Eight as Infinity
Energy moves in waves of varying amplitude and frequency as spirals (8’s) ad infinitum, forever. Infinity has no end. The word comes from the Latin infinitas or “unboundedness”. Think “boundless”, or the quality or state of having no limits in terms of time, space, or other quantity. In mathematics, infinity is the conceptual expression of such a “numberless” number. It is often symbolized by the lemniscate (also known as the lemniscate of Bernoulli ), which looks like the numeral 8 written sideways. As stated by Pascal, “If you remove a part from infinity or add a part to infinity, still what remains is infinity”. Therefore 8 represents a completion, like the circle, but on a new level, or another octave, an end, and a beginning.
With eight representing infinity, an eternal nature, spirit, it becomes an ultimate source. Thus eight is the goal of the spiritual initiate having passed through the seven stages or heavens and is, thus, the number of Paradise regained; the eighth day created the new man of grace. With its perfect rhythm, eight is the order of the celestial worlds established on earth. Temples are built on the pattern of the mandala, an 8×8 symbol. Eight is a symbol of all possibilities and completion.
Eight Limbs of Yoga
Ashtanga (ashta = eight, anga = limb). The regular practice of these eight elements is the practice of yoga.
1. Yama = Restraints
2. Niyama = Observances
3. Asana = Postures
4. Pranayama = Breath
5. Pratyahara = Withdrawing the mind from sense perception
6. Dharana = Concentration
7. Dhyana = Meditation
8. Samadhi = Superconsciousness
Eight as Yoga Ida & Pingala, Kundalini
The kundalini energy is reputed to travel up the spine as two serpentine energy flows called the “ida” and the “pingala”. They twine around the “sushumna”
The Body Moves in figure 8′s
Some of the deepest currents of energy movement in the body lie in the skeletal system. In normal walking, an infinite number of figure-8 patterns are created. As we walk, we balance our bodies repetitively from right to left and back again. This balancing motion organizes into a series of figure-8 energy patterns throughout the skeletal system, creating a deep flow of internal energy. It is precisely these infinite multi-layered figure-8 patterns that keep energy moving freely, and keep our muscles, joints and nervous system vitally strong.
The Eightfold Path in Buddhism
Buddha’s Eightfold Path to escape the cycle of rebirth and suffering requires a higher and more ethical code of behavior than most individuals practice today. This path includes constant introspection and a “correct” or “true” way of living. Following this path leads an individual to freedom because these principles are also inherent Universal Laws. It is expressed as:
1. Right Seeing
2. Right Thought
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Living
6. Right Endeavor
7. Right Mindedness
8. Right Concentration
Out of this teaching, Buddha defined his Four Noble Truths. These are:
1. Existence includes conflict, dissatisfaction, sorrow, and suffering.
2. There is a purpose for all suffering (which is caused by selfish desire).
3. We can be emancipated from this suffering.
4. Freedom from suffering is obtained by following the Eightfold Path.
The Eight Directions of Feng Shui
Southeast: Small Wood
South: Fire
Southwest: Big Earth
West: Small Metal
Northwest: Big Metal
North: Water
Northeast: Small Earth
East: Big Wood
Feng Shui is an enticing composite of mystical beliefs, astrology, folklore, and common sense that brings back the art of living. We can nurture true inner health through this complex wisdom-based practice of deep intuition, imagination and heart.
The dynamic flow of energies is well described in the colorful symbolism of the Eight Directions. We will enter into the intangible world of dragons and tigers, wind (feng) and water (shui), positive and negative forces, yin and yang, energy flows, cosmic breaths, and the interaction of nature’s elements, constantly changing, constantly in a state of flux.
The fundamental philosophy underlying its practice is simple: “live in harmony with the element of nature,”. Balance these elements and tap into the auspicious energy lines of the earth. By so doing, you activate invisible but powerful energies of the natural environment to work strongly in your favor, bringing you tremendous good fortune and protecting you against ill luck, bad health, and lost opportunities.
