‘8’

‘8’ is a pre-eminent symbol of Mercury, referred to in classical tradition as Hermes. It is also a symbol of the Hermetic tradition, as well as being the sign of Infinity and Eternity, and emblematic of Regeneration, Resurrection, Completion, Glory, Perfection and Paradise regained. Having passed through seven stages, degrees or heavens of soul development, the initiate reaches the triune ‘heavens of heavens’, the final goal. This is the true Paradise, the source and goal of all. ‘8’ is also the cipher of ‘IHVH’ (i.e. the ‘Number of the Lord’[1]), whose dwelling place is Paradise.

The great Central Wisdom Tradition, usually referred to as the Western Wisdom Tradition (although this latter epithet really belongs to the Americas), can be summarised as the Hermetic or Alchemical Tradition. It is reputed to have come down to us from Ancient Egypt, but before that it stemmed from Enoch, the legendary king of Atlantis, who was also known as Atlas. It split into many sub-traditions as it spread across Europe and the Middle East, from which various religions have been derived.

Hermes was a classical Greek name for the Egyptian Tat (Thoth), signifying the Wisdom or ‘Word’ of God – the one and only true Teacher as well as Creator of the universe. The name was also used by the Greeks for the Egyptian name, Kheru (Horus), or Maa Kheru, meaning ‘the True Word’ and referring to a fully enlightened, perfected soul who manifests and reveals this divine wisdom. From Maa Kheru was derived the Latin name, Mercurius (i.e. Mercury), whilst from Kheru was derived the Greek name, Christos (i.e. Christ).

The Hermetic work is called Alchemy, which has a far purer, profounder and universal meaning than is commonly realised. Explore further to discover what it means:-

© Peter Dawkins, FBRT, 2006

1. IHVH (Jod-Heh-Vau-Heh), the name of Jehovah in Hebrew = 10.5.6.5. (Hebraic cipher value of letters) = 26 = 8.

The Francis Bacon Research Trust