Glossary - exWitch Australia (formerly 'Born Again Pagan')

NINE

Nine, in the ancient mystery religions, mysticism, numerology, folklore, and mythology, is considered the number of aspiration and wisdom; it is thought to be the "harmony of harmony" since three times three equals nine; it is held "unbounded" as it contains all the numbers within itself including zero through nine. Pythagoras considered it to be the emblem of matter. In ancient Greece the initiation into the Eleusinian Mysteries took nine days. Nine symbolizes spiritual achievement and is the number of initiation. There were nine Greek Muses. The Romans held the number nine so much in reverence that the proclaimed a feast for it every nine years, called Novennalia.

The number nine is also prevalent within the folklore and mythology of northern Europe. The cat reputedly has nine lives - a symbol of practical wisdom. Merlin had nine bards. King Arthur battled an enchanted pig for nine days. The Kabbalah has nine degrees, each emanating from God. In Eastern mysticism, the 9th hour is considered appropriate for meditation.

see also: NUMBERS; NUMEROLOGY, GEMATRIA.

PLEASE NOTE:
One of the major problems with 'defining' Paganism and/or its beliefs and practices is that it is an 'organic' movement, in that it is undergoing constant change and re-evaluation from within, and as such any 'one-size-fits-all' approach to understanding Paganism will be found wanting.

Due to the very 'organic' nature of Paganism, and the many differing Paths and Traditions within it, in many cases no one definition may be universally accepted by all Pagans. Therefore, where such cases of possible conflicting and/or contradictory meanings of certain terms occur I have endevoured to give not only the generally accepted meaning, but also any major 'variations' in belief and/or practice.

Christians who believe this difference in meaning of certain key terms, beliefs and practices to be unique to Paganism need to remember that such conflicts also arise within the Body of Christ - the Church. Take for instance the differing practices amongst Christians concerning Baptism and the different attitudes towards women in the clergy.

- Jean-Luc