The Archetypal
Psychology of Numbers
A journey through Jungian symbolism, ancient wisdom, and the sacred mathematics that unite psyche and cosmos
Numbers as Archetypes
We often take for granted the fundamental role that numbers play in our lives. In modern times we have been so busy manipulating numbers for counting and calculating, that many of us are unaware that they also contain a symbolic meaning. Numbers do not merely have a quantitative nature, but also a qualitative one.
The Unus Mundus
Carl Jung saw numbers as the archetype of order which has become conscious. They are the bridge between psyche and matter, belonging to both the real and imaginary worlds. As the most primitive archetypes, numbers provide the key to understanding the unus mundus — the transcendental unity that underlies all existence.
"I have a distinct feeling that Number is a key to the mystery."
The Sacred Quaternio
Jung devoted his life's work to demonstrating the psychological significance of the first four numbers — the foundation of all numerical symbolism
Beyond the Quaternio
The esoteric and symbolic meanings of numbers 5 through 10
The Pentad
Holy marriage of male and female (2+3). Hieros gamos. Life and vitality. The five wounds of Christ.
The Hexad
First perfect number (1+2+3 = 1×2×3). Six days of creation. Cosmic order and harmony.
The Heptad
Most mystical number. Fullness and completion. The Sabbath. Seven heavens, seven chakras.
The Ogdoad
Infinity and balance. Multiple of 4. Chinese prosperity. Noble Eightfold Path.
The Ennead
Highest single digit. Spiritual attainment. Return to the divine. Nine choirs of angels.
The Decad
Universal completion. Ten commandments. Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Return to unity.
"Number rules the universe"
— Pythagoras