The symbolism of the number 33

The Symbolism of the Number 33: Interpretation, Meaning, and Hidden Meaning. What does 33 evoke esoteric and spiritually?

The Number 33 is telling in more ways than one. It is a number that resonates in a particular way, in particular because it associates the  duality (double digit) andthe ternary  (the 3).

While duality is the expression of a conflict or opposition, the ternary reintroduces the principle of unity: balance is restored, synthesis is made, consciousness is opened.

33 is a palindromous  number: it can be read in both directions, which also evokes the symbolism of the mirror.

There are many other ways to approach the number 33:

• • it can be seen as a   6in potential (the Theosophical sum of 33 is 6). However, the  Figure 6 is a symbol of union, balance and perfection. It evokes stability and symmetry: these are, for example, the 6 branches of the  Chrism or all 6 sides of the cube,

• • it may make one think of a double triangle (3 sides + 3 sides). It should be remembered that the  Solomon’s seal, well known in esotericism, is formed of two superimposed opposing triangles, which can evoke the meeting of two worlds or two energies (material and spiritual),

• • The number 33 can also evoke the association of the square and the compass  (two instruments each forming a triangle), especially in the famous Masonic symbol represented below:

For good reason, we will see that 33 is a number very related to initiation.

Let’s get into the symbolism of the number 33 and its hidden meaning.

The symbolism of the number 33: meaning, interpretation

Easy to remember, the number 33 is very popular:  let’s mention the ” thirty-three ” that was pronounced at the doctor’s office, 33 rpm vinyls, the 33 centiliters of cans, the 33 vertebrae of the human body, the rounded third (33%), or the telephone code of France (00 33).

But the number 33 is especially prized by  the ” initiates “, that is to say, by the adepts of esoteric circles who see in it the different degrees of spiritual advancement, the 33rd being the last and highest stage.

This is the case in Freemasonry, where a distinction is made between 33 degrees to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the first being that of Apprentice. In addition, Freemasons are in the habit of celebrating the 33rd birthdays (the 33 years of presence in a lodge, the 33 years of setting up a workshop, etc.).

The number 33 is also that of the  ” Great Initiates “, first and foremostJesus :

• • Jesus is said to have been crucified at the age of 33,

• • he is said to have performed 33 types of miracles (according to Gerd Theissen and Xavier Léon-Dufour),

• • It is sometimes given 33 different names.

The number 33 is also the number of mystery and occultism. It can be found in many legends and myths. Like what Bérenger Saunière was 33 years old when he would have found the treasure of the Holy Grail in Rennes-le-Château.

Thus, 33 would be the number of the culmination of the quest, that of awakened consciousness, of self-realization, while 11 would rather symbolize material mastery and 22 the mastery of  themind.

From 3 to 33

The Figure 3 evokes the Earth-Man-Heaven triad, which corresponds on the human level to the three notions of body, soul and spirit. It is still the material, the spiritual and the divine.

Moreover, the number 3 evokes cosmic balance and harmony : it is the observation that duality can only function in unity, and vice versa. Therefore it is also the number of the Right Way, of Truth and of Life (in the sense of eternal life).

As such, the number 33 expresses an augmented meaning of 3:  the Way becomes the end,  the path becomes the goal.

Other interpretations

Like 11 and 22, 33 evokes twinship and the associated symbolism, between similarity and otherness, union and separation.

33 can also be seen as the triple multiple of 11: antagonisms are elevated to harmony through the intermediary of the number 3.

The Number 33 in the Bible and in Islam

The number 33 appears six times in the Bible. For example, David reigned over his people for 33 years (1 Chronicles 3:4).

In Islam, it is said that those who will be in paradise will be33 years old   (Hadith).

The number 33 in numerology

In numerology, 33 is considered a Master  Numberin the same way as 11 and 22, since they are composed of two identical digits. This is especially true since 33 is the sum of 11 + 22.

Because of its vibration, the number 33 is associated with luck and success. It is expansion, spontaneity, but also pity and courage.

The number 33 opens the door to possibilities; He is an inspiring guide for those who agree to follow him.

In the end, the number 33 represents the culmination of the quest. It constitutes a sacred alignment, a door cosmic, a point of passage between the compass and the square, between the world of spirit and that of matter. Behind this door, the promise of a new, peaceful and eternal world: this is the  paradise lost, the Kingdom of God or the Nirvana…