the basic elements of each.
7. Number seven is a number that symbolises mystery, with study and knowledge as its ways of exploring the unknown and the unseen. It represents the seven planets, the seven days of the week and the seven music notes of the scale. It combines the unity of 1 with the perfection of 6 to form symmetry of its own, making it the truly psychic number.
8. Number eight is the number of masterful success. It stands for solidity carried to completion, as represented by a double square. When halved, its parts are equal “4 + 4”, and when halved again its parts are still equal “2 + 2 and 2 + 2”, showing a fourfold balance.
9. Number nine is the number of universal achievement, and the greatest of all the primary numbers. It combines features of the entire group, making it the controlling factor if developed to the full. As 3 times the number 3, number nine turns versatility into inspiration.
