The Sacred Feminine Through Number by Kathleen Jacoby

In looking at the meaning of numbers, as Kathleen Jacoby makes clear, we need to keep in mind that each number is part of a sequence of unfolding energy. For example, the Tarot expresses the 22 numerical energies of the creation cycle, beginning with the 0, the Fool, who represents all potential, and ending with 21, the World or Universe, the acme of one upward spiral in the creation cycle.

Here, Kathleen Jacoby presents a detailed discussion of the energies of 1 and 2 — male and female — and what their significance is to the changing of the millenium and the incoming of the Divine Feminine.

Number and Archetypes

The study of numbers is the study of vibration. In Numerology, each number has its own gift based on a progression of unfolding principles. Archetypal images relate each number to unfolding qualities that operate at the macrocosmic and microcosmic levels.

So each number is whole within itself but is part of a larger unfolding process, a unique petal within a larger flower of life, providing clues to the bigger picture.

Here we will talk about the Numbers 1 and 2 — their past history and future potential.

Number 1 and the Last Thousand Years

As we look historically through the eyes of Number 1, we examine the phase we have just completed in order to understand where we are now — 1000 to 1999 CE.

During the last thousand years, all beginning with 1, we dealt with individuation and survival of the fittest. The function of Number 1 is development of Will through action, and resides in the physical and mental realm.

In a Number 1 cycle, we undergo a process that requires breaking away from the fold and finding our own way through trial and error. In that process, we develop qualities of courage, stamina, determination, impulsiveness, ego, and singularity.

The Number 1 cycle begins as the Fool. And, through enlightened will, The Philosopher King is its potential. Through willfulness, the King can become a tyrant and absolute ruler, allowing for no differences or opinions contrary to its own.

Number 1's action color is red and it is hot in temperament. This phase coincides with the rise of testosterone and the dominance of males. Physical might and mental stamina brought us to our current state. Nature's function is to be dominated by the dictates of the ruling individual and individual state under the one God. Nothing else is acceptable.

Of course, the Divine Feminine has always been present, hidden as the voice within, the grace-filled muse, the angelic presence, the whisper of intuition.

Transition to Number 2

Based on how the Number 1 cycle evolves, we reach Number 2 (2000 to 2999 CE) and continue the process of growth and development. But now, the Feminine Principles of intuition and feeling call out to each individual to be recognized as part of something greater.

If the Number 1 cycle embraced enlightened Will, the transition will be smooth. However, if the Tyrant King or Warrior King was dominant, then as we enter the Number 2 cycle, unholy alliances may be required.

In Number 2's lesser state, we rely on manipulation and intrigue as weapons. We become sneaky and underhanded, perverting truth and using logic as a rapier and sword.

In this scenario, Number 2 conquers by dividing. We are motivated to protect ourselves, and fear is our mantra. Therefore, the aggressive action of unevolved Number 1 continues as intrigue-ridden Number 2. The kingdom becomes a wasteland because, as a result of this neurotic view, progress is stagnant.

The Sacred Feminine does not make herself known overtly in the development phase of Number 1, for she has a level of refinement that cannot vibrate under the grosser influence present at this stage of growth. She must remain hidden and can only "appear" when the individual raises himself or herself to her level.

The Necessary Evolution

In the past thousand years, as we went through the millennium sequence from 1000 to 1999, we saw the horror and glory of the rise of individuality, individual nation states, one-pointed religions, and mental acumen that birthed great technological advances.

But this millennium and its final century sorely missed its opportunities for turning knowledge into wisdom. The alchemy of consciousness is yet to come.

The phase of individuality — me-isms, and egocentricity — now comes to its next step in the progression of growth. The reign of testosterone begins to fade. Enter the Number 2 cycle with its potential for welcoming the Divine Feminine.

Number 2 is passive in nature. It is often a phase considered pregnant with possibility. It manifests through patience, tact, and diplomacy, and it seeks agreement through negotiation. Its temperament is warm/cold, its color is blue, and it is feminine in nature. This is quite a shift from the aggressive energy of the Number 1.

However, Number 2 can only unfold into its higher nature if Number 1 has come to the apex of its own potential. As stated before, if Number 1 reaches its end at a low level, the Number 2 will also begin at that level.

And we see how that merger is carrying us forward now, into a struggle of ancient hatreds and ways of treating each other. The clash of past and present, mirrored in Number 1 and Number 2, will realign us when its work is done. In the meantime, we are observing unfinished business that dates back to the Crusades and beyond.

We are learning to let go of the politics of dominion and learn stewardship. An old age is passing and a new one awaits its turn.

The Age of the Divine Feminine

From 2000 until 2999 we are involved in the unfolding of the Number 2 cycle. During the last century, we began to see inklings of feminine energy. In the early 1900s, the Feminist Movement was born in the United States and parts of Europe. By the 1970s, women asserted themselves in a climate that finally was open to receiving this other important half of society, just as men began to enter careers that enabled them to use their nurturing skills.

The Feminine Principle opened the door for intuitive investigation, and for spiritual flowering into religious and philosophical beliefs that encompassed all world and nature religions.

We became aware of our defilement of Nature and the need to reclaim and honor her. We learned of the wisdom of indigenous cultures. We also learned of the need to see children as whole people. Child-rearing techniques shifted radically as the Feminine nurturing quality began its rise in the minds and hearts of people in the technologically advanced parts of the world.

Rather than the sword, Number 2 utilizes strategy. Instead of Will, Number 2 relies on Reason. Depending on how we choose to progress as individuals, nation states, and the world, the Number 2 cycle will bring potential to discover inner states and internal technologies.

There also is potential for communion between people. The nurturing quality of the feminine can reach out to include rather than exclude. We can sit with one another to explore differences and find commonality.

During the Number 2 cycle, the Feminine principle emerges. Yet, in the process, if we do our collective growth, she will not displace the male, or father. This will become a time not of either/or, male or female, but of "us."

The Divine Feminine will make Her presence known as we prepare our inner landscape to receive her blessing. She does not fall into our life, however. Instead, we must find Her by raising ourselves. So in this millennium, it will be important to raise our consciousness to one that is inclusive, to a housing framed in Love and Compassion for all of life.

As we raise our vibration, the Divine Feminine will reach out to embrace us and open possibilities for a spirit-filled future. Until then, she works behind the scenes. When we choose the highest potential of Number 2, wisdom will enfold us in magnificence, contributing to the next step in our individual and collective evolution as Fully Human Beings.

Kathleen Jacoby is a professional numerologist, columnist, and author of Vision Of The Grail: A Spiritual Journey at the Dawn of the 21st Century. You can visit her website at GrailVision.com.