The Chinese believe there are two cosmic forces, two opposing yet complementary energies that shape the universe and everything in it. They refer to these two energies as “Yin” and “Yang”. Together yin and yang constitute a balanced whole known as the Tao – or “the Way” – the eternal principle of heaven (male) and earth (female) in harmony.
Eight as Caduceus
Eight also represents the pairs of opposites. The eight is identified in the caduceus as the two serpents spiraling upward. Representing illness and health, healing and poison, they are hermetic and homeopathic, the complementary nature of two forces operative in the universe, male and female, yin and yang.
The two facing serpents have also been said to be symbols for water and fire, two opposing elements entwined around the axis of the Earth in dynamic equilibrium. The wings evoke the spiritual or spatial dimension linked to the fourth element : sky, wind or air.
Hermes was the god of alchemists, for which this unification of opposites was a fundamental credo (in which the element mercury held center stage). By extension, the caduceus has been associated with chemistry and pharmacy.
The caduceus is also associated with communication, eloquence, trade and commerce, the traditional attributions of Hermes, messenger for the gods – who carries the kerykeion, or caduceus – protector of all merchants, thieves, journalists, tricksters and… inventors.
Today we use the image of the entwined serpent as a sign of medicine, carried over from these ancient times.
Eight as DNA Double Helix
A prime example is the double helix of DNA, whose double strands spiral to create eternal 8’s. The double helix in DNA consists of two right-handed polynucleotide chains that are coiled about the same axis. DNA is a single molecule with a double helix structure; it is two complementary versions of the same code wrapped around each other; this allows it to unwind and make copies of itself. Without it, one cell could not become two, and life as we know it would not exist.
The Eight Principles of Acupuncture
1. Hot
2. Cold
3. Wet
4. Dry
5. Excess
6. Deficient
7. Yin
8. Yang
Acupuncture theory holds that a human being is a microcosm. Within a human being are contained the same elements as those of the world: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. If these elements are working in harmony then the body is balanced and can conquer and repel disease. If there is lack of harmony, illness is the result. This is the first law of acupuncture and is known as The Law of the Five Elements.
The relationship between the five elements is called the Nourishing Cycle . Water feeds the wood to grow, wood fuels fire, the ashes of fire nourish the earth, the earth minerals condense to metal, and metal alchemizes back to water.
There is also the Law of the Mother-Son which states that the organ showing distress signal may indicate a deeper imbalance originating in the mother element (fire is the mother of earth and so on).
In the law of Middy-Midnight, each organ has a two-hour period of maximum activity during which it performs its function most dynamically. Many diseases can be prevented by paying more attention to the body’s own internal clock rather than to a wristwatch.
10 organs and two functions are each contained within the five elements as follows: water contains the bladder and kidneys; wood contains the liver and gall bladder; fire contains the heart and small intestine as well as the triple heater/circulation/sex functions; earth contains the stomach and spleen; metal contains the lungs and large intestine. The organs are fed by vital life energy, called chi, and the meridians along which the acupuncture points are located are the pathways of chi energy to the organs.
Each element has organs, functions, emotions and sensations associated with it. The fire element is associated with the distribution of warmth in the body, blood and heart; at other levels it is associated with relationships, joy, and the organization of our lives. The earth element is associated physically with digestion , absorption, and distribution of food; on the mental level it is connected with our feelings of stability and the nourishment we need for ourselves. The metal element is associated with respiration and excretion and also with the quality of our lives. The water element is connected with storage and distribution of fluids in the body and with our fluidity in response to events. Wood is associated physically with the muscles, eyes and the liver, and emotionally it is associated with planning, decision-making and the creation of new cycles in our lives. A trauma to any one the elements will disturb the cycle and thus affect general health and well-being.
