Miscellanea Sensibilium

The Sigil 23 - NovaDusts Crowley/Occult Interpretation

The sigil has been obtained by examining the products of all the simple arithmetical functions of two and three in that order. This seems to produce a map of initiation very similar to that of Mr. Crowley's model. The number 23 is of course famous for the amount of coincidAnce surrounding it and this should be considered more of the same. Is it what 23 "really means"? I doubt it. I am aware that to fully grasp what I'm on about probably requires some familiarity with various occult bollocks. Sorry about that.

23: The number itself is represented by the yin/yang in the triangle. This symbol can be thought of as representing the rational dualistic part of the mind which takes the many (represented by the triangle 3) and separates it into simple oppositions. It is fitting that it is the 23 that first showed the possibilities of this sigil for this reason.

2- 3=-1: This can be taken as a numerical representation of samhadi, which is described as lying beyond the void. In the western tradition it could be seen as representing what lies beyond the abyss. i.e.: The highest grades. These two are effectively identical. Here it is shown as the centre of the sigil as it may be said to underlie all grades, whether they are aware of it or not.

2/3= .666(Recurring): Aptly called the number of the beast. The infinite nature of this number shows it to be that which continues, that which reproduces, and in opposition to the 23 that which unites. It is the sexual element in it's most natural expression. It is represented on the sigil as the infinity logo which is opposed to the 23, it is of course within a 6 pointed star.

2+3=5: The pentagram. Representative of the four elements plus the fifth, life. The novice, the everyday head. Although it shown pointing upwards it could be thought of as facing any direction. Notice that the upwards pentagram (traditionally man) points towards the rational brain and the downwards (the beast) points towards the sexual. Tells you a bit about "evil" doesn't it. We all have both. It is to be noticed however that the pentagram never actually reaches either infinity or duality, it is far too limited. A pentagram pointing between these two extremes should not be taken, as some have said, as representing balance. It is more like indecision, balance can not be achieved in this way, this is also shown by the fact that the pentagram is not centred properly upon the -1.

2x3=6: The hexagram, traditionally representing the adept. Here all things are balanced (tiphareth is 6 on tree of life). The adept has managed to reach and contain both the 23 and the 0.666 putting each in their place. He is centred upon the -1 although not truly embodying it and is prepared for the final state.

2^3=8: 8 is symbolic of the chaosphere, the Buddhist 8fold path, the 8 limbs of raja yoga and the 8 circuits of the Leary/Wilson model. All these things point towards samhadi, and have no value except that they do this. Hence the 8 may be taken as the crossing of the abyss. All the previous symbols and selves fall away. It is hence represented as black, but what is beyond it is the same colour as the -1 (inside and outside have no meaning to samhadi)

The fact the sigil is on a sphere may or may not be an artistic flourish.