Thursday, June 5, 2008

The Number 33

Okay, I'm certain this is coincidence. Well, relatively certain. Though I am someone who has a tendency to want to attach meaning to things where there may be none. I am working on that.

Anyway, lately I seem to be hyper-aware of the number 33. This has been happening for the last few months, increasingly so, though some would argue that I am now looking for it. And this may well be true. I am a reasonable person, so I can concede that point. Done.

However, it still strikes me -- especially since it's been happening only since I've been attempting to navigate some serious personal issues. And while I find it exceedingly weird to talk about favorite numbers (because, really, what's the point?) I must admit that I've always had an affinity for the number 3. Something about the balanced nature of it, I suppose.
Did a quick Google search on 33 and found this: the chemical element Arsenic has the atomic number 33 (that's encouraging); there are 33 vertebrae in the human body (Is this about my posture? Because it could use some improvement); the number 33 has long appeared on the Rolling Rock label (Should I drink more beer? I'm on it!); and it's purported to be the number most revered by Masonists (oh crap). Umm, that didn't help.

Yes, I have seen that Jim Carrey movie about the number 23, and no, I don't believe it's a conspiracy. Yes, as you may know, I also watch Lost, a show in which recurring numbers hold a great deal of meaning (What do they mean though? Don't know yet.). So perhaps I am unduly influenced by the pop culture experiences I surround myself with. Noted.

But even if it's in my head (it is) I can't discount the fact that it keeps cropping up, even if it's just a mechanism of my own subconscious. Okay, hold up -- this is going horribly horribly wrong. I am now wondering about messages I am sending to myself in numerical code. Good lord.

I am curious however, if anyone has had a similar experience. Or has anything to say about the number 33. Or would like to direct me to the nearest mental health facility. There, you have 3 choices -- how's that for symmetry? Nice.


6 comments:

ColinJ said...

WOW! If you're crazy, join the club. "11.0" - no reason for it at all but it's a recurring thought and dream. In fact, it's the only recurring thought/dream I have about anything. The fact that I have gone to a decimal point with mine, when I didn't really have to, probably makes it more real than yours tho'.

Of course, they are both multiples of 11. You know the old arithmetic trick about numbers that are divisible by 11? Add up the outside numerals and it will equal the inside number. Draw from "the outside equals the inside" what you like - but I am pretty sure it has something to do with man arms. You're a strong woman!

Angela S. said...

I have to admit, Colin J, I am jealous of your decimal point. I really am.

Did a Google search on 11 (you can thank me later) . . . found that 11 is the atomic number of sodium (not nearly as interesting as arsenic, sorry); with 10 being the perfect number, 11 exceeds it (umm, duh); and most other references had to do with Sept. 11. Hmmmmm . . .

Of course the speakers in Spinal Tap go to 11, so there's always that.

I was really hoping for something more interesting to offer you but that's all I have. But, as I said, I am just jealous of the decimal point, so thre's always that . . .

Angela S. said...

Damn it, it's my stupid blog and I can't even edit my own comments . . . Well, I repeated myself at the end there AND made a typo. Those things will eat away at me. Eat away I tell you . . .

Maureen Fitzgerald said...

I searched under "numerology" and found this:
The numbers 11, 22, and 33 are said to be master numbers which are not reduced to a single digit. People whose names correspond to these numbers are said to be highly developed spiritually. The number 33 is that of avatar.

Not sure what it means, but it's something.

Angela S. said...

Thanks Wisconsin Mommy! Have recently been told that, in numerology, 33 is also the number of the master teacher, and has something to do with female energy in love, relationships, marriage, as well as "rebalance." Something to think about, actually . . .

ColinJ said...

Wisconsin mommy, if you start seeing "22" everywhere I suggest you keep it to yourself. It might be a little too freaky for everyone if we learn we have the full set here!