Submitted by Oculis Occulta on
What might be considered a pathological separation between two forms of correspondence, the algebraic and the symbolist, is addressed through a variety of forms of number mysticsm -- which may itself be considered pathological. Curiously these variously seek to interrelate cognition based on "number" (as exemplified by number theory) with cognition based on "description" (as exemplified by text). The relationships are understood as a means of transferring significance between the two domains through a particular "scientific art" of transformation. Although typically deprecated (as "pathological") by both mainstream religions and sciences, curiously they have been traditionally valued precisely because of their assistance in detecting appropriateness. Some of the terms through which forms of this art are recognized include:
numerology: as the commonest form, this was practiced by early mathematicians, including Pythagoras; it is no longer considered to be part of mathematics. Numerology and numerological divination are typically deprecated as pseudomathematics by most modern scientists. However in science a form of "'numerology" is recognized in the coincidental resemblance of certain large numbers which continue to intrigue some of the most eminent mathematical physicists. It was such coincidental resemblance that gave rise to the explorations in group theory associated with "monstrous moonshine" (as described by Mark Ronan, Symmetry and the Monster: one of the greatest quests of mathematics. 2006 and discussed in the main paper). Extensive studies of sacred literature, may focus on its numerological significance -- notably Biblical numerology. Numerology may significantly inform superstition and thereby influence even major political decisions to ensure that they are undertaken in a manner considered auspicious rather than inauspicious. Building designers may typically avoid designations involving thirteen.
There is a widespread tendency to formulate insights, proposals or principles in point form, namely as made up of a specific number of items usually presented as a list. Other than preferences for small sets, the cognitive implications for the comprehension of sets with different numbers of elements have been poorly explored (cf Representation, Comprehension and Communication of Sets: the role of number, International Classification, 1978-79). Given current recognition of "modules" for processing of information by the brain (using scanning techniques), it is possible that comprehension of sets of a particular number of elements may trigger particular patterns in the brain that could explain qualitative preferences between sets of a different size. This would be consistent with brain responses to particular styles of music.
gematria (deriving from the Greek word for geometry) is a form of numerology that establishes correspondences between numbers and letters -- understood generically in relation to different systems including Greek, Latin and Arabic. However it is most closely associated with that involving the Hebrew alphabet. Words and sentences are then read as numbers, assigning numerical instead of phonetic value to each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this way words can then be compared and contrasted with other words having the same numerical values -- with which distinct qualities are associated. It has been used to suggest that sacred Hebrew texts were written with a profound understanding of mathematical principles. In its mystical form, correspondences may, for example, be recognized between polyhedra and theological principles. Gematria is fundamental to the transmission of kabbalistic knowledge and its associated practices. As a central feature of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah is recognized as a secret wisdom tradition of many variants -- disseminated selectively through graded spiritual hierarchies. However considerable prominence has now been achieved by the association of celebrities with the Kabbalah Centre (which prominently figures Isaac Newton on its website). Obviously it is unclear to what extent the many Jewish mathematicians have been consciously or unconsciously influenced by this tradition. Publicity was given in 2006 to the capacity of the world's most foremost kabbalist, Michael Laitman, to provide solutions to global crises within the context of a media event by Dropping Knowledge that deliberately configured 112 similar personalities such as to ensure continuing popular participation via the web (cf Enabling a Living Library: reconciling "free voices" and "intellectual propriety", 2006).
`ilm al-huroof (or `ilm al-jafr) is the science of Islamic numerology based on Arabic and the Abjad system of numerals -- as originally used by Arab mathematicians. As with the relation of gematria to Jewish mysticism, it is fundamental to the Sufi mystical understanding of the relation between numbers and letters (Secrets of Numbers and Letters: Abjad Ilm Huroof) and to certain Naqshbandi Sufi meditation practices -- although the practice of numerology as such is not approved by Islam [more].
magic squares are well-known as a feature of modern recreational mathematics although they have had considerable significance to many cultures over millennia. Such patterns of numbers have been widely used as a guide to ordering semantic and symbolic content -- notably for use in magical talismans for healing purposes. Their properties have been extensively studied in relation to the content of the classic Chinese divinatory systems used in governance (cf 9-fold Higher Order Patterning of Tao Te Ching Insights: possibilities in the mathematics of magic squares, cubes and hypercubes, 2003).
encryption for purposes of confidential communication is dependent (ironically given its correspondences to the previous applications) on development of highly sophisticated mathematical transformations between letters and numbers -- done in such a way as to render a text meaningless to anyone without a special key.
In response to the crises of the globe, it is unfortunate that neither the sciences dependent on algebraic correspondences, nor the relational insights carried by symbolist correspondences, seems to have much of significance to offer in practice.
It is curious that secrecy, achieved in large part by encrypting correspondences, is becoming increasingly significant to the "clash of civilizations". And yet it is puzzling that insights supplying a bridge between the "clashing civilizations" of numeracy and literacy themselves seem to have so little to offer despite claims to the highest wisdom necessitating the most profound secrecy.
The irony is all the greater given the value attached to such secret knowledge by the wise in the faith-driven cultures in deepest conflict -- the Jews and the Arabs. Greater still, given that their overt practices in separating the sexes are criticized by another Abrahmanic culture whose leadership is frequently associated with freemasonry lodges where such separation is just as strictly institutionalized -- but covertly, although freemasonry is amongst the last redoubts of symbolist correspondence thinking and the study of sacred numbers. One might well ask which aspects of contemporary attitudes to number mysticism are the most pathological.
https://www.laetusinpraesens.org/docs00s/corresp.php#numb