Chi is energy, or vitality. A simple example of what chi is, is to imagine two plants of the same basic size and shape, with one growing green, healthy and alive, and other withered and spindly. The first has chi, vitality. It is vibrant and able to make use of the oxygen and other nutrients supplied to it. The other has lost chi. No longer able to support itself, it cannot assimilate oxygen, water, and has lost balance. Remember the houseplant that died plants and your couldn’t quite figure out how? We watered it too little … maybe too much? Gave it sunlight … not enough? It’s difficult to determine, as it is with ourselves. Where did we lose the balance? Like the plant, we need a complex of the right ingredients, in the right amounts, at the right times.
In Chinese symbolism, the figure 8 expresses the totality of the universe, and can be seen mirrored in the yin-yang design.
I Ching Hexagram: 8
Name: Pi.
Keyphrase: Union.
Formed By The Trigrams: Water over Earth.
General: A community bound by goodwill is the most potent force for powerful positive change there is.
Love: Use goodwill and trust to achieve unity within your relationship.
Business: Strengthen networks within your business and ties with networks of which your business is a part.
Personal: Form or strengthen ties with family and friends.
Overview: Pi relates to the need for unity to accomplish positive change. Relationships built on trust and goodwill should be formed and maintained for the benefit of all – not just for personal gain. This applies to not only family and friends but the community around you in general and your business community too.
Spirals and Knots
The Spiral is the basis for all life energy and movement. All energy flows in constant spirals and waves. The electrons of a single molecule, and the double helix of DNA spiral in infinite figure eights to create all life forms.
The spiral represents movement in life. The spiral symbolizes masculine and feminine energy. As expanding and contracting it can depict the increase of the sun or the waning of the moon, and, by analogy, expansion and contraction, birth and death. It signifies continuity. Spirals are associated with the spinning and weaving of the web of life and the veil of the mother Goddess, controller of destiny and weaver of the web of illusion. The spiral is the great swirling force of the movement of the heavens and is a manifestation of energy in nature. In Native American traditions the spiral symbolizes the circlings of the soul which eventually return to the center, or truth.
As a Knot this symbol is a single thread, that, if followed, will lead to one’s inner self. The knot binds, but also holds the promise of release, as in ‘to tie the knot’. It is comprised of both the mystery of infinite length and the possibility of being rolled up in a limited space with overtones of spiral, perpetual motion.
More on the Eight
In China the word for “eight” (“bs”) sounds similar to the word which means “prosper” or “wealth” (“fa”).
Another reason why the number 8 could be considered lucky is because it is a perfect symmetrical shape. You can cut the number 8 in half vertically or horizontally, and both halves mirror themselves perfectly. Perfect symmetry lends itself to perfect balance. In Chinese Astrology, perfect balance is considered the ideal.
For Chinese the number 8 is considered lucky just like the number 7 is considered lucky in the West. With a history of cultural goodwill attached to the number, Chinese officials elected to begin the Beijing Olympics at 8:08:08 p.m. on 8/8/2008. In China you have to pay extra to have the number 8 in your phone number or license plate. In addition, home and business owners like to have the number 8 in their address.
In biblical terms the number 8 means, new beginnings , as in the 8th day started a new week or beginning…
8 is also the first cubed number, [2x2x2 = 8] - the cube is symbolic of the truth and the Resurrection [the significance of the cube is seen in the fact that the "Holy of Holies," both in the Tabernacle and in the Temple, were cubes].
“Eight is seven plus one, and is hence the start of a new order, the beginning of a new era. Eight thus represents regeneration and resurrection. When the flood washed the earth clean, in a type of baptism, eight people were saved in the ark.”
8 hertz is the brainwave frequency healers and mystics most tune into. It is this “theta frequency” that meditators slip into for ‘expanded conciousness’ .
8 is the atomic number of oxygen
In nuclear physics, 8 is a magic number. Atomic nuclei consisting of a magic number of nucleons have a higher average binding energy per nucleon and are hence more stable against nuclear decay.
